Alrightie so Dan and I have had quite an adventure since we departed San Louis Obispo without Laura :(.
So we left Laura on Monday. Ridding without her was weird, we felt like we had lost our mother hen. But we had a big day ahead of us so we rode on. Monday was the first of what I like to call the Lompoc Twins.....aka the two big hills we had left. The ride started our great through more fields of vegtables. We made it to Guadalope before noon with more than 30 mi under our belts. But we still had the big hill to come! Either we got in better shape or the hill wasen't to big, because it wasn't that bad. The worst parts of it were; my butt was killing me (guess I didn't put enough cream on), it was super hot, and it was super curvy! After the hill we sailed downhill and got to our second motel in a row by 2:30. The rest was needed. We imediatly found a grocery store, bought a couple bags of chips, drinks, and sat on the curb and ate.....hahaha! This was followed by italian ordered out from down the street and monday night football, my favorite part about this was that the game is on earlier since we are on the west coast.
Alright so Tuesday, now this was a day! We had our last major uphill aka the second Lompoc Twin in the morning, again not so bad....just hotttt....which lead Dan to bike without a shirt, a little blinding but I guess it helped him ventalate. So after a rural morning we hit the highway, yes the highway. We even got to stop at a rest stop! We were on the highway for 24 mi! It wasen't that bad, there was a huge shoulder, just lots of glass and whizzing cars. So we made it by the highway, made it through Ventura and hit the beach in Santa Cruz. Actually we just hit the beach bike path because we had more miles to go. We made a decision at about 4 o'clock with 67 miles under our belt and at our prjected campsite to keep going. So we hit the highway again, this time at rush hour but no worries there was a bike lane....on the highway who would have thought!?? Anyways we ended up doing about 95 miles and camped at okay hike and bike site in Mcgrath.
So apparently I was hide awake from the ride all day because I could not sleep last night! But more biking was to be done today. Since we biked extra far yesterday we were going to hit Dan's Aunt and Uncles early...aka today! It was enough to power me through the day.....well atleast for the first 50 miles the last 20 I was dying hahaha. My neck hurt, my butt hurt, my arms hurt....pretty much everything but my legs but in the end those joined the party. It was an okay day of biking, I got my first flat tire of the trip...booo. We rode through Malibu, huge houses but right on route 1...???? no thanks! There were also a few more hills in Malibu than I thought thered be. Then once again we hit the beach on a nice bike path, but it made for slow curvy riding, espcially since I was dogging it. I was super tired, actually I still am....but i am excited for a real bed!
So we made it to the LA area, just 3 more days of biking left. We are spending tomorrow here on Manhattan beach relaxing (hopefully) then I think we are hitting Dan's Grandma's Friday. Not sure when we will finish our last two days of biking to San Diego but It will have to be before next Friday!
Liz
ps- We miss you Laura!!! Thanks for the super long update, I wrote one here for ya hahah!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
End of the Road for Laura
Today Dan and Liz continued on their journey to San Diego. I have reached my destination of San Luis Obispo. To get her I traveled 724 miles ~ mostly by pedaling a bicycle ~ sometimes by pushing a bicycle.
We started our trip at a small family owned Mexican restaurant in Crescent City and decide to end our trip together by doing the same.
Our highlights of the trip was the redwood forests in Northern California. We could think of no better way to experience the grandness, the smells, the quietness these forests give than on a bicycle.
The other highlight was the day spent getting over Big Sur. Dan and Liz opted to add the famous "17 mile" drive of Pebble Beach. They cycled through famous golf courses, beautiful homes and amazing ocean scenery.
We all cycled Big Sur at our own pace. We were lucky that the fog lifted that day, giving us beautiful views of the Pacific ocean on our right and the San Lucia mountain on our left.
Our least favorite experience was the bicycle shop at For Bragg. The shop owner, Mark, was able to take care of our needs. His approach left you wondering if he would be able to get the task done. His demeanor was that we were a bother and an annoyance. (Other bikers we talked to told the same story).
Our highlights of our stop over in San Francisco was the accommodations provided by Rose, dinner and city tour by Doug and Pam Barry, and our history lesson and Napa wine tour and tasting by Tom.
Rose's swanky downtown apartment put us in the heart of the city ~ giving us a real pulse of the city. A small (open a garage door small) coffee "cafe" named the Blue Bottle is directly across the street. Its claim to fame is individual drip coffee. Which is very good. We are still scratching our heads at it s apparent success. People wait outside in line for 20+ minutes to drink the coffee. There is no seating. There are a dozen other designer coffee shops. You literally walk up to an open garage door.
