We had a smaller but strong showing at the ride today.  At the start were Bernie, Cresap, Voris, Len, John, Scott, Jonatan and Rob.  As usual, the early frantic pace flew along Mira Mesa Blvd, towards Sorrento Valley Road.  The large peloton surged down the hill at 50 mph.  My max speed for the day was 50.6 mph going down this hill.  A number of the guys stayed at or near the front to avoid any unnecessary risks.  The entire group made it to El Camino Real with no damage and headed toward the polo fields.  We looped back towards Rancho Sante Fe and onto Del Dios Highway.  This is where I was blown off the back of the lead group and tried to maintain a good pace around Lake Hodges.  I rode by Scott D as he was changing a tire.  Jonatan also had a mechanical issue so he dropped behind.  I saw Len a number times during our trek down Pomerado towards the finish.  Jeff, Dave V and Bernie were all out near the lead group.  John Bittinger blew by me on the final climb of Pomerado.  Len and I finished about the same time in 2:26 of riding, about 20.2 average pace.  The route was just short of 50 miles with about 2,900 feet of climbing.  The lead guys were there to welcome us to the finish before I headed to the beer tent.  John Moran finished a few minutes later with Scott and Jonatan coming later.

It was another good Descenders ride on a beautiful 4th of July.  Next weekend is the Nick Venuto Memorial Ride/Walk.  See you all there.

Rob