I'll post more pictures tomorrow but basically it was a perfect day for riding. I met Redhot3368 at the registration line in the morning; she drove with her DH who rode the 100 miler (very quickly, I might add!).

Karen and Tony

Also, her friend Kim came too... these two ladies are SO pretty and really cool to ride with!!! We saw Caligurl at the start and along the road, then at the first rest stop.... then she off and left us in the dust! I had to leave before Cali returned so she's gonna have to give ya all the details of the 100 miler.

Anyway, as usual, I was plugging along trying to keep up with Redhot and Kim when I tried to get them to go ahead since I knew I'd never make it at that pace! They slowed down to where I could keep up and we proceeded to make our way through Ventura.
Karen (Redhot3368) and Kim at rest stop #1

En route to our first rest stop, we met another woman (Kay) who was riding alone and we invited her to ride w/us... of course she also was faster than me (but only on the flats). Once past the first rest stop, we started towards Ojai on the bikepath.

It was a really nice path and a lot of it was shaded and very scenic. The 2nd rest stop (also the lunch stop 20+miles later) was at a really pretty park in the oak trees... the food wasn't that great but it was a nice place to stop and regroup. Once we left that rest stop there was an uphill grade up into Ojai... that's when I found out that I was actually faster than someone up hills (Kay was slower than me I know, what a meanie... but I am always last, so it was nice not to be the very last one for one ride!)... it was actually a pretty gentle grade and still lots of shade and really pretty. Once we got to Ojai, we actually went down on the "other" side of the triangle (casitas pass side).

Lake Casitas

We turned again just east of Lake Casitas so we didn't actually go over the pass and there were a few rollers until we got past the lake... but once we got past the lake, there were a few really nice downhills (unfortunately there were also some headwinds) and a nice gentle ride back to the lunch stop.

We hung out at the rest stop for a little while and then finally got going for the final 15+/- miles back to the Harbor. It was slightly downhill but the headwinds pretty much negated the benefit so we plugged along at what was a decent clip for me until we got into Ventura where a hill slowed Kay down to where I had to stop and wait for her.... Redhot and Kim went on ahead and Kay and I finished shortly thereafter. It was about 55 miles and the weather was perfect. It was warm enough not to wear any jackets or anything when we started and it didn't get too hot mid-day either... and the sky was perfectly clear.

Me (could my face be any more red?) Redhot and Kim after the ride

There ya go... sorry, I'm not a writer... but I did have a great time today! Thank you Redhot (tell Kim, thank you again too please) and Caligurl for making it a great day!!!

Trac'