It was 55 miles today, almost all downhill. The first 53 miles from New Cuyama has no services whatsoever.
It basically looked like this.
The road follows the river the whole way. What hills there are is when the road cuts the corner off a bend in the river. After New Cuyama, the valley narrows, and the fields of irrigated crops become ranches. Near the bottom, the valley becomes more like a gorge or a canyon, with a national forest on either side. This part has some climbing as the road winds down the gorge.
This traffic light is a welcome sight. It marks the end of the 53 mile stretch of no services.
This traffic light is a welcome sight. It marks the end of the 53 mile stretch of no services.
And just beyond that overpass, there is a BBQ joint.
Which was very delicious. I got here at 1:00. All I had to eat all day was pistachios from the snack bag and some pound cake with my coffee before I left. The pound cake is in honor of Afroman, American hero.
The rib place was a decision point. My original plan was to ride another 28 miles to San Luis Obispo, which would require about 1000 feet of climb, into a headwind. It was 85 degrees out, which was still hot, but not near as hot as yesterday. I felt great, since it had been an easy morning.
Or I could go two more miles and get a last-minute deal at a Candlewood Suites, and make the next day a short day. I have two cushion days built into my itinerary, before my flight home from San Diego. I decided to use a cushion day and not push it.
This gives me a short day tomorrow with plenty of time to enjoy San Luis Obispo, do laundry, and be well rested for the next two days, which have a lot of climbing. Making today an 80 mile day might put me in SLO too exhausted to enjoy it.
The rib place was a decision point. My original plan was to ride another 28 miles to San Luis Obispo, which would require about 1000 feet of climb, into a headwind. It was 85 degrees out, which was still hot, but not near as hot as yesterday. I felt great, since it had been an easy morning.
Or I could go two more miles and get a last-minute deal at a Candlewood Suites, and make the next day a short day. I have two cushion days built into my itinerary, before my flight home from San Diego. I decided to use a cushion day and not push it.
This gives me a short day tomorrow with plenty of time to enjoy San Luis Obispo, do laundry, and be well rested for the next two days, which have a lot of climbing. Making today an 80 mile day might put me in SLO too exhausted to enjoy it.
My room actually has a mini-kitchen, with dishes and a sink! And a desk/table with chairs. I can get takeout and eat it like a civilized human being. And check out what is only a block away!
My favorite Mexican grocery! I swear this place is on the level of HyVee. It's the best.
My favorite Mexican grocery! I swear this place is on the level of HyVee. It's the best.
This one has tamales, like the last one. I AM SO HAPPY!
I also got some fresh guacamole, chips, and grapes, and had myself a feast.
Santa Maria is near the coast. I'm out of the desert. It's green here. You can smell the ocean.
Here is the Strava track: https://www.strava.com/activities/17808248981/
Here is the Strava track: https://www.strava.com/activities/17808248981/
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