Day 8 (Last Day): Aventura to Los Angeles

Yesterday we rode 60 miles to the finish line and were met by a bunch on cheering family and friends, including Evelyn! What a feeling! We're done! As we approached L.A. we saw beautiful migrating dolphins along the coast. The weather was the best ever as we rode through Malibu and Santa Monica. We were sad for it to be over since all the riders experienced a strong bond throughout the eight days. We ended the day with closing ceremonies and a bbq lunch. Next year is the Coast Classic's 10th year anniversary. We're doing it again. Anyone want to join us? We'll help you train! 

Day Seven - Solvang to Aventura

Specifics - 87.6 miles, 13.9 mph, 483.6 miles ridden, 60+ miles to go!

Two words: Freeways and flat tires!

483.6 miles ridden, 60+ miles to go!

Today was probably the coldest day as we left camp. It was fogged in for the first 50 miles down the freeway. Did I mention we were on highway 101 for 34 miles? Yeah. That's right. Highway 101 from Solvang to Santa Barbara. What an adventure. Maria did not like it one bit. Not to mention this was a real freeway, not a back road one with cars and 18-wheelers driving by at 65-70 mph. Also, Maria had 3 flat tires, one as left camp and two more right alongside the highway. A group of us took turns changing the tires and found a piece of glass embedded in the tire. After that it was smooth sailing. When we finally reached Santa Barbara, the sun came out and it was a beautiful ride down the coast of Southern California. It was a really long day of cycling. We are staying at Aventura Beach and look forward to sleeping on a real mattress tomorrow. One day left and we're off to Santa Monica!

Day Six - Oceano to Solvang

Specifics - 73 miles, 14 mph, 5 hours 12 minutes of riding

396 miles ridden, 140+ to go!

Two words: Cinnamon Rolls and great scents.

What a beautiful day of riding! We started off by taking a 3 mile detour (6 miles roundtrip) to the best cinnamon rolls around. It is a store called Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach. About 12 of us went off route to "get the rolls" and they were definitely worth it. Today we rode through beautiful farm and wine country (Guadalupe, Santa Maria and Los Olidos). The scents of lettuce, cabbage, mint, cilantro and strawberries were incredible! Just amazing. We had two medium sized hills, both of them at around 58 and 53 miles. Maria conquered them like they were flats. The nice parts were the downhills and flats (with the wind behind our backs). We were averaging about 20+ mph for the last 10 miles with drafting going on. Six days down, and Four to go! On to Aventura tomorrow!

Day 5 - San Simeon to Oceano (Pismo Beach)

Specifics - 63.4 Miles, 14 mph... 323 miles so far, 200+ to go!

Two words: Hot springs and downhill

Today we left San Simeon where the Hearst Castle is at headed down highway 1 toward Oceano. Our first stop was in Cambria at Lily's coffee shop where we had homemade coffee cake and fresh pear tart. She promised to make cherry pie next year! She remembered Dwight from two years ago when he gave her a bookmark about Christiana and she asked about Evelyn. She's looking forward to meet Serena when she finally decides to do the ride. On the route to San Luis Obispo we felt very special because there were police escorts and people on the side of the road waving the American flags.. until.. they were there for the wounded veterans (Ride to Recovery) who were right behind us. Well, we felt special for a moment :) Before heading into camp, our highlight was the hot springs of Avila where the water is a nice 104 degrees. It was very soothing after a long, hard ride. In the water, Annie, one of the AlsoTouch team members, serenaded us with a couple of songs. A couple of funny moments: 1) Our tent is being referred to as a Taj Mahal because it is the biggest tent in the camp and 2) on one of the downhills, one rider yelled "car back!" because they thought a car was coming but it was really Dwight riding fast and going "swishhhh" past them, so then the rider corrrected herself and said "Dwight back!" Next stop, Sovang!

Enjoy a couple videos of us speeding down the coast!

