Five Faces of Soledad Ride Report-26 August 2017
by Rob Verfurth
Riders: Claus, John M, Tony, Peter, Bob P, Guido, Garet, Jim W, Bob Raibert, Hodges, Rob, Len and Jeff, a Ranchos rider who has ridden with us in the past
I was late to the 8 am start so the group was already descending from Black Mountain Road and the bike path. The group was larger than 10 riders and we got a cameo visit from Bob Raibert. It was good to see Bob R, hopefully he will be able to ride more frequently. We cruised briskly along the 56 bike path to the coast. It was still nice and fairly cool with a think layer of clouds. Garet and Jim W hammered up the outside of Torrey Pines, we picked up Len on the climb. Everyone regrouped at the top except Garet, he had to get home so he sped back towards Poway. Bob Raibert turned around after a quick break at the TP golf course. The rest of us rode towards La Jolla.
After a screaming descent into La Jolla Shores, we lost Bob P, Peter and Guido as they turned up Calle del Oro. We were still a good sized group when we hit the first climb up Hillside to the cross. Jim W and I put in a good push on the first climb, then everyone regrouped at top. The views were limited due to lots of clouds and fog, but at least it was not too hot. We headed down and then climbed up Country Club Drive, skipping our usual photo spot due to the fog. Jeff flatted at the top of the second climb and could not get his tire back in operational order. He abandoned and called his wife for a car rescue.
The third climb was enough for Tony as he was feeling the effects of some recent treatments. He is riding strong and ready for his trip to cycle in Europe. Len is ready for his trip too. We briefly saw Marci near the top before we headed down Soledad Mountain Road for the forth climb. My left calf started to tighten on the third climb and I blew up trying to get up Pacifica. I decided to call it quits when I got back to the top. The remaining 5 riders went down to tackle Via Valverde while I pootled my way up through UCSD and then climbed Sorrento Valley to Black Mountain and home. 57 miles and 5,500 of climbing, I was done.
Claus notched up another century ride and the guys that did the Five Faces–Claus, Jim W, Hodges, John and Len–all got in great mileage and elevation. Tony had ridden from home so he still rode almost 75 miles in the heat. Have fun in Europe Tony and Len, I am coming soon. Below are a few photos from the ride, before we really started climbing.
San Diego Descenders Cycling Club 