The past week has flown by in a blur of small-towns in Central California, coupled with hundreds of miles on the bike and countless meetings. The winding, hilly roads of Big Sur have given way to the flat coastal pavement that joins San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. It is safe to say that the riding crux is behind us. Nothing but sunny skies and easy cruising from here to Mexico. As we roll south into the laid-back atmosphere of Southern California, the meetings are easier and the houses we stay in become more glamorous, .
I completed my first century ride last week from Big Sur to San Luis Obispo. The mental aspect of such a long distance was, for me, more difficult to grapple with than the physical punishment of being on a bike for six and a half hours. As I started riding out of the foggy campground in the morning, I tried not to think about the 100-mile stretch in front of me, and what I was about to go through. I expected pain, burning legs, and bonking. I struggled to not stare at my bike computer to see how far we had gone. As the day rolled on though, the miles ticked off faster and faster, and all of the sudden we had hit 50 miles. Almost no time after that we were at 80, then 90, then we were there. I had learned a great lesson in what my body is capable of doing in a relatively comfortable state, and I threw back a few celebratory beers that night, feeling like I had achieved a new and exciting feat.
Another 70 miles two days after the century ride hurt. The day after that, 40 miles over a mountain pass felt like nothing. Some days you just don’t feel the chain, other days every pedal stroke feels difficult. I obsess over what type of electrolyte drink will help recovery and boost my energy level on the bike. I am still searching for the best product. Epstein and Brendan tried mixing sugar and salt packets from restaurants while I payed $15 for a bottle of accelerade.
Epstein is still faster.
Between rides we stop and work in small California towns, where I find myself thinking about housing prices and moving. I’ve already pitched it to my girlfriend. My mom grew up in So. Cal, and I really believe the ocean is in my blood and that at some point, I’m going to have to live near it.
I have been able to connect even more with the California lifestyle by meeting with many great owners of surfing companies. In working with surfers, I see the value of partaking in the sport myself. I noticed this before when I was in Colorado working with rock climbing outfitters.
Being able to swap stories of the experiences you’ve had out on the water or up on a wall really helps to level the playing field and break the ice. Outfitters appriciate the fact that we practice what we preach, and that we are not just corporate posers. During a meeting with Bo at Circling Hawk Paragliding today, he claimed that he “thought we were serious” when I told him how we are biking the coast to start this company. Not that I needed the validation, but it was nice to hear that our dedication to adventure, through this bike trip, is what got him interested enough to meet with me.