On the road
This day finds me in Redondo beach, LA. I had a 73 mile day, my longest
yet, from Ventura to get here. The weather has been fabulous, the riding
excellent, and my body is getting used to riding and living on the road. I
am considering this trip down the coast as sort of a trial run and get in
shape trip. By the time I get to San Diego and start heading east I will
be ready to push harder and without the distractions of the beautiful
coast and many friends along the way, I should be making much better time.
The shorter days have been a problem because if I want to ride a lot of
miles I have to leave early and not make too many stops along the way.
This was never an issue when riding back from Canada during the other
Spoking Up ride.
Another issue while riding in Southern California is that the bike route
follows city streets because we aren’t allowed on the freeways. I have
been lost in Santa Barbara and Ventura. For a little country boy who is
used to the mean streets of Fort Bragg and Mendocino this can be very
disconcerting.
Up to this point I would say that this trip has gone just about as good as
it possibly could. Nothing has broken, nothing has been lost or left
behind, and my body is getting in shape nicely.
All the friends and family whom I’ve stayed with has treated me like
royalty; I feel pretty special.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I will be leaving Redondo and I should be in San Diego
County on Sunday.
I hope everybody is well and thanks for the words of encouragement: they
mean a lot to me.
Happy trails, Barry