For Day 6 from Lompoc to Ventura, Deyon, Chris, and I were at bike parking at 5:45, waiting to get our bikes when they opened at 6am, so that we could be in line for the 6:30am ride out. Were we a little anxious? Only a tiny bit. Steve Was also in line with us. The reason being, we wanted to be in and out of RS1, mile 16.4, early and without a crowd. We preferred that we get over and through Gaviota Pass with as few riders as possible, a dangerous stretch of US-101 connecting Lompoc with the Pacific Ocean. Thankfully, we were met with headwinds that slowed my decent to 37.8 mph.
When we got to the coast we were met with overcast, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. By the time I arrived to RS2, the sun was out. I saw Justin, who exclaimed how great the descent was down the pass.
We did learn tonight that all 2,300 riders got through Gaviota Pass without any problems. Whew!
At RS2, a Vista Point, at mile 27.7, we had time to rest and take pictures because the route from this point opened at 9am. At this rest stop, we were being held and released in batches since the CHP were wonderful in closing one of the two lanes southbound to accommodate us for at least 5 miles until it was safe to ride on the shoulder.
Onwards to mile 44.4 for a short lunch at Girsh Park.
Riding to mile 57.8 RS3 Leadbetter Beach is spectacular, and Georg Lester set up at the top of the hill right before RS3 for professional pictures. Thank you, Georg, for your great work, I can’t wait to see them. And after RS3, with their circus motif, our next stop is Paradise Pit with ICE CREAM!!!!!!! Justin and I stopped and had ice cream, cookies, and fresh fruit. My first ride in 2014, I met Rod Lathim who had been hosting this great stop for 15 years to continue supporting ALC after he stopped cycling for ALC. 2014 was the last year he would host. In 2014, when I thanked him for his continued support, he asked me how many times I've cycled and how I was doing. I couldn't answer and all he could do was hug me through my tears.
After sugar, sugar, and sugar, I cycled to RS4, mile 79.2. I danced just a bit, not the 2 hours as in last rides. I could have danced, danced, danced … all afternoon, but camp was waiting.
Cycling into Ventura was quite emotional, which caught me by surprise. The love and support I felt from the community overwhelmed me. A group of at least 20 people were cheering us riders at one of the entrances into the town, and a spattering of other groups until we got to camp. I broke down, just a tiny bit.
Say good night, Art!
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