What I lost:

Lost most of food which was all packed in the rear right pannier by inadvertently feeding two black bears at 2:00 am at Grestle Campground, Salt Water Cove State Park.  Those bears are very clever.  They managed to extract all the food items with their claws without breaking the clasps or putting holes in the pannier.  Obviously they had done this heist before.  Thank you bears for being so mindful and not coming back for seconds.
($25)

Two pairs of flip-flops were lost or left in what I can best describe as flip-flop mayhem.   One flip-flop of the original pair I packed was lost while repairing the rear carrier to jury rig a lost bolt that fell out. The cheap replacement pair did not work because it took too long to dry when wet so I ended up buying a pair of Spenco Kholo flip-flops.  When departing Chad's house in Santa Cruz, one new Spenco flip-flop was mixed up with one flip-flop I was replacing.  Chad sent the orphan Spenco flip-flop by mail to General Delivery in Pismo Beach.  The pair was happily re-united.
($55)

A microfiber towel and well-used but favorite Patagonia short vest were lost on the way to Eureka because I  forgot to lash it down after stopping on the road to eat a banana six miles out of town.
($70)

Bike Stuff:

The Trek 520's chain was replaced since it was worn more than 50%.
($30)

One rear LED red flasher mounted on the rear fender fell off after going over a bump on the road.  It bounced down into a crevasse and was swallowed by the forest.  It was replaced and a foolproof fender mount was fabricated.
($15)

Items almost lost but recovered:

On the ride to Port Orford, a white sedan coming from the opposite direction honked at me.  I waved to him.  A few minutes later, he passed me in the direction I was heading and pulled over on the shoulder ahead of me.  He was waving a yellow vest that looked like mine out the driver's window.  Then it clicked ... my mindfulness lapsed for a minute while layering up and I forgot to put on my visibility vest.  I just laid it on the back of the bike and it fell on the road after I started riding.  The driver was going in the opposite direction at the same time and was trying to get my attention by honking.   The driver turned around and stopped to pick up my yellow visibility vest.  He brought it back to me ...  it was an important safety item.  What a good Samaritan!

I stopped in Dana Point to visit the harbor and had a lunch at Joe's Fish Market.  The smoked salmon and cole slaw was very good.  It was an authentic dive, fresh seafood and good prices. Joe's had picnic tables outside the store where diners could enjoy their meal.  After leaving Dana Harbor, two miles out, I glanced in my rear view mirror which is mounted on my helmet to check on approaching traffic.  To my surprise, the mirror was missing!  It took a few more seconds to realize that I had forgotten to put on my helmet.  I had left the helmet on the picnic table at Joe's.  OK, what was that salmon smoked with anyway, I pondered, trying to make light of a serious matter.  There was nothing else to do but ride back to the fish joint.  I returned in less than 10 minutes.  The helmet was there sitting on the table all by its lonesome waiting for me to retrieve it.

My 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Note tablet performed well despite rigorous and sometimes rough handling.  A stylus is cleverly hidden in a sleeve in the tablet's case ... great design.  The case was shiny white and I was asked repeatedly about my 'iPad.'  I was very glad to inform my inquisitors that this was not an iPad.  With glee, I went on to explain why I did not like iPads (because of iTunes and no SD card slot).  When I purchased it, I did not think I would use its stylus functionality ... I bought it for its speed (quad processor, 2 Gig of RAM).  But in practice I found the stylus very useful and use it, instead of my finger.  Unfortunately, the stylus tried to escape from me several times -- once hiding under the bed sheets, and one time hiding on a restaurant table.  In the first instance, I went back to the motel to retrieve it.  In the second case, an observant waitress brought it out as I was about to ride away.

Take-away lessons:

1. Always store food items in the provided bear/raccoon lockers at the campground.  Do not pitch the tent next to the locker.
2. Be mindful after stopping on the road and taking items out of panniers.  Rick in Eureka made a small reminder sign on yellow paper for me to put in my map holder on the handlebar bag so I would remember to secure items on the bike after stopping on the road.
3. Be mindful when re-packing after an overnight stay.

