Arroyo Grande to Solvang-66m

To conclude last night's trip to the western saloon cliffhanger, this is the face of a man racked (haha!) with shame- a humungous dnf (did not finish) on his pork ribs!!

Said ribs were gobbled down pool-side this afternoon on arrival today, but, to think Steve could rival the stomach of the medium frenchy one! 

Back to the business of cycling.

I think today was the first day, before a bike ride, I have truly rejoiced at the sight of cool fog! 

It didn't last, within 45mins the jacket was off as I was resembling a kiln.

I launched off solo this morning, feeling the call of the reviving fresh air. Very soon things took a mexicano turn! Guadalupe was very much like a town from a western with wide streets and sandy terracotta buildings. Moustaches aplenty.

It was also a day of agriculture: lettuces galore, cabbages, strawberries (agh!) and bell peppers.

Vineyards are featuring pretty regularly now too alongside the searing tarmac.

It was flippin scorchio out there today, not helped by the fact the water from the hotel tasted mouldy, so remained in the bottles. 

For the last few miles we suddenly found ourselves under some trees and it was thoroughly wonderful. To think, the heating has gone on at home!

Solvang is a great place to stay. A Danish settlement going back to 1911, so lots of interesting buildings and shops (and food items!)

The scarecrow theme continues:

Due to the lack of fluids during the day, I had to call upon guzzlers anonymous. Fortunately they were still open on whatsapp and were able to pace my rehydrating, in a dutch cafe I clip clopped into.

Hehe