San Diego Recyclers Bicycle Club

NEW ROUTE! A Jewel, A Loch and A Magic Cristobal 2/28/10

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:45:03 -0800

We had another new ride this week mapped-out and lead by William. "A Jewel, A Loch and A Magic Cristobal" started from Gillman Drive in LA JOLLA (which means: A JEWEL).
Ed showed up to ride with us this week.
The route took us from La Jolla to Mira Mesa.
It rained long and hard the day before so there were still some wet roads but we were treated to some very pretty views a little later in the morning.
Brian and Mary
Mike, Mike, George and Janet in Mira Mesa.
Mike G had a problem with a cleat at one of our early re-groups.
Just as we started back on the road, new rider Francois had a flat.
Neil, Brian and the rest of the group back on the route again.
Francois, Brian, Neil and Mike Z
Francois is Lauren's Honey. Lauren left town and sent Francois over to have us kept an eye on him while she was gone?
Mike Z
The route took us to Miramar Lake in Mira Mesa. About a 5 mile loop around the lake. (This is the "LOCH" in the route title)
Dennis on the Miramar Lake bike path. With a smile, no less!
Dave showed up...FINALLY!
If you like puffy white clouds and blue skies, this was the day for you. This is the west side of Miramar Lake.
Nice view from the lake looking west.
More nice views to the southwest.
Our coffee stop was at Panera Bread on Westview Parkway.
We left the coffee stop and headed south on Westview Parkway.
Alan was in the front of the pack most of the day so this is the only picture Greta got of him.
Mike G
George, Janet, Tom and Charles just behind them.
More scenic skies coming up Carroll Canyon Road.
George & Janet along Chamant Drive in La Jolla just before a short downhill and the last mile and a half back to the cars. A very nice route addition to the Recyclers' ride list!

New El Monte Park Ride on Valentine's Day 2/14/10

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:22:28 -0800

Our ride for Valentine's Day started at Woodglen Park in Santee. Several Recyclers were in Palm Springs this weekend for the Tour de Palms Springs.
Mike A wore his new Recyclers jersey.
A new jersey for Charles too. Charles wasn't sure he'd be able to find himself in the group picture now that he's wearing the same jersey as everyone else...(You're under the "t" in "Valentine's Day" on the group picture Charles)
Greta brought chocolate kisses to the ride and gave Janet the job of keeping the bag of chocolate safe...OK,...so she didn't remember Janet was a chocoholic...
Leaving Woodglen Park
Jim and Steve
Alan
We rode west from Santee through Mission Trails Park.
David joined us for the first time
From Mission Trails, we took Mission Gorge to Golfcrest to Navajo and passed Grossmont College.
Steve and William
Greta and others at a regroup before heading down Fanita hill.
William with Russel and George just behind.
Steve, Brian and Mike A heading east through Lakeside.
Mike A and others passing Lindo Lake in Lakeside.
Heading out to El Monte Park.
Nunez refused to leave the shade and come with us to El Capitan reservoir.
Charles and Alan leaving El Monte Park.
First time for several of us to El Capitan Reservoir.
Just a short bit of a climb from El Monte Park to the reservoir.
A beautiful day in East County. The weather was warm and the scenery was great!
Heading west from the reservoir.
Jim and others coming back on El Monte Rd almost to Lake Jennings Park Rd.
Our coffee stop was at Coffee Masters in Lakeside.
After finishing off the Hershey's chocolate kisses, Janet gave Dairy Queen's chocolate a try.
William and the love bear
When Nunez's heart started up again, we headed back to Santee and finished another nice day of cycling.

