2nd Radio Contest Ride

14 Jun - It was a beautiful day for a ride up Scripps Poway Parkway. With the clouds keeping it cool the temps didn't bother me one bit as we headed out of Fletcher Cover this past weekend. This was the last week for the radio contestants to ride, well, at least start together. By the time we arrive in Fairbanks Ranch we had spread out some.

The distance was over 50 miles and a challenging route if you have never climbed from the bottom of Black Mountain road all the way up Mercy/Scripps to the 67. Total elevation gain for the day was well over 3500 feet.

I had to retract a statement I made several weeks ago to the radio contestants. I had said this wasn't about a bike ride and the contest really isn't. However, there is actually a ride and you do need to be prepared. I just wanted to ensure that they understand that it's not a race nor like a club ride where the objective is to drop everyone.

We didn't see BR on the ride this week. His injury was not devastating but I'm sure it wasn't fun. The word is his wheel dropped into a gap between the curb and road and if your balance isn't right...you're going to fall. The picture says it all.

Scott Kaplan had some challenges this past Sunday. Gears weren't shifting properly and then while climbing Mercy Rd his chain got caught, stuck, and he fell. Scott was a trooper though. Got back up and rode to the top of Scripps Poway. What a MAN.

We had a good pace in a small group back to Fletcher Cover. This was a good reality check for all and will help sort people into proper groups next week. I can cruise all day on flats but hills separate the speed demons from the Clydesdales.

Next week, Trek Fallbrook ride on Sat and Fallbrook ride on Sunday with CAF. I'm sure I'll be a tired puppy come Sunday night.