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DAY SIX
The 2001 CAR8 Route
Lompoc to Ventura - Approximately 91 miles.
Today's route sheet indicates that this will be another long day ... so Alison and I agreed that we'd get up early. I was particularly interested in getting up early because last evening I asked Team Mate Vivian if she would take my cell phone back to her motel room and recharge the battery. Her folks drove down from Canada to experience (from the comfort of a car) what the AIDS ride was like. They secured motel rooms all along the route so that when Vivian completed the day's ride (she is a very fast and strong rider), they could spend some quality time visiting tourist sights and enjoying being together. Vivian very graciously came all the way back into camp last night (the distance from the entrance to the dining tent was NOT short) to get the phone. We agreed to meet at the bike parking lot at 6:30 the following morning. Therefore, I had this in mind when I awoke early in the morning and Alison and I headed for the porta potties. It was early, to be sure, but some folks were up and about, so I asked a rider standing in line for the time. "It's 4:30". That's all I needed! Alison had every reason to yell at me, but she just took the news in her usual good humor (of course, she may never speak to me again...) and we just proceeded to ready ourselves for the day ahead. We dressed, went to breakfast, and packed our bags. For the first time, I was able to take down the tent and cart it off to the trucks. I was at the bike parking lot at 6:00 so Vivian would not have to wait around for me. She appeared, as agreed, at 6:30 and gave me the newly re-charged cell phone.
Since I was ready to "hit the road", I got my bike and headed for the long line which had already formed for departure. (Riders are not permitted on the road until exactly 6:30). I saw the line, and the eagerness of the riders, and decided to let those riders get off - they are the strong and fast riders, and they didn't need me slowing things down. So I stopped at the "Tech Tent" and borrowed a rag and cleaned my chains. By the time my bike was more road-ready, I joined the growing number of riders who were trying to get an early start on the day, too.
According to our little "cheat sheet" the majority of the "hills" on today's ride would be early in the ride. And indeed, at mile ONE we had a short, steep hill - by now, not a problem! Of course, this was followed by a great downhill, which I enjoyed, but used care (we were riding on Highway 1, and there was plenty of traffic)!
And in another mile and a half, we encountered another hill - according to our sheets it was called - "Yet Another Big Hill" - and most of us ascended it slowly, but steadily and surely!
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Of course, many riders were enticed up that hill by none other than our "darling". She had been out there since 7:30 a.m., encouraging and congratulating riders! Shortly after the summit of this "big hill" we experienced a real downhill. On a country road, one can really enjoy a good descent, but with all the traffic, we navigated it with care. I probably went slower than many of the other riders, and I felt like I sometimes feel in the car, when I'm behind an "elderly" person. Elderly persons often drive with more caution than is normally needed, and can cause accidents because they are so slow. Well, that's about how I felt going down that hill! I was more concerned with all the truck and automobile traffic than I was the steepness of the hill. At any rate, I heard riders behind me call out "Slowing, Slowing" - that's cyclist talk for "Someone ahead is slowing down - take care!" I felt like that "elderly person" about whom I spoke before.... and smart cyclists do not pass when there is a lot of traffic and little, if any, bike lane. But we finally made it (pretty much single file) to the level, where many riders were able to pass. There was no place where I could safely "pull over" so I had to continue riding at my own pace. We turned on to Highway 101, which was about as busy as Route 1 had been, but it had a much wider "bike" lane. At mile 21 I was happy to turn off to Pit Stop 1 - Gaviota State Beach.)
Refreshed with food, drink and porta potty stop, I was ready to face the traffic of Rt. 101 again - It was 16 miles before I reached Pit Stop 2 - which was just off Rt. 101 - and what a reception awaited the Riders!We were greeted at the Pit Stop Two, (Dos Pueblos Canyon Road) by The Cat In The Hat who, although being kept very busy directing riders off the road and safely into the parking area, still consented to have his picture taken with me. There were many other characters on hand to entertain and amuse us!
