"You mention wanting 7 pairs of shorts next time -- does that mean there are no facilities to wash out your clothes each day? "

By about day 3 there were tubs. Laundry tubs are traditionaly provided by the co. that provides the showers (abundant hot water, clean, little privacy but who cares and the showers are really pretty nice). You are asked not to do laundry in the sinks that are meant for tooth brushing etc, and not to do laundry in the showers. I overheard camp services manager (who i worked with on CAR4) say that it was the same co. as always but different people and they were being difficult about rigging up extra sinks but by about day 3 that had been resolved.

But you shouldn't count on that; for one thing it can rain and the coastline part is damp although people do put their shorts on their helmet to dry during the day. For the other thing just speaking personaly by the time i completed any days ride all I had energy to do is find my luggage, tent, eat, shower, not necessarily in that order. But for those who have the energy to do laundry ...you go girl! ;-)

"Anyway, great job! Is your picture anywhere on the event web site?"

found one on day 2, there's a picture of 3 cyclists crossing the green bridge. The one on the right with her head down is me. I know because I recognise the other 2 women. I'd just caught up with them, and we rode together chatting (not drafting, not riding side by side, ok everyone?) for a while, it's a long lonely stretch of the ride. I'm looking down because there are headwinds already and a hill starts about 50 yards forward so the photographer caught me checking where I am on the triple (I got a computer put on the bike right before the ride-forgot that Flightdeck is not compatible with Campy--oops) but based on the location, what I'm wearing and the other rifers I'm sure that's me. There may be more but I haven't found 'em, also others are starting to put photo essays online.