Good Start to the 2009 Cycling Season

It didn't look like I was going to get in a good ride today as I woke up on New Year's Day to a very foggy morning. I don't like to ride in the fog because:

• It's more dangerous with people driving not being able to see you
• I can't see because the fog collects on my prescription glasses
• My bike gets dirty

However, it was New Year's Day and I didn't want to start the year sitting on my butt. So in my best attempt to HTFU, I headed out to meet my club. My intent was to ride 100 Km (62 miles) with a bit of climbing. I stayed with my club as we headed south for about 25 miles and then I continued further south to Laguna Beach. It was still cold (to me) and foggy.

I turned back north and headed up Newport Coast Drive to begin the real climbing for the day. About 1/3 of the way up Newport Coast the sun came out and I completed my climbs up Ridge Park Road (10% grade for a mile) and Spyglass Hill.

After getting back on to PCH and getting into Newport Beach, the fast guys from the annual New Year's Day "melee" ride caught me. I got on to the back of the ride and spent the next 10 miles going 25-30 MPH. I came off the back and rode the final 7 miles home at a saner pace. Regardless, I was happy that I was able to get through those 10 miles with a draft rather than battling the wind alone.

I ended up with 63.9 miles in 3 hours and 41 minutes (riding time) for an average speed of 17.3 MPH. I also managed to eek out 2,270 feet of climbing. All-in-all, a good way to start the year.