Elfin Forest/Del Dios and Rancho Santa Fe Loop

This will be our first ride leaving from Swami's new sponsor, Nytro, and our first ride where we will be gathering at the same starting spot as the rest of the Swami's club. From this point forward, our starting spot will be Nytro on the PCH in Encinitas.

This week we will be doing the classic Elfin Forest/Del Dios Loop (also known as the "World Famous Swami's Saturday ride). Beginning in coastal Encinitas, this ride warms up along the coast highway, heads inland to climb out to Elfin Forest Road, then follows rollers the rest of the way around the loop before returning for a coastal finish between Solana Beach and Encinitas.

The C group will be doing a shorter option, which mirrors the classic route through the beginning and ending miles. The main difference is skipping both the long climb out to Elfin Forest and Elfin Forest Road itself. The C route diverges from the main route in Carlsbad and follows some less-trafficked roads to Rancho Santa Fe to rejoin the main route, so the last ten mile portion of the route is identical to the A/B route.

A and B route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1862831
~40 miles, 2400' elevation gain

C route: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/823120645
25.5 miles, 1200' elevation gain

OUR START TIMES WILL BE SLIGHTLY AFTER 8:00.
This is a change from our past rides. We will be taking off at staggered times AFTER the faster Swami's groups leave. The posted times are 8:18, 8:20, 8:22 but that's just to give the sense that we leave in groups, fastest to slowest (so we don't have bunching up difficulties on the route). It is probably a good idea to still get there around 8 or so, especially if you want to enjoy a snack pre-ride or load up on gels at Nytro. This Saturday is particularly special, as advertised, "You will be treated to illy coffee, bagels, feed zone nutrition, as well as a mechanic on-duty and a store full of gear for last minute replenishment. Cannondale will be on hand with their new 2016 bikes for demo purposes."

This is a long post, but I want to make sure everyone understands the changes. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope many of you can make it this Saturday. The only things that are different are the starting location and the fact there will be a lot of people there... but we will still find each other, and after the first two groups take off, it will be like any other weekend. Except they will be providing snacks :)

Here are our usual ride notes:

We will have three group leaders this weekend. Our group descriptions are as follows. All groups are conducted in a non-competitive, cooperative format. If you are unsure where you are at but want to try us out, you can always start with the C group and see how that feels this week and then adjust accordingly.

A: Fast-paced with average speeds on flats 18-22 mph and average pace times over hilly routes 16-18 mph. Minimal stoppage times. Regroup at key points on the route. B: Moderately-paced with average speeds on the flats in the 15-18 mph range with emphasis on consistent effort and building climbing skills. Overall average pace will be in 12-15 mph range on this route. Regrouping as needed.

C: Steady-paced rides with average speeds on flats 12-15 mph and average pace times in the 10-13 mph range. The overall emphasis is on building riding skills: using your gears, pacing, riding safely in traffic. The Beginner rides are always “no drop” meaning the group will wait for those who are falling behind.

NOTES: Please bring an extra tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, and enough fluid and snacks (suggestion: two bottles minimum for the longer rides, and two snacks). Helmets are always required, and we obey all traffic laws. Road bikes are recommended for these routes.

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