Day 5, Hemet to Fallbrook

We had rain overnight and the roads were still wet this morning as we left Hemet. After yesterday's pretty much on my own pedal, today I felt I should be more social.  I waited for the group roll out.  The group is a mix of seasoned cyclists (several finished the Furnace Creek 508) and others who's group riding skills leave a bit to be desired.  Rather than operating like an experienced paceline, paying close attention and leaving a cushion of space were paramount to a safe trip.



As the morning progressed hills ensued and the group spread out.



I entered the De Luz Canyon, a rather scenic section of today's route.



Today's forecast called for a 50% chance of rain.  The skies were unsettled all day, and finally one of those dark clouds caught me.  I was in the De Luz Canyon when a few very big drops of rain began to pelt me.  I took refuge under a tree and donned my raingear just as a very hard hailstorm and rain began to fall.  I let it pass mostly by before venturing out on the road again.



I continued on as the weather improved and took a nice decent before finally ending up in Fallbrook, our last night of this trip.



 After arriving in Fallbrook I set up my tent in my usual courtyard location then pedaled a few miles to our shower location.  I also joined a few of my fellow cyclists for an adult beverage.

Tonight the evening program is "reverse hot seat".  To start things off those responsible for the success of this trip were recognized then each of us, one by one, stood up to be "roasted" by our fellow riders.  It was a fun evening.



We had a record number of attendees.  128 registered riders was 28 more than the volunteer event leaders had said we could handle.  They were pretty much right on the mark.  There was always plenty of good, nutritious food, but space was tight, especially on night one in Pine Valley, and again tonight in Fallbrook on the last night. 3 nights we had shower accomodations in nearby motels, but 128 +a  few non-riding support folks in two showers was unacceptable.  At least tonight the organizers arranged for three showers, but still, 3 showers for 128 people is just not acceptable.  Even with a fast 7 minute turnaround, it's over 5 hours to get folks through the showers when you've got three available.  The group does not have five hours between arrival in camp and dinner or between dinner and the evening program. Hopefully those issues are discussed and resolved before next year.


   ...........road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today.............58..............0.............0..........0..............58 Jan..............105.............34............0..........0............139 Feb.............428............108...........0.........24...........536 March.........809..............0.............0.........22...........831 April.........1010..............0.............0...........0..........1010 May..........1000..............0............20........0............1020 June.........1500..............0.............0..........0............1500 July..........1558..............0.............0..........0............1558 Aug...........531..............0.............0...........0..............531 Sept..........730..............0.............0...........0..............730 Oct............844.............0.............0............0.............844 Nov...........835..............0.............0...........0.............835
 Dec...........782..............0............0...........0.............782  YTD.........10,129.........142............20..........46..........10,336