Death Mountain and Beyond….

We did it. The most ominous and legendary (for its torturous nature) part of the route is behind us with the infamous Leggett Hill – affectionately known to us as Death Mountain. We cancelled one rest day in the interest of making it to San Fran for critical mass, people have been grabbing a rest day in the RV when they can. 11 or 12 of 21 riders took today as a road rest day, leaping ahead in the RV while the rest of us rode. Those on the road pushed hard over a couple of brutal hills with absolutely CRAZY steep and windy descents to finally pop out on to the California coast. The scenery the last while has been unreal through towering ancient redwood forests, gruelling mountain climbs and stunning coastline – the sun has been out in full force for a few days in a row as well which is a first (although no real rain to speak of all trip).

The trip has definitely become much more of a mental challenge as the majority of people’s bodies have risen to the challenge – now its just a question of convincing yourself to climb out of a cold tent at 7am every day, and your legs that they DO want to propel you and your bike for 50 or 60 miles again. We’ve also been hard pressed to have the energy to do as much awareness as we would like so some days honestly feel like wake-eat-bike-eat-meeting-sleep repeat. A typical though day you ask?

7am – Wake up to the soothing sounds of either Mark or Jeremy who have rolled out of bed before all with guitar in hand and act as the group alarm clock every morning! SO amazing.

7:30-8:30 – Pack up tent and gear, eat breakfast (already laid out by the moms), prepare bike (pump tires, lube chain, etc)

8:30 or 9:00 (ish) – Hit the road

Cruise some 20 or 30 miles to lunch (usually plenty of time to stop for an espresso, explore some thrift shops, climb on rocks or whatever else suits your groups fancy that day)

10:30 – Fix SOMEBODY’S flat tire after they hit a staple (piece of glass/nail/small animal/leprechaun)

12:00 (ish) – Find the RV somewhere en route and enjoy a tasty lunch of wraps, fruit and whatever else the amazing moms have prepared. Dance party optional.

1:00 – Repeat the morning and cover the rest of the day’s ground before hitting camp for the night.

2:00 – Get lost because we forgot to bring the map.

3:00 – Take a short-cut to make up time.

3:05 – Get lost

3:30 - Back on route after an adventure or two and meeting some fabulous locals who fed you (gave you a ride, donated, told a great story, gave you contacts for down the road, fixed your bike)

5:00  – Find camp, set up tents, lay out dinner stuff, shower

6:00 – Wander off to play at the beach, build a raft, climb some rocks, read a book or have a dance party outside the RV

6:30 (ish) – Dinner of pasta, burgers, amazing salads and vegan treats, or whatever someone has whipped up for the night

8:00 – Often a group meeting to cover concerns, updates, or just catch up together and discuss highs/lows and recognize people that have been particularly incredible.

9:30 – Lights out

REPEAT

On that note, getting kicked out of here so will throw up a few pictures and hit the road! Night all, much love from all here and thank you so, so much for all the support as always