Monday, Oct 22, 2012 46 miles 1,924 ft of climb

Most of today was spent in farming areas...salad bowl crops...broccoli, head lettuce, cauliflower, cabbages, asparagus, as well as strawberries, wine grapes, avocados, and even olives are grown here.  It really was amazing to see acres of these plants growing.

We did not have far to go today, but we were trying to out run the predicted rain.  This is the first day we even came close, and we only had sprinkles.  The only reason I knew we were getting sprinkles was because the drops made noise on my wind breaker!

We had a very long hill in the last 5 miles (of course!), almost two miles long.  The ride down was fun, though, and we only had easy 'rollers' into town.

Since we arrived so early, Sue H, Vicki, Marilyn, Carolyn and I went to an excellent Mexican restaurant for lunch.

Ode to the Riders on the 2012 Pacific Coast Ride
by Carol Deland

33 Women out on a trek, let's ride to Ventura, 
yea, what the heck.
We bonded quickly didn't take long. 
What won't kill you makes you strong

Michelle was guide and now is our cook, 
no question about it, #1 one in our book.

Cy hopped on board when Patty jumped ship. 
She caught on to us ever so quick
With her Southern drawl and happy tone, 
with Mic and Cy we feel we're at home.

Mary Slade so tall and very lean, 
makes for a real riding machine
And she's also great as she has an app 
that tells me where my next coffee is at.

Chris on our trip added a year, 
hate to tell you, we all did my dear.

Nancy and Donna pedal side by side. 
Spinning along as the miles click away
Though tired as we all are at the end of the ride,
 they help with the dishes at the end of each day.

Liz and Mike speed demons on land, 
and their reward . . . unloading the van

Ann's the rebel, often off route, 
and some are like lemmings, following suit.

Little Vickie rides like the wind, 
gets home in time to help with din
Marilyn, pedaling along, holds the gait - 
it works, dinner's never late

Nancy, Caroline, and little Jean, 
pleased to join the greatest SAG team

We share a roomie for each night, 
except for Lynda, spare bed's for her bike
Her roommate has history, has heard it before, 
pull out couch or sleep on the floor

I met Virginia on another tour, 
not much taller but faster for sure.

Therese's first day was not as she'd like, 
a cramp, cut leg, and troublesome bike
For me as the SAG, she help pave the way, 
flagged down some help, no ferry delay.

Janine's our gal from the North, eh? 
Shelia's our gal cross the sea
Strong riders w/ stories we all like to hear.  
Knows our history better than we.

Rita,  Angie and Carol with their blog, 
are certainly better than my handwritten log
Why not let friends and family from home 
read their stuff instead of my own.

Peg's a good rider, right on my ass.  
Tells me to stop so she can pass
This said with a smile, I'll do as she wishes.  
She's redeemed herself by helping w/ dishes.

Lin when practiced stays well rehearsed. 
And entertains us with song and verse
A riding buddy mile after mile, 
fun to pedal where there's always a smile.

And then there's Mary Blake who broke her arm, 
We do wish her well and no more harm!

Desitin, shammy butter nothing I fear, 
could heal the issues of Hoagland's rear

Debbie is a biker that is for sure,
 just don't put her in the van.
She turns a bit green and then very white, 
Debbie, my friend, STAY ON THE BIKE

Lighthouse Sue should be her name.  
She hasn't missed any while on tour
At the end of the ride when we tally our totals, 
she'll have the most for sure.

When Sunney pass she really flies by. 
Could she actually be on a CA high?

The sweeps, Katy, Patty and Kirb, 
have taken the name  I so richly deserve
They used to be last but I hear the whir 
as they pedal past me, my title's secure.

Patty, however, has leapt out of the box, 
she's pedaling hard trying to find my sox.
All things considered, the don't match my dress,
 I grant you your wish, they're yours, all the best.

As poet and author one can say as one wishes, 
never thought I'd enjoy doing the dishes.
You all have been great. We really can boast - 
don't need to ever do another Pac. Coast.
It's nearing the end, it's been a blast I've pedaled hard - 
don't go very fast
3 little words said with a smile kept me riding mile after mile
I hear them so often even at sleep  
They just kept repeating week after week.
On your left, on your left please, let it be done, 
stop pedaling so I can share in your fun.