Charlie's Best Bread Ride 2/7/10

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:45:06 -0800

The weather was a little questionable in the morning but we had a good turnout for our Charlie's Best Bread Ride.
Bernie and Paul on Mission Gorge Road
Heading west on Mission Gorge
Marty didn't have to work today so he got to ride the full route with us. We hadn't seen Rod for awhile and he also showed up for our ride.
Heading into Mission Valley
Mike R (another long time no-show), Neil, Tom and Rod just behind.
The surprise of the day! Janet on a single bike!
Janet told George, "Sorry pal, this week I'm taking the lead!"
Nunez was back from traveling and happy to be riding with us...as happy as Nunez can be.
We ran into the usual problem areas where the water doesn't drain well but overall, the roads were in fairly good shape after all the rain we had.
Tom with Charles and Mike A just behind him. Next time we see these 3, they'll be in Recyclers jerseys.
The wind was a bit strong in areas along the route but Mission Bay was still quite nice.
Well...what can we say about that shower cap?
Our coffee stop was at Charlie's Best Bread on Garnet Ave.
Lots of yummy bread samples at Charlie's. Brian should be having his arteries cleaned out here shortly.
Charlie's door
Well Marty looks happy
Recyclers at the coffee stop
More Recyclers
Carole showed!
William and Brian on the return route along the Mission Bay bike path. Turned out to be a really nice ride. Those who decided to stay home today missed out!

Poinsettia/San Marcos Loop 1/31/10

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:38:52 -0800

The Early Birds started this week from the Encinitas Train Station. Russell, Scott, Steve, Glen, Greta, Paul and Neil.
The main group started from the Poinsettia Train station. Greta was in her glory. A guys to gals ratio of 20 to one.
6 is the number of Recyclers in the Dog House this week. (As if anything changes when they leave home) 5 for following Paul's lead and Paul for being...well, Paul.
Mike A. and Alan with furry bunny gloves...No Photoshopping those things.
A regroup at the Oceanside Pier
Bernie and George K riding through Oceanside
From Oceanside, we took the 78 bike path
Another regroup and potty stop just before College Blvd.
Jeff fixing his new stylish leg warmers
Paul thought his voice would carry better if he got higher than the group to make an announcement. Notice how he's captured everyone's attention?
Frank, Paul and the others heading towards College Blvd from the rest stop
Steve along College
Miguel was back to join us. It has been a VERY long time since he last rode with us.
We got to see Dennis again this week.
Russell, Jeff and Mike A. riding through Visa
We picked up two riders (Jim and Craig) along our route. They rode most of the way with us before breaking away somewhere in San Marcos.
We tried a new coffee stop in San Marcos called Old California Coffee House.
A lady asked Greta if she was the only woman in the group. Greta said, "I am today." The lady replied, "You are very brave!" Yep, a scary looking bunch indeed!
This woman was surrounded by 20 men in lycra and never looked up from her newspaper. Wonder what she told her friends when she went home that day.
Frank and the rest of the Recyclers leaving the coffee stop and heading home. Another nice ride, as always!

Weiss' 5 Cities Ride 1/24/10

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:43:20 -0800

The Early Birds rode from Santee through Lake Murray.
We ran into some barriers along the bike path which made for an interesting obstacle course.
With all the rain we had last week, the path had its problems like this sink hole. We begged the maintenance worker to let us through before he closed off the other side of the road. He let us through with only a lecture which saved us from having to turn around and go back the way we came.
The main group started from Windmill Farms in Del Cerro. This time Marty joined us!
Mike G heading east on Navajo.
Russell, Philip and Brian in El Cajon.
William on Fletcher Parkway
Instead of heading down the Fletcher Parkway hill, Marty took us on a side street.
A steep downhill with a great view looking east.
Marty left us at Vernon Street in El Cajon. (Proof he did ride with us)
Glen, Tom and Paul on Vernon Street
Philip on the same road
Coming into Lakeside
Charles' tire blew up at the Chevron regroup.
Waiting for the light to change a block away from Lake Jennings.
Paul, Glen and Mike Z on the road around Lake Jennings.
A beautiful clear day at Lake Jennings with and few daydreaming Recyclers.
On the return through Lakeside towards Santee.
Our coffee stop was at Einstein Bagels in Santee Town Center.
We had coffee with our traveling tourist before heading back.