Doug and Pam Barry (Go UConn!!) took us through China town, down the most crooked street, up to twin peaks, down the "docks", by the ball park, dinner at a local brewery and ice cream at the famed Ghriadalldi (sp?) chocolate factory. Great time, greater company.
Tom's wine tour was outstanding. Unpretentious and down to earth. We all learned so much and have a new apprecitation. Lots of local stories to make the all day experience memorable.
After San Fran, we continued on through Devil's Slide ~ an area known for its narrow winding road through rock slide prone areas. With a clear night we were able to see the sunset over the ocean at Half Moon Dunes State Beach.
Wednesday, September 24th we made our way through Santa Cruz. Along the way we went through acres of artichokes, strawberries, and lettuce. Pelicans are a pretty common sight when we are near the coast. We stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse for a break and to admire the view. We have another great sunset from our campsite just outside Aptos. Today we broke the 5600 mile mark.
Thursday, Sept 25. We have our usual breakfast of instant oatmeal. Our destination will be Monterey. We travel through more farmlands. We like farmlands because they are flat. Dan has become our "spokesperson". He talks to anyone and everyone. Liz and I listen and quietly double over with laughter at his conversations. You would think he is a harden pro at this to listen to him. Today his BS skills hit pay dirt. On a long bike path to Monterey, he had a cycling conversation with Andy on a recumbent bicycle. Andy turned out to be a local Monterey resident with tickets to the Aquarium. Andy met up with us latter and gave us three ticket to the aquarium. You go Dan!
Friday, Sept 26. This is the day we split up. Dan & Liz did the 17 mile drive and Big Sur ~ making this their longest cycling day yet at close to 80 miles. We all agreed that today was one of the best. We also break the 600 mile mark.
Saturday, Sept 27. Today is my last big climb over Ragged Point. Because of the fog we could not see the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs. At the bottom of the hill was a sandy beach crowded with elephant seals sunning themselves. What a life! On to Sam Simeon each where I choose to sit by the beach while Dan & Liz played tourist and went to the Hearst Castle. Last campsite for me! Last time to set up the tent, blow up the sleeping pad, put quarters in a shower, eat a one pot meal, listen to raccoons fight just outside the tent. How will I ever adjust to civilization?
Sunday, Sept. 28. Final destination; San Luis Obispo! Master map reader Dan only screw up so far. He sailed by a turn we were to make in the middle of nowhere. Luckily trustworthy sweeper position caught the error, sprinted up the unnecessary hill, turned the troops around and saved the day! The missed turn was an awesome road that cut through the mountains.
Travelodge Motel never looked so good. I adjusted to civilization in all of five minutes.
Miscellaneous stuff: Over bidder we talked about some stuff we observed along the way. Here goes......
Coffee was really good in northern California and got better up to and including San Fran. After San Fran it nose dived to "gas station" quality.
Campsights. The stat run sites were the best although they were variations in cost and amenities between them. The federal national park campsite (now privatized) was bad. Blame it on the republicans.
We kept an informal pint system of Dan's tourist and biker conversations. He got the most points for the shoe/pedal demonstration. Had he dared to demonstrate the benefits of his gel shorts ~ Liz and I were leaving him.
Another daily observation was Liz's unusual digestive track system. I'll leave that alone. Those that know her will understand.
We all have bike tans. Short lines, white hands, tan faces except for sun glass and helmet whiteness.
There were two flat tires. Two bike spills.
We were in the saddle fifteen days. We camped eleven nights. We moteled it for four.
And finally ~ the thigh/calf results
Start Finish
Dan thigh 22.00 22.00
Dan calf 14.50 14.50
Liz thigh 20.00 20.25
Liz calf 13.75 13.50
Laura thigh 21.75 22.50
Laura calf 16.00 15.00
We started our trip at a small family owned Mexican restaurant in Crescent City and decide to end our trip together by doing the same.
Our highlights of the trip was the redwood forests in Northern California. We could think of no better way to experience the grandness, the smells, the quietness these forests give than on a bicycle.
The other highlight was the day spent getting over Big Sur. Dan and Liz opted to add the famous "17 mile" drive of Pebble Beach. They cycled through famous golf courses, beautiful homes and amazing ocean scenery.
We all cycled Big Sur at our own pace. We were lucky that the fog lifted that day, giving us beautiful views of the Pacific ocean on our right and the San Lucia mountain on our left.
