The day by day on the ride...

I wanted to share some detail about where I'll be headed on the ride. Here's a little about the day to day life..

Day 1: Riding into the sunrise!

Cow Place, San Francisco to Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz

Taking off at 5 a.m. to conquer the first of 79.4 miles of CA Hwy 1! Wish me luck in my first night in sleeping at camp J

Day 2: On the road before rush hour!

Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz to San Lorenzo County Park, King City

Getting ready to do our first century of the ride – 107.6 miles. I’m going to sleep well tonight…even if it is on the ground in a sleeping bag in a tent.

Day 3: Uphill? Uphill all day?

San Lorenzo County Park, King City to Mid State Fairgrounds, Paso Robles

66.7 miles all the way to the top! We’ll be taken on rolling hills of the countryside and my quads will be crying by mid-afternoon!

Day 4: The Downside: Evil Twins and The Upside: HALF WAY TO L.A.

Mid State Fairgrounds, Paso Robles to Preisker Park, Santa Maria

Just under a century…99.7 miles through sprawling farmland to the seaside. It’ll be a day for views and a day to work my way up more hills - hence the “Evil Twins.”

Day 5: Red Dress Day!

Preisker Park, Santa Maria to River Park, Lompoc

Who cares about where we’re going today. Today the scenery is on the ride! All the riders ride in Red Dresses! Reminder 90 percent of the riders are men….I promise not to forget my camera. I’m sure this will keep me entertained for 67.7 miles!

Day 6: So close…but still so far!

River Park, Lompoc to San Buenaventura State Beach, Ventura

85 miles on the bike today and one more night sleeping in a tent! Today’s the day we’re sharing the road with A LOT of cars…so it’ll be a little nerve racking for me BUT there is the promise of dolphin sightings off the coast.

Day 7: The Home Stretch!

San Buenaventura State Beach, Ventura to VA Center in LOS ANGELES!!!

Here’s the final 61.5 miles! I’ll have my eye on the prize – crossing the finish line in Santa Monica. We’ll wind along the cost in Malibu then head through Santa Monica to cross the finish line. Hope to see you there!

3 Weeks to Go!

Michael and I went out to Point Reyes on Saturday to work on my hill riding. I have the opposite problem of most riders - I'm great going up the hills...down hill on the other hand. I go slower than most people walk. The brakes have become my best friends and I don't let go!

Nancy (one of my fellow Gappers) - gave me some pointers that I put into action and I have to say after Saturday I am doing much better!

And...I don't want to disappoint. I did manage to fall off my bike - AGAIN! This time gracefully knocking my dearest bestie - Michael - into a wood post. It was all with good intentions though - there was a loose dog running around and I was trying to rescue him and forgot my foot was clipped in!

Another pointer for the ride - I must un-clip before trying to get off my bike!