Got back a few hours ago and we're pretty tired. It was hot today, which was a bit of a surprise, and that took a lot out of us. The trip was a blast, as always. Not quite the most quaint and scenic of routes (noisy traffic to the left, McMansions to the right going South...and the reverse going North). This ride has more or less confirmed my sneaking suspicion that although the coast route through Southern California is popular, it really blows as far as providing a relaxing touring experience.
The worst of it, for me, was riding through Laguna Beach. Not only were there some rollers to contend with, but also crabby self-righteous drivers. For cyclists that deal with that every day, hats off to you! I almost would have preferred an inland route just to avoid LB. Once we got to Doheny, the roads opened up a bit and only then did the ride really get enjoyable.
It was a success. We rolled into camp a little before 4pm. Pitched the tents, showered in the scalding water (the showers were malfunctioning and set to BOIL) and rolled back into to town to Pizza Port.
We met some nice people on this trip. One was a couple that we stopped and chatted with under the shade of a tree just before Laguna. We also ended up talking to a guy at Pizza Port for a few hours about touring (he was just getting into it). And the other cyclist that was at the Hike and Bike, Andrew, joined us for breakfast and rode with us up to Crystal Cove.
All in all, the trip was a success (despite Laguna Beach) and might be one I'd consider bringing other friends along for.
1 comment:
It was great to run into you guys at Pizza Port! And on the eve of my first bona fide bike camping trip, no less. What a serendipitous encounter. Cheers, fellas.
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