Good ride today, 23 miles at 15.2 average speed. Doesn't seem fast but this trail is different from SART. This section I ride is all uphill from the Pico Rivera Golf course to the Santa Fe Dam Rec area. And that Dam Climb, ouch! But felt good today even though it was windy.
I was planning to go easy but at the start of my ride, I ran into 3 riders, Filipino I think. They started from the Pico dam right as I was getting up there. So they headed down as I was warming up and had a good 50 yards on me. I wasn't racing, heck 3 of them and 1 of me, figuring I couldn't keep up with a small line by my lonesome. So I started somewhat easy watching them pull away. Later, about 2 miles down the road, I noticed I started gaining. So I changed my ride plan a bit exerting a little more effort than expected.
Soon I caught them then passed with a friendly hello! I ended up ahead about 30 yards ahead and noticed that they kept coming close. I was slowing down going around maintenance trucks, about 3 of then on the trail at different points so I was aware of my surroundings. At one point, they were about 15 yards behind but we hit the stair section of the trail about 3miles form the top of the trail. At this point, I figured me at 240 pounds, and them at about 150, they were probably expecting me to fade on the short climbs. So I told myself, no fading today! So I actually kicked it up. My HR was at about 130 near the start. At that point I was not expecting them to come back but they were so I kicked it up. At 140, I'm usually catching people on the flatter trail in Santa Ana. Here I was at 130 but they were coming back so I kicked it up to 140's. Dropped them behind but then they were coming back again so I gave a good effort, high 150's, around 158 to the top of the trail on a section of about 2 miles according to my graph.
At that point, they were well behind so I kept going and climbed the Dam Climb, ouch! When I got to the top of the climb, I saw them down on the trail arriving at the Chelan rest area. They did a quick regroup then headed up in my direction. Along the top of the dam is flat and though I did not work too hard, I looked back just to see where they were and nowhere in sight. Cool!
I went down into the SF rec area for a break, a few pics, and a short break. NOBODY AROUND which was cool. I might have been the only Mexican around the area today that does not fear ICE deportation ha ha ha! But the park was totally empty and I liked it. Reminds me of back in the day when the country was not so overcrowded. I love it!
Then I cruised back somewhat trying to keep a good pace though it had gotten windy. I made it and happy with the ride feeling great!
Then a little dinner with Gina at Millie's. Not sure why but I've been craving chorizo. I made some eggs with chorizo the other day and boy it was good. So today, flatbread breakfast tacos with chorizo and Gina had a chicken pot pie. Oh, and then we shared an individual cherry pie for dessert. Gina hasn't ridden in quite some time but I still loves my time with my Honey, sweetest person ever and only getting sweeter in our old age. Can't say the same for myself but she keeps me balanced.
