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.

He's gonna wash that ... right outta ...

Do you think Pallav will do my laundry?





















No night time photos. Good night.

For more pictures, please visit

Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey 2015 ALC Day 3 on Facebook 

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2015 Day 2 Stupendous Second Day from Santa Cruz to King City

Distance 108
Moving Time 6:34:15
Elevation 3,488ft
Avg Speed 16.4mi/h
Max Speed 37.6mi/h
Heart Rate Avg 126bpm max 147bpm
Calories 3,610
Temperature 79

Wakeup Time: 4:00 a.m. / Ride-out Time: 6:45 a.m. (was hoping for 6:00 a.m.)

Today we rode out for our 107-mile ride wearing orange for Safety Day. We're supposed to be very quiet coming out of Santa Cruz this early in the morning -- so no shouting out our intentions as we normally do on other rides -- we want our neighbors to invite us back.

One thing very different about this year's ride is that I haven't been as emotional as last year. Last year, there wasn't a day when I didn't break down and cry. Sometimes 4 to 5 times a day. Seeing a family out on the sidewalk cheering us on would make me cry. I haven't cried (yet).

The event is full of people, a community of over 2,380 cyclists and 619 roadies, so very concerned and intent on taking care of each other - the Love Bubble. 

The beauty of California is spectacular and I'm fortunate I get to see these places from a different perspective. 

After confirming that Captain Richard had someone riding with him today, I cycled off early hoping to miss the headwinds later in the morning. I did ride out early enough to be with a small group rather than a much larger group of riders to reach Rest Stop 1 at mile 15.6, which made our trip out of Santa Cruz a bit easier. While enjoying the scenic town at approximately mile 11 we are greeted with a short 0.1 mile 15.3% grade. One never knows how long 0.1 mile is until you ride a bicycle or push a wheelchair up a steep hill. About 50% of the 40 cyclists I was with rode while the others cross-trained and walked their bikes.

I really should have taken a picture of what I'm about to share with you. When I finally reached the top, four of my fellow cyclists stopped to catch their breaths by dismounting to take a break and light/smoke their cigarettes. Since I'm not a smoker, I was perplexed and I'm not judging, but that worked for them. 4.5 miles later, I was at Manresa State Beach. My first rest stop 19-step preparation for the day.

Wonderful volunteer Training Ride Leaders Mark Smith and Anthony Sprauve

Gorgeous coastline

Me need salt

Bike parking getting busy

Hello Co-Captian Thomas and Captain Richard

If you don't have Vaseline to create the soft lens look, sweat works :)
Ramona's Ava Gardner look with her fan, Art

Striking resemblance and she has make-up on

With Chet Chou - we don't have make-up on

Orange is good for your health

Especially from this side

Erika is giddy. She's doing the 7-day 545-mile ride, then touring Europe right after this - Good luck with your travels

Now, that's the way to wear orange

After a brief stop at Rest Stop (RS) 1, I hopped onto my bike and headed for Rest Stop 2 mile 38.6 in Windy Hill Park, Marina just before Salinas. On this route are the infamous fried artichoke stops, but there is only one where the cyclists long for. Since I wasn't too hungry, I passed having the tasty treats this year. I did tell one of the cyclists who was slowing down that he should stop and try the delicacy, but he said he wasn't fond of artichokes. Hearing his accent, I asked if he were one of the international cyclists. He said, "No, I'm from Los Angeles, but I could be considered international since I'm originally from England."

I thought to myself, he couldn't be ... I asked if his last name was Loy.

Him: Yes.
Me: Oh my goodness. You're Paul Loy.
Paul: Yes.
Me: I met you're wonderful, lovely wife last year. We shared stories and became ALC BFFs.
Paul: Effie?
Me: Yes.

And, there you have it. Skipping the fried artichoke stop isn't so bad at all. We arrived at RS 2 took a selfie, chatted and did what we needed to do to get back on track. While at my medical tent stop, I noticed to Med Roadies talking about a hottie. When I turned to see who they were talking about, you got it, it was Mr. Loy. I started laughing and told them he's taken, and this is the gist of the conversation - all in fun:

Med R1: It doesn't hurt to look.
Me: Of course not. But, he's not on our side of the fence.
Med R1: That doesn't matter.
Me: He's married.
Med R1: So, I'm not looking to marry him.
Me: And, they have kids. And Effie and Paul are my friends.
Med R1: Must you burst my fantasy.
Me: Oh, sorry, I was just kidding. He told me how much he wanted to meet you, but he was much too shy.
Med R1: I knew it.

With the Englishman Paul Loy

Off to mile 47.6 for Lunch Stop in Central Park, Salinas. What surprised me was the wonderful tailwinds that had me cycling at 37.6 mph making me feel like a superhero and the headwinds weren't as bad as last year. No pictures of the endless fields that we zig-zagged through -- I didn't want to be surprised with stronger headwinds.

Yes, I was quite hungry. This is what's left of my lunch when I thought to take a picture of all the food served.

Lunchtime companion from San Diego - a CEO of a non-profit

Cute little park with hungry riders

Lunch done, as you can see from the morsel that's left and then eaten. We've got 60 more miles until camp. Mile 66.1 gets us to a toilet stop, which I skipped so that I could get to mile 69 RS 3 Central Park, Gonzales. The rolling hills of California provided a serene backdrop for the next 21.5 miles. 

I quickly stopped at RS3 without any pictures (did I even stop at RS3) and headed to mile 81.5 Mission La Soledad for the water stop OTTER POP STOP fun.

Doesn't even hurt - these Bears were SO gentle

Swan Lake or Swan Song

Let the sun shine in

Fun in the sun

Photo bombing delight

Now that I got my Bear-fill for the year ;) -- back on my bike for mile 96.1 to find out what's in store from RS 4 in Patriot Park, Greenfield. Last year was a My Little Pony theme, which was quite apropos since our youngest nephew was watching MLP constantly earlier in 2014. He said the girls in school liked it.

Hairy Cher welcomed us into RS4

Another quick stop and I finally cycled on the bumpiest, sandiest, pot-holed ridden road into camp, San Lorenzo County Park at 3:33 pm and was delighted to hear that I rode in as rider #177. While I know this is not a race, coming into camp early has the advantages of showering, eating, and scheduling services (chiropractic, sports medicine, medical) without a line. 

Remember where you are ...

I love these showers. We have our own changing room and stall, whereas the shared one is a great big changing room, but still have nice hot, stalled, curtained showers -- and for those seeking it, eye candy (and that's throughout the ride, the camp, the lines, the everywhere).

Everything, but the chicken was excellent. Yummy.

Good night King City

For more pictures, please visit

Art's AIDS/LifeCycle Journey ALC Day 2 on Facebook 

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