I did it! I was challenged by nephews and won the bet. Oh no, not a football bet but a bicycle challenge to make a complete ride consisting of long distance and rugged terrain. And I did it on my very own piece of junk mountain bike with half the gears working.
This was the first time I have been involved in any sort of physical activity since having surgery twice on my knee last year. I've been eager to get out and test the waters but never have the time or I don't make the time. This was different.
Jon called me on Saturday afternoon inviting me to come along with him, Tyler, David, my sister and her husband Frank for a bike ride in east county. I usually never can go due to activities already planned but this weekend I had nothing planned but to watch the Superbowl. Rita took the kids to Disneyland the night before so I had only time on my side.
When I showed up at 9:00AM for the ride they couldn't believe I actually showed. They ride quite often and are in above average shape. Even my sister who has had a weight problem all her life is a fit 115 lb granny!
They all laughed at my bike, etc and mentioned I wouldn't last 10 miles or until the first pull. Then the bets came ... A benny (100.00) from David and a matching offer from Jon. The challenge was on.
Let's just say I made the 42 mile ride, made $200.00 and finished 30 minutes before the kick off.
I feel pretty good for an old man. " I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was."
Oh by the way, I won the football bets too!
Bike Ride Description
This is a classic for cyclists!! Approx. 4000' of climbing.
The first 8 miles out Willow Glen and Dehesa Roads is basically flat and makes for an ideal warm-up for what's to come.
At the intersection of Dehesa and Harbison Canyon Roads (Sycuan Jct) turn right, staying on Dehesa Rd.
The climbing starts here.
NOTE: Both the following climbs are on southwest facing slopes and are wide open (very little shade). Make sure you bring plenty of fluids since there's basically no available water along the way!!
The first climb (Dehesa) is about 1200' in a little over 3 miles, avg. gradient 5.5 -6%. Followed by a brief downhill (about 1.5 miles) to the back of Loveland Resv. (usually dry these days).
Now comes the bigger climb up Japatual Road approx. 1600' over about 5 miles.
Lower portion avg. 6-7%, upper portion avg. 8-9% with one portion of about 1/3 mile (commonly known as 'the wall') at 11%.
At Lyons Valley Road turn right. The first mile+ climbs slightly, followed by a nice downhill stretch (3 miles). Then climbs about a mile and several hundred feet to the intersection of Lyons Valley Road, Honey Springs Road and Skyline Truck Trail (aka Four Corners).
Turn right onto Skyline Truck Trail and continue climbing. You'll climb several hundred feet over the next 1.5 miles, descend, make one final little climb then comes a nice and well deserved downhill run of over 2 miles into Jamul.
Downhill speed here can hit over 50 mph and there could be some cross winds so exercise caution.
You continue to descend through Jamul, but much more gradual.
At Jamul Drive turn right and continue to descend through the upcoming canyon (Mexican Canyon). The upper portion is steep and you quickly gain speed to over 40+ mph. Note the road takes a steep and fairly sharp turn to the left then back to the right, so if you aren't familiar with the road - beware, particularly if wet.
Once at the bottom of Mexican Canyon there is about 2.5 miles which is basically flat to Steele Canyon Rd. At this point you're about 3.5 miles to the start, so if you have any energy left put the hammer down!
Solo - try maintaining a 21+ mph pace.
Group - maintain 25+ mph w/optional sprint out.
Depending on time of day/year you can be heading into a headwind, at times rather strong. Still put the hammer down and try to maintain speed (excellent for building power and endurance)!
This ride makes a great all-round workout!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment