Go Nuts for Donuts del Este 100k - 1/10/2025 (DNF)

So much for the new year. Over a week into 2026. Had planned to have ridden after today 6 rides with over 900 Km of Randonneuring. 

 New Year was shot as I did not want to go up to Moorpark and experience rain. My plan is to spend Motel 6, ride a Populaire, then a 200K Brevet which again due to expected precipitation I stayed home. Having not ridden till Sunday, went to Oceanside originally do a Permanent, but there is a light rain. Have to ride, changed to an easy Populaire with a little precipitation. 

 So on the first Club ride, my ankle gave in as I suffered returning to the start. On last Wednesday ride rode, took it slowly on the climb which everyone left me behind, waiting patiently to catch up. Rode to the start in Bonsall, after ride took a climbing route slowly back home. Felt positively for the first SD Rando ride of the year though it is climby. 

 Will take it easy. Took off after everyone. Felt fine except for the road surface. Did not take long till I'm left behind especially with the long descent. Then the first climb thinking I'll catch up to the laggers, find I have no strength.  Caught up to a couple riders.  Then on a flat section, they easily pull away for some reason I cannot sustain any speed.

I am last.  Not only that, went pass the first control up the hill, realize I've gone too far.  There is a couple riders eating donuts.  I took almost an hour to cover 8 miles, that is slow especially to start the ride with.

I had planned to eat a donut at each stop. Had a cronut at the start Golden Donut.  Did not take long for the riders to go right by me as if I'm standing still.  Then up Montezuma, expect to see them, they have clear disappeared.

I was slow utilizing all my gears.  The two has stopped to shed clothing, caught up and passed.  Wanted to ride along but a pain is developing in my ankle. Have to stop finding hurts to unclip.  Decide there to drop out as I don't want to go further and find I can't ride at all.  It was painful as it is.

Only 12 miles directly back with climbing.  Almost two hours as I try to rely on my good leg.  The greatest pain was at the stops with the clipping out and the start. Have big problem when my stop is on a climb.

On that ride, needed to pee.  There is a portapotty at Riverwalk Golf Club which I walk to.  Crossing back walking, I'm limping slowly as a car wants to make a left turn, elderly driver who waited at first, couldn't wait and drove in front of me to avoid hitting me.

Today I had planned a 200K Permanent, have created the route sheet. Well that is shot.  So I'm now wondering when this ankle will heal and I can get back to enjoying riding the bike.  then I'm realizing this could be the way it is going to be and my bicycling days are done