Day Four - Big Sur to San Simeon

Specifics: 5035 ft climbing, 65 miles, 12.5 mph

Two Words: Hills and Climbing

This was our coldest morning! We woke up at 6am, got our gear on, took down our tent and were treated to breakfast at the Big Sur Lodge rather than outdoors. We warmed up real quick though because the hill climbing started immediately. There was no place to stop and site see today but we did meet one group called Ride 2 Recovery. They are cycling down the

coast like we are and raising funds for wounded veterans. It was great to see them pushing and helping their fellow injured veterans up the hill. We pedaled constantly along the coast and got to see hundreds of elephant seals laying on the beach by San Simeon. We also got a glimpse of Hearst Castle. Tonight we are camping out on the beach. It's clear and breezy.

Day Three - Monterey to Big Sur

Specifics - 49 miles, 11.6 mph, 3000 ft climbing.

Two Words: Cliffs and coastline

Today was probably the most beautiful day so far. Our team wore our AlsoTouch jerseys. We started early this morning with a tour of the Monterey wharf, rode along the ocean to 17 mile drive into Carmel. We then headed up highway 1 toward Big Sur. The coastline was crispy clear and cliffs were spectacular. 90% of the time we were along the coastline. Our highlight was the huge California condor that flew within arms reach of us after we crossed the historic Bixby bridge. Oh, by the way, Maria fell today for the first time ever. No cuts, just a bit sore. She clipped someone's back wheel and fell over. But the most important part to her was that her pants did not rip. We got the opportunity to share Christiana's story several times and even got a donation. Also, Dwight has felt quite at home on his tour since there's a team here from Jamaica. He even got some photo opportunities with them!

Day Two - Santa Cruz to Monterey

Specifics: 57 miles, averaged 15 mph

2 words: drafting and scenery. Our day started at 6:30am and we had to eat breakfast, get our gear on and ta

ke down the tent. it was cold but tea and hot chocolate were very welcoming. We once again deviated from our assigned route and took a tour around our assigned area. 37 of us visited the lighthouse, stopped at the art festival at Capitola beach then stopped at the Farm bakery for a mocha chai, an eclair and chocolate macaroon! Mmm. After putting on the pounds we had to work on getting rid of it. Our legs were sore! Thank god we didnt have to climb too much today. It was just half of yesterday at about 2000 feet. as we proceeded to Monterey, we passed a beautiful scenic farm. You could smell the strawberries! We stopped at Phil’s fish market in Moss Landing for clam chowder. Maria also learned how to draft! (riding close behind the person in front of her) It was scary for her but she did it! The wind was very strong today but we finally made it to Monterey!

Day One - San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Specifics - 89.4 miles, 14 mph, 6 hours & 15 minutes riding.

Two words: beautiful and windy. Wow, what a great day. It wa

s a beautiful day in San Francisco - sunny, clear and just fantastic. We took an early deto

ur off-route and

went across the golden

gate bridge before heading down the coast. This ride took us from San Francisco (Pier 39), down highway 1 to beach area, farmlands and into Santa Cruz. The worst part of the ride was going up "Devil's Slide," where it was windy and cars were pretty close as they passed. It was definitely the longest day of the ride and gets us ready for the rest of the week. Maria was fantastic - it was her longest ride by 27 miles. Dwight's favorite part of the ride were the downhills

along the coast. In fact he clocked 50.3 mph heading into Davenport (Shh! - Don't tell Maria). Maria's

favorite part was seeing the beautiful ocean all the way down the coast. Until Tomorrow! On our way to Monterey.

One Day to Go!

Here we are at the hotel in SF about to go to sleep. We just had our kickoff dinner. Team Also Touch (our team) was recognized for being the top fundraising team in Northern California! It was a great time and we seem to be putting our name out there as having the best supporters for the cause. It's because of you! Well, it's bedtime. Breakfast is at 7am and we have to start riding to Santa Cruz by 7:30am. Good night!

Two Days to Go!

Well, we're almost done packing! So far the forecast calls for no rain! Can't wait!

2009 California Coast Classic - Three days to go!

Well, the time is almost here! We will be leaving in two days to ride down the coast. We are ready! Training has been very difficult but well worth it. Two weeks ago we did the Tour de Tahoe. It was Maria's first official tour. We both finished in good time but most importantly, we did stop to take pictures of the beautiful lake. Thanks to all of you for helping us by donating money and/or praying for us. We will try to update this blog every day during our ride.