I think my muscles were a little surprised that after 1,150 miles they still had more work to do. In most respects it was a great day. Weather was perfect, my conditioning was great, my knee felt 99% recovered, and I was able, (for the most part), to stay in the Canada-to-Mexico "zone".
Back in the Zone
But after having had no muscle issues or cramping in 18 days, I had some of both today. Nothing serious, but my right calf was barking at me for most of the day, and then when I left Davenport at mile 75 or so, pretty much every muscle below my knees cramped up. But after getting my wheels spinning again, I was able to glide to the finish (and the cold showers) at Santa Cruz High School.
Not exactly a hero's welcome from the CCC fans at Santa Cruz High
The first day of the California Coast Classic started with a 5-mile ride to the start line. Although I wasn't able to convince Kelley to get up at 6:15 and give me a ride, Lindsey happily joined me to help bring my bags down to the gear truck. It was a really rough start for one rider who had his bike stolen from the (supposedly secure) bike storage room at the host hotel. They did get him a replacement bike and fortunately, he's rolling.
OK, the ride to the start line was more than tolerable
Eventually they all made it to the breakfast, looking purrdy
At the Friday night reception and again at the morning CCC Kick-off breakfast, Honoree Malia Potter spoke. She did a great job. Malia is a friend of Lindsey's as a result of meeting at Camp Milagros, northern California's camp for kids with arthritis. Likewise, Lindsey is friends with Mia Brees, who spoke after dinner. These kids wouldn't even know each other if it weren't for Camp Milagros and now they're great friends. I am so proud to be a part of that camp and a part of the Northern California Arthritis Foundation.
Lindsey and Malia
I often think of Day 1 as the most difficult day of the CCC. It's long and has quite a bit of climbing, most of which comes in the first 20 miles. I really didn't think today was all that difficult, but after breakfast at the Presidio, we started climbing with no warm-up. Since the heart attack, I try to avoid anything strenuous for the first five miles. Not much I could do about it today except let just about every rider, walker, and slug on the road pass me. I really hate that but I think I'd hate being dead more.
Prepare to be passed
The scenery on today's ride was more of what I've shared already - spectacular. I treated the day like the previous 18 and stopped whenever and wherever I wanted to enjoy the scenery or shoot a photo. As a result, I saw things today that I probably wouldn't have seen on previous CCC's - things like a gathering (flock?) of baby seagulls on the beach, a house built into the rocks overlooking the ocean, and two grey whales outside Pigeon Point Lighthouse. But fortunately, I did not see Steve Divney in the shower.
Rock on, Flock of Baby Seagulls
Fred Flintstone's beach cottage
Not a great shot but it is a great whale
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Spectacular coastal views like this
...and this
....and this too
This is a big CCC group this year - approximately 215 riders, a lot more than I reported in my blog earlier and probably 100 more than last year. For, the most part I like it bigger, but it does have a different feel than riding solo, or even from the PCC, and it also means long lines for food.
Long lines at dinner = $1M+ to find a cure for arthritis
This was our first year at Santa Cruz High, and while it's a great campsite, they have no hot water in the showers here. Hot water got cut from the budget. No soap in the showers or mirrors in the bathrooms either. Don't you just love the California school system?
...and cold showers for everyone! ...sorry perverts, no shower pics
I've seen, talked to, and ridden at least a little bit with all 5 of my Links for Life teammates except for Dean Willmore. I think he's here but I haven't bumped into him. Day 2 is team jersey day, so those of us who have them will be sporting our nifty Colliers Links for Life jerseys when we next hit the road, and we'll see if Dean is even here
Have you seen Dean?
Day 19 Recap: Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Actual Miles: 86.2
Cumulative Miles: 1,249.2
Elevation Gain: 4,243'
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 51.866'
% Distance to Mexico: 66.4%
Actual Miles: 86.2
Cumulative Miles: 1,249.2
Elevation Gain: 4,243'
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 51.866'
% Distance to Mexico: 66.4%
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