So, I’m going to put something out there. Every single time I’ve done this ride, I’ve always started out day one wondering why the heck I did this. I can’t remember a time when I really enjoyed day one. It’s usually due to lack of sleep and the stress of worrying about things I didn’t get done. It also has to do with a lack of desire for riding  out of San Francisco in sloppy wet fog.

This year was no different. I only managed about four hours of sleep and, true to form, SF was cold and foggy–no mist though (whew). The good news–somewhere along the way, this became an awesome first day for many reasons…

1. Instead of riding over 92 into Half Moon Bay we road down Hwy 1 past Devil’s Slide which was stunning.

2. Half way down the Devil’s Slide grade, we were met by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with a burst of color and fresh strawberries.

3. Felt very strong riding. Made it through the route with little muscle complaining and had a chance to hang with some fun people along the way.

4. Saw some amazingly beautiful coast along the way.

5. Strangely enough–I was looking forward to crawling into my sleeping bag and falling asleep.

Oversall, it was a really great day!

Top 10 reasons the ALC is so fun

1. People riding down it highway in feather boas and tutus
2. Awkward tan lines that are hard to explain.
3. Feeling lucky when you get a clean porta-potty
4. A passion for something called Butt Butter.
5. Awesome peanut butter and jelly graham cracker sandwiches
6. Email, messages, deadlines…what are those?
7. Finding a deep appreciation for those times when you don’t have to stand in a line
8. One word: Spandex
9. Two words: tent decorations
10. Ultimate words: Butt Clinic