CCC - Day 7 // Buellton to Ventura

Can't believe we're already at day 7! It's been an amazing ride and today was nothing different. The weather was perfect and Santa Barbara and Ventura welcomed us with open arms as we headed through town and enjoyed more views of the coast! Tomorrow we head into Los Angeles where the finish line will take place at Paloiades High School around 230/3pm! Can't wait to see you all there! 

Check out some of these beautiful pictures we took and also head to Instagram.com/_gemineyes for pictures from the entire week! 

CCC - Day 6 // Oceano to Buellton

We took it inland today and had a break from the coast as we enjoyed some of the farmland and vineyards of California! It's nice to see the diversity of the beautiful sites that California has to offer. Another hot day, but it gives us that much more of a nice summer tan! 

Check out some of these beautiful pictures we took and also head to Instagram.com/_gemineyes for pictures from the entire week! 

CCC - Day 5 // San Simeon to Oceano

Another beautiful ride down the coast! This is the day we stop by Cal Poly SLO and enjoy a meal with some family friends from up in San Jose! Such a great tradition. The weather is definitely getting hotter as we head further down south! Also, every year we have the rest stop/checkpoint at Wally's bike shop where they welcome us with open arms and serve us some tasty tamales all day long! Below is a photo of his family. 

Check out some of these beautiful pictures we took and also head to Instagram.com/_gemineyes for pictures from the entire week! 

CCC - Day 4 // Big Sur to San Simeon

This day was some of the toughest hills we face all week! With two hills back to back named the "Twin Sisters", it's a definite challenge. Not too many pictures, but we definitely had an amazing ride nonetheless!! 

Check out some of these beautiful pictures we took and also head to Instagram.com/_gemineyes for pictures from the entire week! 

CCC - Day 3 // Monterey to Big Sur

One of the most beautiful days of the ride for sure! Once we got into Big Sur, the riders stopped at the River Inn for some refreshing drinks and were able to put their feet in the cool river!

Check out some of these beautiful pictures we took and also head to Instagram.com/_gemineyes from the entire week! 

Last Day before the ride begins!

What a great day this is to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new friends at registration!  It is amazing how quickly a year has gone by!  Hear the cowbells ring as we walk in the door! Amazing!

What a surprise (and humbling) it was to see a poster of Christiana and the family as she is being honored on Day 1 of the CCC!  We will get to share her story, why the name AlsoTouch and how we all should appreciate life and the ride in God's beauty!  This was a true blessing to what is going to be a wonderful journey!  Come along for the ride ;-)

Count Down ... 2 More Days ... Route Guide

Here is the route of the ride:

Sat, Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz READY...SET...PEDAL! Cyclists begin in San Francisco and cycle down the coast into Santa Cruz, completing a total of 85 miles.9/13/2014

Sun, Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey This leg of the tour measures 53 miles and takes you through the dramatic landscape of the California countryside before resting for the night in picturesque Monterey.9/14/2014

Mon, Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur Say goodbye to Monterey and head south. A short 40 miles will bring you into the spectacular landscape of Big Sur.9/15/2014

Tues, Day 4: Big Sur to San Simeon As you wind your way through the scented forests of Big Sur, you will continue into San Simeon after enjoying a brief rest stop near the world-renowned Hearst Castle. At this point, you've cycled a total of 66 miles!9/16/2014

Wed, Day 5: San Simeon to Pismo Beach Absolutely beautiful. If the pedaling doesn't take your breath away, the scenery will! A mere 60 miles, this leg of the tour will allow you to soak up your surroundings as you cycle along world famous beaches. 9/17/2014

Thurs, Day 6: Pismo Beach to Buellton As you make your way through the wine country made famous by the movie Sideways, you will enjoy quiet roads and beautiful vineyards. After 66 miles of incredible riding, a special dinner is prepared to celebrate your journey to date. 9/18/2014

Fri, Day 7: Buellton to Ventura This spectacular day winds through Solvang, into Santa Barbara through Hope Ranch, then along the coast and finishing at the beach in Ventura after 90 miles. 9/19/2014

Sat, Day 8: Ventura to Los Angeles Congratulations! After the final 60 miles, you cross the finish line in Los Angeles to fanfare and an emotional welcome. A victory party will help you celebrate this unique trip and reflect on your outstanding achievement. -

3 Days and Counting! LA here we come!

Hi all,

It is only 3 days until we start cycling down the coast raising awareness and money for the Arthritis Foundation. We continue to cycle in memory of Christiana!  This is Dwight's 8th year and Maria's 6th year.

Serena would be riding with us but she had an accident last weekend and fractured her elbow!  She will still be volunteering down the coast with us!

If you would like to donate, you can use the following links:
    Maria - ccc14.kintera.org/Christiana
    Dwight - ccc14.kintera.org/Spongebob44



Please continue to check back for updates on our ride!!!

CCC - Day 2 // Santa Cruz to Monterey

Stats - 53 miles, 2000 feet of climbing

Team Also Touch Day -  we lined to get a photo of the team before we cruised out I camp.  We have 8 official members and tons of unofficial ones ;-). Welcome to the team 

So today we were cruising back to the lighthouse (as we normally do for a little off-touring) but there was a triathlon going on by the boardwalk.  Now those are amazing arhletes!!  The boardwalk is so peaceful in the morning and has a different view whine it is empty!

More beautiful coastline and the start of strawberry and lettuce fields. What a beautiful smell! 

So in this route you cannot go by Moss landing without stopping at Phil's Seafiod and having a  lunch!  Nice!

The best part of today was turning the corner on the Monterey Recreation Trail and see the sand dunes, the ocean and Monterey in the background - SPECTACULAR!!!  Maria and I took a lot of pictures at this spot.

