Hope you are well. I am currently on a planned break from the ride. I planned on going to a conference from the start of the ride. My 10 year high school reunion is this weekend and it worked out for me to come to Lafayette for work and the reunion. Thus, I am taking a break from the ride till next week.
A few details since my last post:
After leaving San Luis Obispo I made it to Lompoc. That day was hot, almost 100 degrees, thankfully a dry heat. I stopped in a small town for a cold drink and found an ice cream shop. When I walked out I saw three more loaded bikes. I start talking with the guys and they are on the grand trip. They work for Patagonia and doing an adventure in their backyard. They started about month before, bike a bit, farm a bit, and surf a bit. Yes, surf! As it turns out, one of the guys is quite famous in the surfing world. I was inspired by the love for what they do. They aren't riding crazy miles everyday, they wrote rules for THEM not others. More people need write "rules" that work for who you are. As my dad would say, what are your drivers aka what would bring you happiness? For me, my driver is challenge. Like my dad, I like to see how far I can go. I challenge myself in my personal life with physical challenges such as riding my bike across the country or wanting to ski some big mountains. While at the conference and around Lafayette I tell people what I am doing I keep getting the response of "Wow, that is bold." Maybe I am bold but I am living my dreams (while being highly cautious).
Back to the ride--> When I made it to Lompoc I saw two bikes in the campground. I go over to talk because that is who I am. It is two girls riding from Portland to San Diego. They didn't want new bikes so they made the bikes they have work. One was on a fix gear and the other was a hard-tail mountain bike! The gal on the fixie didn't have a helmet! She is crazy. I might be bold but not stupid.
When I tell people that I had a partner get hit, I get this look of why in the heck I am still riding, are you nuts? A few things I have learned/ use to stay away from trouble
~ Mirrors are dorky but really do help to increase your awareness. While running around town, I keep on trying to look in the mirror.
~Pull over for traffic when there is little space. I never thought about this because in road cycling you don't stop for cars.
~Bright colors do increase viability
~Think about what is the line of sight for a car, if it is limited for whatever reason (sun is in my eyes, the road is curvy, lots of traffic, et al) be ready to stop but also keep in mind speed is safety (meaning get though that section quickly).
~Don't give details about where I am heading, keep it general.
~Ask locals or friends about what part of town isn't safe.
Well, I won't be back on my bike till later next week. Cheers till then.
