Day 3 is known as “QUADBUSTER” – for the steep 1.3 mile climb at mile 10.
This day was a shorter day in comparison, only 64 miles. We journeyed from King City to Paso Robles. The morning was again overcast and slow going – a lot of single file action this particular morning due to commuter traffic. Everyone got in line and slowly made our way to rest stop 1 at mile 8. Then, the Quadbuster awaits!
This hill is the one everyone talks about. It is quite steep – but nothing I haven’t done yet. I compare it to the climb up Mulholland past the Rock Store – slow, steep climbing (but not impossible).
As we climbed, Ginger Brewlay (she is legendary – has been at every single ride since it started 16 years ago) greeted us with her incredible flamboyance. Once at the top we encountered rolling hills down the other side for the next 30 miles. Those rollers were a lot of fun – and the sun decided to come out as we climbed up so the sunshine on the descent was pretty as we passed meadows, farms, and agricultural land.
At mile 43 we stopped for lunch in a 120 person town called Bradley. Bradley is special to the AIDS ride – they all come out to cheer us on – and the riders help the town. The town sponsors a bake sale and lunch sale (burgers, etc.) and they use the proceeds to fund their school arts and music programs as well as field trips and senior graduation. I believe the Riders helped the town by donating $11,000+! Above what the town was hoping! Outstanding!!
As I rolled into Bradley I took it easy because bike parking was in a very gravelly area. I came to a slow stop, off the shoulder as to not roll into anyone. However, my right foot decided to NOT become unclipped from the pedal and down I went. Slowly, like a little turtle falling on its back, I went down and just laid there. Gatorade spilled from my aero bottle… my elbow was filled with gravel, dirt, and blood. I made a great show for all the Riders and townspeople since I fell right in the town center. *sigh* I took my bleeding elbow to the medic tent and the bandaged me up… I looked a lot tougher than I really was!
Getting patched at the Medic Tent
I enjoyed my fabulous Rice Krispie treat from the bake sale a well as a partial sandwich. I soon returned to my bike and ventured forward. The next stretch of road happened to be on the Freeway 101 – it was very bumpy and a bit unsettling. Not my favorite area because there was little room for passing cyclists and the inner area was dangerous and bumpy. However, we ventured forward on the freeway – down the off ramps, back up on the on ramps.
Finally we came across Rest Stop 4’s skit. It was the BEST of the week and really filled everyone with laughter and smiles. A sweet bonus was the monetary collection for the Mission San Miguel: a few thousand dollars were given voluntarily by the Riders passing through.
After we rolled into town we went to “the usual” burger joint my friends frequent each year. It was ok – nothing special – but my friends agreed it seemed less than great and has gone downhill since last year.
After the burger I looked over the map for the following day: The Evil Twins (2 hills back to back). It wasn’t the hills that troubled me – it was actually the 1700 foot downhill at mile 16 that freaked me out. It was a steep downhill for about 3 miles then another 2 mile gradual to sea level off Hwy 1.
After a much needed pep talk from my Super Husband, chats and hugs from my friends, I called it a night and tried to focus on the task for the next day. I knew I could do it – it’s just the 2200 cyclists on the road with me, flying down the hill that scared me.
The really good thing coming up the following day: half way to LA!! I couldn’t be happier to hear those words!
I love that you can say ‘only’ 64 miles. That is too awesome.
That’s so cool the town of Bradley was so supportive – and the riders were able to give back to the town at the same time. Homemade Rice Krispie treats are one of my weaknesses. I could probably eat like half a batch in a sitting, I think.
Yeay for being halfway home at this point!