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!

The Conspiracy Theory- Day One

Day One of the ride was utterly beautiful - I know why tourists come from all over the world to drive this coastline.....rugged cliffs, white sand beaches and clear blue-green water and waves.
This year we are riding for 10 heroes - children who have arthritis and who need the services of the Arthritis Foundation - today we rode for two girls:  Katie aged 11and Alexa aged 12. It was inspiring to know we had the support of friends and family today and that we are doing this all for the kids!
Today was the longest day - both in miles (over 86) and hours on the road (almost 10).  It was also one of the hottest days this area has seen this year.  It was probably in the 90s and on the coast in the 80s.  But there was no breeze that felt cool.  Lots of water and electrolytes were consumed!
The ride out of San Francisco was gorgeous.  We headed to the Golden Gate bridge and rode around the top and then down the Coast.

Here we are with the Golden Gate Bridge and only about 6 miles into the ride.....looking fresh and happy!

And we are still happy as we head down the coast.  Lots of rolling hills and terrific views.  I would be lying if I didn't admit to having a very sore rear end - and back.  but is all seems worth it to have ridden our personal best today.

So - why did it take so long? And why did we name this the conspiracy theory?  Well,  we have decided that at the end of the ride the riders must sign a waiver to always tell the first year riders or "newbies" that the first day is really not that bad!  The reality is - it is tough and the heat did not help. So why so long? Well I was one of the lucky ones who got TWO flat back tires in the last 20 miles....the first one I was assisted by my loving husband - the second one he had left me in the dust and I was assisted by Lawrence - another first time rider.  We spent extra time checking out the tire and rims as it seemed too much bad luck so close together......but probably it was just bad luck!

Now the other theory is that Tom found the distillery on the way here and had to stop for a while.  You would all be proud to know that he resisted this and several golf courses today -and truly kicked my butt on the road! 
Heard a funny one tonight from a local - he said all the riders on the road are called tourons by the locals.....stand for tourists and morons......hope he meant the car drivers not the bike riders!
Tomorrow we ride to Monterrey.  It is supposed to be a bit cooler - maybe a modest 5 degrees-and the ride is only 47 miles.  I've heard the campsite is at the end of a steep hill----so I'm going to hold back a bit for that.  I may have to turn Tom loose with some guys who ride faster than me...

One Day to Go!

Well, the time has come for the rubber to meet the road, literally!  We are off tomorrow morning to San Francisco to start this crazy journey...and most importantly to raise funds for Arthritis Awareness.
I have already been having nightmares - like my bike being stolen the night before the start (maybe that was not a nightmare - maybe that was a secret wish), and we are worried about leaving the children for 9 days - the first time we have been gone that long!
tom has been a more fastidious packer than me - and has neatly labelled all our gear - so that everyone on the ride will see my name in bright orange as they ride up and pass me!!  Turns out we have name tags on our bikes as well - so there is no hiding on the road.....and I will get to know everyone early on as they sail on by!
Our goal was to get in shape and to finally travel the Pacific Coast Highway - we will take lots of pictures and share them all - and hopefully we won't fall off our bikes the first day or miss dinner because we took too long to get to camp!
But let's be clear - we are not camping - as much as I love Girl Scouts - we are for comfort the entire way!
Thank you again for the support...now the fun begins........

You are riding to LA? How do you do that?

Hey, we finally found the best map of our route from San Francisco to LA. This will help you follow along with us as we ride for 8 days down the coast of sunny California. And it looks like the weather will be great!

The first day will be our biggest challenge - but once our butts get tenderized I think it will all just be a blur!

I just have to remind Tom that this is a RIDE not a RACE - and make sure we take lots of pictures...this may be a one-in-a-lifetime event.

And a big thank you to all of Tom's new found supporters...you really rock!

Why are we riding for 525- miles?

This is Chris' story:

From September 25 to October 2, 2010, I will be cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles as a part of the 10^th Annual California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour. That's 525 miles!! This will be no ordinary trip. I will be cycling on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation as a member of their training team. We will be joined by others from across the country to support arthritis research and community based education programs for the men, women and children affected by arthritis.

This is a big task for me. Having been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis four years ago I never would have imagined being able to take on this challenge. But I'm working hard to control my arthritis and work out a training plan that will include swimming in the Malibu Triathlon this summer and the bike ride.  My husband is joining me as well – in an effort to help others with arthritis and because he has to live with me and my arthritis every day!  This year has been a tough one – so the ride should be easy compared to the effort it takes to get ready!

