Day 8: Ventura to Santa Monica.......the final 60 miles!

Well, the morning started with the same routine; wake up at 5:40, find coffee, get dressed, get sun screened, get packed, take bags to lobby, get bikes, check out and ride to camp.  This morning camp is right across the street and there is a buzz in the air.....the last day and everyone wants to say good bye and have a chat since it might be crazy at the end of the ride.
We are greeted by the same breakfast we have had for the last three mornings...I really wished I had had breakfast at the hotel!  Only so many bowls of sticky oatmeal and scrambled eggs!  but who is complaining!

We head off before 8AM for a flat long ride through the Ventura and Camarillo farm fields and take our first break at the Navy Air Base museum near the beach. We are in familiar grounds now - as this is a common training ride along PCH.
Tom is riding today - his leg is a little sore but almost better and he has had three days to rest - so of course he is kicking my butt!  He didn't ride 86 miles yesterday!

We head on towards the county line only to be greeted by a little bit of rain - the first of the ride - and hit the midday checkpoint - but we know where the next Starbucks is so we head off to get coffee - only to find there are three big hills waiting for us......but the last ones of the day!
As we drank our coffee we watched numerous other riders come along and join us - there is some excitement in the air to be finally finishing the ride and having gone so far in such a short time!

We get back on the bikes to navigate Malibu....a dangerous stretch as we have to watch for traffic and for parked cars and people getting out of cars......a slow steady ride to the next stop..Gladstones.  We almost didn't stop - but were glad we did - there must have been about 100 bikes there and many friends all enjoying one last beer before the finish line!
It was a quick trip from there to the park in Santa Monica where we all gather before one last long train of 250 bikes rolling through 5 miles of streets to the Yahoo! Center for the final farewell.  Huge crowds were waiting for us - and we all got a medal for finishing - and could finally say we did it....EFI.

This ride a a huge success - both for fundraising - but for endearing people to a great cause - and for creating terrific friendships.  About half of the riders this year were returning vets...and it turns out that my husband announced on the way home that he has already signed up for next year!!!  He did not sign me up...he knows better....but I sure would love to do it again!  I guess we will be training some more....and maybe I'll get a new bike for Christmas!
Thank you to all our our supporters for sending us good wishes and support along the way.  Don't be put off by the hard days...come ride with us and see the sights for yourself...if I can do it...so can you!

Day 7: Beullton to Ventura – 85.7 miles

Today was a great, challenging day!  We woke up to find out there had been some showers overnight – and were welcomed by a rainbow on our short ride back to camp  for breakfast.  I was a little nervous about the ride today – it was going to be a long day, I wasn’t feeling 100% and I was worried about going down the Gaviota Pass on the 101 freeway.

Today we ride for Francesca, a 14 year old diagnosed with juvenile RA at age 12.  She was at the finish checkpoint today – what a wonderful young lady!

Before I left camp there had been an announcement.  A mountain lion has been spotted on Alisal Canyon Road –the one we were going to be riding on in about 30 minutes! We were told to ride in pairs – but I had no riding buddies – so off I headed, hoping to find someone along the way!  Turned out that Alisal Canyon had a nice steep hill with an elevation gain of over 1350 ft. I tagged onto Olivia and Princess Gail who got me to the top!  And there at the top was a fallen deer with its hindquarter missing – looks like we found the reason for the mountain lion to be near!

After Alisal Canyon we headed south on the 101.  Scary!  A long uphill climb and then a long descent through the Gaviota Pass.  I hate to drive this portion of the road and so I took it slow whilst the tracker trailer trucks whizzed past.  First rest stop was at mile30.1 on the 101 highway.  I linked up with some Amgen colleagues and we ended up riding the rest of the day together.  Rod, Lyn and Chris – our fearless leader, since the rest of us were all newbie’s and he is a 3 year vet!  And we only got lost once, going into camp!

The back roads through Goleta and Santa Barbara were well paved (very necessary for the 7^th day in a row sitting on a bike seat!) and the weather not too hot.  We arrived at the midday checkpoint (mile 50.2) to great fanfare!  See our group picture with the princess and angel princess! 

After a short lunch break we continued on to Santa Barbara.  The weather was beautiful as we rode along the beach, past the pier and next to the zoo.  The last rest stop of the day was at mile 64.9. We all agreed that we would not push it to hard; we just wanted to finish.  And then we popped on the freeway for the last 4 miles of freeway riding….doing about 22 mph!  Our last water break was livened up by a visit from the Backroads crew – wearing vintage 80’s prom clothing…..so a picture was in order….

A quick trip back by the seaside led to a bike path that took us to Ventura.  What a terrific feeling of making it to the end of the ride today!  EFI! (Translates to Every Freaking Inch – and means not riding in the SAG wagon.)

Tomorrow is our last day- we ride into Santa Monica and celebrate our 525 mile adventure.  I am pleased to say that Tom has taken care of his leg and is feeling optimistic about riding tomorrow – I know have my riding buddy back – and we should have lots of fun.  Our children will also be happy to have us back home!

