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...