Lake Elsinore - Temecula Loop

After returning from AIM Expo in Las Vegas, I stayed a few more days at our office in San Clemente. The weekend arrived, and it was time for some longer rides in the Temecula area.

I started my ride from Lake Elsinore in western Riverside County, which was about an hour's drive from the office. The ride was planned to be long to build some mileage. I headed east, passing Diamond Valley Lake, while trying to avoid busy roads and instead opting for quieter routes. The nearby mountains were still snow-covered from a recent storm.
Despite windy conditions, I had smooth riding for the first part. After reaching Diamond Valley Lake, I turned right towards Sage. The road up to Sage was challenging with gradients nearing 10%, which was tough early in the season.
From Sage, I made my way into the Temecula Valley Wine Country through GlenOak Hills. While the route was mostly downhill, there were some small peaks, and I could feel my legs tiring. Reaching Temecula, I stopped for coffee and cake to recharge. The town had a "Western" feel, reminiscent of old-time horse-and-carriage days.
The last 30 kilometers back to the car were mostly flat, but a strong headwind made it feel like I was climbing the whole way. Passing through Murrieta and Wildomar, my legs were already spent, but I pushed on. Finally, I reached the car and drove back on the 74 road, which offered a final scenic view of the area.
Overall, it was a challenging ride, covering 103 kilometers for a solid training session.

bike: pretty Betty, Specialized Tarmac S-Works
starring: Gerry Samer