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Day One, San Francisco to Santa Cruz
And we're off: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Today's ride was great and everything went off without a hitch. For those of you who are curious, there were no taxis involved today. The day began at 3:45 when I got up, made breakfast, pulled it all together and got to the Cow Palace at 5:15 in time for opening ceremonies and then ride out at 6:40.
At opening ceremonies I met two Dolly's- in glamorous red lame, faux black jeans, gold lame 'boots' and gigantic wigs, all designed to fit on top of bike clothes and helmets. I can't post pictures while I'm out on the road but I bet there are many out there. I later discovered there were five of them in matching outfits, I spent about the first 20 miles passing and getting passed by the Dolly's. It really got me thinking that I may need to step up my fashon game. Beadazzling my helmet just doesn't seem like enough when you've got the Dolly's around.
San Francisco summer's trademark fog was in full effect this morning. It wasn't raining, but nonetheless I had to take off my sunglasses because they don't have windshield wipers. Water was dripping from the front of my helmet. The sun broke through as we made it to San Bruno and up and over hwy 35. At the crest of that hill, we descended into Half Moon Bay and back into the fog. We headed out to the coast and spent a long, foggy time on hwy 1 including lunch at San Gregorio. The fog meant the coastline was more "implied" than "visible". At least this meant that the temperatures were moderate than normal.
Also along the way to Half Moon Bay I got a little quality time with Downtown Julie Brown- actually just as we passed the "Charlie poles", the white plastic dividers affectionately named for Charlie Bergstrom after his unfortunate collision with them during our first year on the ride in 2005 - thankfully, Charlie was only slightly worse for the wear after the incident. Charlie, we miss you and hope you and your family are well!
After lunch we emerged out of the fog and into the sun, in time for rest stops 3 and 4, where I was able to shed some layers and enjoy the sun. I made it into camp in Santa Cruz around 2:30. Certainly not the first (who arrived at 11:15) but ahead of most. My tentmate Shawn got in 30 mins before I did, so the tent was set up when I got there. Score! Also, great to have enough afternoon left to shower, and wander around and catch up with people I only see on the ride.
A spaghetti dinner and two desserts later, I am ready to call it a night. Tomorrow's a long day so I am trying to get out on the road as soon as it opens at 6:30.