Tour de Campus & ER 1/17/10

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:06:38 -0800

The Early Birds started in Mission Bay and did a loop around the Clairemont area. Mary, Brian, Paul, Greta, Steve, William,Russell, Glen, Jim & George.
We had a good size group this week for the Tour de Campus Ride also starting from Mission Bay.
Nunez, Dennis and Mike leaving the Mission Bay parking lot.
Tom joined us for his first ride with the group.
In case no one has noticed, Frank has smiled almost every single week since...well,...for a long time. Those therapy sessions are working!
A regroup at the UCSD campus.
Charles, George and Mike Z
Mike A. and Scott
Does anyone know how many bananas William consumes on one ride?
Oh the interesting characters we have in the group.
Leaving La Jolla Shores
Carol and George
Dennis
Brian blocking out Greta to get his picture taken.
Greta asked Russell if he could take a picture with her camera without falling off his bike. Luckily, Russell stayed on his bike. But speaking of falling...
...Scott hit a hole in the road and took a nose dive. Head and shoulder into the pavement...OUCH!
Scott was lucky we had 2 doctors riding with the group. One's an Opthamologist, the other an OBGYN so they knew exactly what WASN'T wrong with him.
Scott rode on the back of Brian's tandem to a nearby Starbucks where we got him some ice for his shoulder. We got to meet Scott's wife, who came to pick him up.
Unfortunately Scott broke his collar bone. What a bummer! Best wishes to you Scott for a quick recovery.

South Bay and Beyond 1/10/10

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:53:52 -0800

Early Birds started from Mission Bay. Steve, Russell, William, Greta & Jim.
The main group started from the Administration Building for our South Bay ride. A beautiful day!
Lauren was happy to see everyone.
Jim and Dennis
Nunez and Steve passing the Convention Center.
Russell and Alan
Yes, Neil dressed himself this morning, why do you ask?
Regroup at Pepper Park
Mike A.
Crossing the Gordy Shields Bridge
Along the waterfront in Chula Vista
Frank, Mike A. and the rest of the gang by the Marina
Mike Z
Mike A. and William
Charles joined us for the first time
Bernie
Coming into Coronado with the Hotel Del just ahead
Chris also joined us for the first time
Nunez
At the Ferry Landing
A coffee stop while waiting for the 10:30 ferry
Guess who was first to the top deck?
San Diego in January. An absolutely gorgeous day!
After the return ferry ride, a few Recyclers took a side trip to Liberty Station where the bike path reopened.
Mike Z at Sunset Cliffs
Our small group saw just about every waterway in San Diego. We split up in Mission Bay and ended a terrific day of riding!

Happy New Year! Sauntering Sunday with Brunch at Frank's 1/3/10

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:35:45 -0800

Well this group picture had a little of everything in it! The camera was set on timer, we blocked the one street and had a confused jogger join us.
The ride started in Del Mar and we rode north up the coast for our Sauntering Sunday.
Nice to have Bernie back.
Glen and Diane joined us in Solana Beach.
Beautiful weather!
Neil's plumber tights
Another day in paradise...ho hum.
The coastline heading into Carlsbad.
Sara and Jeff at the regroup in Carlsbad. They hooked up with us in Solana Beach.
Carol
We regrouped in Carlsbad then rode almost to Oceanside before turning around. Our planned coffee stop was back in Del Mar.
Manuel and the rest of the group heading south back down the coast.
George
Steve and Jeff with Carol, Dave and Dennis just behind.
Russell
San Diego's brutal winter weather.
George proving that Janet really does ride with him.
Ginny and Manuel climbing the long hill to Frank's house in Del Mar.
Neil was looking for oxygen after climbing the same hill to Frank's house.
Frank and his wife Carmen hosted a wonderful brunch for us. Frank is one of several Recyclers with a December birthday.
Plenty of sunshine for our after-ride get-together at Frank's.
Nap time!
Frank's house isn't very dog friendly.
Probably because a gigantic cat lives in the house.
Don't mess with this monster cat. Cats definitely rule at the Fernandez's home!
Thanks to Frank and Carmen for having all us Recyclers over to their home again. A wonderful start to the new year!

