Day 23: Malibu to Newport Beach, CA

October 26, 2009, 10:42 am
Filed under: BLOGS

Today was a new day, with all the bad luck set aside from yesterday; we headed out of Malibu and south towards Newport Beach for the second to last day (hopefully) of this long trip.

Unfortunately though, today was the day that we had to say goodbye to one of our key participants from the start, Cody Barnhill. Cody had to fly up to Alaska today for a Warren Miller movie premiere in his hometown. Thanks so much for being apart of this ride Cody. We all are going to miss you!

After our goodbyes to Cody, we hit the road and packed into a large drafting party along the PCH from Malibu to Santa Monica and motored out the first 25 miles to Venice in great time. There in Venice we slowed down the pace and to get some great people watching in. We also spent some serious time convincing Tom to change into one of his famous banana hammock thongs, but the idea was shot down when the Venice locals verbally assaulted him as he stepped out of the restroom. Guess Tom riding a bike in a lime green thong through Venice is not going to happen on this trip, what a disappointment.

From there we pedaled along the boardwalks down to Manhattan Beach for some lunch. Pumpkin races were the local attraction down the streets of Manhattan Beach today. See the photos below for some images of the street rolling madness.

After some killer food at the local Wahoo’s Fish Taco Restaurant, we motored on though Hermosa Beach. Then we hit the busy roads of Long Beach on to a bike path running parallel to a Los Angeles water canal made famous by all the Hollywood action movie chase scenes. The only chase seen going on was the group trying to keep up with Sherry as she pulled the crew the few miles down the pathway. I think Sherry is starting to like wearing spandex and hauling down the road, but I won’t start the rumor with her mountain biking peers.

A quick refueling stop at the Long Beach Whole Foods market and we were ready to go for the final 20-mile push to Newport Beach for the evening. The final 20 could have been mellow, but Pep and Steiner decided to power it out to make the Newport Dunes Resort before dusk. Mission accomplished.

Everyone is getting well rested for the final day to San Diego tomorrow, which will be a long one, at least 90 miles. A quick stop at the Powder Magazine offices is in store for the morning, and then the rest of the day will be the mission to finish this 1500 mile ride.

Wish us some luck and thanks for all the support. Shane, Billy and Riley, you guys are nonstop on our minds and this one is for you.

Max