Sunday, October 24, 2010

the day before the rain





Another awesome day on the Central Coast. Set out early knowing the Grand Fondo century ride was scheduled and wanted to see some of the Columbia pro riders. I headed up Hwy 1 north of Cayucos into the micro climate pass through Harmony between the coast and the mountain range. The weather through there is always 10 degrees warmer than along the coast and up on the mountain ridges. I kept on the gear knowing that the weather would be a bit more chilly once the road opened up along the coast. As I road into Cambria the riders in the GF where already headed up the road to San Simeon, the turn around for the 100 mile ride. I kept on heading up the coast, the road narrows here a bit but traffic is significantly less. As you head up the coast your exposed to amazing scenery. There was a substantial swell and the waves were glassy. From San Simeon to Ragged Point the road is rather flat until the last couple miles were you begin climbing up along the perch that cuts through the mountains that continues for 90 miles up to Monterey. Ragged Point is at the top of the first climb and is 37 miles from Cayucos. A short stop for water and a Cliff bar and I headed back to Cayucos with the ever present tail wind. I Like to ride on the way back with a slight tempo. It was Sunny and warm on the way back and no sign of the forecast rain that was to come later that night. Another perfect day on the Central Coast.