Day Six....Day Six? And I'm still riding....

Today we rode from Oceano to Beullton, a 66 mile trip.  If you have seen the movie Sideways, then you have seen the scenery from today. 
Today we rode for Kendall Viera a 9 year old girl who was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 6.  She is beautiful and we had a large photo of her on our route guide all day!
I started out earlier than usual because it was going to be hot....again.  We started out with a couple of small hills and then riding through the farm fields of California.  Lots of trucks and farm vehicles, bumpy roads....yuck!  Made it to the rest stop and midday point in great time.  Unfortunately I learned of one of our riders being down.  I had ridden with April Rivas just yesterday - as a matter of fact she is a 2nd year veteran and was the one who invited me to ride with her yesterday. April had a bad fall and had to go home.  April we are thinking of you and thanks for such a great day yesterday!
After the midday check point it got very hot - and the steady 1-3% uphill grade was wearing on me.  We climbed over 1,500 feet over 40 miles...and at the end there were two steep hills.  For some reason I just felt worn out...but luckily managed to make it to the top of both only to find the next 8 miles were the bumpiest, roughest roads I had ever been down.  We wound past vineyards and wine tasting rooms...but the heat made them seem very unattractive. 
Los Olivos was a welcome site for lunch and a nice long break.  Tom sagged again today to rest his leg and I met him in camp in reasonable time. He was able to ride his bike up to the hotel - and is still thinking about what to do tomorrow.
Tomorrow is our second to last day - and a very long one, over 86 miles from here to Ventura. We ride the back country and the 101 into Santa Barbara.  I am nervous about the 101 - and hope we all have a safe ride.
Since today was a rather boring ride and hot- I did not take many pictures - and will perhaps post some later this week.

Day Five: 62.3miles San Simeon to Oceano

Today was a great day!  First, we had a great sleep, nodding off to the sound of waves crashing on the beach - and it was cool outside!  But that did not last for long!
Today we are riding for Aidan - who is 7 and has had polyarticular juvenile arthritis since he was 41/2 years old.
Tom sagged today - his hamstring still very tender and too sore to ride.  I looked for a bike group that would tolerate a Newbie rider.  Sonia, April and their crew said I could tag along.  Thank you to all of you for putting up with me!  I had a blast! There were 9 of us all together and it made for a great, laugh-filled day.
Today was wear your alma mater jersey day - but since I could not find one from SUNY Buffalo or UBC I settled on my "Powered by Chocolate" jersey- which can be found at the Thomas Haas website.  Big thanks to my sister-in-law for finding it - it was a big hit!

We rode to Cambria - and had our first coffee stop after about 7 miles.

We then headed off to Cayucos- and amazing little surfer town right on the beach.

It was here we found a small town square and April was hoisted up by her biker boyfriends for a great shot!!

After that we headed to Morrow Bay and our midpoint checkpoint at mile 30.0.  After a good break, some oreos diet coke and PB and banana sandwiches it was off again- this time inland to the heat of over 90 degrees and a steep climb(not nearly like yesterday- and only 300 feet in elevation - but is sure was hot - no shade around at all. One more rest stop in SLO at Wally's Bicycle Works - for their famous tamales.  Only by the time we got there they were out :(  Oh well, there is always next year!

From SLO there was an off-trail trip to a great beach town called Avila Beach which took us a few extra miles out of the way but was a great source of fun and photos.

The day ended with some beer and a great meal at camp - and when the mosquitos showed up it was time for bed.

Tomorrow we ride to Beullton- 66.5miles - with farmland and wine country.........until then!

Day Four: Two Turn Tuesday

So, two turn Tuesday meant that we turned left out of camp and then right back into camp 63.8 miles later!

Beautiful ride down Highway 1...The Big Sur area is absolutely beautiful, although the roads don't have bike lanes, there are sparse guardrails and it was very high up on sheer drop cliffs!  Yikes!  We climbed 5,100 feet today - with the hardest two climbs being at mile 40!  It was as hot as an oven on the road - felt like breathing hot air from an oven.  Turns out it was around 100 degrees.  Luckily as we dropped down to San Simeon the temperature dropped.

Shout out today goes to Van #1 otherwise known as the geniuses on van wonderful!  They were at the top of the first 4mile climb (mile 45+) and how ice water, filled out bottles and let us sit in air conditioning to cool off before the second climb!  Absolute geniuses!
Campsite tonight is at the day park at San Simeon - the private beach area of the Hearst family with a Pier out to the water and sandy beach.  As we came along towards it there was the Hearst castle up on the hill.  Pretty spectacular. 
Tom's update.....well he rode hard today until mile 37 when his hamstring could go not further.  We are using ice and elevation and hope that he can make it out tomorrow.  Sucks, but if he wants to finish he has to rest a bit more.......bye for now - tomorrow is 63 miles to Oceano.  It is supposed to be relatively flat....but I will let you know tomorrow!

