Beach Bum
Today was the day I’d been waiting for. A flat day, with great terrain. I destroyed it. Luckily, it was one of the most gorgeous rides yet. Almost the entire ride was spent along beach and coast, which made the ride incredibly enjoyable.
The ride started early in the morning, as I departed Ventura after a hearty breakfast from Zach and Viv. Two great hosts, who spontaneously hosted me. Thanks for everything! I hit the road running, and immediately was cruising. I knew it would be a long ride, but was eagerly anticipating checking out parts of Southern California that I so often heard about, but had never experienced. Much of the beginning ride took me along side the Santa Monica mountains and the coast. Of course, this provided incredible views. Quite honestly, I’ve been spoiled by the views of the ocean. Being from Wisconsin, I sometimes need to pinch myself to remind me that many Wisconsinites would kill for this opportunity to check out the coast.
After a long morning of riding, I made it to Malibu. I had heard it was fancy, but this was crazy. I think I tripled the amount of Lamborghini’s I’ve seen in my lifetime today. Gorgeous cars, beautiful homes, and a great community. With beaches galore, there seems like there’s always a way to relax. My one complaint is that through my entire ride through the city, I didn’t one Chevy Malibu. What’s up with that? I figured they would have them on every street corner or something.
The ride carried me into the city of Santa Monica and Venice Beach with it’s historic beaches and boardwalk, it was a dream come true for childhood me. I routinely watched the show, and Twister was my favorite character. I was tempted to go up to the skate park at the beach, and do the infamous Rocket Power handshake.
To be perfectly honest, I’m not much a beach guy. I know, gasp in disbelief. I’m just someone who can’t enjoy laying in the sand and tanning. I just gotta be moving and doing something. However, this beach was incredible. They had everything. Volleyball. Beach soccer. Skate parks. Hang gliding. Even slack lining. I was impressed. Maybe the beach isn’t that bad after all.
As I continued onward on my ride, I came across Daniel, who I initally complimented on his Castelli kit. After more discussion, I quickly noticed his Surly LHT, another great touring bike, and nice racks. Upon further discussion, he was about to leave on a tour on Friday heading out to Jacksonville. Then, I found out he’s from Milwaukee. Saweeeet. A Brewers fan too. I haven’t met many of them, if any. My brother back in San Francisco doesn’t count. I admitted I was going through Spotted Cow withdrawal, and he too confessed it had been years since he indulged in such Wisconsin brewing excellence. Either way, he’s on an awesome tour, and he’s an awsome guy.
The rest of the ride, I cruised. A great tailwind, combined with more beach riding made for a spledid afternoon ride. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to win the battle versus the sun. Four times, I reapplied sunscreen, enough to pain a layer of white upon my skin, yet I still feel like I got roasted. It’s a battle that I’ll continue to try to win.
My host Elizabeth picked me up in Long Beach, and took me back to her home in San Pedro. Along the way, she provided a detailed tour of the city, as well as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Combined, these two ports are one of the largest in the world. It’s fascinating how these massive operations are able to work witout any major hiccups. Incredible.
Along the route home, I was welcomed to LA in the most Los Angelen way possible. We were stopped in traffic due to a filming of a movie/show/or commercial. It’s pretty cool to be in the Los Angeles area. For now, it’s just a quick stop, but I’ll be back in a few days to catch a Dodgers and Angels game!
After a delicious dinner, I’m ready to hit the hay. It’s been a long day, and another one is set for tomorrow. My body has really adapted to the workload and demand that is necessary for his trip. I’m ready to ride each and every morning. It’s not easy, it’s certainly tough, but I’m getting by. I feel good, and I’m enjoying every single day. From the people I meet, to the cities I see, this trip has been great thus far. Here’s to another great day tomorrow.