Day 1 mileage:
82.5 miles
San Francisco to Santa Cruz
The route on Day 1 offers some of the best scenery and cycling roads that San Mateo County has to offer. The stunning coastal views from hilltops to the ocean are truly Northern California at its best! Tailwinds prevail as we pedal along scenic CA Hwy 1 on our way to camp. Highlight of the day: The lunch stop on Day 1 offers a spectacular and breathtaking view of the ocean so be sure to pack your camera.
Day 1 Outfit
2010 Tough Chik Hot Pink Jersey, Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Cycling Shorts and SmartWool Socks
Day 2 mileage:
106.1 miles
Santa Cruz to King City
Rise and shine early on Day 2 to beat the morning rush hour commuters and get an early start on your second day in the saddle! This is a long mileage day with relatively flat terrain that will take us through the Salinas Valley, also known as Steinbeck Country. The lushness of vineyards, strawberry and artichoke fields stretch as far as the eye can see in all directions. Highlights of the day include The Otter Pop guys at the Water Stop (which is at the Soledad Mission; make sure you stop into the mission where you can reflect on The Ride’s purpose and sign their altar cloth for a loved one), fried artichokes, and the Cookie Lady. I can't tell you how excited I am about the Cookie Lady, cookies and cycling are ONLY my 2 favorite things!!
Day 2 Outfit
Sweaty Bettie Jersey, RPM Short by Sugoi, DeFeet Socks
Day 3 mileage:
66.7 miles
King City to Paso Robles
Quadbuster. Don’t let the name scare you. You are sure to make it to the top with your fellow cyclists (and perhaps a special guest) cheering you on and up! But Quadbuster is only a small part of the route on Day 3. Lunch is at the small town of Bradley, which has embraced the ride with open arms. You will pedal on remote roads passing only a few small quaint stores, mostly later in the day. Rolling hills through beautiful countryside will take you into camp.
Day 3 Outfit
2009 Tough Chik Jersey, The first one I ever designed, kicking it old school! Fit Sensor Short by Louis Garneau and SmartWool Socks (pair #2)
Day 4 mileage:
97.7 miles
Paso Robles to Santa Maria
The route on Day 4 has a little bit of everything…a feast for the eyes with stunning vistas and ocean views that give way to sprawling fields of farmland and even some quaint seaside towns. The route will wind along some remote and seldom-traveled roads as well as some congested town streets. Before lunch you will conquer the infamous Evil Twins. The views from the top of that second sister hill are nothing short of spectacular and you may even find yourself forgetting that you are pedaling uphill. From there you will ride back out to the coast and through the city of Pismo Beach (Do I smell Cinnamon Rolls?) and on into camp. Highlight of the day: Half Way to LA!! At the top of the second sister hill you will come upon a vista point turnout where you will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with the Half Way to LA sign! Don’t forget your camera on this day!! (note: but don’t dally too long, you still have a lot of miles to cover!)
Day 4 Outfit
Only day I won't be sporting Tough Chik, I will be wearing my favorite non-TC jersey by Craft, Pearl Izumi Sugar Shorts and SmartWool Socks
Day 5 mileage:
40.2 miles (enjoy!)
Santa Maria to Lompoc
As soon as you roll out of your tent you will realize that this is not just another day in the saddle. Today it is an AIDS/Life tradition to ride in our AIDS awareness red best. You will look like a fabulous red ribbon on wheels as you head out of Camp 4 on our way south towards Rest Stop 1 in Orcutt. We’ll be on a new route through Santa Maria and the ‘All American City’ has worked hard to create some really nice bike lanes. Enjoy them! After Rest Stop 2 as you approach the switchbacks that originally inspired early AIDS riders to don red, be sure to look up at the hills to get your own image of the red ribbon bicycle parade. The route on this day affords beautiful vistas and light traffic. One of our rest stops is on a military base so give a salute to our men and women in uniform if you see them! As you enter Lompoc, keep your eyes peeled after lunch for wildflowers! The mileage may be a little shorter today but there is certainly no shortage of beauty and fun.
Day 5 Outfit
RED DRESS DAY - 2010 Heck on Wheels Jersey with my new red sparkle skirt and my fun red and pink stripped leg warmers. Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Shorts and Pearl Izumi Socks
Day 6 mileage:
85.5 miles
Lompoc to Ventura
Day 6 begins on one of the prettiest roads on the entire route. You will pedal through vast expansive ranchlands with wildflower covered hills on both sides! As you ride toward the coast through the gorgeous Gaviota Pass you will be on US101. This is a well travelled freeway and caution should be practiced at all times along this portion of the route. After lunch you will pass through the heart of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria and on into Ventura where we camp at San Buenaventura State Beach. Highlight of the day: Day 6 is your best bet for dolphin sightings!! Cast an eye to the sea and perhaps you will glimpse those playful creatures jumping in and out of the water as they frolic just off the coast.
Day 6 Outfit
Saints and Sinners Jersey with matching Tough Chik Cycling Shorts and Socks
Day 7 mileage:
61.5 miles
Ventura to Los Angeles
Almost there! Today your trip south will take you through Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme (pronounced Why-Knee-Me) and Malibu. You will see the military planes on display as you ride past the Naval Air Station on your way to Highway 1 also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Once on PCH it’s a straight shot down the coastline for about 20 miles. Enjoy the southern California sights of surfers and beach goers as you pedal through Malibu on your way toward LA. You will complete your journey with a turn away from the coast and nice pedal through Santa Monica on your way to the Closing Ceremonies site. Highlight of the day: The streets are peppered along the route on Day 7 with friends, family and well-wishers. Enjoy your hero’s welcome … you deserve it.
Day 7 Outfit
Bringing it home with the 2011 Tough Chik Signature Jersey, Ohh Yeah...
Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts and Pearl Izumi Socks
I am hoping to blog on the trip but since we are camping each night, I am not sure what kind of service I will have.
This weekend I am driving up to San Francisco with the hubs and our bikes and gear. We will leave it with a friend so we don't have to ship the bikes. While in San Francisco we will be attending a few fundraising events to help us reach our fundraising minimums. If you are feeling generous and have a few dollars to spare, please visit my ALC web page.
Thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment