Day Two – Into the Hills
This morning we rose early and headed to another of our favorite ride stops – Ventura Harley-Davidson. Ventura have been fantastic supporters of Amazon Heart over the years, and raise funds for our ride through their own annual Heels and Wheels ride, and this year raffled a Fat Bob and quilt raising over $8,000!
Ventura was a quick ride down the freeway from our hotel, and once again they gave us a fantastic welcome, with a hot breakfast and goodie bags awaiting! After some retail therapy, we fueled the bikes and then headed inland for our first real day of twisty roads.
The temperature rose steadily as we headed out, through small towns until we were in open country, climbing steadily before diving down twisty descents. The group rode brilliantly – like they had been riding curves all their lives.
After an hour or so through the hills we escaped the heat, heading back to the coast and into beautiful Santa Monica. The sun shone, the beach and palm trees were amazing as always, and an outdoor art market lined the road along the shore.
We parked at the beach and then headed out on foot across the town to enjoy lunch and the sights! Andy broke out a bikini as she has done at every stop, but this time even managed to produce a pair of rollerblades to fit perfectly in with the locals!
Time for a quick group photo, then back on the bikes for the final run, back up into the hills and some amazing scenery – canyons, lakes, views back to the ocean.
Close to the hotel we rode through the famous town of Solvang – a Danish settlement that looked like a village plucked straight out of the Netherlands. Just a few more miles down the road was our hotel, and in no time at all most of the group was in the pool and the spa, while keeping an eye on their laundry.
A quiet night tonight before tomorrow’s ride, which takes us to the beginning of Big Sur.
This ride is amazing. What a wonderful bunch of strong women. I am having the time of my life. You can't even imagine what this ride is doing to us women. Thinking back when I was diagnosed, you just don't know what is going to happen in the future with your life. Well,to all you survivors out there reading this.....TOTALLY AMAZING...AND YES YOUR JOURNEY Definitely BEGINS WHEN YOU ARE DIAGNOSED..... Karen Levy, Pennsylvania (one of this years riders) GO FOR IT......WE DESERVE IT....
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Andy - it certainly sounds like you are in true form - I am enjoying the journey from here
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you all look amazing - so gutted not to be riding with you. be with you all the way. are the bikes fab? Marie 's photo on the nightster is special. couldn't find you at first Wendy but i am thinking blue and white stripes. hand is taking a lot longer to bounce back. Julie XXX
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Looks like another amazing adventure. You are all doing an amazing thing. Best wishes for a safe journey that raises awareness for this horrible disease.
With love,
Christine (Amazon Heart India 2007)
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Gail and all you girls
YOU ALL ROCK!!! BE SAFE!! have a great trip around california..
take care..
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Well we did feel some slight earth tremors down under that day, and it gives me warm and fuzzies knowing that 20 new sista's are taking on that life changing event, bonding together, roaring along and riding those beautiful Harleys along the Californian coastline. Hi I'm Sydney Donna, Amazon Heart junkie. Stacey and I are now equal in events both doing 6. Mine include California 2004, UK 2005, Oz 2005, Montana 2006, Oz 2006 and Oz 2007, yet to add Oz 2009.I wish you all a fantastic time and take away the many memories and friendship as I have. Keep the wind in your hair.
Love sydney donna x
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As i sit in gloomy Annfield Plain, Co, Durham reading your blog is making me very envious of your great experience.It is keeping us all entertained here at Greencroft. You all look great on the photos, happy riding xxxx
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