VANCOMEX: 09/23/12

Santa Cruz to Carmel - we had a logistical issue to sort out for today and tomorrow's ride. The lodging arrangements had had to be rearrangd and this meant that we were only due to ride 80kms (50 miles) today but then a very long and hilly ride tomorrow (Monday) of 200kms (125 miles). Over dinner on Saturday we decided to ride further today, past Carmel, and complete an additional 50kms. The plan was for Scott to pick us up and take us back to the lodging at Carmel. This would even up the rides over the two days which is important as we are due to ride over the Big Sur area which is very hilly.

Arrangements in place, we left at 8am after breakfast, but detoured to the beach at Santa Cruz to have a look at the Broadwalk. Being a Sunday most places were still closed when we arrived, but it was nice to meet up and have a chat with Eric and Jane. Eric was due to particiape in the Santa Cruz tri-athlon which had been delayed because of early morning fog.

We pushed on out of Santa Cruz towards Monteray. We experienced a different terrain from the usual coastal or mountainous vista in the morning - lots of flatish cycling over farmlands. At Moss Landing we had our traditional coffee stop (including waffles and blueberry pancakes) and then got onto a great stretch of cycle paths which led us all the way to and through Monterey. After Monterey our easy day finished abruptly with some stiff climbs towards Carmel. After another 40 kms of riding we were pleased to reach lunch which we took on the beach at Carmel River State Beach - a good 6 inch subway, coke and snickers bar!

After lunch the terrain was very hilly, but the good news was that every kilometre done was a kilometre less for tomorrow. After 4.00pm, the weather closed in with much sea fog, so we decided to call it a day at 6.00pm. Scott came to pick us up and we loaded our bikes into the trailor and then returned to our hotel in Carmel. We completed a 130kms ride today which shortens tomorrows ride to 150kms! It's been difficult to judge what clothing to wear over the last few days - one minute we are in glorious sunshine at 70+F the next we are in sea fog at -55F. Overall, the weather has been splendid with just a couple of brief spells of drizzle in 17 days cycling - this can't be bad. We have Dimitri to thank for our good fortune.

Tomorrow we hope for clear skies as we tackle the remainder of Big Sur.

For the second day in succession Tim won TWIT of the day. He managed to leave his Wiggle ruck sack at the lunch stop. Tim is never without his Wiggle bag as it has his cash, passport and other life essentials. However, he abandoned it - but Team Vancomex saved him! In addition, whilst checking in at the hotel this evening he spotted some 'sweeties' in a class jar (plus birro pens in the same jar) and soon began tucking in only to find they were in fact glass beads. Tim is on a roll! Will he get a hat-trick of successive TWITS?