AIDS LifeCycle 8: Day 4

Wednesday, June 3: Day 4

This was going to be a challenging day – the EVIL TWINS were to be conquered! The Evil Twins were two hills starting at mile 10 and again at mile 14.6. I have no problems going up – I actually ENJOY hill climbing. It’s fun for me – it’s a challenge. Now, don’t get me wrong…I never said I was GOOD at it… I am a slow little tortoise but I get the job done. However, as you may have realized by now – I am scared of the other half of hills… the downside (literally). The Twins had a 1700+ foot (6%) descent over 3 miles and although everyone told me it was fairly easy and there weren’t any switchbacks AND we had a wide shoulder…. I still worried.

What do I worry about?? I worry about getting slammed by another rider at high speeds. Yep. That’s what I worry about.

Anyway, this was going to be a very long day so I started early. I had a lot of stress and tension in me – focusing on that dreaded downhill so I started right away, hoping to beat a lot of riders going up AND down. On top of it all, I had a flat tire the day before so I was hoping my flat tire days were over…. or were they?? I was fortunate enough to have one of the bike Techs, Lincoln, help me out and he gave me some pointers on dealing with downhills. He’s a cycling coach and gave me some breathing pointers which helped me relax.

Onward with the day – I stopped at the first rest stop (mile 9) for a very short time and began climbing right away. We came across some great cheerleaders along the way including Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West – all in green makeup, with Wicked’s “Defying Gravity” playing from the car. That put such a smile on my face – I began singing along!! I LOVE that musical – and that SONG more than anything.

On the way up we came across what I was looking forward to more than anything at that point: HALF WAY TO LA!!! Woo Hoo!! At the top, there was a scenic overlook where folks could take pictures on top of a rock. With my fear of heights – and being IN the clouds – I could not see much (and I actually liked it that way).

Half Way to LA - Top of the Twins

Well, as stated before – what goes up, must come down…. especially since we were heading to the ocean. I started down – and took it easy. I used the breathing exercises Lincoln shared with me. I was so proud of my descent – I came across a little turnout on the way down and took a breather. Ellen came by and made sure I was ok – I was smiling and giggling and shaking from being so excited the descent was almost done. She gave me a big hug and went on her way. I continued on and unfortunately got a flat front tire. I changed it out, patched it – and while putting the tube back in, two gentlemen helped me out and got me on my way. The tire held quite a while – I was so amazed!!

We continued onward and soon we were at sea level, along Morro Bay. We went from cycling IN the clouds to being in the foggy, murky “cape cod” like area. It was cool and damp – and less than uplifting… however, onward we all went. I stopped at the second rest stop, pumped up my tire yet again – it seemed to be holding up ok.

Soon we were coming up on San Luis Obispo. We were 6 miles outside lunch when I could feel my tire getting flatter. I pulled over to the side of the road and put in more air – hoping, PRAYING I’d get to lunch… I kept thinking “just get me 6 more miles, baby!”. Unfortunately, I was 2 miles from lunch and the tire gave in to the patch – it was flat…. A very nice cyclist helped me put in a new tube and I was on my way. I pulled into the San Luis Obispo Cuesta College parking lot, grabbed lunch and as I ate, the bike techs took a look at my tire. I asked them to make sure there wasn’t anything in the tire itself.

After lunch I ventured onward through the the National Guard area – we had special permission to cruise through – and on along the coast. I stopped at Rest Stop 3 and thanked Lincoln for his breathing exercise suggestions – and continued with those great tail winds.

There was a water stop in Pismo Beach – and I am glad I stopped. At mile 67 the Pismo Beach tourist group gave us free taffy and postage paid post cards to send home to family and friends. My favorite flavor was the pina colada flavor taffy. Yummy!!

I still had 27 miles left so I ventured onward. A wonderful moment happened – as we were going through some beautiful and sunny rolling hills one of the cheerleaders yelled “WELCOME to SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!”. I yelled, “Really?” and he replied, “Yes, it’s official!”. I had TEARS OF JOY in my eyes – I was so happy!! I heard from many cyclists that phrase made many cyclists extremely happy.

Finally, Rest Stop 4! Had to pull in to see these guys, right?? They had See’s Candies for everyone – from stick candy to chocolates…. peanut butter cup anyone??? Yes Please!!

The landscape changed so much this day – we started in the clouds, went down to foggy cape cod like coastals, down through sunny beaches, and then inland to dry, dusty agricultural farmlands. After the final rest stop we had 11 miles left and the tail winds pushed us all the way in – SCORE!!! We saw Ginger’s counter personality, Ken, with a bubble machine – which made me smile as I went by the fields… And those tail winds kept me in a nice low, fast gear – all the way into camp.

This was a long hard day – and with the flat tires, mentally drudging. I kept pushing through – not sure how… it was because Super Husband reminded me in a loving, sweet note (which he hid in my suitcase) that whenever I get tired – to keep going because with each mile, I am one mile closer to him. *sigh* Yes, I was.

As I pulled into Santa Maria – I had 94+ miles behind me for the day and some sunburn on my back. I was ready for a shower and some rest. I was looking forward to the following day since I knew it was “RED DRESS DAY” and a shorter mileage day.

Taking time to reflect after Day 4's ride

Time to relax!! I pulled out my journal and started going through my day – trying not to forget all the wonderful details.