Tom Nelson – ALC 2024 Blog

Dis completed 48.9miles of the 109.2 miles total, due to RAIN organizers closed the course at Lunch Stop -mile 48.8 Central Park, Salinas, we were bussed to King City, Av 12.8 mph, Mx 31.4 mph, Tm 3 hr 49 min, Lv SC 7:30AM, Arv KC 6:30PM

At mile 40.2 the El Rancho Market, 346 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA saved my health. I was soaked to the skin, wet socks and shoes, and very cold. Once I stopped cycling to buy trash bags and 3 hot tamales I could not stop shivering. The bags worn as rain ponchos and the food warmed me & got me through.

I saw two cars fishtail and slide sideways on the road in front of me. Rain turned the agricultural field dirt on the asphalt pavement to slippery clay slicks.

One rider took cover in Mission Soledad, stayed dry (his socks did not get wet), and went on to finish riding the entire 109 mile route!

Central Park, Salinas, CA…a let up in the downpours. Folks wear black plastic trash bags and ‘aluminium’ looking mylar ‘blankets’ to keep warm. (Walking baked potatoes)

Huddled together for body heat (like chicks in an incubator pen) under the park gazebo overhang.

Steinbeck Hall, at the community college across the street from the park, opened its doors to riders. Red Cross ladies came to give service.

Rise 4:00AM, load bicycle #1 & gear into Ashe’s Volvo at Tom’s 7:00AM, load bicycle #2 & gear at Jared’s 7:30AM, drive to SF, stops at King City Mexican restaurant and Salinas Dairy Queen. Arrive at Alpine Inn, Daly City. Unload into motel rooms. Then take bicycles and register at the Cow Palace. Get a night’ s sleep with riding kit set out for tomorrow morning’s early start.

Gear and bicycle are ready to load into Ashe’s Volvo and onto the roof bicycle rack.

Hawaiian Blizzards, Salinas Dairy Queen…Ashe & Jared.

After Orientation/registration and delivering bicycles to the Cow Palace. Tom, a lady participant, and Jared goof off.

Dis 41.6 miles, Av 13.5 mph, Mx 31.5 mph, Tm 3 hr 3 min, Oat 3 hr 23 min

Route: home>Junipero>Biltmore>Polo>Hwy 192>Carp HS>Linden Ave>turnaround and go back>Hope Ave school>ECP office>home

Riders: John T., Tom

Following today's ride, like all rides, the Giant gets rubbed down and its chain, gear rings, and derailleurs oiled. Then its put in its stall ready for the next outing.

Route: home>Treasure>Junipero>Biltmore>Carpinteria High School>Hwy 150>up Casitas Pass to summit>down other side to Lake Casitas Boat/Camp entry gates>turnaround and retrace back>lunch stop at Stacky’s Seaside in Summerland>home

Riders: Florence (to Gubernador), Jill and Tom all the way.

Dis: 63.2 mi, Av 12.4 mph, Mx 37.3 mph, Tm 5 hr 3 min, Oat 6 hr 45 min

Jill tells me, using my new 10-cog gear and a little practice I could nudge my 37.3 mph max up closer to 50 mph if I draft a semi truck like she has done!

Tom and Jill at Lake Casitas Boat/Camp entry, turn around point.

Dis…unavailable, cateye clitched….

Route: home>Tallant/Treasure MEET UP>Los Positas>Modoc>Hollister>Turnpike>Foothill>San Marcos>up to the first of the two ‘S’ switchbacks> turnaround> back via snack at Tucker’s Grove & on to home.

Riders: Andre’ and Tom

We agree that I will take triathlete Andre' "just to the lowest toe of San Marcos Rd" for a first time look. Well.....he goes half way up, first try!