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In fact, this particular Pit Stop seemed to be filled with characters from Fantasy Land ... and we were regaled at the antics of the famous "I Thout I Taw A Puddy Tat" and other characters - only a few of which I was able to catch on film. The costumes and revelry at this Pit Stop surpassed anything I've seen on the ride thus far. (And we've been presented with some pretty amazing costumes and entertainment)! This popular character directed us to bike parking. )
The picture of the little girl with her mother shows either a volunteer and daughter, or a crew member and daughter. The little girl was having the time of her life, and enjoyed all the attention she received for her costume! We are getting down to where some of the Los Angeles crew members live, so it is not out of the question that some family members join crew members for a lunch or pit stop break. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate crew members from volunteers!Just after I parked my bike and attended to my needs, I saw my buddy, Michele. I had passed her shortly before reaching this Pit Stop. She had been standing with a Crew Member, and when I asked if everything was "OK" they responded with the thumbs up signal - that everything was under control. Well, everything was NOT okay. Michele had been riding along, looking carefully at the traffic flow before deciding to pass someone. She called out "passing on your left" and proceeded to pass. Someone behind her yelled out her number and said she was not passing correctly. This was a bit of a surprise to her, and as she turned to see who the "traffic cop" was, her front wheel hit the curb and down she went. Michele, of all the riders I know, is VERY careful. She observes all the rules of the road (ask Alison or me about crossing streets!) More than once, on training rides, I had followed Michele and I am very aware of the care and caution she uses when she is riding (or walking!) So this accident was caused by, in my opinion, an over zealous "traffic monitor" who was, like us, a rider. Anyway, down went our little rider and she sustained a good size cut on her leg. When I saw her she still had blood on her leg and the leg bore a large bandage. She insisted on riding into the lunch stop, and I helped get her bike ready and went after mine. I hoped to follow her to the Lunch stop - on the campus of the University of Santa Barbara - about 8 miles away. As I went after my bike, I saw Jenny (a member of Team Hackers). I told Jen what had happened to Michele and asked Jen to follow Michele, as even with a cut leg, Michele would out-distance me in a short while. Jenny agreed, and was directly behind Michele as the three of us took off. I had just left the stop when I realized I left my gloves behind. There was no room to "turn around" so I parked my bike as far off the road as I could and walked back to retrieve my gloves. By the time I returned to my bike, Michele and Jenny were far ahead, so I was grateful that Jenny showed up when she did.
The ride into the University of California at Santa Barbara was quite interesting. It's the first time I have ever been there, and I enjoyed seeing the buildings and campus. A nice "real bike path" led us to the area where the AIDS riders were enjoying lunch!
As soon as I parked my bike, I looked for Michele - who by this time was in the Medical Tent. She was broken-hearted. I don't think she even thought about the pain she experienced with the cut - all she knew was that she would probably not be able to finish today's ride. When Michele sets her mind to something, she accomplishes that plan. Here was something that would interrupt those plans. My heart went out to her. She wanted to ride every mile of this ride, and it looked pretty gloomy for her. Several of us talked with her, assuring her she could ride "tomorrow" and that she needed to listen to the doctors. AIDS riders all signed a "contract" before the ride, indicating that we would obey all the decisions made by Crew or Medical People. The doctor told Michele that she was finished riding for the day. They would take her to a local hospital for tetanus shots and take her back to camp. This was a bitter pill for her to take, but like the good soldier she is, she agreed (besides, she had no choice - to refuse would have meant expulsion from the ride).
The lunch was delicious, as usual, and we enjoyed it, though the group was subdued, thinking about our "fallen team mate".
You'll notice that I am wearing my shirt which has (on the back) the pictures of the young men in whose honor and memory I ride. Also all over the shirt are written the names of each of my supporters.
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Today's ride was listed as "Remembrance Day" Today many of us wore the shirts we created with the pictures of the men and women in whose memory we rode. Others wore shirts that had been given to them by partners who had died of AIDS, or whose family presented the rider with a shirt that was a favorite of the one who had died. Pictures of those remembered were in evidence on the backs of many of the riders. It was a very special day and we all felt the presence of those in whose honor and memory we rode....Here's a picture of the back of the shirt, showing pictures of the boys (A.J.'s picture was just too dark to transfer well) - and the names of my sponsors.
