Lompoc River Park to Carpinteria

10-15-15. 

We had a long climb out of Lompoc-gentle and easy 3-4 % all the way. A great descent to the coast, then 22 maddening miles on US 101 along the coast. The traffic noise was unbearable. We made it to Santa Barbara and rode through the campus of  UC Santa Barbara-simply beautiful, on a peninsula on the coast. 

Pismo Beach to Lompoc River Park

10-14-15. 

Another long day-only because I had to grocery shop and cook. I feel guilty when I don't stop when I see a grocery store. 

This was also the worst campground of the trip. After we cooked the showers were closed, so the cooks went to bed dirty. 

Another 2000 vf, 49 mile day. We had a long 4+ mile climb-switchback after switchback. 

San Simeon Motel to Pismo Beach

10/13/15. 

A cooked breakfast in a restaurant-a unique concept. My usual breakfast is yogurt with granola, and half of a peanut butter sandwich. 

Today should have been a rest day after the difficult day yesterday. I was really tired all  day. Only a few days remain of the trip. Without a doubt, this is the most difficult thing that I have ever done. 

Pfeiffer SP to San Simeon Village Motel

10/12/15. 

I just thought the days were hard. Today was it. 65 miles and 5000 vf. The climbs today went on forever. I've never seen or done anything similar. The Blue Ridge Parkway is more difficult overall, but sections of the Pacific Coast are amazingly difficult. 

Monterey Red Roof to Pfeiffer Big Sur

10/11/15. 

The rides keep getting more difficult. 

2270 vf today and 46 miles. The scenery was the same-beautiful. 

New Brighton SP to Monterey Red Roof Inn

10-10-15. 

The ride today started in heavy traffic in Santa Cruz and ended in heavy traffic in Monterey. The plants that are blurred are artichoke plants, but of course you knew that. The countryside here is like a big sand dune. 

There is a saying that is attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect: the United States is tilted to the southwest, and everything loose rolls to Southern California. It is true!

Half Moon Bay to New Brighton Beach SP

10-9-15. 

The campground was in Santa Cruz. Traffic was really bad there. The park was quiet. As usual we bought groceries to make our dinner. The park was crowded due to the holiday weekend. I don't like the larger towns-crowded and lots of traffic. You can see the fog rolling into camp. We were camped on the ocean.