• Pennies, collected about 20 for good luck
• Roadkill: elk, racoons (many), birds, skunks, one deer, one elk, small snakes ... surprisingly, no cats or dogs
• Discarded old cell phones, covers, cases
• Articles of clothing, shoes, flip flops, T-shirts
• Plastic bottles, mainly water and soda
• Aluminum cans, mainly soda and beer
• Glass bottles, mainly beer and some hard liquor
• Blown out tire bits, rubber pieces, shards
• Other:  stainless cooking  pots, plastic balls, green hard hat, washing machine, wrench, hammer, biking glove
  

Finally, I found a plastic beaded colorful butterfly which I kept attached to the top of my tent for many miles.  One day, I noticed the butterfly 'flew away' while I was riding ... gone to accompany another bike touring person, I'm sure.

I did a seven day test ride last fall to test my gear and my body.  The short tour indicated I needed to change my sleeping bag to a lighter and smaller form factor when stuffed into a sack.  I also realized that I did not experience any major physical issues.

My muscles around my knees became stronger after about 10 days of riding.  That was a good thing because at first my knees tended to buckle after the day's riding.  In case of experiencing knee pain, it usually means the bike seat is too low and/or pedaling too much in high gear.  Pedaling in lower gears with higher cadence is better for the knees and heart.  I did not have much knee pain ... just weakness around the joint.

The butt did not hurt after about a week and felt like it became one with the bike seat.  I did not use traditional padded bike shorts but used padded bike underwear instead with lightweight nylon sports shorts.  Some of the hot days I only wore the boxer style padded underwear.  Chafing on the seat can develop into skin rashes and sores even in one day of riding.  I had this problem early on and used a vaseline-based lotion every time it started to become a problem.  This worked for me and as I added the miles the chafing issue went away.  Some bikers use commercial body lubricant products, such as Body Glide.  Bike seats can also exacerbate chafe if they are too wide or not fitted properly.  Finally, seat pressure may cause perineum (an area between the testicles and anus packed with nerves, male G-spot) discomfort, which is associated with impotence in men.  Whether I developed this condition during the course of two months will require further investigation and research.

Even with good padded bike gloves and extra padding underneath the gel handlebar tape, my hands, wrists,  fingers and arms still tingled or experienced some numbness now and then, and had to do arm stretches while riding.  Moving my hands around the bike also helped, as well as not bending the wrists as I put weight on them.

My head and neck became used to the tilted up forward facing position after weeks of riding and noticed it less and less as the trip went long.  I would say it was a good counter stretch to my hours-on looking down position working with PCs.

I was sweating profusely during hill climbs almost every day which is one of the ways the body eliminates toxins (in addition to its cooling function).  Some toxins and waste products in the blood are able to diffuse into the sweat glands.  Skin pores open and impurities exit,  That is a good thing.  Did I say that I never use deodorant?

The sun worked its magic and I replenished my stores of vitamin D.  Exposed skin areas became suntanned.  I used 40 SPF sunscreen most of the time.  Sunglasses (polarized) were worn most of the time for sun protection and to prevent bugs, as well as possible flying debris from hitting the  eyes.  I did not wear sunglasses when grinding slowly up hills because the sweat from the face would fog it up and because I regularly had to wipe the sweat off around the eyes ... otherwise sun lotion combined with sweat would sting the eyes.  Some riders used a rolled up bandana or handkerchief tied sround the forehead.

I never had any quadriceps pain (tops of thigh) or back pain of any consequence so that never became an issue.  There was a small bottle of ibuprofen in my first aid kit but I never used any.

I carried three water bottles in cages on the bike's tubes so I never experienced dehydration (symptoms: headache, nausea thirst). I made sure to drink plenty of water.   I also drank organic Super Green smoothies (Naked, Odwalla, Evolution) when available.

I would think my cardiovascular endurance improved over two months of riding, but I do not have measured stats to report.  I did not experience any shortness of breath or chest tightness.  You might say that the trip was one big uncontrolled stress test.

