Day 1: Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz (miles 0-50 of 420)

The Team

(from left to right: Tommy, Bruce, Todd, Cole, Nick, Chris, Jeff)

After a long day of travel for the east coasters everyone was up bright and early, the temperature was cool and the skies were overcast. It would be perfect weather for a long ride. The excitement was high as Aunt Sarah prepared a much needed breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and watermelon. After consuming our fill we had a team of the nations top engineers figuring out how we were going to get six bikes on a bike rack designed for only four. With some creativity and a Vermont Hookup all gear was on board and we hit the road to our starting point in Half Moon Bay.

The ride started out flat and fast as everyone had fresh legs and looked forward to all the great scenery California had to offer. Soon the mood changed as hill after hill battered the jet lagged riders on what was supposed to be the flat portion of the ride. Fortunately for everyone after several moderately tough climbs the terrain flattened and everyone settled in and got to enjoy the views. Todd dipped into the Hammer Gels early and would randomly burst by everyone hooting and hollering before dropping back in line with everyone else.

We were still feeling good and riding strong as we rode into Santa Cruz. After briefly checking out some of the local interest spots including a boardwalk with roller coasters, the largest arcade I had ever seen, and a hot rod show, all of which were buzzing with an eclectic mix of Phish listening hippies and monster truck driving rednecks. After grabbing dinner at a local diner and taking a dip in the hot tub everyone settled in for a bit of R and R.