Day Seven - The California Coast
Big Sur. Sun. No Fog. Riding at the speed limit. Doesn't get better than that!
It was a fantastic day of riding up one of the most stunning stretches of road in the world - Pacific Coast Highway 1 from Cambria to Monterey, also known as "Big Sur".
We started the morning at a leisurely pace, riding 15 minutes up the road to San Simeon for a stop at Hearst Castle. We didn't have time for a tour of the castle, and it was still a bit foggy, so we couldn't actually see the castle. But the gift shop was fantastic.
We had a "Gloria Moment" - singing "I will survive" in the parking lot. It was a good first effort, but I have to say (and those who have seen it all agreed), it just isn't the same without Meredith.
Another 15 minutes up the road we stopped at Piedras Blancas to admire the giant Elephant Seals and to soak up the energy of the magnificent ocean.
Believe it or not, our next stop was just another 15 minutes up the road - Ragged Point. Our last stop before the big ride. The views are stunning. There were a lot of mixed emotions as many of us remembered and paid tribute to Just Jan (AHT US 2005) at this very special spot.
Then it was 50 miles of incredible twisties with the mountains on our right and the ocean on our left and the most breathtaking views. Wow! Everyone rode beautifully and at the posted speed limit the whole way. It was awesome.
We stopped at Ripplewood for a break, snack, potty stop and gas for the Sportsters. Then another 30 miles to the Bay Park Hotel in Monterey (owned by a breast cancer survivor) - one of the many hotels that gives us fantastic rates and make it possible for us to stay in luxury throughout the ride.
It was seafood and clam chowder down at the wharf in Monterey for dinner. The best!
To address some of the questions that have been coming through the blog:
Pancake is staying out of trouble - mostly because Maria has him chained to the rearview mirror in the support truck or to her keychain at all times. He has not been introduced to the new mascot (who has yet to be named) for obvious reasons. He still has his nose ring, it just doesn't alway show in pictures.
It was a fantastic day of riding up one of the most stunning stretches of road in the world - Pacific Coast Highway 1 from Cambria to Monterey, also known as "Big Sur".
We started the morning at a leisurely pace, riding 15 minutes up the road to San Simeon for a stop at Hearst Castle. We didn't have time for a tour of the castle, and it was still a bit foggy, so we couldn't actually see the castle. But the gift shop was fantastic.
We had a "Gloria Moment" - singing "I will survive" in the parking lot. It was a good first effort, but I have to say (and those who have seen it all agreed), it just isn't the same without Meredith.
Another 15 minutes up the road we stopped at Piedras Blancas to admire the giant Elephant Seals and to soak up the energy of the magnificent ocean.
Believe it or not, our next stop was just another 15 minutes up the road - Ragged Point. Our last stop before the big ride. The views are stunning. There were a lot of mixed emotions as many of us remembered and paid tribute to Just Jan (AHT US 2005) at this very special spot.
Then it was 50 miles of incredible twisties with the mountains on our right and the ocean on our left and the most breathtaking views. Wow! Everyone rode beautifully and at the posted speed limit the whole way. It was awesome.
We stopped at Ripplewood for a break, snack, potty stop and gas for the Sportsters. Then another 30 miles to the Bay Park Hotel in Monterey (owned by a breast cancer survivor) - one of the many hotels that gives us fantastic rates and make it possible for us to stay in luxury throughout the ride.
It was seafood and clam chowder down at the wharf in Monterey for dinner. The best!
To address some of the questions that have been coming through the blog:
Pancake is staying out of trouble - mostly because Maria has him chained to the rearview mirror in the support truck or to her keychain at all times. He has not been introduced to the new mascot (who has yet to be named) for obvious reasons. He still has his nose ring, it just doesn't alway show in pictures.
I am using "OI", but very sparingly. Mostly because it isn't very effective when I use it and people say "oh, it's an "oi" " and then go back to what they were doing. Thankfully everyone has been (mostly) well behaved and (mostly) on time.
No new tattoos so far (except a few temporaries in Hermosa Beach), although there is still plenty of time...
Pankcake~ don'let them cage your inner spirit..what fun us staying out of trouble? lol.. just don't drown in those mojitos.. :)
G~ Love you girl, loving those pictures, Monterey is so beautiful! I am so vey glad that you can experience such peace and tranquility doing this ride. miss you everyday. Trina
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Nice one Maria - just watch that little tyke tho - I'll bet he just lurves them chains!
Sal
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I am so proud of you all.
Tia, you know I'm your bigest suppoter.
And am so happy that you are out there doing your thing.
You are the strongest woman I have ever met, and if there were more people like you, this world would be a better place.
I miss you very much, and love you twice as much.
"You and me together."
Aloha au ia oe Ipo
Please be careful.
Your cats are proud of their mommy.
They can't wait till you get back so you can hug them and squeez them.
And I can't wait till you get back, cause I need a little somethin, somethin :)
I'll see you this week end babe.
You make me proud to be with you.
I love you vwery much, (yes I said vwery) hehehehe. :)
And soon we will be able to say goodnight and goodmorning
Aloha au ia oe Ipo
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Linnea, one of my most favorite people and daughters!
Your stamina and courage blows my mind each time I reflect upon you.
I love you more than you could ever know.
Keep safe for all of us, for that matter...all of you powerful women: you go girls!
Love you,
MoM
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Hi, Gigi! We're really enjoying this ride along with you; wish we could be there too. I can see why you love it so much.
Be careful and take good care of yourself. We love you very much.
Mom and Dad
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Gidday Sistas ... Ah the memories are flooding back from our ride together last year. Flash, FG, Gigi I miss you all very much x's to each of you.
Megan it looks like you have organised yet again another fabulous ride. I truly wish I was there... I am able to keep up to date on the blog through one of my Aussie AHT Sistas, Ruth.
I seem to be reflecting over the last year day by day and I am imagining that I am riding bitch with each and every one of you.
Take care of each other and stay safe ... my love goes out to you xxxx Look forward to hearing the tales from the blog and catching up the Megan next week. I will speak to the rest of you via email after you come down from your almighty high ... Peace Love and Happiness, Squirt
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