Quien es mas macho?

The alarm went off after a wonderfully restful sleep. It’s 6:15 and dark outside.

Someone is washing their car because I hear the water splashing . I look out to find rain. The weather forecast was for overcast. Well, they got that part right, they just missed out on the precipitation part. Well I guess I’m getting another baptism because this is the first time on this route.The rain gear will get tested again.

We pack up and get some breakfast , while enjoying a nice conversation with a couple of the guys who were so encouraging yesterday while we were dealing with the 15 mph headwind.

They were wearing Bo Boo Records jerseys. I have one from that great record store in San Luis Obispo. So we had a mutual admiration pow wow about the great store owner of Boo Boo records. Defiantly worth a trip when your in the area.

Off we went the meeting place to start the days ride. Took a group photo and Mike and the group took off.

Just then the rain stops.

I followed in the car and helped set up the first rest stop 26 miles away.

We weren’t there 15 minutes and the first riders arrived. My calculation, they were going at least 20 mph. So I got on my bike and started off. Mike would ride to that point and pick up the car. Then follow and we would meet at the next rest stop, which was at the top af a climb at mile 50.

When I stop I have a rubber band I put on the brake levers to prevent the bike from rolling. About 4 miles from the top I stopped to eat something and get some water. I get back on the bike and head up the climb.

I had been warned that you will know your climbing for these last 4 miles, translated, it’s steep. True to the authors word, I knew I was on a climb.

The mind is a wonderful thing because I was talking with someone as I was riding, and totally distracted. We arrive at the top, I’m panting like a dog in the desert.

I get off the Bike, Guess who left the rubber band on? Nothing like climbing with the brake on. Who is mass macho? Dumb but mass. macho.

The next 30 miles are primarily down hill through forests, along creeks al along the Carmel valley.

Got lucky and got in a pace line, so by drafting I got to go a lot faster with less effort.

It was a great 4 days of riding , got to meet new people , saw some magnificent country, got to do some rides I had wanted to do for many years,

Got inspired to try new things and reminded how I enjoy bike touring.

Was reminded ” how much better the world is when we appreciate the loads each of us has to carry instead of looking at how we carry it”

Oh yeah, and Keep my eye on my license.

Until next time

Paul