Our least favorite experience was the bicycle shop at For Bragg. The shop owner, Mark, was able to take care of our needs. His approach left you wondering if he would be able to get the task done. His demeanor was that we were a bother and an annoyance. (Other bikers we talked to told the same story).
Our highlights of our stop over in San Francisco was the accommodations provided by Rose, dinner and city tour by Doug and Pam Barry, and our history lesson and Napa wine tour and tasting by Tom.
Rose's swanky downtown apartment put us in the heart of the city ~ giving us a real pulse of the city. A small (open a garage door small) coffee "cafe" named the Blue Bottle is directly across the street. Its claim to fame is individual drip coffee. Which is very good. We are still scratching our heads at it s apparent success. People wait outside in line for 20+ minutes to drink the coffee. There is no seating. There are a dozen other designer coffee shops. You literally walk up to an open garage door.
Doug and Pam Barry (Go UConn!!) took us through China town, down the most crooked street, up to twin peaks, down the "docks", by the ball park, dinner at a local brewery and ice cream at the famed Ghriadalldi (sp?) chocolate factory. Great time, greater company.
Tom's wine tour was outstanding. Unpretentious and down to earth. We all learned so much and have a new apprecitation. Lots of local stories to make the all day experience memorable.
After San Fran, we continued on through Devil's Slide ~ an area known for its narrow winding road through rock slide prone areas. With a clear night we were able to see the sunset over the ocean at Half Moon Dunes State Beach.
Wednesday, September 24th we made our way through Santa Cruz. Along the way we went through acres of artichokes, strawberries, and lettuce. Pelicans are a pretty common sight when we are near the coast. We stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse for a break and to admire the view. We have another great sunset from our campsite just outside Aptos. Today we broke the 5600 mile mark.
Thursday, Sept 25. We have our usual breakfast of instant oatmeal. Our destination will be Monterey. We travel through more farmlands. We like farmlands because they are flat. Dan has become our "spokesperson". He talks to anyone and everyone. Liz and I listen and quietly double over with laughter at his conversations. You would think he is a harden pro at this to listen to him. Today his BS skills hit pay dirt. On a long bike path to Monterey, he had a cycling conversation with Andy on a recumbent bicycle. Andy turned out to be a local Monterey resident with tickets to the Aquarium. Andy met up with us latter and gave us three ticket to the aquarium. You go Dan!
Friday, Sept 26. This is the day we split up. Dan & Liz did the 17 mile drive and Big Sur ~ making this their longest cycling day yet at close to 80 miles. We all agreed that today was one of the best. We also break the 600 mile mark.
Saturday, Sept 27. Today is my last big climb over Ragged Point. Because of the fog we could not see the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs. At the bottom of the hill was a sandy beach crowded with elephant seals sunning themselves. What a life! On to Sam Simeon each where I choose to sit by the beach while Dan & Liz played tourist and went to the Hearst Castle. Last campsite for me! Last time to set up the tent, blow up the sleeping pad, put quarters in a shower, eat a one pot meal, listen to raccoons fight just outside the tent. How will I ever adjust to civilization?
Sunday, Sept. 28. Final destination; San Luis Obispo! Master map reader Dan only screw up so far. He sailed by a turn we were to make in the middle of nowhere. Luckily trustworthy sweeper position caught the error, sprinted up the unnecessary hill, turned the troops around and saved the day! The missed turn was an awesome road that cut through the mountains.
Travelodge Motel never looked so good. I adjusted to civilization in all of five minutes.
Miscellaneous stuff: Over bidder we talked about some stuff we observed along the way. Here goes......
Coffee was really good in northern California and got better up to and including San Fran. After San Fran it nose dived to "gas station" quality.
Campsights. The stat run sites were the best although they were variations in cost and amenities between them. The federal national park campsite (now privatized) was bad. Blame it on the republicans.
We kept an informal pint system of Dan's tourist and biker conversations. He got the most points for the shoe/pedal demonstration. Had he dared to demonstrate the benefits of his gel shorts ~ Liz and I were leaving him.
Another daily observation was Liz's unusual digestive track system. I'll leave that alone. Those that know her will understand.
We all have bike tans. Short lines, white hands, tan faces except for sun glass and helmet whiteness.
There were two flat tires. Two bike spills.
We were in the saddle fifteen days. We camped eleven nights. We moteled it for four.
And finally ~ the thigh/calf results
Start Finish
Dan thigh 22.00 22.00
Dan calf 14.50 14.50
Liz thigh 20.00 20.25
Liz calf 13.75 13.50
Laura thigh 21.75 22.50
Laura calf 16.00 15.00
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
MEASUREMENTS!!
