I closed both Zwift and Kinomap training. First group ride outdoors was Sunday after two days riding on my own outside.
It was really fun to ride with the group again. I'm pretty strong. The tiny bit of indoor training I did made the difference. I may have to make a real effort at it next winter when the crap weather appears. It could really be a benefit.
Anyway Sunday was the Alicia Creek Loop as they call it. Begins flat from San Juan Capistrano down the river trail to Dohenny State beach then up the short, sharp climb on Golden Lantern through the old Lantern District at PCH. Then up PCH to the Ritz-Carlton where we turn inland for some rollers over to Alsio Creek trail. We follow the creek to Margarita and head back home down that on bigger rollers with some great descents.
I managed to take it easy down the creek to DoHo, then when we hit the climb, I slowly picked up the pace toward the top. Without even trying I made my second best effort.
We had a small group this time out. Next weekend is our "scenic" ride which is back and forth along mostly flat stuff.
I used the car and receiver rack to haul my bike and myself to the meeting point. I was not sure how I would feel riding this short distance. around 55km.
Riding to/from saves me around 20km.
The new wheels are amazing on the road. They are quick climbing and descend nicely as well. Bunny hopping speed mumps or curbs is easy and sure. I am really happy with these wheels.
Thanks to
CTG for the recommendation.
I got caught at a light and had to chase back on with the group not descending at full effort. I made it fine as I knew the group, regroups at the entrance of the Aliso Creek trail.
I still wanted to take it easy up the creek trail, but got split from the back couple of riders likely thanks to a constant slight incline. Not really a climb, just around 1% or so most of the time with a few little spikes here and there. Nothing too horrible. The front guys not hammering at whisky throttle helped me not look as slow as I was.
The little bit of Zwift riding I'd done made the difference on that part of the ride thanks to being sort of used to the effort level by feel. The memory in my legs of the trainer feels harder than the real world.
A nice benefit.
We all regrouped at El Toro and Santa Margarita parkway.
That was a good time.
Resting today with the rain outside. I'm thinking to go back to riding a loop out to the end of the creek trail near Ortega then up to the toll road bike path to Oso and back to Antonio and home. That will eventually be extended to Santa Margarita then over to Olympiad and ultimately loops of the Olympic route.
I've still got that plan in the back of my mind to complete a self supported 100 mile ride. I figure that will be a mid-week ride to avoid the weekend tourist traffic somewhere nearer mid to late June before there is a lot of heat.
That is really the plan for the rest of the year. Though once I'm able to complete the 100 ride, I figure there isn't any reason to not repeat it once a month.
And no pain in the ribs today. I could feel them overnight, but today they have relaxed and are fine as they are going to be.