I estimate that I burned an additional 1,600 to 2,000 calories each day due to the 'bike riding exercise.'   I lost 10-12 pounds since the start of the trip ... a side benefit for one trying to lose weight.  I tried to eat as healthy as possible and was successful most of the time.  No effort was made to count calories.

Today, I devoted some time to researching shipping the Trek 520 back home.  I checked out several bike shops in the Point Loma area within several miles from the Pt. Loma Hostel regarding packing and shipping the bike to Bellingham, Washington.

I chose Bernie's Bike Shop on 1911 Cable Street in the Ocean Beach neighborhood which is about a mile from the hostel.  Roger and Yasuko run a small shop with great service and reasonable prices.  They have operated the store since 1989.  Roger is the third owner of  Bernie's has been in operation since the 60s.  

After quickly assessing the Trek 520, Roger weighed the bike, and gave me the total weight (box and bike), and box size dimensions which would be used to ship the bike.  He obviously is well versed in the shipping process.  There is a convenient FEDEX station within a block from the store where I purchased a ground shipping label using the weight and box size specs provided.  It was a very straightforward and efficient process. Using this method, the total cost to pack and ship the Trek back to Bellingham, Washington was about $100. I recommend Bernie's Bike Shop and their services.

I chose to return by airline because I found one-way discounted airline fares from Alaska Air direct to Seattle for $105.  Also, I had to be back at a certain date so travel time was an issue.

In comparison, the Amtrak option would have involved departing at 6:05 am, changing trains at the Los Angeles Station, and travel time would have been 34 hours and 27 minutes. The cost would be $164.00 for the ticket, $15.00 for the bike box, and $10.00 check-in luggage fee for the boxed bike.  

Both the airport and the train station are about five miles from the Pt. Loma Hostel.  For a more extensive discussion about bike shipping, see my Blog entry from October 13, 2013.

Distance (mi) = 24.5
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.2
Max Speed (mph) = 24.0
Time (h:m) = 3:00

Route:
Nimitz Blvd., Harbor Drive, Passenger Ferry to Coronado Island, Coronado Bike Path, Beyer Rd., Dairy Mart Rd., San Ysidro Blvd., Mexican border, Tijuana

Today was my last leg of the Border-2-Border challenge. It was a bit anti-climactic and the ride to Mexico was relatively easy until a few miles from the border.  Most of the route was on bike lanes or bike paths.   All flat, no hills of any consequence.  The sky was blue and the temperature was perfect. 

I rode down to Harbor Drive via the Nimitz Blvd.   At Seaport Village, a short ride on a passenger ferry took me to Coronado Island, half of which is a naval air station.  Coronado, dubbed as the "Crown City," offers pristine sand, gentle surf and a community with a small-town feel.  The island is best known for two famous structures, the historic Hotel del Coronado and the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge.  Tourists stroll down Orange Avenue, Coronado's main street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters and the Coronado Historical Museum. At the other end of the island, Coronado's Ferry Landing offers a collection of over 20 shops, art galleries and restaurants boasting stunning views of San Diego's downtown skyline. The historic Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888, has a fascinating and colorful past which includes royalty, politicians, scandals, ghosts and celebrities. It's also widely believed to have been the inspiration for the Emerald City in L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz.

These attractions and miles of bike trails make Coronado Island a destination in itself for bikers and tourists.   But I had a very specific mission today -- the culmination of my own challenge to reach the Mexican border after a 2,000 mile adventure. I followed Glorietta Blvd. around the bay and it eventually took me to a seven mile bike path which parallels the Silver Strand Blvd., a long narrow strip of land bordered on one side by the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay on the other. 

The bike path ends at Imperial Beach where 23th Street, Coronado Ave., Beyer Blvd., Dairy Mart Rd., and San Ysidro Blvd. lead you to the Mexican border.  This area is quite busy with much traffic as both tourist and commercial traffic pass through Tijuana. The atmosphere is definitely Mexican where knowledge of the Spanish language is often helpful ... lots of tourist tiendas, bars, and hole-in-the-wall dives in San Ysidro on the American side.  There is a trolley which connects greater San Diego with San Ysidro and points in between.

