Okay, so there really weren’t any serious lows except that I got my first flat on the ride. I was hoping to avoid having to change a tube, but alas, that’s not how things worked out. 

Somewhere just south of San Luis Obispo, I rode by some recently chip-sealed road with those little tiny rocks and lots of bumps. Next thing I know, I hear a “pssst” sound and I’m riding really hard on my back wheel rim. Why is it always the case that your back tire is the one to go flat? Your front wheel is really easy to take off. Your back wheel has all of your gear and lots of chain grease. Anyhow, after 15 minutes I managed flat change and back on the road. All in all, not bad.

Now for the highs:

1. While changing my flat one of our account team riders and a friend, Sam, stopped to keep me company and then we were going to Pismo Beach together.

2. Today featured an amazing climb that led to the halfway point of the ride. The climb is called the evil twins because it features two separate climbs to get all the way to the top. Once there, you have a beautiful view of the California coast all the way down to Morro Bay. The climb itself feature beautiful views of the California coast range. Once at the top, we were at the halfway point between San Francisco and LA. Then we had a fantastic 3 mile downhill ride. 48 miles an hour on the bike.

3. Today also featured one of my favorite stops…cinnamon rolls in Pismo beach. No joke, I’ve been dreaming about these rolls for the last three years. They were so good I bought an extra one and stuffed in my jersey pocket for the ride to camp. 

4. An extra treat – – in preparation for tomorrow’s red dress day, the Gay Straight Alliance from the local high school came out to paint rider’s nails. I am currently sporting bright red nail polish with little tiny glitter balls. I’m ready for tomorrow!

Overall, this is one of my favorite part of the ride. We’ve reached the halfway point, I have really great rhythm, and I’m cycling a lot stronger. It’s also the time when most of our he has gelled which makes this ride so much more fun.

Tomorrow is red dress day !