There is no way that we now have only one day left to
ride. What a bummer! At least we had the most beautiful day for a
bike ride I have ever seen in Southern California. Really! I have lived here my entire life and have never seen a day like today. Don’t get any ideas those of you who may be
reading this from out of state. You are
welcome to visit, but we are filled to capacity! This portion of the ride also seems to have
been cleaned up with new asphalt by CalTrans specifically for us. Thanks CalTrans!!!
A majority of our ride was along the ocean down the 101
freeway where, in some sections, it seemed as though the ocean would crash over
the freeway if given the chance. The
smell of the sea was so strong along the route that it literally made it
difficult to breath. Who knew that the
ocean spray could do that to someone?
One of the better stops was the unofficial Paradise Pit stop
in Santa Barbara where the largest ice cream party I have ever been to was being held. It was held in a large median between lanes
of traffic. The space was large enough
to contain a number of table for ice cream, 5 or 6 massage tables (free
massages by local heroes) and an entire troupe of Paul Mitchell students with face
moisturizer spray to cool us off. I only
mention Paul Mitchell because I met a lot of great people from around the
country who run his schools. No, I do
not work for Mr. Mitchell. I do,
however, not feel guilty for eating as much ice cream as I did. Today’s ride was about 85 miles which surely
merited as much ice cream as I could eat.
Once in camp, quite a few riders invaded In & Out, a
local burger chain famous for amazing burgers, creating a few frantic
cooks. We filled that place to over
capacity with hunger bellies missing pure junk food. It was worth every empty calorie! Not only were we making the restaurant crazy,
but a bus full of teenagers coming home from a field trip decided they needed
In & Out as well. Good day for the
owners. Bad day for their employees.
Finishing the day was the candle light vigil held on the
beach next to the camp sight. It was
truly one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. 3,000 people lighting a beach by candle not
saying a word to one another. Simply us,
the sand, the waves, and the appreciation of knowing that we are participating
in something very important in the memory of those who are not with us anymore
because of this disease. I will never
forget this night for as long as I live.
Now to bed for my last night in a freezing cold tent. I would not have it any other way!
About 485 miles on the road.
Field of flowers at our Lompoc camp sight.
Another line in the middle of a field for the restroom.
David and I overlooking the Pacific.
Ginger out doing herself.
Candelight vigil.
Field of flowers at our Lompoc camp sight.
Another line in the middle of a field for the restroom.
David and I overlooking the Pacific.
Ginger out doing herself.
Candelight vigil.
Enjoy your last night and last day. Thanks for the blogs, and all the efforts
Jaime Merrifield
Posted by: Jaime Merrifield | June 08, 2007 at 10:44 PM
Thanks James for your blog. It was really nice to hear your voice on the podcast today, someone I "knew"!!! See you next year, love jaime
Posted by: Jaime Merrifield | June 09, 2007 at 03:32 PM