I think I'll be OK, things are tight , but it all fits

You guys be safe. We are in for some awesome trip reports and photos next week, between your 5-day adventure, Wildflower, and the big Santa Barbara crew.

Saw Vance today at the SFVBC start. Not sure how far he was going, but I'm still taking it easy on the knees and rode with the 2s until they dropped me back off at my house. Just in time, too, because my knee started feeling it a little 2 miles from my home. I hope to be doing the long rides with you guys by the end of Summer.

We keep passing like ships in the night, Brian. lol. The larger group did Ring around Rose Bowl. Ended with 58. I was glad to see so many people out... I was afraid that Wildflower and the other 2 adventures were going to make for a small group.

Sorry I missed you, Brian. I saw you ride past my parking spot on your way to the start. My son & I did the #1 ride. Ended with about 26 miles. He hadn't ridden in awhile, so I was hesitant to take him on anything longer. Plus, I'll be racing at the Pontius Criterium tomorrow, so I had to take it easy. Hope to run in to you soon. :)

Wow..I didnt see you there Mark...sorry...
Brian..would loved to have met you finally...oh well..I will be at the Sunday ride...

So Valleygirl and I are in the motel lobby in SLO after the train ride up here and a big dinner. There are 8 of us looking forward to the first ride tomorrow.

gl john, you'll love it

Lot's of pictures please ! Have a wonderful time....

Heh, I almost did the #1 ride, since riding to the start and back would have made a total of 34 miles for me. I only chose the #2 ride because it went by Chatsworth Lake and still dropped me off at home around the 30 mile mark. What's he riding now, did you find a road bike that fits him?

Yeah...ended up getting a SPecialized Allez triple for him and his brother (both are 11 & 12yrs old). It's 49cm and the two of them have very similar physiques, so we really only have to adjust the height of the seatpost between the two of them. But, I'd like to get a second one for the 12yo so we can all go riding. They seem to have taken to it more than I thought they would :)

Now my 16yo daughter had me set-up my old Cannondale for her. She wants to "do laps around the neighborhood" for training for her ice skating habit. I had to cut a 2" off the seatpost as it was too tall for her LOL. The frame is also a bit big (I can't get the saddle far enough forward for her--needs another cm or so), but it's do-able.

Nice to see the whole family is into it. Of course, teens change interests often, but you never know what's gonna stick. Amazingly enough, I'm the only one in my family who still rides. Trying to get dad back on but he's busy with other things.

Hi BF! We're in Carpinteria today. Did only 60 miles today but got scared bad on San Marcos Pass, I'm never riding that road again. We did find some quiet roads up there, though. Did 90 miles yesterday including Cat Canyon and Foxen Canyon. It was great! Not a lot of climbing, but some of it pretty steep, hard with a 45 pound bike and 205 pound rider. We started with 70 miles the first day and they bought me dinner and a tiramisu for my birthday, (53rd). These are the best people to travel with and tell George, (roadfix) that his BOB is doing well..... see you soon

Happy Birthday John!.....I'm glad to hear you all are having a good time touring! ....also glad to hear the BOB is getting some good use! :):D

San Marcos Pass is dangerous due to the swirling and heavy winds. I had the same reaction when we did a weekend ride from Carpinteria to Solvang, then came back via San Marcos Pass. It's a great view from up there, but the winds got so bad that I had to literally flop down on the ground, and try to shield myself from the wind. There were a couple of times where I feared for my life, thinking I might get blown off the side of the mountain.

HB John! And Foxen is one of the coolest wineries.

Happy Birthday John....

That road is scary to drive over sometimes!!

Happy Birthday John!!!!

Happy Birthday JOHN!

Only 53 eh, hope that you have another 53 in you. Happy Birthday BJ.

Happy B Day Big John !

Hey John, Happy Birthday!
Have a great easy cruise down from Carpinteria.
See you all soon.

Thanks again for the HB's. Just got in at 5:00 from a 9+ hour day including Casitas Pass, back side of Dennison grade, Grimes canyon, Santa Susana pass, and the little climbs up to my house in Kagel Canyon. 93 miles out of a total 320 in 4 days of riding. I could have carried a lot less weight, especially since the strong ladies were packing very light. They put some hurt on me a few times, but I still love them. A truly great trip with perfect traveling companions. Pics soon, I hope.

And a belated HB
 

Hey Big John,
A belated HB to you fella- sounds like you had a blast....how do you feel after 320 miles in 4 days? You should be ready for a monster ride after you rest for a couple of days.... see you soon- HB (horizontal bill)

Hey HB. Surprised to see you here! Yes, I will rest some, but that road bike is going to feel like a feather after slogging up hills on the 50 pound monster. Tough to keep Deb in sight, but valleygirl (Cathy) was amazing and even challenged Deb to keep up a few times. I think VG was carrying the least, but all the ladies kept it to the minimum. They were cold walking around at night, though. Tom and John took turns pulling the BOB trailer, that thing was pretty heavy and everyone kept teasing them about having a complete wardrobe in there.
I have to decide what to do Saturday, vertical bob wants to do the LAW trainer.