When I first began cycling, I etched out a route that I could do close to home that includes all of the steep hills in our neighborhood. Since I work 100% from home, this route became a staple – I call it the Tour de Scripps Ranch. Some hills have been added since the first time I rode it. Lately, it looks like this.
To gauge my fitness, I’ve timed myself on certain portions of the ride and I keep a spreadsheet of my times (yes, I’m an engineer). There is the initial 8-mile long time-trial around the lake where cornering and sustained power is important (and luck with the dog-walkers). Then a 2-mile long, 600-foot climb up to HWY 67 where you have to be able to climb aerobically. Lastly, there is a short 1-mile climb up 400 feet to get home – Pomerado hill, one of my absolute favorites.
I broke my record on the lake TT by just 6 seconds (21:38), but I destroyed my record for climbing to HWY 67 by 47 seconds (9:22)! I missed the hat trick, being just 7 seconds off pace climbing Pomerado (6:21).
My form has been good lately and I’ve been trying to decide whether I’m peaking or on the “lower slopes” of a much larger peak. With the Galibier, Telegraph, Croix de Fer and Alpe D’Huez waiting for me in just 10 weeks, I’m betting on the latter. I’m going full out from here.
Viva Le Tour!
I Got My "Yippee!" Card
2010 Leadville Trail 100
2010 Julian Death March
I Do Not Ride Alone
My Secret Leadville Plan
Previewing the Leadville 100 MTB Course
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s awesome! Congrats. I wish I had some hills like that down here in Florida to ride.
Maybe it’s just my 2am brain… yes that’s when I have to get up for work. But I’m trying to remember are you in Southern California around San Diego? Your routes sound great and what perfect training circuits to see your improvement. Are you headed to France on the with a group?
Hey Donald, I am in San Diego. There is a lot of good terrain around here from flat coastal rides to 3000′ climbs over 14 miles.
I am headed to France with http://BikeStyleTours.com – have you any experience with them?
Your trip sounds great. I told my wife I’d like to do something like that for my 40th birthday!
I looked at the site. I have heard of Bike Style Tours but I don’t know anyone who has been with them. You’ll have to blog about that and your experience.