This is Tom's Story:

I'm riding this because I'm nuts - and because I want to support my wife and her challenges with arthritis.  Because as all husbands know - if your wife is challenged...so are you!

As you all know, I'm a golfing nut - but what you don't know is that I have been riding my bike for many years and just looking for a good excuse to ride again.  My version of a triathlon is swimming in beer, riding in my car, and running away from trouble!

Please support my ride since my wife is kicking my butt on fundraising and  my bike is kicking my butt (literally!) - BTW - did you know they make something called butt butter?  That's another story................I appreciate all of you who have helped out so far.  Thank you!

So sign up to follow our blog as we work our way from San Francisco to Los Angeles.......we promise to keep you amused!

All Female Relay Team 1075 Finishes 23rd out of 78

OK - I am very proud of our relay team - especially since Amy Robertson ran a brick and did both the run and the bike after a 75 mile ride yesterday!  And I was slow coming out of the water this year!
So how did we do!  We kicked butt - came in 23rd in our division, were the second placed Amgen team and my swim time was 25 out of 75 - so in the top 1/3 of the swimmers...
Beat several of the celebrities again - passed Terri Hatcher in the water - but she had a very respectable swim - and didn't see anyone else until I noticed our local Anchorman at the water's edge.  He graciously allowed me to go through the first gate in front of him - I think he actually helped push me through!
I'm motivated to get my legs under me again and be able to start running so maybe there is another tri in my future next year.
For now it is off to the bike for more training before we head to San Francisco for our 525-mile bike ride down the coast!  Yeah!
All for now.......

Nautica Malibu Triathlon 2010 - All Female Relay 9-12-10

OK...Glad to be finished.  Water was a cold and frosty 58 degrees this morning.  Good current, no surf, but lots of rollers.

Here I am coming out of the water with our local newscaster Chris Schauble from LA NBC4.  We had the same time!

One Day to Go!

Ocean water temperature is 59 degrees, only five degrees colder than the average for today at Zuma Beach. Brrrrr.  Of course that is warmer than the air temperature which is only 56 degrees!  Surf is 1 ft - seems like a piece of cake today - but how about tomorrow!  Went for a 17 mile ride this morning - and will do a 20 minute swim for lunch.  Early to bed tonight as the parking opens at 4:30 tomorrow AM.  Since I'm only doing the relay I don't have a bike -so the further out I park, the farther I have to walk to the transition area!  In the dark!

There is a big warning on the Zuma Beach website :  A Beach Closure has been declared for the area surrounding the Pebbly Beach lift station due to sewage contamination. Contact with beach water in this area may cause illness. Not sure where that is but the way water currents move - doesn't sound good.  Will be sure to spit out the water and not swallow!

Checked out the site for celebrities - and looks like Terri Hatcher and I are going to be swimming together - she is doing a relay this year.  Her training sounds like mine so I will be sure to try to catch a glimpse and pass her along the way!  Tom and the girls will get photos!

Updates to come tomorrow!

Laboring on Labor Day!

I thought Labor Day was a day of rest - for me and my husband Tom it was our fourth day in a row on bike seats!  Trying to acclimatize to the 525 mile California Coast Classic bike tour schedule!  We logged about 150 miles this week/weekend and this morning were glad not to be getting on our bikes!  But we sure had fun exploring the Conejo Valley this weekend. We live in a great area with lots of sights - and at the speeds we cruise at - we got to see them all.

Not to forget were a few mishaps along the way - including me falling off my bike at mile 48 of our 50-mile bike ride Friday (big bruise to prove for it) and me getting stung by a bee on Sunday while yelling at my biking companion about my **!#@ bike gears (as if it was his fault!)  The bee sting is still there, along with the bruise, to remind me to stay calm in adversity!

This weekend was also a practice race-day swim for the Malibu Tri next week.  Good racing despite the current running in the opposite direction and a few swells.  Hope I can keep up the pace for next Sunday and that the current is in my favor!

So all in all, we are getting in top shape - almost logged 750 miles since we started this year - hoping to get in 1,000 before the ride.

Thanks to all my supporters......keep posted for more updates on the tri and the ride...complete with pictures!