Ventura to Redondo Beach-78m

Today we headed into Los Angeles County. I must admit to a few goose pimple moments when I suddenly thought where I was cycling. One moment you're there, then in the blink of an eye you're the other side of the world.

I set off as soon as my croissants had settled, with an easy and functional 20miles. 

Port Hueneme was a pleasant town, with the Ventura County Naval Base soon after. No navals were on view.

But there were a few flying things:

From there, was a brilliant 30mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, through Malibu and on to Santa Monica.

The ocean is a fiercesome beast and some beaches warned of rip tides and no surfing.

I noted a marked increase in offishness of the locals, perhaps in correlation to the increase in average house size.

The hillside to the left (always keep the water on your right Katie!) was lined with vast, individually designed properties. I'd forgotten how close we are to movieland and all that that entails.

Not having had enough time sat on one rock, I found another to sit on, to munch some more delicious fruits.

It was about 28 today, so not quite so tiring. 

The last 25miles were mostly beach bike path, literally a path through the sand, for velos. How brilliant! It all looked very straight forward.

After a chitchat with Geoff and Moira (who had opted for a driving tour day today!) 

I set off.

Venice Beach was a busy section, lots of sights to feast your eyes on and try to take in. The route then came off the beach to go round the marina and this was where it went wrong!

In the hecticness I missed a small turn and within a few miles thought, this seems rather a main road. I pushed on, heading deeper into Los Angeles.

Then the nagging voice got me to stop and ask for help, my cortisol levels had quadrupled!

When I eventually found myself back on the lovely bike path I couldn't stop grinning with relief, I'd survived!

And hadn't needed a Baywatch style rescue from the Hoff, aka Steve (hahaha!)