Day 1 began a Rick's home in Upland...we were seen off by Rick's wife Mary and Tom's son Griffin, who in just a few days would be traveling halfway around the world to compete as a member of the Airgas-Safeway professional cycling team in the Tour d' Azerbaidjan. The 6-member group would start with an easy pace south on Euclid Ave. through Upland and Ontario, then through Corona eventually connecting with Temescal Canyon Rd. through Murrieta and Lake Elsinore. With the day's heat rising steadily and taking a toll (this writer had to seek out the shade for rest stops in the last few miles), the riders eventually made lunch in Old Town Temecula. After lunch and refilling water bottles, the hardy souls attacked challenging climbs in Rainbow Canyon and Pala Mesa along Old Hwy 395 eventually completing the 97 mile first day in Escondido. Beers and burgers courtesy of trail angel Michelle at Port Brewing Co./Lost Abbey www.portbrewing.com.
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| At the start, left to right: Griffin, Tom, John, Rick, Mike, Vince, Joe |
A much cooler morning greeted the riders on Day 2. The route would head west on San Marcos Blvd. and Palomar Mtn Rd to Carlsbad, then north through Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Then north on PCH through Dana Point, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach to Costa Mesa completing the end of Day 2, 73-miles. A hoist of the glass at Barley Forge Brewing Co. www.barleyforge.com then dinner at the Corner Office to watch the "Fight of the Century" between Pacquiao and Mayweather. Thanks to Trail Angel #2 Jacob for transport to the Corner Office.
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| Day 2 Finish, Barley Forge Brewing Co. |
An equally cool and overcast morning greeted the riders on Day 3. A quick pace took the riders north on the Santa Ana River Trail, then to Brea Canyon Road, through Diamond Bar, Pomona and Claremont eventually completing the 3-day, 217-mile loop back in Upland. A great adventure...Ride On!
