So. yes, it is 10/21/17 and I didn’t write last night:  86 miles, reunion with Don, farewell to biking friends, I was tired.

Now, after an hour-long massage, I’m ready.

When I awoke yesterday, it was drizzling and I had a sense of dread:  long ride in the rain.  But the “weather gods” smiled down, and by the time I started biking at 7:30 am, it was no longer raining.  The roads were wet but not a lot of puddles.

After we cycled out of Lompoc, we were quickly on SR 1 and a 15-mile gentle climb over the coastal foothills.  At times, the clouds looked threatening, but no more rain.

At mile 20 we merged onto US 101 and a 2+ mile steep downhill.  The sun appeared as did the ocean and numerous oil platforms.  As we approached Goleta and Santa Barbara, we were off the highway and onto bike paths.  It was a bit of an adventure winding our way through the UCSB campus – lots of bicycles and students walking every which way.

We joined the Coastal Route bike path, transitioned to the Obern Trail, and ended up at the Santa Barbara waterfront.  I biked to the end of the wharf and enjoyed the sea breezes and a Diet Coke.

Again bike paths through Summerland and Carpenteria, before we had to get back on US 101 for 1/2 mile.  The bike paths along the coast were wonderful, and there were numerous state beaches where campers could book a space for 2-3 days and they provided a bit of a wind block.  I should add that we enjoyed a 15-20 mile tailwind for most of the miles along the coast.

Arrived in Ventura just before 4 pm, even beat Don who had played golf in Santa Barbara during the day, then got caught in traffic on US 101.

Closing dinner at Cafe Fiore to say goodbye to a great group of fellow cyclists.

Garmin:  86.90 miles, 13.05 mph, 3786 ft ascent.    Total tour mileage:  1499.73 miles.

Relive:  https://www.relive.cc/view/1239490258