After last nights shenanigans everyone was slow to get going and we were all in dire need of a carb heavy breakfast to soak up any remaining alcohol in the tank. The River Inn had just the answer, The Big Sur Burrito Bar was a hidden gem tucked away in the back of the grocery store. We each ordered some mix of eggs, bacon, potato, onions, peppers and cheese in a whole-wheat wrap, all of which came together in perfect harmony to create a 3lb. heart attack in a convenient little package.
With way too much food in our bellies we began our ride from the hotel and within minutes started a 5-mile hill climb that would set the tone for the rest of the day. With our goal of completing 119 miles to Pismo Beach in serious jeopardy we made our way slowly down the coast completing our first 25 miles in just over 2 hours! Although the riding was by far the most difficult we had seen and would encounter over the entire ride it also provided some of the best photo opportunities. Big Sur fully epitomized the title of our blog, Scenic Misery.
Another 25 miles would be all we could muster with a strong head wind and the difficult climbs, but where we lacked in riding we made up for in wildlife sightings. Jeff and I came across a tarantula that was about the size of my hand and could have taken down a small child. A little further up the road we stopped to watch a lady using a radio transmitter tag and high-powered telescope to track a sea otter’s migration path. While it seems like a very interesting job I am still a skeptic about what she was really tracking. I can’t imagine a state that was recently on the brink of bankruptcy funding a team to track the migratory patterns of sea otters while issuing IOUs to its tax payers! Finally we came across a large group of female white elephant seals lounging on the beach waiting for the bulls to arrive (typical of men always late). The rest of the ride was accented by deer grazing in the hills, pastures filled with cows and one mountain man pushing a grocery cart near the top of the highest peaks on the coast.
Once settled in at the Sandcastle Inn attention turned to the weather. With one of the worst October storms in the last 47 years set to hit the California coast we all waited in anticipation of what the storm would bring.
Hey guys: looks like a workout with great scenery. Would love to be there as the stragler. Send more, I love what you are doing and see courage in every face. What was each team members favorite moment today? What about the most challenging moment? We need to know!
ReplyDeleteGeorge STerling
George... Thanks for posting up on the page. I would have to say that late afternoon Day 2 and early morning Day 3 of our trip was the most rewarding, for the scenery and views were amazing, the climbs were tough, the descents were fast, and we made the most out of it. My favorite moments of the day were overcoming the long steep hills and being rewarded at the top with the views. Absolutely awesome!
ReplyDeleteCheck back over the next couple of days for Day 4 and Day 5.
Todd
Hi Dr. Tom. Did I mention you should bring a rain jacket? Of course not. It never rains in Southern California. You are officially crazier than I am on a bike. Actually, it looks like you are having fun. I think. I'm sorry I never taught you the technique on how to avoid a mudslide while doing 60 mph downhill, or how to stick your feet in plastic bags to keep them from getting soaked.
ReplyDeleteRide safe Dr. Tom. Hope to see you pulling out of your driveway soon! NEIGHBOR ETHAN