Day 1 - Shakedown Ride #2 and Rider Orientation

 I’ll admit, I rely on my bike computer to warn me about cars coming up behind me as well as data about my ride (e.g., distance, speed, etc.). Of course, it’s turn-by-turn directions are critical to getting me to the end point. With such a critical component not operating properly yesterday, I felt it was important to do a second shakedown ride. Thus, we rode to Cabrillio National Monument.

The ride was through pleasant neighborhoods located on a hill that seemed to be endless. It just went up and up. We would come around a curve only to see it continuing to go up. Was there ever a top? When we finally reached the top I was surprised to see that it was only about 600 feet. It seemed so much longer. The great part was that the ride back was a return along the same route. This downhill was great fun although very short!

The day ended with a rider orientation. We received swag, met all the other riders, were reminded of safety rules and learned about tomorrow’s ride. We will climb over 3,000 feet in about 10 miles. I have climbed that much on a day before, but this will be basically one long climb. That will be a new experience for me. I have my fingers crossed.