Day Two

I was going to write part two of day one, but today was a very tough ride. We were all supposed to ride out on our way from Santa Cruz to King City at 6:30 am. Many riders, including myself, rode out at about 7:30. Just on time for rush hour morning traffic. It took us two hours to ride out of the city. Stopping and going, making room for cars to make their hurried left and right turns. When we did finally make it out the scenery took my breath away. California is a beautiful state.

We entered a forest. Tall trees were all around us. Even though several people said that today was going have less climbing than day one, they were wrong. After we left the forest, I could see big mounds of earth ahead of me. After a few hours, the wind started to misbehave. We were riding against strong head winds. We were also riding with strong side winds that felt like a hand actually trying to push you over. The rest of the ride was pretty much like this till the end.

There were some great highlights along the route. A woman called the cookie lady made yummy cookies for all the riders. The story is that she used to be a roadie and then decided to make cookies instead. I'm glad she did - they were wonderful. I didn't make it to the cookie lady stop myself, but one of my training ride leaders friends, Chris, gave me one to try. There was a stop at a fried artichoke restaurant. I had to try them so I went in a ordered some. They were so good. Then off I went on my bike again.

Fighting the wind. I was coming in last at all the rest stops. Riders keep saying, the sweep is coming !!! The caboose is on its way !!! This made all the riders hop on their bikes immediately and ride off. I made it just in time. I kept thinking whats going on with these sweeps. Everyone scatters like the sweeps are monsters that are going to sweep them up and take them away. Well, after I was struggling on my 91st mile today, before I made it to the last rest stop, the caboose got me and swept me back to camp. They have to take slow riders or riders who have mechanical problems or who are  just to exhausted to make it to the next stop a ride back before it gets dark. I was swept because I wouldn't have made it before dark. The wind really slowed me down and I couldn't go past 3 miles an hour. Oh well, at least I made it 91 miles. I was depressed about it but other riders reassured me of what an accomplishment 91 miles is against a strong head wind.

Time for bed. Tomorrow is the Quad Buster. Eeeeeek !!!!

Comments

[Barbara]

You were disappointed because you ONLY made it 91 miles today?????

Cousin, you are too awesome for words. This ride is clearly going to change your life!

What an inspiration you are!

[Brendan Patrick]

Message from Brendan's dad Jerry. Your 91 miles, is 991% more than 91% of the rest of the world did today!
And, your determination, spirit and dedication is 105 miles and 100% awesome human being.
Love Jerry and Janne - King City California.

[Cheryl]

Shawnet
Thank you for sharing. Be very proud of yourself. You have done a tremendous job. 91 miles is amazing.

thank you

[Marie (Wife of Rider #5490)]

What an inspiration you are. May the wind be behind you tomorrow! On to Paso Robles! Ride hard and safe. You are doing FANTASTIC! I can't even fathom doing half of that!

[napaian69]

Shawnet

I'm on the east coast,I get up in the morning to read yesturday news.YOU ROCK.The thought of doing what your doing,Freaks me out.YOUR DOING GREAT,and for a great cause.I send you some angel feathers to help on day 3.

[Susan]

No need to be bummed about being swept, your doing great. Winds are a B***H!! Be pround for the attempt, and go get 'um tomorrow.

[Kathleen]

Hey Shawnet-You are MORE than 91/103 miles of fantastic determination and success! You did the day, beat the winds, saw the beauty, & can be PROUD!Ride ON! YOU GO GIRL!

[ariana]

Shawnet,
Great job! Keep going girl, you can do it! No turning back now :)

Love you,
Whipper Snapper

[Christy]

Shawnet,

You are amazing. Keep up the good work. Know you have a lot of loving spirts with you. I get tired just thinking about 91 miles. You go girlfriend. I'll be thinking of you every step of the way.
Love ya, Christy