Jarrett2

She broke the 95 rule as well, but said I can't post any pics of her

Here's one of her bike there:

Jarrett2

Apparently, today is red dress day

Jarrett2

Apparently, even the bike mechs get into it:

Beachgrad05

More later however I owe being able to finish to "Butt Clinic"

Beachgrad05

The ride was an absolutely amazing experience!

I arrived in SF on the Friday before the ride. Obtained a ride via Uber to Daly City and my little hotel by the Cow Palace. It was cold and windy with overcast skies. for the days prior to leaving for SF I had been experiencing pain in my right knee. It was a bit of a concern. I hoped to just order a pizza to my room and relax Friday night. But that did not work. I ended up walking to get some dinner. I got another Uber to get back to room as the walk was not helpful for pain in knee.

My hotel had breakfast stuff (bagels, yogurt, hard boiled eggs...) so I got some food to eat before walking to Cow Palace on Satuday for orientation. Saturday was again a bit windy and cold. At least to me.



My orientation/safety session was set for 10am. Got in the line to get in and met some awesome folks. These riders are all from Florida. We took a shot with the safety mascot "Coney"



I wrote on the board why I'm riding:



I waited in lines for the store where I got the hottest selling sweatshirt, line for incentives I'd earned (jersey for 5K and wind vest) and finally check in tent assignment.



Decided to model my jersey



After orientation I used Uber again to a local sports bar (very small place but had good reputation). Enjoyed a couple 21st Amendment Brewery Hell or High Watermelon wheat beer.



I had ordered my Dura Ace power meter but it didn't arrive before shipping my Domane. I brought it with me and after I checked in I was able to get access to my bike in bike parking. Cannondale mechanics put my power meter on for me. Super excited to be able to track my ride with power data included?

Beachgrad05

Day 1 was finally here. Showered and got dressed in my Day 1 kit. Packed things up to walk to Cow Palace. Dropped off my gear at my gear truck. At Cow Palace I got coffee and oatmeal.

Eventually it was time for opening ceremonies. Very moving and emotional. The riderless bike part was especially so. Finally we hit the road and so many people were out to watch us ride out.

I brought my GoPro and have video from each day that I need to edit to Be shareable / watchable. Safety rules which were needed since so many riders...meant no taking photos while riding.

Here I am in the porta potty line at pit stop 1


Even tho weather was overcast it was not overly cold or windy. The views on coast were beautiful.


Another selfie


Not sure what the heck this is but it was among the sights on Day 1 riding in an area I've never even visited


A lighthouse


In camp at end of day 1 wearing the coveted sweatshirt


My strava from Day 1
https://www.strava.com/activities/320492890

Beachgrad05

Day 2 leaving from Santa Cruz to King City was the longest day of ride mileage wise. The number of riders meant every stop took longer due to lines for everything. Not a complaint just an observation. As a result of the longer than usual pit stops, my Garmin was on all day paused at each stop and ended up dying at mile 93+ and I used Strava on my phone to capture the remainder of the day. My longest ride ever. Over 106 miles. I would have had a bit more but I skipped Pit Stop 4 as there was a juncture where turning right headed to camp or go straight to go to pit stop and then come back.


https://www.strava.com/activities/320492954

https://www.strava.com/activities/316474039

There was a lovely tailwind for much of the afternoon. And that made for some easy riding. Tho occasionally we turned and the tailwind was a nasty side wind. Was a warm day too. Rode thru farming areas where artichokes are grown.



There are "unofficial" stops along route and one of those is at a place where they serve steamed and fried artichoke. Plus PIE.



I had some steamed artichoke and had to have a piece of the berry pie.





Pit stop 3 was home of Otter Pops and Cookie Lady. Of course I had both. Purple Otter Pop and a chocolate chip cookie!



The last bit getting into camp was ROUGH - some of the roughest roads I have ever ridden. It was nearly wrist breaking and tough after long day on bike. Wind in camp made putting tent up a bit challenging since tent stakes are not allowed. I got to camp first for a change as my tent mate had a mechanical issue and spent about an hour in pit stop 4 getting a hub overhaul. The support on this ride is amazing. Getting such mechanical support at a pit stop is amazing!

Beachgrad05

Day 3 King City to Paso Robles and Today we hit the infamous QUADBUSTER!

https://www.strava.com/activities/320493149

I learned to stop my timer at pit stops so,it would power off if stopped too long to conserve Garmin battery.

Day started out out a bit stressful for me. I could not find my packets of DZNuts Bliss chamois cream as we were getting ready. Then we get to bike parking and I could not find my bike. I had taken a photo at end of row each day and went to row in photo...bike not there. Safety pulled bikes for those who violated safety rules and you got a talking to. I figured I must have done something tho could not think what as I think I am a safe rider for most part. Got to safety and bike not there. WTH? Then I rechecked my photos and realized I had looked at photo for the day before....found correct photo and eventually with great relief...found my bike.

We get rolling and as I'm rolling down the road and a rider gives me advice on my bike setup as he passes. I don't know why I listened but I blame fatigue for listening to someone I don't know and following advice. He advised my seat was too low. I thought maybe it had slipped as I had a fit before ride. I stopped and raised my seat a bit. This I think led to my later severe saddle chafing issues.

Quadbusters is aptly named. I stopped twice to catch my breath bit I did not walk it. Here I am at top.



Grateful for my head sweats sweat band keeping my eyes free of sweat as today was hottest of ride. I was tired after three days of riding and with heat last bit was hard getting into camp. Got to camp and enjoyed a delicious root beer float.



I also had my free 15 min massage after today's ride. My quads and calves really needed it. I also used the teeny roller I packed to roll out my muscles. They showed the Little Mermaid in camp but I chose to listen to my audio book and rest.

Beachgrad05

Hope to finish posting ride recaps tonight. Hectic life upon return. Flew to Washington State this past Friday to attend youngest brothers' wedding in Selah. Thought of you @Black wallnut when we went thru Ellensburg and had lunch on Sunday there with my husband's sister and BIL at Rodeo City BBQ. They drove down from Spokane to meet us

Black wallnut 

Hope you enjoyed your stop! Maybe next time we can meet up for a beverage or ride.

Beachgrad05

Sure thing! This trip had no time.

Beachgrad05

Finally sat down to do something with GoPro footage.

here is orientation day and day 1 footage and pics

jimincalif

Nice video, thanks!

Jarrett2

Cool video! I watched the whole thing hoping I'd see my GF, but no luck

I forwarded it on to her as well.

jzftrph

Great video!