| We
are getting close to the end, and it is starting to show. People are getting
anxious to get re-united with their loved ones and everyone is looking forward
to sleeping in a real bed again. A sense of "we are actually going
to finish this" is popping up, but along with this, people are getting
a little more edgy with each other. The notion of "inside voices"
was introduced - we are all in this together, no point in yelling at anyone.
As always, the group is full of support and little incidents are laughed
away. This would be a day of mechanical problems for me with a couple of
flats and front derailleur issues. Turns out even I could get in a bad mood
over things like this, but as we approached the second half of the ride,
it was all forgotten. Biking can be quite therapeutic. |
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| Because
they only have one more night left in the tent and that same evening happens
to be Laker night again. Like last time, the plan was to get to camp early
and head to town (Ventura) to watch the game. The real reason for the smiles
in the picture is probably that we just completed "Yet another Big
Hill" hill and had a nice, long descent. As before, we've spent some
time riding on a Freeway shoulder. Having cars zipping by at 80mph is strange,
but with extra caution it works out. The orange shirts really "shine"
at occasions like this. The shirts are visible from miles away and we receive
many nick names (Glow Boys, Nuclear Powerplants, Orange 1 & 2, etc.)
on the way. A group of girls asks to ride with us - much to our dismay it
turns out they aren't impressed by our good looks, but rather want the protection
from traffic provided by the orange beacons. |
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The
same appears to apply to guys and we are not talking about credit cards
here... The facillities on the ride are top notch as far as port-a-potties
go. They are cleaned several times a day and the lines are never that
long. Apparently, improvements in the chemicals used have happened since
I last used one of these - they are much more odor free now - even on
hot days. Very pleasant surprise!
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After a week of Cliff
bars (which actually are really yummy), bagged sandwiches, and gallons
of Gatorade, there is no way to say no to all the delicious things offered
at the pit. We still have about 25 miles to go for the day, but that is
of no concern as we munch on all the great stuff. If you ever do this
ride, save appetite for this one!
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| A
last glimpse of our home town for the last week. I'm very sure I'm not going
to miss it. It later turns out I'm wrong. |
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