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DAY THREE
The 2001 CAR8 Route
King City to Paso Robles - Approximately 77 miles.
Day three is traditionally the hottest day of the Ride, and while we experienced some heat, it never got up to what I'm told temperatures were last year!
Alison and I packed our gear, took down the wet tent, and took everything to the luggage trucks. Some of the trucks are decorated with signs, symbols and even the crew are dressed. Our particular crew team did a great job of taking care of our luggage and tent, and were friendly and helpful, as well.
Our ride out of King City began with the "blessing" from Chicken Man - a crew member who has attires similar to Dame (at least his glasses). Everyone loves "Chicken Man" and I won't begin the day's ride without a "blessing" from his "chicken wand". I inadvertently packed my sunglasses with my luggage, so I stopped by a Shell Gas Station right outside Camp, and still on the route, and purchased another pair.
The route out of King City runs south on traffic-light-free and low-traffic roads. We rode through more farmland, and soon we began a slight and gradual incline. Our first Pit Stop was at mile 18.2 - at the Salinas Nation Cultural Center. I ate some juicy orange slices and banana quarters. I had been told that not far from this Pit Stop was the infamous "Quad Buster" hill - and I wanted to be prepared! I ate, lathered on sun screen, availed myself of the bag balm and was off to face the challenge!
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About two miles from Pit Stop One, I could see the "Quad Buster" - it has about an 8% grade for about a half-mile. I went into my favorite "on hill" gears --- we call them "granny gears" and hunkered down. Slowly, steadily, up I went. The road goes up, with no relief! Just as I was nearing the summit, a young man came along side of me. "Good going! You can do it! Relax! Sit back! Relax your hands! You can do it!" ... all the way up to the top, where we were greeted by crews and volunteers who played music, cheered and clapped for us! Every big hill has riders who are stronger and faster than many of us. They stop at the top of each "big" hill to cheer other riders on. Sometimes these strong riders will ride back down the hill (several times in some cases) to cheer others coming up!)
It seems to me that this one crew member is at the top of the steep/high hills - dressed in something provocative, luring riders on! He/she stands there as long as riders keep climbing the hill. The high-heeled shoes don't make the standing around most of the day very comfortable. But anyone who asks for a picture or a pose is met with a quick and warm smile.Once at the summit, I was ready to accept the reward - a wonderful downhill. For about two miles the road descends quickly to a nice flat terrain. (Some riders reported downhill speeds of 40 miles per hour. I think my computer registered 35 mph!) For someone who does not particularly like steep downhills, this one was definitely do-able and much enjoyed!
At mile 31.5 we turned into Pit Stop 2 - the Hunter-Liggett Army Base. Each year the Defense Department lets us have a rest stop there. Military police help direct us through the base to the Pit Stop. Everyone was very pleasant and helpful. Need I say that the theme of this Pit Stop was military? The crew was dressed in fatigues and provided us with more fresh fruit, Cliff Bars (including Lemon Luna - Paul's favorite!), Gatorade, buttbalm, technical and medical aid and of course, the ever welcome entertainment and Porta Potties!
At mile 40.9 I stopped at the "Grab & Go" for more Gatorade and buttbalm, then took off to climb a steep hill, which was only .5 miles long, but was still a challenge!
After Pit Stop3 at the former Western Oak Restaurant, we had only about 6 miles until lunch. We had to leave the side roads and enter Highway 101 for awhile. The traffic was not too heavy, though the passing of large trucks always makes one wary. We turned off 101 at Bradley, and our great motorcycle crew members directed us to lunch, which was held in the little town of Bradley. This little town (really a little town) comes out full-force for the AIDS riders. There was a barbecue for those who wanted it. I found a number of my Team enjoying a nice lunch. The weather by now was fairly hot, and we all enjoyed the shade of a big tree. It was a lot of fun eating with Team members, but we still had 20+ miles to camp, so as soon as I was full and had taken care of necessities, I was off and rolling.
Riding out of Bradley, we were back on Highway 101 again, almost all the way to Pit Stop 4. As I have already reported, I am a consistent, but slow rider. Shortly after leaving the Lunch Stop, I noticed a young man following me. I had noticed yesterday and again today, that he rode favoring his left knee. Yesterday I rode behind him for awhile and was touched by his determination to complete the ride, always favoring that knee.... "Rider," I said, "it's okay to pass me. I'm a slow rider." "I know," he replied. "If you don't mind, I'd like to ride awhile with you. I'm slow too, and it helps to follow you." We rode together all the way to Pit Stop 4 -
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the Mission at San Miguel (a beautiful mission that doesn't seem to get the attention it richly deserves). As we rode through the business district of the Mission, he saw some friends and stopped and joined them. I rode on to the Mission (about .5 mile off the route - and the return ride would be in the face of a head wind). I was getting a little tired, and did not look forward to the return from the Pit Stop to rejoin the route to camp; however, I know how important hydration is, so I opted for going into the Pit for drink and potty stop. I am glad I did. )
My toes were getting a little numb (nothing unusual for riders) and my hands were tired, too. The stop did me good. The theme of this Pit Stop was "Weddings" Here are a few pictures of the bride and maid of honor. I declared myself "mother of the bride" - the Pit Stop was decorated in the wedding theme, and visitors and tourists must have wondered what in the world was going on! In addition to the wedding theme and the lovely dresses, flowers and music, crew were on hand to spray us with water (it was getting hot!), and even had bottles of water they poured on our heads, if we asked. (I asked!) It felt good!There were only ten more miles to camp, and I counted off each mile! Our camp tonight is at the Midstate Fairgrounds in Paso Robles. I thought this day was a day of some serious hills, and even coming into Paso Robles, there were a few rollers and a steady incline. It was good to see our marvelous, welcoming crew and to be cheered into camp again by crew, riders and volunteers. It was good to get to camp today!
Again, some "tent angel" had set-up the tent and my luggage sat there in the tent, awaiting me! God bless the "Tent Angels"!
Many Team Members were at dinner, and I was happy to join them for a delicious meal, followed by the daily evening program of Riders News and entertainment. I stayed for the Riders News, but left the entertainment part, because I wanted to get my shower and "hit the sack".
I'm tired, but feeling positive. It is great to be able to reach down inside and rise to the challenge. God has given me a strong body (weak mind, but we can't have everything!) It is a blessing to be able to use it! Again, I am reminded of other riders who ride with physical challenges. One rider has M.S. and cannot walk. She can ride, however, and is riding CAR8 on a recumbent. Talk about courage!
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