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3 doesn't look so bad on paper although it is the day of the (in)famous
"Quad Buster Hill" which is a straight up 900 feet climb. It turnes
out the hill isn't so bad, but the heat is. Apparently, the surrounding
areas of Paso Robles get temperatures on the wrong side of 100 (at least
it feels that way) - who knew? I don't think I have ever had so much Gatorade
in my life. A shady spot at lunch along with ice in our bottles proves to
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Pit 3 is at a local
mission in San Miguel. As always, the theme of the pit includes guys in
some form of women's clothing. This time around, the setting is a wedding
and beautiful "ladies" are everywhere. Apparently, the mission
itself was worthy of some sight seeing - something we only learn of after
we get to camp.
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Which is exactly what
awaited us at camp. The key word here being little. Our campground is
on the local fairgrounds with no shade in sight. On this supposedly easy
day that turned out to be a little tougher because of the heat, we also
see yet another display of the amazing spirit that is found everywhere
on the ride. Shortly before camp, one rider's bike breaks down. Another
rider offers to take turns on her bike and by alternating running and
biking, the two make it to camp. Now that is kindness!
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The surprise of the day comes in the ways of a larger,
air conditioned dining facility. A sweet feeling to finally be able to
cool off. The entertainment of the night is a showing of "The Wizard
of Oz". Unfortunately, we miss most of it due to much needed bike
maintenance and cleat swapping. The ride is MURDER on your cleats. My
Look cleats are chewed up from all the walking on rough surfaces (I eventually
go through two pairs on the ride) and Kurt's Speedplays frequently get
jammed by little stones or other pieces of debris.
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