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When we left the campus, we followed a wonderful bike path that winds through the campus, and part of the City of Santa Barbara. After all the traffic on Highway 101, it was particularly pleasing to be on the bike path, which went on for about 5 miles! As we rode along, and were able to enjoy the scenery (after the din and confusion of Hwy. 101), we could see the mountains to the east (over which we had come!) - it was a pretty awesome sight! It is easy to understand why people love Santa Barbara. As I rode along the path, I saw the beach from which Kitty began the swim that was part of the Santa Barbara Triathlon in which she participated many years ago. It was her first triathlon, and she not only finished the entire thing, but also finished high in the women's division. I think I might have "learned" to dig in and endure from her example! Christina, Michelle, John and Joe drove down to Santa Barbara with us, and it was a real eye-opener for all of us. People who participate in triathlons are crazy. And we loved being with them, and were truly proud of Kitty.
As we rode through Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Cycling Association held a huge "open house" for all riders. I was feeling pretty good, and did not feel the need to stop, since there were still many miles to go before I was at camp, so I offered a prayer of thanksgiving for these kind and generous people, and kept my feet to the pedals! We passed crowds of people on the sidewalks and on street corners, and the signs and posters were in abundance! Folks clapping, bells ringing, cheers and car horns tooting --- all welcomed us to "sunny Southern California".
Just south of the city, we came upon a "nasty little hill" - but it wasn't long or too high, so it was dealt with. No problem.
Pit Stop 3 today was nearly 58 miles into the ride, and provided us with lots of laughter and fun. Riders were invited to participate in a Hula-hoop contest to see who would be the "Hula-hoop hero" -- the fastest one to shake and spin it! I didn't stick around long enough to see who took the prize. As I stood in the porta potty line, I was impressed with both men and women riders who twirled the thing for long periods of time! (I was not one of them!) The crew at this pit stop had set up some inflatable furniture and I could see some riders relaxing in them for awhile! There was also a "throw the hoops" and win a "whirly gig propeller" for our helmets. I was not able to win one.... so after some refreshments, I took off again for Ventura - yet some 30 miles away.
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. At mile 71 was a "Grab & Go" Stop. A Grab & Go stop provides porta potties and liquid. They come in handy, but I wasn't sure I needed to stop here - Ventura wasn't that far ahead, and I wanted to get to camp asap. As I entered this charming little city of Carpinteria, a lovely lady stood at the intersection light and invited all passing AIDS riders to stop at the Grab & Go. A group of local citizens, she told us, (not representing the "official" city - but just local, interested citizens), had been baking cookies all night (though she didn't know if any more "home made" cookies were left) - and there was fresh fruit and hot dogs and other goodies for us, in appreciation of our participation in the AIDS Ride. Well, I just couldn't pass up such a warm and welcoming invitation. I stopped, and am so glad I did. There were lots of local citizens there, to welcome and congratulate riders. Free hot dogs, desserts and fresh fruit were available. The people in the photo are: (l-r) Annette Stockey-Culbert, Rosemarie Fanucchi, Dottie Deck, Lisa Piltz, Mary Ann Sweeney. I'm sorry I was unable to capture the whole "local crew" for a picture.
In addition to the food and drinks, they had a roll of paper on which riders were invited to leave a message. (Sort of like a "guest book"). It was great! I hope these great citizens of Carpinteria know how much the Riders appreciate their generosity. Meeting local citizens like these folks is a very humbling experience. They give generously and from their hearts - and it sure made my day!
Only about 15 miles to camp, and I was on my way! A few little rolling hills and before I knew it, I was at the beginning of the bike path which would lead me to Rincon Parkway Campground and eventually to the San Buenaventura State Beach campsite. Along the way we saw many motorhomes parked along the beach, and many of them held out signs of welcome.
This is a very nice place to camp - large in area with lots of grass on which to put our tents. Someone said they also have gophers, but I have not seen any. For supper we had a great gumbo on rice, veggies, bread, tossed green salad and cornbread. It was yummy!
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Many of the Road Hackers captured a large table and we stayed to hear the evening's news and the last evening's program. This was our last dinner, last shower (in the great shower trucks), and the last time we'd have to sleep in that 2-man tent (and that pretty much means two persons, not suitcases, helmets, etc...) Tomorrow will be the last day of the California Aids Ride 8, and a reunion with family! We will have a long enough ride, and I just hope I don't mess up on the last day and have to be sagged in. Tomorrow, all riders must be off the road by 3:00 or 4:00 o'clock.....
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