Riders blog - Day 1

 San Francisco to Santa Cruz - 90 miles.  

So far so good.  We left a misty, damp and cold San Fran and immediately had to do a 15 mile climb from sea level to 2500 ft.  That warned us up alright!  Also back to Sea Level the other side, speeding through forests.  Made good progress and finished well ahead of the pack.   The scenery was amazing.  Forests, planes, coasts and small towns all in one day.  I suspect I won’t feel so clever after the first night under canvas.

Riders Blog - Day 2

Santa Cruz to King City - 105 miles.

First night in the tent - ummn someone stole the en-suite!!!!  The day was spend winding through farms and villages.  Amazing vistas, main theme of the day was wind - 25 mph head winds that became tail winds by afternoon.  We were cruising at up 40 m.p.h for the longest time.  Oh and lots of dust, we would get a light sprinkle of water from the irrigation systems, followed by dust being blow from the dry fields. By the time we had finished we looked those comic acts that blow themselves up and then take their glasses off to reveal white eyes. I have a small issue developing with my left knee....

Riders blog - Day 3

King City to Las Robles - 78 miles.

Wheat farms turn in to vine yards, sunny and hot with good tail winds cruising at 40 m.p.h on the flats.  Main thing about the day – “quad buster”  - 100 ft to 2500 ft in 4 miles - there is a reason why they call it quad buster.  My training in Hyde Park could not prepare me for this.  Left knee still an issue but it is all strapped up now.   

Riders blog - Day 4

Las Robles to Santa Maria - 95 miles 

 

And to the hills we go again, start the day with "the “Evil Twins" a 15 mile up hill trek with two peaks and no down hill,  it was worth it, this got us half way to LA, we could see the coast again and a 20 mile down hill with tail wind - max speed today 46 m.p.h - amazing. Knee still an issue but hobbling along. Thus far we are in the top quartile which was our aim. 

 

Riders blog - Day 5 

 

Santa Maria to Lompoc - 42.5 miles.  

The hardest day so far, after finding the coast yesterday we are now back in land (read via mountains) - wind a feature (mother natures you understand!!! ), the side winds are so strong that we are cycling at virtually 45 degrees to remain upright.  I have a problem with my right knee now - my patella is tracking - basically hurts like hell.  Never thought I'd say this - I am looking forward to my tent tonight.

Riders blog - Day 6

Lompoc to Ventura beach - 85 miles

After such a hard day yesterday and my right knee now being an issue - it was mind over matter today - the first hour I was slow and cautious - I rode through the pain and got my mojo back...  We rode our last big hill and then cruised on to the Pacific Coast Highway, riding through Santa Barbara when the whole town lined the streets cheering us on.  I had my first flat tyre that took me ages and some blue language to resolve... Finished in good time elated and very confident...  

Bikes blog - Day 7 

Ventura to Los Angeles - 61.5 miles

A short day today!!!  Followed the PCH through Malibu and Santa Monica, as each mile that passes the excitement grows.  The streets are full of well-wishers with banners and good luck messages.  I ended up having 2 further flat tyres and a gear issue meaning I ride 15 miles in one gear - the wrong one for the terrain I might add.  None the less I pass the finish line 515 out of 2333 and am so pleased I didn't want to say goodbye to my bike!!!!!!  

So thanks to you all for your support - we did something good together!!!

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Thanks for visiting my web page

As most of you know, and for those who have seen me hobbling around with aching leg muscles, will have witnessed,  I have been in training since November 2006 and will be cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles over 7 days (545 miles - see route map) to raise much needed money for children living with or affected by HIV / AIDS in Africa .  The race starts on 3rd June 2007.

Please dig deep and sponsor me online, every penny counts.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me:  Nelson Mandela Children's Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

** all the money raised will go to my selected charity, any costs incurred for my travel and accommodation whilst participating in the event have been paid at my own expense **

Many thanks for your support and wish me luck!

John Gregory