Carmel

Another ride is in the books. The ride was very enjoyable. We traveled about 960 miles over 14 days of riding. My totals were 612 miles during the trip, somewhat more than I had anticipated riding. We are quite tired today. Attention to the road was absolutely required today. It took us 10 miles plus to leave Santa Cruz and we probably had to stop at 20 traffic lights on the way out of town. We were headed into the rising sun as well, so had to be on the wary side for holes in the road. When we approached Monterey and rode to Pacific Grove, many other cyclists and pedestrians shared the bike path. We weaved our way through it slowly. Traffic on the 17 mile drive was heavy and again our full attention was required for vehicles pulling in and out for the scenery. One driver almost clipped me thinking he could squeeze in before I got there. Or his attention span was short and he forgot already that I was there.

Thanks for following along on another edition of "Life in the slow lane." At this time, there are no plans for another chapter any time soon. My body definitely needs a rest with two trips this year and approximately 6,300 cycling miles for the year. Once again, thanks to Robin for allowing me to express my passion and for driving the SAG vehicle for the past two years. I am glad that she got to witness it for a couple of days.

Thanks to my fellow riders Doc, Jim H., Ron, and Tracy. I really enjoyed your company on and off the bicycle. You helped make it a successful trip. This is my third time down the West Coast and I am grateful that we shared it together. You helped me see things in a different way. May we log many more miles together over the upcoming years!

Today's riders: Dana, Doc, Tom, Tracy, Paula, Ron, Jim H. Dana and Paula joined us on the ride from the hotel to the first SAG. A club ride of perhaps 40 cyclists passed us on the route like we were all standing still, although I am sure that Dana could have stayed with them.

An ocean view from 17 mile drive. Lots of traffic on the road, but there is a bike lane for most of the drive. One could spend several hours along this road, especially on the nice day that we had today.

The Lone Cypress tree. It is approximately 250 years old and is the official symbol of the Pebble Beach Company. It is one of the most famous trees in the world.

Getting some food at the end of the trip.