How is this still possible? We are
1,000 miles south of where we started in Astoria Oregon, and we still
have cool, foggy mornings, giving way for a warm afternoon. I am
still having to wear 3 layers at the beginning, only to wish I only
had 1 layer by the end of the ride. I expect that is about to change
though, as we are now getting more inland than before. The days
should start to be warm from the very start.
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| Leaving Carmel Valley |
Today was a shorter, 55 mile ride, that
still had about 3700 feet of climbing. Right out of the gate, we had
a 20 mile gradual ascent, with a interim section of about 10% grade
for a couple of miles. I rode the climb alone as I wanted to do it
quickly. Along the way I saw a coyote by the road's edge, but by the
time I yanked out my camera to get a photo, it had taken off. I also
saw several turkeys and a family of deer that just stood in front of
me in the middle of the road. I guess these are the benefits of being
the first cyclist in the pack. The road was a relatively unused
country road that had no traffic, so the wildlife was more prevalent.
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| Typical countryside |
After the climbs were mostly done, we
had a long downhill descent that had many turns in it. It was fun,
but the frequency of these turns made it difficult to sustain any
real speed. The scenery was beautiful among the hills and valleys.
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| About to descend into the valley |
By this time, Joe and I were riding
together and we caught up to Toronto Mark and Gary. Toronto Mark's
wife, “The Duchess”, is not riding these days due to injuries.
That gives us a chance to ride as “The Geldings” once again.
Today was one of those days, at least the last half was. Baltimore
Mark is not feeling so well, so it was Toronto Mark, Joe and I that
rode in together. We made excellent time, which was a great reminder
of the old days from 2 years ago.
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| Cliff faces overlooking the valley |
Along the way, we passed through part
of the agricultural area of the central valley. The fields were
growing grapes (for wine), broccoli, onions, garlic and a few other
things we didn't recognize. The garlic and onions were quite
fragrant.
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| Fields of various types of vegetables |
Part of the route took us along the
hillsides of the valley, giving us a great view as we climbed and
descended along the edges of the hills. A train passed by us and
headed through a tunnel that was carved from one of the hills. We
rode over the tunnel as we climbed once again.
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| Vegetables growing beside the railway |
We arrived in King City, just in time
for Toronto Mark to ride over a piece of glass and get a flat. After
a quick change, we made our way to the hotel in this small town.
Let's see what tomorrow brings.
wow-just gorgeous country probably best seen on a bike
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