2012 CAF MDC Training Ride Week 4 - Holly Vista Twist

We were blessed for today's 55.5mi ride with incredible weather right from the start at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach. It was cool but not cold and the sun was just starting to break out of the marine layer as we rolled out at about 7:30am. It cleared early but as we rode up the coast to Oceanside it remained very comfortable even as we headed east on the San Luis Rey river trail.  The bike trail was not as crowded as normal which made for a safe and solid group effort for all the Groups.  I was co-leading Group 3 again with Lynne Lyons and chair - Dean Roper and we had  a great group for the ride on several fronts. 


First we had Andy Granda with pilot Dave White on our Blind Stoker Tandem; Andy is an incredibly strong rider in addition to being fearless and full of smiles despite having Usher Syndrome Type 1 which severely limits not his sight and also his hearing. Second, we did a solid job of staying together as a group today with less splintering and a more cohesive effort which helped many have the benefit of riding 'in the draft' and fostered more fellowship and conversation among the riders.

After the SAG in Oceanside, we rolled through Holly and the Vista Twist which includes many turns through great roads in North County. In talking with the riders this was a first time for many on these roads so we made sure to keep the group together while enjoying what was turning into a warmer and warmer day in the saddle. The best news for Group 3 is we really kept the majority of folks together and picked up a few that had fallen back from Group 2 to have a solid 'peloton' at mile 40-ish rolling on Poinsettia here in the picture heading back to the coast.  We did have a flat and a odd mechanical issue (loose cassette) but all were able to make it through with only minor delays.  Hung around a bit while some of the handcyclists came in even before the core of Group 4 - these folks are truly amazing and inspiring.

In the end, another gorgeous CAF training ride with great people serving a great purpose!  Keep riding and keep smiling!