Dave's 50th de Los Lobos Ride 12/27/09

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:37:02 -0800

We helped celebrate Dave's 50th this week. Dave let this route from his house in Rancho Bernardo.
This is the view from inside Dave's bathroom. You rarely see the whole cat at his house but you know it's there once you enter the bathroom and close the door.
Jim got a new bike for Christmas.
Leaving Dave's house
Philip and Frank
Neil got a new bike too. His is a touring bike that outweighs him by a few pounds.
Mike Z on the 56 bike path.
Alan and Jim
Jake was back!
Scott, Jake and Jim
Mike G
Riding through Poway
Ed sucking in his gut.
We were treated to good food and drinks back at Dave's house.
A big Thanks to both Liz and Dave for their hospitality. A nice ending to 2009.

Cabrillo Monument Ride 12/20/09

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:16:19 -0800

This week was the Cabrillo Monument Ride.
We got to see Marty this week!
Up to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Our break was spent at the lighthouse instead of the monument in the park.
Most of our group at the lighthouse
Happy smiley Recylers

SDBC's Soggy Toy Drive 12/12/09

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:41:02 -0800

William, Paul, Carol, Greta, Neil & Steve (Mike G arrived later) participated in SDBC's Annual "Light up a Life" toy drive on Saturday. In our own defense, it looked like the weather was going to clear at the start of the ride.
Greta's last minute homemade black plastic boots.
We started at UC Cyclery in La Jolla. Not even close to the number of riders who participated last year because of the questionable weather.
Neil along the route.
Mike G declared this a "two sponge" ride before we got to around Fairmont. That's when it was changed to a "three sponge ride".
Greta was unable to take many pictures because of the pouring rain. Our water logged group reached University Ave with only a "soft" rain falling when this picture was taken.
We arrived at the Joan Kroc Center muddy & soaking wet. 3 women met us at the door telling us how happy they were to see us until Greta said, "what?...no hugs?!" After getting the deer in the headlights look from all 3, one finally offered to shake hands.
The Center provided us with food and hot drinks.
This is Greta getting upstaged by a sneaky elf and a guy in a tutu.
William pumping up his soccer ball.
The Recyclers' annual photo with Santa. Mike's the only one besides Santa not wearing a Recyclers' jersey!
Santa telling us there is no sag wagon or sleigh ride. We have to return to the start on our bikes...except Mike who talked his wife into coming and getting him.
The salesman at the bike shop told Paul women love men in neon shower caps...and all the elite riders wear them...
Santa and Rudolph on the ride home. Santa's beard got a little droopy there in the rain.
Still friends...maybe. Regular helmet hair is bad enough without mud and water added to it.
Our day ended with Paul entertaining us with a traditional Hanukkah folk dance...We'll have to ask Marty how authentic it was.

Las Pulgas to Dana Point 12/6/09

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:27:12 -0800

Early Birds started this week in Oceanside to make almost a 60 mile ride.
The main group started at Las Pulgas Rd just North of Camp Pendleton.
Brian, Mary and Neil
Papa Smurf and Nando
You can see the dark sky behind Jim. It was cold with a few sprinkles going north, but no rain.
Kathy
Neil
Russell and Frank arriving at Dana Point
Our coffee stop was at the Coffee Importers
Sparrows cleaned up any crumbs we dropped and a seagull flew into the window next to us with a loud "BANG"! There was a collective "OH!" from everyone but the bird was OK and flew off. We thought they must have been doing a Windex commercial.
Cold and windy for sure but a good ride none the less.
Jim heading home.

