Carmel to San Simeon Village-97m

Last night I managed a personal best bedtime: on the bed at 19.15, in the bed 19.30 and asleep 20.30 :-)

So I was feeling refreshed ready for our longest day.

Steve was a little trepidatious, knowing the climbs that awaited, coupled with the forecast.

The three of us were off before 8am and it was already above 20 degrees.

Monique was still understandably sore and shaken from being knocked off her bike by a hit and run two days ago, so had a lift in the van some of the way. George went with her, as did Moira, who got a little too comfy in the van, enjoying the drive (as opposed to the ride!)

They were eventually bundled out of the air conditioned vehicle at 50miles.

We were significantly warmed up by then.

There were some fast riders out today and I got devoured by a friendly peleton with a mixture of 'hi', 'howdy', 'mornin' and peace signs!

 The first big climb was at 35miles and then it was up and down all the way. It isn't called Big Sur for nothing and certainly didn't disappoint. 

All the trip we've been so lucky to evade Big Mist.

The locals keep commenting on this indian summer, as apparently this heat is very unusual. With cold fog being more typical!

I took lots of breaks to keep my temperature in check. 

We stopped at Lucia to stock up and Steve treated us to some ice to fill our bottles, which was luscious (for about 20minutes!)

Unfortunately, with the guzzle police being in Olney, I was a bit unrestrained and wolfed my snacks and drinks. I paid the price a few miles later and with a sore tum had to seek a campsite restroom!

From then, we had two bigger climbs and (as Steve's lunchtime motivational talk had reminded us) then it might as well have been all downhill to the hotel. 

So I chopped on. 

It was a surprise to see Moira at the top of a hill at 72miles, in the shade of a tree, chatting to two peleton-ers. I didn't pause long, too caught in my daydream of a cold bath.

It was then even more of a surprise to see her ahead at San Simeon at 90miles, she'd only got a lift with their support vehicle!! Enjoying their chat more than the prospect of riding!! That must be a Bike Adventures first!

Sealion beach rounded off the day and a long one indeed, but thoroughly ace.

I'm now feeling as battered as a corn dog!