Swell Time in Santa Barbara

A few weeks ago, The Boyfriend and I were in Santa Barbara to bike and to see the Amgen TOC Stage 2 finish climbing Gibraltar Road.  Unfortunately, The BF came down with a cold which I later caught, but, after our vacation.  So, our cycling was less than we planned but still, we had a swell time. Here we are on the bike path that parallels the ocean front.

The day of the tour, guess who waved to me -- yep, firemen in their big red truck! They are heroes (we saw some of the after effects of the devastating mud slides and fires).  We had a great vantage point to see the cyclists coming.  Look closely and you'll see a helicopter, meaning, the cyclists are near.

Here's me waiting.  Lots of cyclists and hikers joked with me as they passed by.  Made my day.  Loved the guy who had the 7-Eleven jersey.  I hung out a lot at 7-Eleven in my youth drinking slurpees. The 70s....

Omg, here they come.  It was over too soon but what a thrill to see them.  We also had a great time seeing them up close (spinning away) later in the week for the time trial in Morgan Hill. I practically fainted and got all girly seeing George Hincapie up close.  Omg, he's handsome.

Another gorgeous shot of Santa Barbara.  It's such a beautiful place with its stunning scenery, its neighborhoods, the beaches, the temperature, and vibrant downtown among other things.  Til the next visit.

Enjoying Solvang

The Boyfriend and I were in Solvang a few weeks ago for a biking trip.  We've been many times before and I've blogged about those trips.  This was the first time though that the hills were still green.  Everything looked different as though we were in Emerald City.

Usually this field is the color of wheat.  We still had the usual winds and some not so great road surfaces but still, Solvang did not disappoint.  It is much too charming and idyllic.

The weather, like much of the Bay Area, was a bit cooler than I would have liked but the scenery made up for that.  Quiet roads and good food made for a relaxing biking holiday.

Los Olivos, a charming town to visit. Anywhere in the area is special and worth exploring.  When we arrived in Solvang, the Farmers Market was setting up. I remember on a past visit buying some carrots, the sweetest most tasty I've ever had. 

Here we are on Highway 1 going towards Lompoc.  I wish we had more time to hang out but alas, vacations are always like that.

We were dazzled this trip by so much color.  We also awoke one morning to a half marathon right outside our hotel.  We cheered along with the crowd as runners crossed the finish line.

Our last day was another not so sunny one; we did a quick trip out to Happy Canyon on one of my favorite roads.  The color of the hills were beginning to turn and alas, it was time to move on.  Next up, Santa Barbara to see the Amgen Tour of California.

Climbing in Cambria

Monday, May 14th

The Boyfriend and I arrived in Cambria after leaving Santa Barbara (we were there to see the Amgen TOC Gibraltar Road, another blog post).  My blog posts will be out of order, but, who cares, right.  Oh my god, it was stunning. This photo was taken from the car as we passed Cayucos on our way to Cambria.

We've just left Hwy 1 and are entering Cambria.  Lovely, yes.  Can't wait to start biking.

Given the lateness of the hour, we decided to do Santa Rosa Creek Road and Hwy 46 back to town. We were stunned that the hills were still green and flowers dotted the landscape.  Here's me conquering a climb.

Here he comes, conquering the same climb.   I managed to do most of this daunting bit on Santa Rosa Creek Road. We had the road mostly to ourselves.  Road repair continues and thus, essentially not accessible for cars.  Sections are quite smooth and better than past years.

We were quite pleased with ourselves tackling Santa Rosa Creek Road. Neither of us feel in top form yet we fared well.  Next up, Hwy 46.  I was nervous about the wind but it was not too bad.  The scenery was overwhelming.

Can you see me?  Omg, it was breathtaking.  Unfortunately for The BF, his newly purchased bike odometer failed and he could not record his stats.

Almost at the end of Hwy 46.  What a spectacular ride.  We were fortunate with the winds and temperature.  The evening was spent enjoying a great Mexican meal and purchasing Santa Barbara County wines at a local shop. If only we had more time for another ride ....  next up, seeing the Amgen TOC Morgan Hill time trial, of which I have no photos but I can say, it was an enjoyable end of holiday experience.

Just the Stats: 

31.19 miles
26 mph on descent (I was cautious)
9.4 avg mph
3 hrs 17 min.