Day Three: Monterrey to Big Sur

Always wanted to come to Big Sur and stay at the lodge – just wasn’t thinking of doing it on my bike!  Today was the lightest day – only 45 miles.  The first stretch includes 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach.  What a view – the ocean and beaches were amazing and the houses…well I would take any one of those!  Tom just wanted me to ride faster so I wouldn’t get any big ideas!  We all took our time today and really enjoyed the scenery – as you can see by the pictures!  First rest stop was in Carmel – after a 0.4mile straight up Ocean Avenue ride…..and the midpoint check-in was at the Carmel beach just a few miles further on.

Today we rode for Macy Coad – a beautiful little girl I met at the opening dinner.  Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and uveitis- she inspired us all today.

I met a man and wife at the Carmel Mission who wanted to know about the ride and then asked me how to donate – I told him he could donate on the ride and we would give the money in at camp (I must have looked trustworthy) and so he pulled out a twenty. His name was Patrick and he was a kind sole…thank you Patrick!  I turned around to see a group of about 8 riders behind me saying Go Chris – as they watched is all transpire!  It was a satisfying feeling knowing others care about arthritis too!

We reached Highway 1 and had about 25 miles of shoreline to ride along.  Big cliffs, great views and some really big climbs.  We went over Bixby Bridge today – and I almost didn’t make it.  It is the world's highest single span concrete arch bridge – it is 260 feet high and 700 feet long. Was started in 1920 but finished in 1932.  For those of you who know me – I have a terrible fear of heights –so it took all I could muster to get over it!  And then a huge climb right after!

The weather was hot today – the hottest day of the year in Big Sur, about 95 – and hot on the ride.  Made for a sweaty day and lots of liquids to be consumed.  The beauty of Big Sur lodge is there is electricity but no phones or televisions…of course there is no AC either!  Really could use some right about now!

There was a pool and we jumped is as soon as we got to camp…..trying to conserve energy for what many call the toughest day- lots of uphill climbing on our way to San Simeon and Hearst Castle tomorrow. 

Santa Cruz to Monterrey: Day Two 134 miles down - 391 to go...

It was hard to wake up today - still exhausted from yesterday.  And the weather channel confirmed what we thought - it was over 100 degrees in Santa Cruz as we rode along the Coast!  Luckily today was cooler - only in the 80's.
Camp was cool and buzzing this morning as we had a great breakfast and got ready for the day.  I watched as folks worked on their tents and gear and was glad to have left our luggage at the hotel!
Today we ride for Kayleigh Springer- a 7 year old who was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was 15 months old.  We have a very large picture of her on our DRG (Daily route guide) to inspire us along the way.
We left camp around 8:20 AM - after the bulk of bikes had already disappeared.  After the first big hill Tom pulled his hamstring and was in a lot of pain for the rest of the day.  It meant that I got to lead the way and set the pace - but of course no more flat tires today! After about 10 miles we stopped at the infamous Norman Jeans Coffee House for a great latte!  Was a welcome stop and lots of camaraderie as most of the bikers rolled in for a rest.

Then it was down the road to our first rest stop - which hardly seemed very far from the first!  Maybe this ride is getting easier!  After that we rode through strawberry fields and the heart of agricultural California.  The heat from the previous day and the soft winds made the smell of strawberries overwhelming and it was a welcome sight to see two flats of strawberries at the midday checkpoint!

We then proceeded through vast fields of artichokes....what beautiful plants...of course the locals thought we were a little strange taking pictures like this on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere!
As Tom painfully went up and down the dunes near Monterrey Bay, we came across a few great sights - our first highway marker for LA.....and a beautiful view of Monterrey Bay.....It was very gratifying to see such magnificent views of the ocean - on such a perfect day.

No marital disputes today and a great sense of accomplishment!  We seem to be a great team in our matching Nautica Malibu Triathlon jerseys!  After a shower, rest and trip to Fisherman's Wharf, we headed to camp for dinner.  Clint Eastwood donated all the food for the dinner tonight (it was delicious) from his local restaurant "Mission Ranch."  We also tried out the massage therapists tonight.  I wanted Tom to have his leg worked on and frankly it was a great excuse for me to get a back massage!  My methods worked out as he immediately signed us up for longer sessions tomorrow in Big Sur!  Yeah! (Oh - and the best part is you can run up a tab for the week.......) 

Thought I'd throw in a picture of camp tonight - it was very picturesque and shows everyone what the tent city looks like.  They even had portable executive showers brought in!  No excuses for smelling icky!

So now that we Newbies have survived the first two days and did not get in the sag van  (The origins of the term “sag wagon” are a topic for debate. Some cyclists believe that it is an acronym for “Support and Gear” or “Support Aid Group.” Others suggest that it may be related to distressed or weary cyclists “sagging”, or trailing behind the pack)  the truth is coming out.  Day 4 is the hardest - and we have heard tomorrow is relatively easy - only 44.5 miles. So early to bed - there is no sleeping in on this 'holiday' - as breakfast starts at 6:30 - for lots of rest.  We only have one more day to gather our wits about us!