Day 9 - the hills. oh the hills.

 

DAY 9 of the Asmi Cali Coastal Tour

Pismo Beach to Lompoc (49 miles)

Today, there were some big hills ahead so we left early - also wanted to try to beat some of the heat as the route headed inland, away from the ocean breeze.  Past Oceano, we started running into cyclists on the Arthritis Ride.  They had started in San Francisco a couple of days after us.  We almost envied their SAG wagon & how light they were traveling but also felt just a little bit superior.  At one point, an ambulance with its' siren on sped past me and I thought:  "Don't let it be one of the riders!".  Then I saw it stopped ahead with a group of riders off their bikes and I said:  "Please don't let it be Mike!".  It wasn't.  One of the riders had hit debris on the road & went down, dislocated her shoulder.  Fortunately, it wasn't more serious but it was a good reminder to Mike & I of how careful we have to be.

We rode through more agricultural areas today.

At one point, I saw what I thought were orange  flowers growing but it turns out they were squash blossoms on zucchini plants - so beautiful.

I think I'll appreciate farmers & farmers markets even more after this trip.

We had been dreading Harris Grade which is a 3 mile switchback road with a steep climb. Turns out, it was closed for repairs so we were sent on a detour on San Antonio Rd.  It's a wonderful little back road with little traffic but it's desperately in need of repair.  We bumped along for about 6 miles before rejoining the old historic Highway 1 & our little 'butt-skis' were hurtin'!

After a long, steady climb

we rolled into Lompoc feeling tired but very fortunate:  We were safe, the  heat & hills had been manageable, & there was a comfy bed, warm bath & cold beer just up ahead!

ps. my cold is now in my head & chest & it hurts when I cough.  I wonder do I need antibiotics?

INTO THE ARCHIVES

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