Some days you just need to go do something fun and different than specific hardcore training.  Since my next race at Wildflower isn’t until May, this is the perfect time of year to be off plan, but kind of still on plan.

Today. I decided to just go for a big, fun, climbing ride on my road bike. I explored some new routes between Escondido and Rainbow to ultimately hit 63 miles and 6,666 vertical feet of climbing at the end of it all.  I love to climb and I could rationalize the training since the Wildflower Half bike route will have 3,700 feet of climbing and the next day will add another 2,000 feet when I do the Olympic.

The majority of this ride is one I have done before, but this time I added two extensions/alternative climbs to the route that I recently discovered through a locally promoted ride.  That being said, it is important to note that I did not pre-ride these sections.  That would take the adventurous fun out of it!

The first extension was only a few miles into the ride on the North side of Escondido.  The surprise on this one is that the climb was 95% on a dirt road!  It was well packed though so the road bike tires were fine.  However, there was a 100 yard section that was a bit dicey with over one foot deep ruts to navigate.  I had to think back to my mountain bike days to advance pick through those ruts in the best manner possible.

As I ascended, the views of this secluded valley were well worth it.  The final ascent went by the back side trailhead for Daley Ranch and then through the Hidden Meadows housing community before descending to Old Hwy 395 and back onto my normal route up to Rainbow.

After rolling through Rainbow, I normally ride down the rough and tumble Rice Canyon road, across the 76 and onto the big climbs up Cowser Canyon.  However, this time I took a different turn up Rainbow Heights Road.  This section will definitely be a new addition my favorite climbs in San Diego County.

This climb in back of Rainbow is particularly amazing on multiple fronts.  It includes very hard incline climbs, switchbacks, narrow pavement like in France, and amazing views of Mt Palomar and the valley beneath. So lucky to live in San Diego County!  If you like climbing in San Diego County, this is one is a must.

This route eventually returns to the last bit of Rice Canyon which put me back on track to cross over and start the stair steps and switchbacks up Cowser Canyon.  The good news is that this climb seemed easier after the Rainbow Heights experience, but the bad news was that I had spent some important glycogen stores back on Rainbow Heights to be able to crank up those double-digit grades upwards of 14%.  Tough, but worth the effort and the views here are always breathtaking as well.

I am always happy on this route once I get onto the Lilac roads as I know that I am in store for a nice long descent after hours of climbing.  Plus, that descent means that I am almost home with just one steady climb between me and solid food.

Stats for the day are as follows: