Saturday and Sunday, Sept 12-13 - This last weekend was the big test as we headed up to Redondo Beach on a 104 mile ride with plans to return the following day. For many of the participants this was the farthest they have ever ridden before and a new mile stone. I applaud those people. First time riding a 100 miles and then doing it again the next day...not easy.
Eventually we get to the base of our last few miles which is mostly up hill to Palos Verde Estates. We stopped at the 7/11 to take on some more fluids. It's mile 87 or so and people are feeling it. Fred, hand cyclists with no legs, rolls in just as we are about to get going. He asks someone to run in and get him some items. Try and put yourself in his chair. What's it like to ride 100 miles entirely on your own using your arms? The man has a lot of will power.
We spent the night at this little place, Terranea Resort. Brand new place with spectacular views all the way around. CAF does it right every time.
The route took us North mostly up the 101 or Pacific Coast Highway. I love this ride because it has so much diversity in it. We have the coast ride in San Diego, then into Camp Pendleton. We go by the San Clemente Park and Nuclear Plant and then do some roller hills in the neighborhood which leads out to the ocean.
At the bottom of San Clemente we hit the 101 and ride north with the ocean on our left. There's a nice bike path there that's straight and most of the time fast. The road tips up at the end and we climb up into Dana Point. Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Long Beach and Huntington Beach are the next towns. In Long Beach we go by the ship yards which again is such a change of scenery. Kind of raugh neighborhood but people are nice there. Lots of waves from folks.
Eventually we get to the base of our last few miles which is mostly up hill to Palos Verde Estates. We stopped at the 7/11 to take on some more fluids. It's mile 87 or so and people are feeling it. Fred, hand cyclists with no legs, rolls in just as we are about to get going. He asks someone to run in and get him some items. Try and put yourself in his chair. What's it like to ride 100 miles entirely on your own using your arms? The man has a lot of will power.
The climb up and threw Palos Verde was beautiful. Last year we made a right into Redondo Beach but this year we made a left and climb some more with the Ocean now on our right. Stunning homes up there. Spectacular views.
We spent the night at this little place, Terranea Resort. Brand new place with spectacular views all the way around. CAF does it right every time. Prior to leaving that morning we had our immunity challenged for the XX1090 contestants. The test was to name all the Ride Leaders. Most did well but Joy was again the winner. Wed they will be in the studio this week w
ith Scott and BR getting interviewed and the announcement of another person eliminated. Adam added some items to the Immunity Pump. That thing is crazy looking.
ith Scott and BR getting interviewed and the announcement of another person eliminated. Adam added some items to the Immunity Pump. That thing is crazy looking.Our ride back to San Diego was a bit faster. Saturday we were on the road for just over 9 hours. There were a lot of flats. The return ride was 8 hours. Everyone did great but a few where feeling the effects. Can't stress enough the need to eat and drink lots on the road. Lots of lessons learned.
Just 4 more weeks and then we ride from San Francisco to San Diego. Can't wait...should be a good time.
PS: The Ride Leaders and myself are hosting our event on Oct 1st. Tickets are $40 for one or $70 for two. Children are welcome. Food, fun, silent auction, raffle, 50/50, and opportunity drawing. Great stuff. There is a link on left hand side of this blog.
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