We had a large group ride yesterday through Elfin Forest.  The group had our new international teammate, Jonatan, who hails from Denmark.  He is fresh out of high school and helped put a hurtin’ on many of us with his strong ride yesterday.  Jonatan is staying at Hodges house while Mike does his European travel/work thing, including another year at the L’Etape.  The large group included Guido, Oleg, Geoff, Rick, Len, John, Eric, Mike F, Bernie, Ernst, Jonatan and Rob.  We kept a nice pace around Lake Hodges and opened it up as we sped through Elfin Forest.  Eric led a monster pull until we got to the climb heading to San Elijo.  Fortunately for me, Len and a few others, Rick helped pull us to the much needed break at the coffee shop.  We sped along back towards Rancho Sante Fe but the group split near Lago Lindo.  We sent Rick out to search for Eric and Jonatan while the rest of the guys took another break.  After regrouping, the guys headed back towards Santaluz where we split into different routes for home.  It was about 53 miles and 3,500 feet of vertical with some very fast paced pulls along the way.  Good preparation for our group ride tomorrow.  

There was some discussion about avoiding the crowds of the Scripps Old Pro ride.  Cresap is riding and so is Bernie.  After consulting with the route chairman, we have decided to do the Scripps ride after all.  We will avoid the crowds down Calle Cristobal and Sorrento Valley Road but catch back up with the leaders as we head north towards Del Dois Highway.  The plan is to meet at Voris’ house and ride over to the start.  Dave says he is leaving his house at 6:30 am.  I will drive over to Cresap’s house and ride towards the start.  We will leave about 6:45 am.  See you in the morning for a safe 50 mile ride.

Here are a few pictures from the group ride yesterday.

Ride on-
Rob