Monday, May 23rd
The pros from the 2016 Amgen Tour of California tackled Gibraltar Road; time for Weenie Woman and
The BF to give it their best shot, too. Want a blow by blow account of this ride in Santa Barbara -- then check out
this super blog. Also, if interested, consider the
Santa Barbara 100 ride in October.
The Boyfriend drove us to Tucker's Grove Park in Santa Barbara. We proceeded along Cathedral Oaks to Mountain Road to the climb. It's a deceptive climb, starting out easy with stunning views.
Moi, with the Santa Barbara coastline behind me.
We climbed and climbed, thinking easy peasy, noticing wildflowers including this lovely cactus bloom.
Stunning as we continued. We met a few cyclists along the way.
As we neared the top, we saw hang gliders taking off. Every turn was spectacular.
Here's a video from GCN capturing this climb.
Eventually we made it to the top, though this shot is not of the top. I was plum pooped out. We met a local, a guy impressed by our ages and that we did it. He was only dressed in a cotton t-shirt whereas I was decked out in wool and arm warmers and jacket at the summit. He suggested we descend Painted Horse and check out the cave paintings. The descent was wonderful. Much reminded me of Mt. Diablo and Fremont Peak. It was the highlight of our trip because we'd never done this climb; and also, because it was breathtaking. 28 miles. Next up, Painted Horse.
Oh wait, dinner later on was at
Cecci in Solvang; wild boar sausage pizza, a first for me.
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1 comment:
I love the cactus photo. Looks a lot like a balloon animal.
No photos of the TofC itself?
" He was only dressed in a cotton t-shirt whereas I was decked out in wool and arm warmers and jacket at the summit."
Both of you should consider shorts. Wait, you're wearing shorts in the photo! You can never tell with this particular blog.
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