Day 1 Continued

The first day here in California is drawing to an end and I must say that things went better than expected. Woke up at about 7am (Still 10am ET for me though...) and after breakfast I was anxious to get out on the road. Temperatures were quite a bit warmer than what they were originally calling for but I'd be wearing just shorts and a jersey regardless.

I headed out on the road and turned North. I noticed my GPS hadn't picked up a satellite signal yet so as I waited, a roadie group overtook me. I caught up with them and chatted with a few of them and I thought it was hilarious that they thought this was a bad day weather wise for riding. All of them were decked out in full winter riding gear - full fingered gloves, long sleeves, cycling tights and even skull caps. One of them remarked that he was shocked to see me in short sleeves and bibs. Mind you that at this point the mercury had risen to 16.

I eventually parted ways with the group after I thanked them for the lift and continued on, parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway. The route had some of the best views I've seen in awhile. It was really cool to see all the surfers along the coast as well. After a brief stint where cyclists actually have to ride on the PCH (a wee bit more hairy than I would have liked) I turned off at Bates Rd which in turn brought me to a nice mountain climb with very little traffic, multiple switchbacks and a beautiful lake view at the top.

It felt really good to climb something for more than, say, 5 minutes. I climbed for at least 30 minutes before I reached Lake Casitas. It's a beautiful view and you can really feel the warmth of the sun now that you're away from the ocean. Temperature was now at 18. The descent that followed was very brisk, easily reaching 60km/h + as I followed the twisting road downwards towards the lakeshore. I finished the loop around the lake before following a bike path that led me back into town.

Just before I got back to the beach house, I ran into four members from The Team Ontario cycling team. Again I was able to hitch a ride with some roadies and get through the boring flats around Oxnard. The ride was just under 4 hours for 100km. Since I've gotten back I haven't stopped eating. Neither has anyone else really, we're all eating pretty much all the time. I also have a horrible tan now since I neglected to put on ay kind of sunscreen.

Riding tomorrow with be in the opposite direction as Adam and I go tackle some climbs to the south of us. Here's hoping I don't bonk.