I had a mtn bike race in Monterey this morning, followed by a road ride in Pescadero this afternoon, so I drove north on Highway 1. As soon as I saw the first riders in Santa Cruz, the tears started welling in my eyes (yes, I'm an emotional sap). The entire drive between Santa Cruz and Pescadero was a constant stream of riders. After four AIDS Rides, I said I wouldn't do another one, but I had a little urge to ride with them today.

Saw Julie Brown, Shelley Ross, all the P.I.G.s, and lots of the usual characters. Oh, and Team Tall Bike is too cool!

ps -- Dita, every year I've done the ride, Day 2 is the fastest day of the week (even though it's the longest). Since it's flat with primarily tailwinds for the first 70 miles (and that crazy blow-you-off-the-bike crosswind for the last 30), it can be a super-fast day. I sure don't remember any headwinds. I do, however, remember it taking forever to get out of Santa Cruz with the morning traffic.