BRCM Lunch - BB NPC Pelican Vista Summit Loop

GPS stats:  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/80634191

Although a few people are planning a training ride up Baldy tomorrow, there were still 9 of us who made it out today.  Shannon made it out despite plans to go up Baldy as well, but as we all know, it's just a matter of him changing his battery so recovery is not typically his problem.

Todd wanted to get some hills in today, so we hit NPC, Pelican, Vista Ridge and Summit with a Back Bay warm-up.  Shannon had mentioned wanting an easier ride today, and this was the route Todd proposed as a response. 

On Back Bay, the pace was solid with everyone staying together the whole time.  23-25 was the range with Todd and a couple others doing all the work.  Shannon lit up the end of the Back Bay with Adrian in tow. 

Todd seemed to do most of the work getting us out to NPC where I wanted to help, but didn't...HA HA.  Shannon was also pulling back.  Who are we to get in the way of Todd's training?

On Pelican, Adrian's attempt to get a head start by jumping on the left turn lane didn't work out where those of us who went across caught the green.  I was wanting to keep a steady pace, but ended up riding with Todd and Shannon.  I did get a little breakaway for a bit (not really intentionally) but as expected, both reeled me in before the top. 

On Vista, it was pretty much the same where I started out in back, got up front, but then got spit out the back by both before the first crest where it flattened out.  At the top, Adrian rolled up after followed shortly by Marc and Hiroshi.  Everyone else rolled up not too long after that. 

For Summit, some of us were a little worked from the fast NPC downhill, so Hiroshi and Jaffe attacked near the bottom and got a pretty solid lead on everyone.  Todd and I gave chase and was able to get by, and Todd took me down just before the top. 

The rest of the way back, Todd, Adrian and I led everyone back (Shannon had broken away) and Adrian and I took off for a little sprint to CA.  Both of us were cramping at this point, but it was still fun to charge on Bison.

For the new Sandy award, the first to receive it will be Steve Jaffe.  Please make sure to congratulate him on Tuesday as he rides with the trophy.

Quote of the Day
Vin:  "Rich, why didn't you wait for me so we can sprint?"
Classic.

Thanks for coming out everyone.  Overall, another great training ride today.