Mike and Eric's Big Adventure
Santa Cruz to King City
109 miles
2,933 ft. elevation gain
Word of the day: CENTURY!
Setting out from Santa Cruz and realizing we had a big mile day ahead, Eric and I decided we would take the morning slow. We took our time eating and getting ready and were one of the last few folks to leave camp. We figured we would get on the bus at lunch and not push through the 109 miles, boy were we in for a fun surprise!
Traveling south along the coast of Santa Cruz, past the boardwalk and on to Capitola, a favorite town. We stopped at a pull out for coffee from a wonderful friend of the ride who set up a free coffee and doughnut stand for us. He told us he has been doing this for years.
Onward to Salinas valley. This is California’s most productive agricultural area. Strawberries, almonds, spinach, broccoli, and artichokes as far as the eye can see. There is something very special about seeing where our food comes from. These beautiful farms, the hard work it takes to harvest, and how vital it is was very striking. Also, there is a very specific and wonderful smell around the farms. You can sense the connection we all have the land, air, water, and sunshine.
We wanted to get to another stop where fried artichokes were being served. We found a little cafe that was serving them so we stopped and enjoyed. It was there we learned of the caboose. The caboose is a truck that follows all the riders through the day. No one is allowed to ride behind the caboose. If they get to you and you are not riding you have to get on a bus and get taken to camp. The caboose chased us most of the rest of the day.
We made it to lunch and both felt great so we decide to keep riding, and ride we did. We ended up riding every mile of the day. We hit the 100 mile or century mark (roadies on the side of the road cheering as we passed). We then made it to camp and were the very last two to ride in. They closed the route after we arrived. We were both so proud. Our first century ride (and we did it together) and another personal best for us both. What a day!
Mahalo nui loa.
Mike and Eric