A separate pedestrian pathway across a sky bridge is used enter the Mexico for those who did not drive a vehicle or decide to park it on the American side.

Ajua!  La frontera Mexicana, 1,974 millas sur de Peace Arch, Canada cruce fronterizo.

Distance (mi) = 25.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.5
Max Speed (mph) = 22.0
Time (h:m) = 2:30

Route: SR 21, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Torrey Pines, La Jolla, San Diego,  HI-Pt. Loma Hostel

I left Elijo State Park early after a blustery, windy, noisy and, mostly sleepless night.  The biker camping area is at the far South end of the park with sandy gravel ground and no picnic table, like in other parks.  The biker site is also fully exposed to wind conditions from the Pacific ocean ... it is important to stake the tent out well here.  Rain was in the forecast for later today so I wanted to get a jump start in the hopes of avoiding whatever deluge was in store for later.  Up to now, I was very fortunate to experience good weather since entering California.

The first six miles were easy and then streets and highways will have to be negotiated all the way to the border ... passed Cardiff By The Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, a town with Danish influence, and Torrey Pines State Beach.  Then the highway began a long climb to La Jolla Mesa, an area with interesting geological formations.  Eventually SR21 becomes Torrey Pines Rd.  The route passes the University of California at San Diego, and Scrippts Institute's Stephen Birch Aquarium, then to La Jolla.  There are street signs to help bikers weave their way through the city.

There were a few sprinkles but I made it to HI-Pt. Loma Hostel before the rains came in the early evening.  The hostel here is close to the route, clean and well managed. It has a large screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen.  The airport is about four miles from the hostel. The Ocean Beach neighborhood with its many diners and dives is just a mile away ... all in all,  very good vibe here.

Distance (mi) = 19
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.9
Max Speed (mph) = 21.2
Time (h:m) = 2:10

Route:
Pacific Street, Coast Highway (SR21), Carlesbad, Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff, San Elijo State Beach Campground

Before leaving Oceanside, I rode to the harbor for breakfast at the Beach Break Cafe. The four egg Greek omelet, coffee, and fresh squeezed tangerine juice is just what I needed to get a jump start for a late departure to San Elijo State Beach campground. 

I finally got on the road out of town at 11:30 am.  Taking Pacific Street for several miles parallels Highway 1 and reconnects approaching Carlsbad.  The highway route to San Elijo is fairly easy with small hills, moderate to wide shoulders, and scenic vistas next to the Pacific.

In Leucadia, my attention was drawn to a small boutique bakery, the Foodie Amour, which professed to use all natural ingredients, no  preservatives.  I sampled several of their cookies and was smitten. The bakers had great recipes and knew their craft. 

After passing several beaches and the town of Encinitas, I arrived at my destination in mid-afternoon.   It was the same scenario -- a long campground sandwiched between the ocean on one side and Highway 1 and Amtrak on the other.  The sounds of the surf were superimposed with the highway traffic and an Amtrak train every hour.  This seemed to be a popular campground.  It was almost full.  I was the only biker camper this night   My campsite was exposed and  it was windy with dark clouds on the horizon.  Rain was in the forecast.   My plan is to leave early to arrive in San Diego before the foretasted rain starts. 

Across from the San Elijo State Beach Campground, after crossing Coast Highway, I discovered the excellent Cardiff Seaside Market grocery store and deli.  A Starbucks was located next door.

Distance (mi) = 25.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.8
Max Speed (mph) = 25.5
Time (h:m) = 2:25

Route:
Ave del Presidente, bike path, Old Coast Highway, San Onofre nuclear plant, San Onofre State Beach, Surf Beach, Camp Pendleton, Las Pulgas Rd., Stewart Mesa Rd., Harbor Dr., SR21, Oceanside.

