Chicks that ride Irvine to San Diego

We trained, we were prepared and we conquered!  On Saturday, September 8th, 6 chicks (and a handler) gathered at the Irvine train station on Barranca and hit the road close to 6 a.m.  The early morning weather was warm enough that we didn't need jackets or arm warmers.  Chris's husband, Scott decided to head away from San Diego, but the rest of us headed South.

We began with an medium pace and easily made our way through Lake Forest and into Capistrano hitting our first rest stop before 13 miles.  The stop was a little long for Theresa's liking but soon we were back on the road heading to Doheny Beach and Dana Point.  Then we were on Coast Highway although it's known by different names all the way down the coast. 

As we got into San Onofre Campground Becky realized that her sluggishness was really a very low on air back tire.   We knew there would be mechanic support at Las Pulgas rest stop, so we added air and kept heading South.  By now everyone was warmed up and we were able to increase the pace a little bit.  Before the Las Pulgas rest stop and before we entered the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, the PhotoCrazy photographer had set up lights and remote control camera. Each chick was provided with a riding photo op.

Becky

 Chris

 Karen

Pat

Steve

Theresa & Jessy



Becky was able to get her flat fixed at the Las Pulgas rest stop and we entered Camp Pendleton after a quick stop at the guard gate to show our driver's licenses.  There was some construction in the base so we had a detour in our route which added a hill no one was expecting.  The day was warm but we continued on exiting the base and heading into down town Oceanside.   After a nice ride through residential along the ocean we came to our lunch stop in Bucaneer Park.  Finally we were able to take off our helmets and gloves, grab some protein sandwiches for lunch and sit down for a bit.  Although we were some of the first ones at the first rest stop, the bulk of the riders were starting to pour into the lunch stop.
Some more fruit and cookies, filling our water bottles, a little stretching and we were once again on our way.  heading toward Carlsbad, then Encinitas and the southern beach cities.  As we arrived at each hill some wondered was this worse than Torrey Pines?  How will we know when we get to Torrey Pines.  Eventually though the residential area gave way to open coastal and you could see the road curving up like a mountain road to the left.   Ask Karen what her first impression was of this little hill.

At the top of the hill we were treated to fruit popsicles and then filled our water bottles for the last time as we began our last 15 miles to the train.  We wove our way through San Diego streets and bike trails and grouped up with a couple of large groups of riders through the down town area.   As we turned the corner into the parking lot finish, people were cheering and clapping.   We swung our legs back off our bikes and still had smiles on our faces.

Time for the train ride home and enjoy some appetizers and libations.  Great job everyone!  Let's start planning out next adventure.

Chicks almost ready

Only 6 more days until Amtrak.  Time for an easy spin and then some fun fellowship to prepare us for the big day.   We all met at Karen's house for an 8:30 a.m. start.   Yes we know we don't always want to meet at Karen's because we know it involves hills.   Theresa's husband, Steve, showed up on his new all carbon DeNovo with fancy electronic shifting.  This would be it's maiden voyage. 

 
 Jessy was exhausted from helping with a birth the night before.  Well ok, the early morning.   Jessy is working on certification to be a doula and the birth mother was suppose to deliver early Friday evening, but Jessy didn't make it home until just before 4:00 a.m.   She would have bagged on the ride, but she has the least amount of miles in of any of the chicks and knew there was only 6 more days.  She keeps saying she is planning some sabotage to ensure someone rides back with her at her pace for the Amtrak.  The plan is to get Karen drinking lots the night before and not to let Pat get uninterrupted sleep.   That way the both of them will be off their game and have no choice but to ride along with Jessy at her pace.   As we were getting ready, Jessy said, "I feel like Pat is going to feel next Saturday morning."

A couple of more tweaks on Steve's bike and then we were off....really off...downhill very fast down Aliso Creek.  We've never started a bike ride with such speed.  Everyone broke 30 and Steve and Theresa were in the 40's.   Great start and what a way to bump the average speed.  Then we start the grind up El Toro, heading North.  Watch out for the seniors at Leisure World.   We spend a little time on the multi-use path along El Toro meaning, walking, riding and golf carts.  As we are working our way past the mall, Steve is thinking maybe we should just stop at a bike shop and get a longer skewer for his front wheel.   The decision is made to make a right turn at Muirlands and stop at one of our favorites, Two Wheels One Planet, better known as TWOP.  Stop one!  Except they don't open for another hour.  Despite Jessy's suggestion that we visit the donut shop and eat donuts while we wait for it to open, we got back on our bikes and headed for Aliso Creek trail. 

Now it was time to follow Karen as she expertly wove her way around and up and under over passes and bridges along the creek.  Plenty of shade even though we were steadily climbing.  Everyone was in great shape and seemed strong.  Over wooden bridges (if we had listened to her) and fairly quickly we found ourselves at Portola and Santa Margarita.  To get to the street we needed to walk over a dirt and gravel spot.   Most of us picked up our bikes to avoid any tire issues, but Becky rolled hers accross.  At the light she realized her back tire was completely flat.  That's OK, we are going to stop at Rock 'n Road Cyclery to see if they had a skewer for Steve's bike.

We spent a little bit of time looking for the Rock 'n Road Cyclery following Karen again when we realized it was across the street.   Becky walked her bike over and bought three new tubes and we waited while she got her tire changed and Steve and the mechanic rummaged through a bin full of different sizes skewers.  He found one that would work while Karen and Pat had their bikes put on the stands for a quick check over.  Karen's needed a little chain lube and cable adjustment and Pat's bike was totally worn out and she needed to recycle it and buy a new little pink balance bike.  Just kidding, trying to see if you are still reading this post.   From her skills training class a couple of weeks before doing skids and quick stops, Pat had worn out her back tire and the tread was beginning to show.   Alas, she would keep the bike and just need a new tire.

Soon we were on our way again ready to head down hill as we made our way back to Karen's house with a cool pool and refreshing drinks waiting for us.   The way back went so much faster than our uphill ride there.  Theresa only went off road a couple of times when the trail zigged one way or another as she and Jessy were trying to catch up.

All nice downhills have to end though as we turned on Glenwood and began our hot, miserable ascent climbing back toward Karen's neighborhood.   At one stop in the shade, Pat said her thermometer on her bike showed 98 degrees.  I suppose that must be right because that certainly wasn't her maximum speed.

When we got to the house we grabbed some quick ice water and ice tea and then changed into our suits ready to let the clear inviting water of the pool wash away the drying sweat on our skin. It was so refreshing.  Jeri arrived with the twins and some great additions to our potluck spread. Then the pool boy made us a fabulous chicken lunch and we relaxed and discussed the next week's big ride.

Check list for the Amtrak:

For the Ride (in addition to your normal riding gear – shoes, shorts, jersey, socks, helmet, gloves, bike) Lights Sunglasses Arm warmers Sun screen Advil Kleenex Driver’s license (must for Camp Pendleton) Medical insurance card Some cash Chap stick A couple of small snacks (just in case you get off route) Two large water bottles Camera Your spare tube and tire changing kit

Post Ride Change of clothes Shoes Hairbrush Washcloth Deodorant Hat Ice Chest Party Food to share Party Drinks to share