Chapter 35

Chapter 35

 

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008

 

San Simeon to Pismo Beach 52 miles

 

Had a Mexican dinner last night in a genuine Mexican restaurant. Never had Mexican before. Maybe that’s in preparation for the border which looms a week or so away. I think it’s an indicator. I don’t like Mexican food! I just discovered! I found it quite tasteless apart from the hot spice. 

Up this morning bright and early. I can’t get used to sleeping late anymore. Packed and gone by 9am. 

Before leaving San Simeon I went to the beach to see hundreds of giant seals sunning themselves on the sand, totally oblivious to the people who have come in their droves to see them and photograph them. I suppose there is a reason they all come just here, the seals I mean but I haven’t the time to ask them. I’m on a mission!

 

It’s a nice easy spin to Pismo Beach today. The profile is reasonably rolling and for the first in a long time, I do not have to contend with a steep climb as soon as I take off. Instead it’s a slight downhill for a few miles which stretches these stiff legs out and settles them in for the day. There is a clear sense today of moving from the mountainous cliff type terrain to more moderate rolling landscape. Leaving the land of the high headland and the smell of Redwoods to the peaceful pasture land of livestock and the clear smell of the eucalyptus tree which is common here. The cycling too is different. Straight roads for miles over rolling landscape that encourages me to put her into a big gear and spin at a nice high speed. It’s great cycling. Skirting around the busy Highway 1 where possible, is very enjoyable and the miles click over. 

 

At Morro Bay that gigantic rock you see in the picture is one of '9 sisters' down the coast. It’s the remains of the 'plug' of an ancient volcano which has eroded away. The forces that existed then have now made up the San Andreas Fault over which I am now cycling. I hope it stays quiet till I get over it... 

 

 

 

Before I know it I’m in Pismo beach and really into the Southern California world. You wouldn’t half know. Kids on bikes passing me, out for the laugh. Little pups think they are great cause they can overtake a 'real biker' Ha!! It’s a real Southern California resort and a taste of what is to come. 

 

 

Has a great beach and a long pier that goes out to sea and you can go out to where the surfers are catching waves and be right over them. The waves are only to be imagined... This is the beginning of the wealthy part of California and as such the state parks are few and far between. So, it will be more hotels than camps I think from now on.

 

Tomorrow is the last big climbing day. Down to Lompoc for 2 climbs of 1000 feet and 1 of 600 ft....Easy Peasy! Bring ‘em on.....This boy is hot...!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comment

Daughter Susie (Suazz) said: you are doing SOOOOOOO well Dad! fair play to ya it’s great to see you’re having your good days too. You’re head probably can’t take in all these amazing things at once...don’t forget to smell the coffee sometimes so you can really appreciate what you’re doing...not long now keep on truckin! All’s good here – it’s cold now - very cold, it sucks Wish I was there Mexico will be great - stick to McDonalds tho’ ha ha xxx

Eileen said; Hi John Good to hear that you are moving into easier terrain. You should take some time off to go for a swim or get acquainted with the seals! I take it you will not be making a return visit to them anytime soon. Hope the bike and the knee are coping OK. Lots of love x

John replied: Hey Susie It’s great to hear from you. I’ve had so much coffee here. I am having fun now. The hills are behind me. Don’t know how I will get back to the real life. Mexico will only see my toe that’s all then I’m back up to the metropolis. 

Eileen, you are great support. I’ll be waking up to their honking for a while yet. The bike is great so far and the knee is not a bother. See you soon.