I left camp early to minimize the traffic on the route.  Starting at Ave del Presidente, just outside the park, today's ride involved riding lightly traveled roads (old highway 1) and bike paths parallelling the ocean side of interstate I-5 ... including traversing several state parks.  The key is to continue heading South as the route alternates between bike paths, funky roads, state park parking lots.   Some bike paths look like they are closed but take them anyway ... although this can add to the confusion.  Be sure to pass the San Onofre nuclear power plant, the San Onofre State Park (a very long parking lot with RV spaces along it), and the Surf Beach Park.

Several miles South of San Onofre State State Park's entrance, you come to a dead end with a narrow tunnel crossing I-5 on the left.  Take the tunnel and pedal on ... you are now on Camp Pendleton terrain riding on a wide empty road (sometimes used for aircraft landing practice) with a bike lane.  Eventually, you will arrive in a small parking lot area with two options.   To the right is the entrance to interstate I-5 (shorter route, very noisy, most cars traveling at 70 mph).  To the left is another narrow tunnel which leads to the Camp Pendleton bypass of I-5 from here to Oceanside.   I chose this option.  After the tunnel, take the first right which takes you to the Las Pulgas Rd. gate.  Here you will have to show your picture ID to the marines and tell your reason for entering.  Once cleared, follow the main road (Las Pulgas Rd.) for less than a mile, then at Y in the road, take the right fork.  This is the Stewart Mesa Road which winds through several training and living areas, eventually ending at Harbor Drive.  You cannot divert from the right side of the road, go exploring, and must wear a helmet, among other rules. 

The route takes the rider past a big complex called the Camp Los Flores Area 41 and some smaller installations.  The base's diverse geography, spanning over 125,000 acres is used for year-round training for marines in addition to all other branches of the U.S. military. Amphibious and sea-to-shore training takes place at several key points along the base's 17 miles of coastline. The main base is in the Mainside Complex, at the southeastern end of the base, and the remote northern interior is an impact area. Daytime population is around 100,000.

The birth of  Pendleton came in February 1942 when the 123,000-acre Rancho Santa Margarita y Los Flores was transformed into the largest Marine Corps base in the country. It was named for Major General Joseph Henry Pendleton who had long advocated the establishment of a West Coast training base.  During the Korean War, $20 million helped expand and upgrade existing facilities.   When Camp Pendleton trained the country's fighting force for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, approximately 200,000 Marines passed through the base on their way to the Far East.  Wartime training facilities at the base included landing craft school, amphibious tractor school, beach battalion school, amphibious communications school, and a medical field service school at the naval hospital at Santa Margarita Ranch.

Pendleton remains the last major undeveloped portion of the California coastline south of Santa Barbara, save for a few relatively small state parks.

Upon reaching Harbor Drive, head right and carefully negotiate heavy and fast-moving traffic in order to cross under I-5 towards Oceanside. After crossing under the freeway, turn left at the marked SR21 road (highway 1) to head into Oceanside, a city heavily oriented to catering to the military crowd.  I booked a room at Motel 6 after checking out a local RV park with a few tent sites right next to the Amtrak railroad tracks and garbage bins.  The motel recommended the Beachbreak restaurant at the nearby harbor for breakfast. 

Distance (mi) = 24.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.0
Max Speed (mph) = 22.0
Time (h:m) = 2:50

Route:
PCH, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Clemente State Park

From Laguna Beach, my next destination was San Clemente State Park.  

The route follows Highway 1, or the PCH as it is called here.  The cycling was relatively easy with gentle rolling hills.  Traffic varies from busy thoroughfares to quiet residential streets.  Shoulders can be non-existent to blocked by cars used for beach parking.

I stopped in Dana Point to visit the harbor.  I had a lunch at Joe's Fish Market.  The smoked salmon and cole slaw was very good.  It was an authentic dive, fresh seafood and good prices.

As I rode further South, I came to realize that the coastal towns can become a blur.  The streets are typically lined with restaurants, surf shops, bike rentals, fast food places, motels, and tourist oriented stores.

I was also riding through history.  In 1769, Catholic priest, Junipero Serra, arrived in these parts to set up a chain of missions along the 650-mile El Camino Real.  Commissioned by Spain's King Charles III, the padre went about to set up self-sustaining mission communities along the coast ... converting the locals to join the church was part of the task.

