Day 3: Big Sur to Pismo Beach (Miles 126 to 245)

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.

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Big Sur (Miles 51-125)

With a good night sleep under our belts we all rose early and were eager to get in the saddle. After a quick jaunt in the car we arrived at our starting point where the team would embark while Chris and I drove from Santa Cruz to Monterey where we would park and ride back towards the group. In theory riding back towards the group seemed like a great idea and a great way for the sag drivers to get a few miles in. Of Course Chris and I somehow missed the rest of the group and rode 10 miles further than we should have. Once reunited in Monterey Tommy drew the short straw and had to bike the 2.5 mile hill up to the car while the rest of the team made our way to 17 Mile Drive, which is a public road that encompasses several of California’s nicest golf courses including Pebble Beach and Spyglass. With a strong head wind we all greatly appreciated Bruce’s valiant effort as he lead the peloton most of the scenic 17 mile drive.

The ride would then turn to the mountainous region of the coast as we headed into Big Sur. All of the riders dug deep and pushed their way up some of the most difficult climbs of our journey. After reaching the top the views more than made up for the effort it required to get there. Nearly five hours of pedaling and 75 miles later we finally reached our stopping point for day two, The Big Sur River Inn.

The Big Sur River Inn was certainly no Ritz Carlton, but the suite did offer an excellent king size bed and the original trundle bed (I called the king bed, but somehow ended up on the trundle). Once we were settled in we explored the town to find something to eat. Thank goodness for us as we were staying at the River Inn, which also took on the role of local bar, grocery store, deli, restaurant, spa and gas station. With so many excellent choices for dining we settled on the hotel restaurant/bar. Shortly after our arrival at the bar we were able to drive out the mountain men who paid for drinks in cords of wood and had never seen a razor. With the bar almost exclusively to ourselves we ate, drank and were merry. Todd and I even decided to participate in one of the local’s favorite activities, shotgunning Hamms (see photo below). With the longest and most challenging day coming up we all regretted spending so much time at the River Inn Bar.

(More photos of today are on there way)

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.

The Challenge: SF to LA in 5 Days

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