“Epic Ride” aka Honey Springs Road

Coach Trent called this our “Epic” ride and it really was a great one. 37 miles for the Vineman team and 50 miles for the Wildflower Long course team. Wildflower team had long left before I arrived at the meet-up point as they had to get an early start.

We gathered at Otay Lakes Reservoir to go over the ride, cover some important safety tips and nutrition. As this was a strength workout, the profile of the ride was gentle rollers and flats for the first 10 miles out, then a 7 mile, 2100′ climb up Honey Springs Road, then turn around and head back down. This is out in east San Diego county near the US/Mexico boarder so there really isn’t much there. We arranged for SAG at the half-way point so we could stock up on water and food.

The ride started off at a fast pace, burning up the first 8 or so miles at an average of 18.5 mph (fast for me). The elevation gradually increased until we reached the start of the 7 mile climb. Digging in, we made the slow ascent. I was doing fine for the first 4 miles or so, but then my heart rate really was getting up past 90%. I was definitely getting tired and had to stand a lot during the climb to keep the momentum. It was hot and I was sweating out a lot of salts. I used Cytomax for this ride and I felt ok for the first 15 miles, but after working the climb, the Cytomax was tasting a little too sweet so I might need to dilute my second water bottle a little bit. The climb was a bear but eventually we made it to the top — I only had to think of our honored teammates and what they deal with everyday to get the mental inspiration to make it to the top! We took a quick photo, then flew down what we slogged up…

Robbie makes it look easy...

Going down was a blast, and I fully recovered, while flying down at 35+ mph. The elevation vs heart rate graph from my Forerunner 305 shows how difficult the final bit to the summit was, but how easy the trip back down!

Elevation vs HR

We followed the ride with a run — I only put 2 miles in after getting some serious cramps. I need to work more on my nutrition on these long and hot rides and I am wondering if the Cytomax contributed to them.

After a bite for lunch, we met at the U.S. Olympic Training Center for a special tour and to meet with some of the upcoming Olympic triathlete hopefuls — Steve Sexton, Jen Spieldenner, and Ethan Brown. We watched a very inspiring movie then went into the Athletes’ village — normally restricted to the general public. A special thanks to Coach Trent for helping arrange this wonderful event!