San Clemente State Park was a last minute choice after locals convinced me that it was a better park than San Onofre State Park, about five miles further South.  The decision was fortuitous as I learned the next day that San Onofre was closed.  The beach oriented San Clemente State Park was about 30 percent filled.  The hiker-biker sites were closed several years ago due to transient problems.  Since the weather was quite warm, it was the first time on the tour that I did not use the tent fly.

Distance (mi) = 26.3
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.1
Max Speed (mph) = 26.3
Time (h:m) = 2:51

Route:
Huntington Beach Bike Path, Newport Beach Bike Path, PCH (Highway 1), Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach

At 11:00 am, I took the bike path and walkway which runs between the North side of Huntington Beach and the Newport Beach pier, a distance of about nine miles. 

At 4:30 pm, I found a sports bar in Corona Del Mar to watch Notre Dame play Arizona State University.  The plan was to leave for the Crystal Cove campground  which was only three miles away at 6:30 pm, sunset time.  There are three entrances to the Crystal Cove State Park from the PCH.  I missed the third entrance because it was not marked.  It was getting dark fast and I decided to push on to Laguna Beach, a few miles away to stay at a no-tell motel.  Night fell quicker than I expected, so I had to ride the PCH for a while in the dark with both of my rear flashers on, but it was still nerve wracking with cars zooming by in the dark.

I took a room at the very old, tired, and dumpy Crescent Bay Inn on the North edge of Laguna Beach.  It was fit for cockroaches and rodents ... beautiful Crescent Beach was a short walk from the motel.  The silver lining was that I could finish watching the ND game.  It was a close game with ND eventually winning by three points.

Distance (mi) = 27.4
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.3
Max Speed (mph) = 23.0
Time (h:m) = 2:54

Route:
Torrance Blvd., Carson St., 223rd St., Long Beach Bike Path, Shoreline Village Bike Path, Seal Beach,  Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach

I began my journey through LA at 11:00 am after main commute traffic has died down.  Above all, I would not recommend taking PCH (Highway 1) because of fast and high traffic on mostly shoulderless roadway.  Although it is a more direct, shorter route, it is riskier.

The temperatures in the LA area have been about 10 to 15 degrees above normal.  High winds with strong gusts were forcasted for the next few  days.

The route plan above shows a reasonable route through metropolitan LA.  There are traffic lights to contend with but the roads have shoulders or bike lanes and the traffic is less. There is also a bike path (Long Beach Bike Path) that runs along an aquaduct and the Los Angeles River. The PCH is rejoined at Seal Beach.

I booked a room at the Travelodge by Sunset Beach for the night on the North side of Huntington Beach.

Distance (mi) = 17.6
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.0
Max Speed (mph) = 14.1
Time (h:m) = 2:15

Route:
Los Angeles Bike Path, Venice Beach, Washington Street, Marina Del Rey Bike Path, Fiji Way, Hermosa Beach Blvd., PCH, Redondo Beach

Today, I continue to weave my way through the greater LA area.   Fortunately, it will be mostly on bike paths with some busy street riding.  At 11:30 am, I made my way back from the hostel to the LA Bike Path that follows the beach with close proximity to the water.  The bike path route covers several big and wide expansive beaches (Topanga, Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo). 

The beaches were empty everywhere with nary a sun bather in sight ... dozens upon dozens of beach volleyball nets sitting unused.  There was a small number of professional beach bums catching some rays.  Venice Beach strollers were out on the promenade taking in the sights of the strange and bizarre.  The outdoor muscle gym was empty.  The Freak Show attraction was not getting many takers.  Street performers, musicians mainly, were crooning their sad tales.  Artists were sitting around waiting for a sale. 

The route continued past the beaches, houses along the waterfront, and winds around the huge Los Angeles Department of Power and Water complex.  Eventually, the path turns to the Marina Del Rey Bike Path.  This takes you around the West Coast's largest marina complex and a bridge which crosses the entrance channel. 

