Single Track, Sunshine, Rain and a New PR

I asked Les yesterday if I should rename this blog.  I've been doing a lot more mountain biking than running lately!  I read so many running blogs that talk about injury, I think cycling is great cross training.

For the last month Les has been telling me, "We need to go ride Backbone."  Backbone Trail is in the Santa Monica mountains with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.  We finally decided yesterday would be the day and we couldn't have picked a more beautiful one!  It was about 65 out, sunny, clear, and calm.

The trail is to the right of Les in this picture

There are several types of mountain bike trails.  Las Llajas, my usual ride, is on fire roads.  These are wide enough for vehicles.  The first three miles of Backbone was on single track.  It's exactly what the name implies - wide enough for a single bike, and tricky when someone is coming the other way. This was a first for me.  I've ridden a few other trails, but they've all been fire roads.

The Pacific Ocean, as far as the eye can see

We rode about 5 miles when we came out on Yerba Buena Road.  We somehow lost the trail, so we rode Yerba for a little while before turning around.  While I didn't mind going up the single track because we were going so slow, coming down was a bit scary.  I even took a small tumble trying to navigate a steep hairpin turn. I have a couple bruises, but didn't break any skin.  So maybe this cross training isn't exactly injury free, but it's still fun!

Total distance 12.4 miles in 1:56:59, 6.4 mph
Ave HR 136
Max HR 164
Calories burned 787
Elevation gained 1,716 feet

We are suppose to get rain sometime this afternoon or evening.  Since I can run in, or right after, the rain, I decided to ride again this morning.  About 4 miles from home it started sprinkling.  My legs weren't feeling completely recovered from yesterday, so I decided to just go the Y and call it a day.  Coming back down, I got wet, but not too bad.

I also set a new PR on Marr Ranch Blacktop.  Are you tired of hearing about that?  Today was huge for me - I rode it in 40 seconds.  I am now ONE second from first place!!

Total distance 9.36 in 1:02:16, 9.0 mph
Ave HR 136
Max HR 170
Calories burned 504

Elevation gained 1,030 feet

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?  Do any fun cross training lately?