Jesmond Dene/Coffee at Steve's/William's B-day 11/29/09

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:56:30 -0800

Only 4 Early Birds braved the early morning cold this week. William, Neil, Greta and Jim.
The main group started at Kit Carson Park in Escondido for our Jesmond Dene Ride. It was still VERY cold at 8:00.
Janet finally bought a Recyclers jersey...and WORE IT! She was so excited, we couldn't get her to stop dancing around the parking lot.
Steve wore his new jersey for the first time too and showed almost the same enthusiasm.
Ed wanted it known that he showed up two Sundays in a row AND wore his jersey both times.
Alan was back in town and joined us this week.
About 9:30 we had blue skies and the temperature started to warm up.
It warmed up enough for Paul to shed one layer...I think it was his headband.
Frank and Dave on the route
George & Janet on the tandem with Alan and Paul just behind.
William with Brian behind him.
Everyone riding up to Steve's house in Escondido.
We had a special coffee stop in Steve's backyard.
Steve and his wife JoAnna provided us with a very nice spread of quiche, pastries, bagels, fruit & drinks.
Someone got plenty of attention while we were there.
We found out it was William's birthday.
William didn't receive as much attention as we gave the cat but we did sing "Happy Birthday" and he got to blow out a birthday candle.
A big "Thank You" to Steve and JoAnna for their hospitality. Neil bailed out early thinking it would rain and missed all this! Turned out to be another nice ride.

Nando's Ride, minus Nando 11/22/09

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:53:00 -0800

This week's ride started on Stratford Court in Del Mar. Paul talked a lady surfer into having her picture taken with us.
In case long time Recyclers missed seeing this guy in the group picture, Hank showed up at the beginning of the ride. It's only been a few years since we've seen him.
Mike Z, Paul, Philip and the rest of the group heading out from Stratford Ct.
The route took us South to Carmel Valley Rd and we picked up the bike path by the Ted William's Fwy.
Steve and Neil on the bike path.
Bob and first timer Sylvia
We don't see Ed too often and he was back this week.
This was Frank's route but since he was out of town, we couldn't stop at his house and eat his food. We settled for the Caffe Positano in Rancho Santa Fe for our coffee stop.
Russell's son Dillon was visiting from the Bay Area. That's the only reason Russell wasn't dodging the camera this week.
Sylvia wanted it known that she and Bob were at the head of the pack when this picture was taken.
There were lots of bright yellow flowers along the side of the road as we headed west from Rancho Santa Fe.
William tried to pick one of the flowers and pulled the whole darn bush out of the ground!
Paul's manly pose?
Jim, Steve and Mike in Encinitas. There was a street fair going on when we reached this point and had to make a detour to a side street.
Scott and Mike Z sharing the road with lots of cars trying to find parking for the street fair.
Greta grabbed some stranger off the street to have her picture taken with. Wouldn't you know it turned out to be a long lost Recycler riding in cognito?
Ed heading south along the coast.
Dennis rode the last part of the route with us back to Del Mar.
Dillon and Russell
Dillon and Russell again.
Another great day of riding!

The ol' Vomiting Sheep & Dave's EOD Event 11/15/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:07:06 -0800

The Early Birds started from Liberty Station in Point Loma. Scott, son Jake, Glen, Greta, Paul, Brian, William & Marty.
The main group started at Hospitality Point in Mission Bay.
Scott in his brand new Recyclers jersey. Guess our rude humor didn't scare him away.
Heading out from Mission Bay.
William, Frank and the rest of the group.
Neil on Aero Drive in Kearny Mesa.
A regroup at Camino Ruiz in Mira Mesa.
The usual reaction encountering the vomiting sheep for the first time.
Dave, Frank & William
Carol
The whole gang on some side street near Miramar.
Scott & Jake. Hey!...isn't Jake cheating?!
Scott, Paul and Dave
Coffee Stop at Starbucks
Will somebody please feed that man?
Scott and Jake offroading above us.
Glen on the way back from another terrific day of riding.
Several Recyclers met up with Dave at Liberty Station where he finished his 2 day, 200 mile bike ride. This was a fundraising event for the Wounded Warriors EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).
There was a robot chasing the kids around the park.
Of course the robot controler had to be a Recycler (Brian).
There was also entertainment and a barbeque at the event.
Dave on his EOD ride. For more pictures of Dave's 2 day ride event, go to www.canari-navycycling.com/ media.htm

The Recyclers Take Center Stage at the OTC 11/8/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:28:28 -0800