The bike path ends and the route moves to the busy Hermosa Beach Blvd.  It is here where I was entangled with a car.   I was riding on the shoulder when an SUV drove by and suddenly started turning right onto a driveway in front of me.   A combination of me stopping while turning away from the vehicle and the driver finally seeing me prevented an incident.  I resolved to drive very defensively in the  "The Angels" city.

I booked a room at the Moonlite Motel on the South side of Redondo Beach.  The next day will be challenging.  I will be traversing through the heart of LA's asphalt jungle.

Distance (mi) = 30.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 10.0
Max Speed (mph) = 22.0
Time (h:m) = 3:00

Route:
Highway 1 S (PHC), Zuma Beach, Malibu, Toppanga State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, bike path, HI-Santa Monica Hostel

I had an early start from the Leo Carrillo campground.  Leaving at 7:30 am, gave me an hour of riding with light traffic on Highway 1 S.  Within a mile, I entered a 27 mile stretch which is known as Malibu, a city of only 15,000.  I passed by Zuma Beach, a very long strip of sand, between the ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), as Highway 1 is called here.  One item to note is that all beaches  require a fee tor parking, such as Zuma Beach which charges $8.00.  Many avoid paying by parking on the PCH shoulder ... making it dicier for bikers.  PHC is very busy but has moderate to wide shoulders.  Riding through the long city of Malibu involves dealing with four short hills.  The scenery is superb with houses on the cliff and mansions on the Pacific Ocean side.  Often, the ocean almost laps at your feet while riding the Malibu stretch of the PCH.

About eight miles South of Leo Carrillo, I stopped at the Point Dume Village at Heathercliff Rd. for coffee and breakfast.  I had the coffee, a Cafe Au Lait, at the Cafecito Organico.  This espresso place has unique features, such as options for sweetening with cane syrup or organic agave syrup, nice cushioned lounge chairs outside, and a more unconventional roster of drinks. Using self-sourced beans, Cafecito Organico aims to provide caffeine addicts with what they call an artisan coffee experience.

Directly across from Cafecito, is Lily's Cafe and Pastries where I enjoyed the best breakfast burrito ever ...eggs not overcooked, crispy bacon, cheese, nice refried beans, plus more, with their home made spicy salsa.  This small food joint's fare is very moderately priced and it is where the locals go -- for over 20 years.  Nothing fancy in decor, food made with love in the back room.  There are a few quirks.  For example, if you want water, you have to bring your own cup.

I spent the night at the very centrally-located HI Santa Monica Hostel.  This place was very well run and a pleasant experience.

Distance (mi) = 24.5
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.8
Max Speed (mph) = 21.4
Time (h:m) = 2:30

Route:
Channel Islands Blvd., Ventura Blvd., Sufside, Port Hueneme Rd., Highway 1 S, Leo Carrillo State Park

I left Hampton Inn at 11:30 am after a leisurely in-house breakfast on the way to Leo Carrillo State Park.   At midnight the USA government shut down so I cannot complain too much.  The room was luxurious and spacious.  I got a good night's rest.

The ride on this day was a short 23 mile ride.   I started on Channel Island Blvd. And eventually turned right on Ventura Blvd.  This turned into Surfside and after a while turned right on Port Hueneme Rd.  I basically followed it until it reconnected with Highway 1 S about 12 miles from Oxnard.  I went past Port Hueneme's and Point Mogu's air and navy military installations.  The roads had moderate shoulders with light traffic so it was no problem.

Highway 1 hugged the beach and the ocean was very benign.  The route was essentially flat with a few small hills.  Shoulders were moderate or wide to keep some separation from the light traffic.  A few miles before my destination, I stopped for lunch at the Neptune's Net, a seafood market and eatery, the only place to have a bite in the area. 

This fairly easy ride ended on the outskirts of Los Angeles.  The scenery included a mix of Spanish architecture, palm trees, surfing beaches, a national park, and the historic Buenaventura Mission.  There is a duality to this area.  Beautiful sand covered beaches with views of offshore oil rigs and the Channel Islands.  A wilderness peninsula is located at the sprawling edge of the megalopolis which is Los Angeles.