SDTC Ride (August 17, 2003)

Otay Ranch via Coronado Island (50 miles round trip)

It was Sunday the 17th of August '2003 at around nine o'clock in the morning were four tandems in pairs had gathered together aiming a fifty miles ride. The fearless pair riders are Ron & Debbie, Kirk & Trudie, Tony & Sarah, and lastly Gery & Paul who will lead today’s ride from Otay Ranch in Chula Vista via Coronado Island. The day was really gorgeous for a tandem bike ride but unfortunately, Virginia will miss said event due to a stomach cramp that she's been suffering for the last few days. Fortunately Paul our single rider guest show up and took over Virginia’s position. This ride going to be a blast…

Clear blue skies with a little cool atmosphere temperature are an errand for a ride. After a short pre-ride brief meeting, we start to roll along the peaceful Otay Ranch community @ 9:30 AM. Gery & Paul lead heading north east of Chula Vista which the first two miles gave us a good warm-up ride before we encountered our first short hill to climb. And then a long straight downhill along Otay Lakes Road are been rewarded to us. First part of the route gave us an opportunity to sight Chula Vista's new community master plan where the latest & newest detach home can be notice besides from many new roads developments.

We continue to cruise towards west of Bonita Road. Along the right side of the road can view plenty of golfers as well as some very active people that execute their physical workout by hiking or walking around the beautiful trails along the edge of Bonita Golf Course. Another very interesting place we pass-by is the scenic Sweetwater Bike Route. An abstract view of a wide man made concrete canal with plenty of water plants along the edge of the waterway can be view at the bottom and then some high solid concrete post that holds the Highway 54 can be view at the top. Great man made structure views...

On the side notes, did you know that Chula Vista is derives from Spanish for "Pretty View". And did you know that Chula Vista have 48.88 square miles of land and is residing at 32.64N latitude & -117.083 longitude. Our total populations is now 173,556 and have a total of 59,529 housing units currently.

Gliding along F Street towards west, a surprise festivities on the heart of Chula Vista downtown are been noticed. As we cross the downtown, three little beige Arabian Camels are walking around downtown area. Carrousels and some toddler's ride are also present on this event. We were cheers by some locals and let us cross the street with smiles which gave us a great feeling that boost our energy.

The temperature is starting to increase as we pedal along the Bay Boulevard towards south. Un-plan rest stops are unanimous at the Chula Vista Marina Park by J Street to hydrate and stretch our self. A short period break revives everyone and continues our tour along Bay Boulevard and huge piles of crystal salt are very interesting scenery on this route.

The sun is almost above us but the sun ray had even out by the cool ocean breeze. The Bayshore Bikeway is a 10.9 miles section and will lead to the crown city of Coronado Island. So many different physical activities can be seen on this great bikeway (cyclist, roller bladders, runners, hikers, etc.). Encounter of said bikeway has grand scenery of ocean front and striking bay lagoon on the other side. Landscape vegetations and tons of different sea birds are perfect background on this island. To see is to believe...

Arrive at the Coronado Ferry Company at exactly 11:45 AM. Here, a panoramic view of Coronado Bay Bridge and San Diego Downtown are great view that attracts countless tourists. We replenish our self with some power bars and energy drink after accomplishing an average speed of 15+ mph which is a very satisfactory achievement of our first half 25 miles ride. More socializing and more digital shooting to follow...

Time is up and time to turn around for real workout. Our first few miles pedaling on the way back, is a leisurely cruise along the vicinity of Coronado Island. Seeing the oldest and newest well maintain mansion houses along Glorieta Boulevard gave us a good solid conclusion of a wealthy neighborhood. As we approach Bayshore Bikeway towards south, we start to pick-up the speed and maintain a good 19 mph pace in an approximately 8 miles stretch, plus a sprint for the last two miles are also been executed for a cardio test. The next challenges on the way back are the slightly rolling hills of L Street towards east and in addition for a warmer atmosphere as we roll towards inland. Our troops are starting to fade out but still manage to climb the very last hill of Heritage Road and East Palomar Road. Excellent a workout…

Everyone arrive back safely on the finish line @ 2 PM. We probably burned roughly 3,500 calories and lost 1% body fat within 3.25 total hours riding time. To be exactly a 49.8 miles turn out to be a great ride together with a very socialize SDTC members and guest.

Technically, good workouts have to be supplement with outstanding healthy foods. As Virginia promises to us earlier, she has prepared a complimentary buffet style lunch just for the fearless riders. On the menu, we have a soft spaghetti noodle with either meet or mushroom sauce on the side, a fresh green salad on the bar, newly bake bread stick, plenty of cold beverages to choose, and of course fresh sweet fruit for desert.

A special thanks to Paul for doing me a favor being my first time stoker, and also by taking most of the digital shooting in action during the ride. Once again, thanks to all for a wonderful and a very energetic weekend spend with us. More power to all…

Photo (look for SDTC Ride to Coronado Island): http://www.picturetrail.com/gerryphotoalbum

Gery & Virginia