memoryloot

We’re down to the last week of summer. Again it went by real fast. Seemed like it was just last week since we took Memorial Day off. I haven’t done anything but ride around LA with my bicycle. Reminds me of the summers I used to have during high school when my friends and I would ride to the mall on our bikes because no one had a drivers license.

I find riding so therapeutic. It let’s me wander away on my own free wheel without burning any fossil fuel or getting stuck in the mass of gasoline driven vehicles. Riding in the heat isn’t so bad. There’s constantly a breeze when you’re moving slowly and gradually. Of course, sun-block is a must. I’m not bound by the impact on gasoline prices. I find myself feeling guilty for driving. Especially if it’s a short distance. My limit now is to take the bicycle if I’m going somewhere 5 miles or below. Ridiculous driving otherwise. I even bike to the park to run and then bike back. My trips to the local store and bank are by bike now. I look forward to picking up mail in San Marino because it’s an adventure each time I jump on the saddle. In short, I’m so glad my love for bicycling has sparked such a different and new lifestyle. I am so much at peace with myself. I’m not ever in a rush anymore. Bicycling has taught me to sit back and enjoy the ride and not focus so much on the destination.

As a result, I have enlisted 2 others on a San Diego to San Francisco bicycle ride next year. Here are the break down of the cities we’ll be at:

• Day 1: Imperial Beach to Cardiff-by-the-Sea


• Day 2: Cardiff-by-the-Sea to Newport Beach (camp)


• Day 3: Newport Beach to Santa Monica (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 4: Santa Monica to Sycamore Canyon/Point Mugu (camp)


• Day 5: Sycamore Canyon to Carpinteria (camp)


• Day 6: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara – our day off to hang out there (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 7: Santa Barbara to Lampoc (camp)


• Day 8: Lampoc to Pismo Beach (camp)


• Day 9: Pismo Beach to San Simeon Village (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 10: San Simeon Village to Big Sur (camp)


• Day 11: Big Sur to Monterey (camp)


• Day 12: Monterey to Santa Cruz (motel/hotel/hostel)


• Day 13: Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay (camp)


• Day 14: Half Moon Bay to San Francisco

It’ll probably happen around June, July, or August when the weather is less likely to be stormy. We still need to figure out what to buy to prepare for this trip. I’ve checked out several guide books that should help us get started. Actually, the destinations was from a guide book. I’ve also purchased Adventure Cycling maps for this trip as well. This is going to be such a great experience. I can’t wait to do it!

I did my first 32 miler on my road bike today. It took me a little over 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is the longest distance thus far that I’ve been on the saddle, EVER! It’s a big accomplishment and was very challenging both mentally and physically. I know around mile 11 to 18th was the toughest. Those had a lot of hills to climb. I know I was going about 6 – 7 mph through-out those 7 miles and had to stop several times to catch my breathe. From mile 18th until 32, it was fun because I got to explore an area that I was not familiar with. Not to mention it was straight down-hill ride so I was enjoying the coast and the speed without exerting too much energy. What’s next? I think I’m going to do a 40 miler and then eventually work my way to a half century and finally a century. This should prepare me well for my race and a potential touring trip next year. Yeah, I’m that crazy!