One last note - we had a pleasant surprise from Jerry and Diane Hall who came up the steep hill to visit us!  We reminisced about the Hancock neighborhood - block parties, the hike, taking pictures of the kids on the 1st day if school, etc.  Great times but even better people!

One More Day! Tomorrow we begin again!

I can't believe it's been a whole year since we were on this ride.  Time flies so quickly  and we wonder where it goes! 

It was wonderful to see old faces from over the 7 years that we have been doing the ride and newbies - the first year riders.  It is different when you talk to each group, but there are 2 things that are the same - excitement for the ride down the coast and anticipation for what is coming.  Now the anticipation is different for both.  The newbies do not know what lies ahead and what to expect, while those who have done the ride are also wondering if things have changed.  One thing is for sure, we all will ride tomorrow and we all will ride for a cure for arthritis!  Good night and enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge at night... 

CCC 2013 Promotional Video - < 1 week to go!!

1 week to go! 1 week to go!!!

1 week to go!  1 week to go!  I can't believe it is here already!  Next Saturday we start our ride from SF to LA!  We have one more long ride (about 65-70 miles on Saturday) and then next week is a tapering week!

The picture above is the route we take from San Francisco all the way to LA (Santa Monica to be exact).  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!  If you would like to donate, please visit the following sites for Maria and myself:

For Maria - www.afcabikeclassic.kintera.org/Heaven
For Dwight - www.afcabikeclassic.kintera.org/Spongebob

CCC 2013 Promotional Video - < 1 week to go!!

Two Weeks Away

It is only 2 weeks away and we're training hard to get ready.  Even though we have done this before, there is still the excitement of what to expect and also looking forward to seeing old friends again.

Last weekend we rode 60 miles from Saratoga to Boulder Creek and up through Big Basin.  What a tough, but beautiful ride!   Only 2 more weeks!

LA Here We Come .... Team Also Touch is on it's way!

Welcome to our blog for the California Coast Classic. This Dwight's 7th year and Maria's 5th year in riding down the coast in memory of Christiana.

Here's where you can find the updates on our rides and even comment!

We currently have about 8 weeks until we leave San Francisco for our bike ride to Los Angeles. We leave from San Francisco on September 28th and arrive in Los Angeles on the October 5th. It is a total of 525 miles over 8 days (but we do a little more as we do some site seeing :-). The team (Also Touch) will be 10 people (so far) this year.

Over the past 6 years, we have been able to donate $220,000 to the Arthritis Foundation because of your generous donations. Thank you all so much!

If you are able to contribute please click on the following links below for Maria or Dwight. If you notice that one of us has already reached our minimum of $3000, please donate to the other.

For Maria - www.afcabikeclassic.kintera.org/Heaven
For Dwight - www.afcabikeclassic.kintera.org/Spongebob

Also, continue to keep us in prayer as we continue our training for the ride.

Arthritis Ride - Day 7 - Buellton (Solvang) to Aventura

92.5 miles from Solvang to Aventura through beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara. The first part of the ride started with a climb on Hwy 101 and then a nice swift downhill! Thank God for the CHP.

It was perfect riding weather along the coast and seeing the ocean and the beaches. We got to help a woman (75 years old and her 95 year old mom) when the flap from their truck got caught around the tire, as we were
cycling. We were able to cut off the flap and they were on their way. They were ranchers, but she explained that she left her tools back at the ranch. It is amazing when you slow down, how you can help another person just by asking.

Also, it is special when various people along the way are thanking us for riding for a cure for arthritis! Honking and yelling - very supportive! Very, very special!

Day 8 is coming tomorrow and into Santa Monica.

Arthritis Ride - Day 6 - Oceano (Pismo Beach) to Buellton (Solvang)

71 miles cruising through the strawberry fields, lettuce fields, and wine grape vineyards of southern SLO county and northern Santa Barbara county.

We started by going a little off-route for 7 miles for some delicious cinnamon rolls BACK in Pismo Beach!!! Incredible!!!

After flowing through the farming fields and picking out the smells - lettuce, cabbage, strawberries, parsley, etc we met up with 96 degree heat through the Foxen Canyon on our way to Buellton. Another great day of riding though - can't beat it!!

Onto Ventura tomorrow!!

Arthritis Ride - Day 5 - San Simeon to Oceano / Pismo Beach

67 miles through some cute, small beach towns - Cambrian, Cayucos and Morro Bay. The sun finally came out as we rode into SLO (San Luis Obispo) and saw a couple of family friends - Priya and Ashleigh, who are attending Cal Poly.

We did have a little adventure (or should I say Maria did) with her shifter cable snapping and then learning how to change her 1st flat. Thanks to Jamaica and then to Jerry for their assistance!

The day ended beautifully with a trip to gorgeous Avila beach. I did not know it even existed.

Tomorrow we go inland to Solvang / Buellton for a total of 65+ miles.

Arthritis Ride - Day 4 - Big Sur to San Simeon

70 miles of climbing today with 5200 feet of climbing. A long day and sore legs, but with a view like this, who can complain. Great riding weather again - nice and cool with light fog along the coast. You have to see the new bridge / tunnel they are putting in. Amazing!

Onto to Pismo Beach / Oceano tomorrow...

Arthritis Ride - Day 3 - Monterey to Big Sur

58 miles today to Big Sur through 17 mile drive and into Carmel before the last 26 miles to Big Sur. Beautiful scenery along the coast. Nothing like riding 17 mile drive on the bike! Had some light fog, but what a beautiful view.

Onto San Simeon tomorrow!