Glad to hear you did well but I did remind you about 1) parking and 2) taking too much stuff.

Next year, if you plan to do it again, park right across the street from the station, off ADA. Go check in, drop off the cooler and clothes bag, check in and then walk back across the street to get the bikes and take off. I've learned to take just one backpack. It has shorts, a ball cap and a tshirt and a Coke (I can drink it warm but I freeze it first and its usually cold) and some small snacks, crackers, string cheese, cookies.

The train can be a nightmare. This year I heard it left right on time 4:30 leaving some folks still stranded on the docks. Last year, in 100 degree heat, we had to wait 2 hours for a train so consider yourself lucky. The folks on the train do get rowdy. One reason why I don't enjoy the ride anymore. I just can't stand the stupid behavior (there is alot of drinking involved). Alot of my friends ( I live closer - in Irvine) bypass the train ride and have friends pick them up at the dock and they drive home. You get home sooner and have some control over the stops.

One nice thing this year was the weather. You were real fortunate. Plus I heard lunch was better organized (it has been real awful in the past).

Next year, forget AMTRAK and plan instead on doing COOL BREEZE. You'll have to got he night before (so find an hotel that will take pets). Absolutely perfect century. You get great sags, a great lunch, awesome BBQ after and the best views in California. It's my favorite ride.