Cycling for Coffee

The sun was out, the weather warm and Valerie wanted her afternoon coffee. Like a daily treat, only with a kick... and all we had to do was hop on the tandem and go get it. Our hostess has a family member who owns a place in Carlsbad, a chain store called "It's a Grind". (Or click here for her store's page.)

So 30 miles later we're just a couple of blocks away from the Pacific Ocean enjoying our beverages of choice and a little sugar laced treat to help us pedal back home when our break was over. This was the same loop we rode a few weeks back; 30 miles to the coffee shop and 20 miles back to Escondido. It's a good loop, and relatively easy... all things (and hills) considered. We don't feel tired at the moment, unlike the ride we took to Chula Vista on our last trip down here (which left both of us totally ready to sleep all night).

We're not sure what the difference was. Perhaps the weather had something to do with it; the temperatures were cooler on the Chula Vista excursion. We had more traffic to contend with. (The Oceanside/Carlsbad loop has a lot of bike lanes, and an 8 mile bike path with NO cars.)

Personally speaking... I think I could ride this loop several times a week and not be dissatisfied with it. Especially when we get back home and find that our friend has been cooking something wonderful for dinner!