This week's Early Birds started from the Administration Building downtown making their route about 60 miles. Brian, Neil, Dave, Greta & William.
William thought he could distract Dave inside the Porta-Potty by rocking it but Dave reminded us he was an ex-Navy guy. Navy EOP's have steady hands.
Doesn't George look lonely? He's patiently waiting for his fellow Recyclers to come join him for a picture.
The main group started from the Marina Park off of J Street in Chula Vista for our ride to the Olympic Training Center.
Marty was finally guilted into riding with us. We can't even remember the last ride he showed for.
Mike Z on the road to San Ysidro.
George and Janet
All smiles before we saw any hills.
Brian, Dave and the rest of the pack going through the Chula Vista neighborhoods.
Scott in Bonita
Our coffee stop was at the Starbucks on Bonita and Central Ave.
Russell thought for sure he'd ducked and dodged his way out of every picture Greta attempted to take of him.
When making a turn, keep two hands on the handlebars and use your free hand to signal.
Otay Lakes Road. Lots of wide open space.
This is Wueste Road which winds along side of Otay Lakes.
Along Wueste Road with the OTC in the distance on the hill to the left.
Heading into the Olympic Training Center.
Scott got a chance to witness another Recyclers' style photo-op.
Mike Z, Dave & Frank. Dave wanted a victory kiss since he was number one.
We got Brian to volunteer the victory kiss but Dave complained Brian's mustache was too scratchy.
Geez...What we won't do to keep Dave happy!
We left the training center and headed home. Overall, it was another great day of riding!

Carole's Birthday Bay Ride 9/13/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:19:28 -0800

Why do they call this Dove Street?
7AM on a Sunday morning is the ideal time to visit Balboa Park. The Early Birds had the place mostly to themselves.
We started this week's ride from the Ziegler's street. Mike Z ditched us to go surfing, but who noticed?
The birthday girl and the rest of the group heading out from the start.
Rod showing his enthusiasm for being back a second week with the Recyclers.
We took the scenic route to downtown...passing the recycling center.
Carol & Carole in downtown.
Rod (a little cheerier) passing the Convention Center.
We rode through Bonita and then picked up the bike path to Coronado.
William and a couple newbies
At the Ferry Landing in Coronado
The Birthday Girl on the Ferry
This must have been "Bird Day". We thought we were in a scene from Hitchcock's movie "The Birds" when we first got on the ferry.
Our coffee stop was at the Zieglers home this week in celebration of Carole's birthday.
Lots of food and good company.
A special "Thanks" to the Zieglers for another nice get-together for us Recyclers and a "Happy Birthday" to Carole.

A bit Twisted Solana Beach to Oceanside Ride 11/1/09

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:19:06 -0800

Sauntering Sunday was Solana Beach to Oceanside and back.
Yes. That's a real beard Stewart's wearing. We tested it. It wouldn't come off.
Scott with son Jacob who rode tandem with him to Oceanside.
One big happy family before the ride. Jacob, Scott, Diane and Glen.
Leaving the train station... including the two tandems who missed the group picture.
Heading into Cardiff on a beautiful day.
Scott and Jacob
Our turn around spot in Oceanside. Couldn't have asked for a better day!
Some happy, smiley Recyclers at the Nautical Bean in Oceanside.
After Glen fixed a problem tire on his tandem, we were ready to head south.
Well,...almost ready to leave. Stewart experienced a "Recyclers Moment".
Jeff and Sara. *Note: Jeff has now attended more Recycler rides than Marty for the year.
Carol smiled...FINALLY!
Scott made it two Recycler rides in a row.
Frank and Dave
Part of our group at a stoplight along the coast highway.
Paul and grandson Jake rode part of the route from Leucadia. They hooked up with us along the coast and joined us on the ride back to Solana Beach.
Kathy on the coast highway
Reminders were everywhere of Halloween from the night before.
Two tandems, two captains and zero stokers?... It's not what you think. Glen and Scott didn't leave their excess baggage in Oceanside so they could make the Charger game...Glen gave Diane bus fare. Anyone find out what Diane gave Glen?
This is why we ride! Gorgeous day to be out on a bike!
We finished the day with a stop at the Twisted Tart located near the Solana Beach train station.
Jay and Gina. Owners of the Twisted Tart.
Paul and Jake before heading home from our final coffee stop.

