3rd Day of Riding

Monday: So what happened to Sunday. Unfortunately the lodge we stayed at up in Big Sur did not have internet access via wireless, 10baseT or phone line. It was even difficult to get a mobile phone connection but...the view and the place was well worth it. Evergreen trees, birds singing and a little cabins.

I roomed with Todd Northup. We even had a fire to warm up our cute cabin during the night. But it was butt cold the next morning. It's been a while since I've put on arm and knee warmers, a scull cap and long fingered gloves.

The climb out of Big Sur started at the front entrance for about 3 1/2 miles. of up Ouch...we were warm the top. The rest was just spectacular. A lot of climbing all the way to the lunch stop but again...spectacular.

We stopped along the way but tried to make them short. With 114 miles it was going to be a long day. At one point Scott Kaplan, Todd Northup and I were on the front and the photographer pulled up to get a shot of us. I need to get that picture.

People start at different times depending on their average speed for the day. We would catch up to groups all along the route. This one is of David on his hand cycle. This guy flies down the hills.

Lunch was at the Hearst Castle Boat Launch. What a view. It was peaceful, the sun had come out, and I was with my friends. We had put in some hard fast miles once we got over the hills up to this point averaging 25 to 30 MPH.

We had a tail wind for the last 40 miles which really help and a Garmin Chipolte rider, Timmy, on the front as well. That ensured the pace was kept up for the remaining miles. I was a hurting puppy though. Those speeds require a lot of calories to hang on even in the pack. I need to eat more.

We put out these day bags which are picked up in the morning and we can transfer things into them at the rest stop. I always think it's funny to see a leg with a shoe on it at the stop.

The hotel tonight is right on the water and the massage tents where set up in the sun which was much warmer than last night. Again, CAF has put together a first class event that will go unmatched in my mind. After a hard day in the saddle it's nice to arrive and have someone had you a room key along with a cold beer.

Team Garmin was interviewed at our dinner this evening. 3 cyclists and one of the mechanics where on stage. Scott Kaplan drilled them some and then they fielded questions from the audience.

I'm looking forward to tomorrows 120 mile ride.