Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey: 2015 Day 3 Tremendous Third Day from King City to Paso Robles

Distance 65.3
Moving Time 4:00:56
Elevation 2,421ft
Avg Speed 16.3mi/h
Max Speed 41.4mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 122bpm 149bpm
Calories 2,357
Temperature 98.8

Wakeup Time: 4:15 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 7:05 a.m. / Elapsed Time 8:25:54

The short path into and out of King City is jacked (unpaved, uneven and sandy). Riding out took over one half hour, and when we finally got to the road, we were on our way to Quadbuster.

While the mileage was short the day was still quite long especially with the heat. I was longing for San Francisco summer weather - fog.

From rest stop 4 to camp, I unfortunately had a bike malfunction and had to be SAGged the last 9 miles to camp. I left my bike with bike tech and they got it back into shape for tomorrow.

I'll update this post when I get back home. I need some shut eye.

So I finally got some much needed shut eye - it's Monday, June 15.

After greeting wonderful volunteer Training Ride Leader (TRLs), Mary Vencill and her tentmate Erin, I headed towards bike parking to get ready for our third day and the challenging Quadbuster. Our rickety rocky road out of camp provided a great time to talk to other riders while we walked our bikes since the sandy piles created a bottleneck. Once out of the narrow passage, we were well on our way to mile 8.2 to RS 1 Salinan National Cultural Center. I honestly don't recal a cultural center, just a patch of dirt able accommodate the rest stop needs - porta potty, medical tent, snack tent, water and mingling. I bumped into Varun who asked if he could ride with me to Quadbuster. He was nervous about the infamous climb he'd heard about. Was it just urban myth or a real quad/ass buster?

We mounted our bikes and we were ready for the 1.3 miles of climbing at mile 10.5, Quadbuster, which would reward us with a long downhill stretch and eventually into RS2 at mile 19.3. I was looking for the Quadbuster sign to let Varun know that we were on our way up, but we never saw it, so that when we were 50 yards away from the top, I realized that we were already on Quadbuster - what a great feeling. And, Varun was very surprised and thanked all our East Bay Wildcats TRLs for our arduous training that made Quadbuster, but a mole hill (that's 100 mole hills atop each other) on our 545-mile route to Los Angeles. Varun went ahead since I was stopping to take photos of some riders coming up.

Gina taking a selfie with Paul

I also road today In Memory of Craig Wakefield Nauman

Yay, Mareck

Smile for the camera, Bri

Stephen say, I made it

And, now that I captured Tanner making it up Quadbuster, I got ready to cycle down to mile 19.3 for RS2 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

The only picture I had taken at RS2 with David

David had been at RS2 for sometime when I rode in and left after we took the picture. I rode on my own and passed mile 25.5 which is a restroom stop at Lockwood Country Store.

AIDS/LifeCycle has this optional stop because this could be the only time in the year the store will have over 2600 people passing by in one day. I will remember to stop and support the store next year.

I enjoyed the serenity of the rolling hills and vast fields on my way to mile 31.6 RS3 Pleyto Plaza Store where a tribute to Suzanne Jonson, a multiple-year Roadie and Deyon's mother awaited us. Zan passed away days before the ride and Deyon was surrounded by many those who loved and supported her.

With Team Edna Newbie Juan

Dressed kinda formally

Off all the Riders to bump into, Meredith Slater - my 2014 ALC Cyclist Rep

Brigette and I crossed Rest Stops multiple times during the ride

Brigette sporting her $10k kit

Time to get back on my bike and ride to mile 43.3 Lunch in Bradley. We had the wonderful Cindy Edelson greet riders, specifically Team Edna riders before entering Bradley. Such a great surprise. Cindy had drinks and treats for us.

Bradley used to be a regular stop for travelers up and down California before 101 was rerouted. The town is still accessible from 101, but not directly; therefore, this town has lost much of its revenue. Bradley looks forward to our yearly ride through because AIDS/LifeCycle is one of its biggest fundraisers. Through the years, AIDS/LifeCycle has helped with funding school needs, including a new roof. Last year $26k was raised by this town selling $25 burgers and a special $100 meal that provides a shaded table and service from the students. This year over we contributed/donated over $40k to this town.

Not a student - serving the AIDS/LifeCycle lunch

Coney with Bradley grillers

Bradley is graced with a Bollywood Star and her husband Eric

Bollywood meets $10k kit-wearing trash

The day is almost done cycling to mile 55.1 RS4 Mission San Miguel and the sun is shining brightly with temperatures in the high 90s. With a long windless ride out of Bradley and few turns here and there, I see the mission and hear the noise from the girls of RS4.

Cutie pie David Suh

I love me some Kas

and some Lee

and some Kas and Anthony

and, can't forget, Ramona

Biker CEO in the house

And finally the last 10 miles to mile 65.3 to camp at Paso Robles Fairgrounds. Out the mission and on my way. I start cycling faster and faster and soon get to the overpass and while I'm half-way and changing gears, my chain drops and makes an awful noise. The chain twists and turns and bends the front derailleur to the point where I can't change the gear and the chain is scrapping against the derailleur. OMG! What does this mean?

With my head down and feeling dejected, I lift up my head, smile and put my arm out and my thumb pointing down. This provides the signal that I need help. The Aloha SAG van arrives and Mark and Michelle (hope I have the names right) rack my bike and welcome me into the van. I'm a bit unhappy about being SAGged, but as soon as I sit on the cushioned seat in the air-conditioned vehicle and offered a beverage and snacks, I've suddenly become a cheering fan of SAG assistance. So the last 8 or so miles were in a van that took me directly to camp and bike tech services.

Thankfully, bike was fixed at no charge and no needed replacements. I picked up my bike 3 hours later and was told to park my bike at this rack without a sign AND I didn't need to remember because it would be the only rack without a sign the next day.

After getting settled and showered, I raced to get in line for a root beer float. Now who would miss a root beer float being served by this guys with eyes - two of them even.

The campsite is quite charming with a mini-cowboy town theme.