Weiss' 5 City Tour (without Weiss) & a stop at Jim's 10/25/09

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:17:55 -0800

This weeks ride started at Windmill Farms off of College Ave in East County. You can see how easy it is to round up this group for a picture.
This is Brian messing with Greta's camera she had on a tripod ready to go. Maybe Dave can give Brian some pointers on how to shave those hairy legs.
Marty likes to start his 5 City route from this location because it's just down the street from where he lives. Unfortunately, Marty was a NO SHOW!
William with Jim just behind him along Navajo Road.
We had lots of fog for the start of the ride but it didn't stay long. The mountains are just starting to poke through as we head east.
Brian coming into El Cajon
A regroup at Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. Our "5 Cities" are San Diego, La Mesa, El Cajon, Lakeside & Santee.
2nd time visitor Jim R, Steve, Glen & Paul
Beautiful clear skies heading into Lakeside.
Brian & Mary's neighbor Scott rode with us for the first time. Lake Jennings is in the background.
Very pretty views around the lake.
Of course a photo op at Lake Jennings.
Dave ahead of the group heading west through Lakeside towards Santee.
Dave wore blue today advertising for his upcoming "Wounded Warriors EOD" ride.
The long Fanita hill
Instead of the usual right turn at the top of Fanita, we turned left for a special coffee stop at Jim S's house.
Linda was another first time rider this week.
We took over Jim's front lawn with our bikes and filled his house with hungry cyclists.
Jim's dog Buddy got lots of attention but not enough treats from our group.
Jim and his wife Linda had a great spread of breads, fruit and treats for us.
Do you think Brian shared his bagel with Buddy?...Not a chance.
A special "Thanks" to Jim and Linda for opening their home to the Recyclers.
Leaving Jim & Linda's house, we made another loop around the culdesac to go back for seconds.
Just kidding...we did a group ride-by and finally left for good.

Dehesa Road and Beyond 10/18/09

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:13:47 -0800

Our ride this week started in Rancho San Diego and took us up to Alpine.
Heading out from the shopping center.
Frank and Mike G
Beautiful day in East County
Bob
Dale joined us for his first ride with the Recyclers
Frank passing Sycuan casino
Mike G almost to the top of Dehesa Rd
Brian and Mary
Another "first" for Dale as he reaches the top of Dehesa
Up Tavern road into Alpine
Manuel caught up to us at the top of Dehesa Road to say hi
Some of our group headed back to the cars when we reached the Bread Basket in Alpine. The rest of us stopped for coffee
A happy bunch of Recyclers
Most of the group headed back after the coffee stop. Greta and Sam headed east to Viejas and more wide open space.
Greta near the top of Viejas Grade
Greta's description of Viejas Grade would be "two Dehesa Roads in a sandbox". A challenging climb but a great adventure!
Greta & Sam's journey took them to Descanso and back around the other side of Viejas. Sam will be continuing training for his upcoming double century, Greta will be taking Advil and soaking in the tub for the next 3 days.

Recyclers Everywhere

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:42:14 -0700

MartySchuylkillRiver
MartyValleyForge
Jim Seltzer at Tour de Scottsdale 2009

March 2009

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:38:53 -0700

Ride to Charlie's Best Bread 9/6/09

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:10:25 -0700

4 Early Birds started from Woodglen Park in Santee. William, Jim, Greta & Neil.
The Thornburghs and Marty met the other Early Birds along the way.
This week's regular ride started at the Grantville Trolley Station on Alvarado Canyon Road.
George & Janet came prepared this week with body padding after last weeks crash.
Dennis had a fall last week too & got an infection in his elbow. His medication said to stay out of the sun. He got a funky rash & 4 days of "I told you so's" for riding his bike anyway.
Leaving the Grantville Station
Alvarado Canyon Road
Philip
Nunez and Brian
Coming into Mission Valley
Along the bike path
Lauren
First time Recycler rider Rod
Marty and Bob
Bernie
Jim
Charlie's Best Bread in Clairemont
Newcomers Mary and Mindy
Newcomers Vicki & Steve chowing down with regulars Brian, Mary & Nunez.
Nunez is always complaining he doesn't like his picture taken. Does that look like a face that doesn't like the limelight?
Carole & Dennis back on the road. Another nice Sunday of riding.

