It had been a good amount of time since I have done any road riding down in SD. I hadn’t even taken the Super Six down there since I got it back in April, so this ride was overdue. James had a good route planned out inland with some good climbing and Allison was going to meet up and ride as well.

Cruising away from the coast, and into the sun.

Elfin Forest, the beginnings of a tumultous rear derauilleur day!

I hit a little traffic on the way down (you gotta love how caltrans decides to repaint some lane lines during the summer on a weekend, as if traffic wasn’t enough of a nightmare already). I had a pretty light week of riding so legs were feeling fresh and we headed out around 9:00am. Looped up and into Elfin Forest, then around Hodges and out near Highland Valley.

Heading up back of Vandy Canyon

Off the front!

Some good steep climbs, out of the saddle in the granny gear for some portions, and my shifting issues weren’t helping me! James and Allison were crushing my dreams on any incline, this ride was shaping up to be a little more “tempo” than the “steady” I had envisioned before! But it was definitely good to push it at times, and riding with these two ensures youre not soft pedaling much.

Some good descending and we were headed back towards the coast, stopping for some water and coke at about 3hrs into the ride. I rarely drink coke, usually only some diet with my makers, but one a hot summer ride a ice cold coke really is unbeatable (I only drank half the can, didnt want the whole thing).  And these Clif C bars are really awesome. I really love the bonk breaker and lara bars but for a shorter ride or just to mix it up a bit the Clif Cs are awesome. Fueling went well on this ride and always felt like I had enough in the tank. Still loving the Prolong too for longer rides like this.

James and I cruising back on the coast near the end, triathletes sucking our wheels…typical

Ride Stats: 4hrs even, 67.51 miles, 4,354′ elev. gain

Photos courtesy of Allison, thanks!