So we forgot to update you guys on our measurements....
The first night we measured our thighs and calves
Dan came in with the biggest measurements, but to date he has lots in his thighs and gained in his calves...
Laura had a measurement error along the way which we all got pretty excited about because we thought she grew some massive muscles, but she has stayed about the same just losing a little in the calf
Liz has pretty much stayed exactly the same, although I happen to think my two massive ice cream sundae's are going to help me in the long run with some muscle build up!!!
The first night we measured our thighs and calves
Dan came in with the biggest measurements, but to date he has lots in his thighs and gained in his calves...
Laura had a measurement error along the way which we all got pretty excited about because we thought she grew some massive muscles, but she has stayed about the same just losing a little in the calf
Liz has pretty much stayed exactly the same, although I happen to think my two massive ice cream sundae's are going to help me in the long run with some muscle build up!!!
Can't wait to get on that road again....
Today was the wine tour with Dan's Uncle Tom. It was great! Tom was super nice and gave us the royal treatment. He took us out to Napa Valley, told us lots of awesome stories and we went to 4 different wineries. I guess I didn't fully appreciate the wine, but I did appreciate the cheese and bread!!! Anyways it was a beautiful day, Tom really loves what he does so it was great to hear his stories and see the sights. When we went in the wineries everyone knew him and we got special treatment!!
So tomorrow we are back on the road, we just went out to a great Italian mean with Rose. Now we have the final laundry load in and we are looking at the maps.
So here is the tentative schdeul:
Day 1 (9/23) 31.5mi Half Moon
Day 2 (9/24) 57 Santa Cruz
Day 3 (9/25) 37-42 Monteryl carmel
Day 4 (9/26) 32 Big Sur + the 15 mi pebble bike ride
Day 5 (927) 48.5 Ragged point
Day 6 (9/28) 42 Morro Bay
Day 7 (9/29) 17 San Luis Obispo (Laura Departs)
That is what we have planned for now! Hopefully we are blessed with good weather, roads, and muscles!
Liz
So tomorrow we are back on the road, we just went out to a great Italian mean with Rose. Now we have the final laundry load in and we are looking at the maps.
So here is the tentative schdeul:
Day 1 (9/23) 31.5mi Half Moon
Day 2 (9/24) 57 Santa Cruz
Day 3 (9/25) 37-42 Monteryl carmel
Day 4 (9/26) 32 Big Sur + the 15 mi pebble bike ride
Day 5 (927) 48.5 Ragged point
Day 6 (9/28) 42 Morro Bay
Day 7 (9/29) 17 San Luis Obispo (Laura Departs)
That is what we have planned for now! Hopefully we are blessed with good weather, roads, and muscles!
Liz
Monday, September 22, 2008
San Fran
Well we are having a great time in San Fran. The city is really nice. I think we have pretty much seen most of it. Lets see Saturday we walked all around the park in the city, saw some bison, a x-c meet, sat by a lake and watched people play music. Then we went out to dinner with Doug and Pam Barry, UConn alumns. It was a great time, they drove us all around the city. We went out to a great dinner followed by an even better desert at Gheridelli (sp??) Oh my it was good, so good we went back again yesterday with Rose! She took us to Chrissy Field and we walked around. Dan and I got a ton of National Park stamps for our book! We went to a sourdough bread factory for lunch and I had my first bread bowl....delicious! The night was capped off with a tour of Alcatraz, which was actually very entertaining and we got another stamp. The tour was mostly and audio tour, so you put on your own set of headphones and listened as you walked through the old prision. I thought that was pretty unique. We stayed extra long to go to a privite lecture about the escape from Alcatraz. They guy was so into it and it was pretty creepy being in the prision with not to many peopl in there!
Today we have the wine tour with Dan's uncle! It should be a lot of fun. He is bring us up to the Napa valley to visit a couple of different vinyards.
Tomorrow we are off on our bikes again! I am ready to get moving again, I miss riding and traveling to a new place each night (i know probably 5 min after I am on my bike I'll be thinking something different!)
I'll try and get some pics up here before we leave San Fran!
Liz
Today we have the wine tour with Dan's uncle! It should be a lot of fun. He is bring us up to the Napa valley to visit a couple of different vinyards.
Tomorrow we are off on our bikes again! I am ready to get moving again, I miss riding and traveling to a new place each night (i know probably 5 min after I am on my bike I'll be thinking something different!)
I'll try and get some pics up here before we leave San Fran!
Liz
Saturday, September 20, 2008
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