30/60 Las Pulgas to Dana Point Ride on Jeff's 60th 8/23/09

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:29:39 -0700

We knew this would be an unusual day when the Thornburghs showed up on time. (They even beat Paul to the start)
Ed brought his bike over to see if anyone had a few spare parts.
Hmmm...a couple wheels and something to hold the chain together? Yea,...that should work.
Neil brought his six shooters
Paul brought some party horns
Jeff brought himself...since he was the birthday boy. He got an official Recyclers bike bell.
Jeff in the land of giants
This was the largest Early Bird turnout we've ever had. EB's started from Oceanside to make it a 60 mile ride.
Jerry was back for part of the ride
The whole group starting at Las Pulgas road. This was a new route for us. A 30/60 ride to Dana Point.
Jim and others on that nice long, smooth riding surface just through the gates on Las Pulgas.
We heard Jane's voice somewhere in the crowd yell, "You've got my shorts on!" Interesting what images enter your mind when you don't know what event has prompted that comment.
Russell had some shorts that said, "Jane" on the side of them. Jane wanted those shorts.
It's been a long time since Russell had to deal with a woman chasing him. He wasn't sure how to handle the situation except to keep riding...AWAY FROM JANE!
George and Janet... upright
Obviousely Ed found the needed parts for his bike.
Even Sperling showed for this ride.
Carole Z
William performing some sort of ritual along the side of the road. You'll have to ask him what it was for.
Heading into San Clemente
The rolling hills in San Clemente were quite enjoyable to ride.
Neil along some of those rolling hills
Mike G turning on the GPS system to head back early...
George & Jane locked wheels with Sperling and crashed into the concrete barrier along the bike path. Mostly scrapes and bruises.
The rest of the group was waiting for George & Janet at Capistrano Beach Park.
The banged up duo received a party horn salute.
George and Janet
On the road at Dana Point
Paul and Stewart
Along the waterfront at Dana Point where we stopped for coffee.
Part of the group at our Dana Point coffee stop.
Of course we remembered to acknowledge Jeff's birthday at our coffee stop.
We couldn't get anyone to pitch in to buy Jeff a full cake so Paul nabbed what was left of Jane's muffin,...not thinking she would mind since she left it unguarded on the table.
We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jeff and then headed back home. A very enjoyable day and great ride!

Mike Z's Meandering Maze Ride 7/26/09

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:22:01 -0700

Early Birds started this week from Mission Bay.
Our regular ride started from the Old Town Trolley Station. Mike Z wasn't here this week to lead his ride so we actually had to read a route slip. We have renamed this route "Mike Z's Meandering Maze Ride" or "Lost in the Wilderness" or something like that.
George O. and the rest leaving the station.
Our regular potty stop off the Mission Bay bike path.
Don't rub your eyes...it IS Marty.
Up the hill to Cornish Street
Up the hill on Tennyson
A regroup on Tennyson and Willow St right before we got lost because a street didn't make the route slip.
Since we missed a few streets on the route slip anyway, we took a side trip around the rental cars near the airport.
A regroup at the Statue
Then we headed downtown
Dennis
Then we passed the Zoo and meandered through the neighborhoods near Date and 29th Street.
Paul and William
We rode through Balboa Park, passing the Organ Pavilion
We rode passed the fountain and across the bridge in Balboa Park.
Another side trip down a back alley to find a coffee stop.
Peet's Coffee & Tea is where we finally landed.
A few Recyclers headed back early and the rest of us stayed awhile.
We all gained 2 pounds looking at what Janet bought herself to eat. Then we headed back, leaving Janet to do a few more laps around the building to burn off those calories.

July 2009

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:22:01 -0700