Day 21: Oceano to Goleta/Santa Barbara, CA

October 26, 2009, 1:18 am
Filed under: BLOGS

The lack of wifi and internet access has hindered the blogging process. Sorry for all of you who have been reading the daily updates.

Today consisted of a big push to the Santa Barbara area from Oceano. This was the first day that we have had riding together as the large new Cycle for a Cause crew. Needless to say, this is extremely different than the first 20 days. We are no longer the 6-7 person cycling group, but the new arrivals make me realize how important this ride is to everyone. Thanks to all that can be here to participate, and thanks to all of you who are reading.

After the goodbyes to Ayla and her “Super Nanny”, Jen, we started our morning off heading southeast and away from the coast. This put us inland and pedaling into vast farmland with long, long, loooooong straightaways of road. It was a nice change of pace, and a nice change of scenery.

The group thinned out to different riding groups due to speed and riding abilities and we were off to the midday meeting point for the support truck. Might I add, Alex Obrien, you sir are amazing! Thanks for lugging all of our stinky gear and much needed cycling supplies day after day. We all can’t thank you enough.

After a longer than needed break, and some “Cycle for a Cause” poster distribution to the local Starbucks in Lompoc , CA, the crew slowly dispersed to our final destination of Goleta/Santa Barbara El Capitan State Park. This final 40 miles of riding would include our last major hill climbs, which would in turn, be the hottest section of riding we have experienced on the whole trip. Once again, Alex was there with the support truck to revive us with fluids and supplies, which was beyond necessary!

Route 1 finally intercepted the 101 (the Pacific Coast Highway) and we were back on the Pacific Coast with our much needed ocean views for the last 15 miles to the State Park.

Upon arrival to El Capitan State Park, the crew decided to hit the beach and get “pummeled” as I like to define it by the small swell of waves. The salt water on the sore body was the perfect ingredient to the end of the day.

Tomorrow will be a long 90-100 mile day to Malibu.

San Diego is in our sights now….

Max