In the spring of 2012 I decided to take a solo, self-contained cycling tour up The Pacific Coast on my recumbent trike. This was something that I needed to do for a lot of reasons. I had dreamed about doing a really big bike tour for many years. The dream kept getting deferred – because life got in the way. But in March-April, all the parts came together – I had the time, the money and the physical well-being to make it happen.
As you’ll see, the trip didn’t turn out exactly as planned. But in many ways it turned out better. This trip, and the experiences Nancy and I shared together, is partly the genesis for The Recumbent Gourmet. It’s a great way to get to know us and the adventures we strive to enjoy and share with you.
Note: These posting are reprints (with significant judicious editing) of the journal that I kept of this ride at Crazy Guy On A Bike
Tuesday April 10, 2012 45 miles (72 km) - Total so far: 191 miles (307 km) I slept really well in Carpenteria. The hiker/biker campsites back right up against the railroad tracks, and I was afraid the trains would wake me. Apparently the trains run silent at night, because I heard ...
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Wednesday April 11, 2012 13 miles (21 km) - Total so far: 204 miles (328 km) What a difference a good nights sleep makes! It rained really hard last night, but I slept like a baby. Once I was sure everything inside the tent would stay dry, I actually found the ...
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Thursday April 12, 2012 40 miles (64 km) - Total so far: 244 miles (393 km) I awoke fully rested and really recharged. My tent was dry. All the batteries were charged, and the weather looked like it might be OK. The sun was breaking through some grey clouds. I rolled ...
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Friday April 13, 2012 Well, I'd love to report the harrowing experiences I had with the rain and the hail and the nasty weather that the Central Coast has experienced the last few days. Unfortunately, I can only report that I spent the time safe and warm and happy and ...
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Sunday April 15, 2012 We woke early in Paso Robles, eager and ready to do a nice 30 mile ride around the area. Our plan was to ride 4-5 miles into downtown, eat a nice breakfast, then climb some hills, visit some wineries, and return to the hotel. We dressed ...
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Monday April 16, 2012 Nancy and I spent another day together in Cambria. I have really fallen in love with this place. The laid back atmosphere and natural beauty have made a distinct impression in me. I'm going to be sorry to leave it behind ...
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Tuesday April 17, 2012 42 miles (68 km) - Total so far: 286 miles (460 km) So the day has finally come. Once again I need to leave behind my beautiful wife. No more fabulous hotels and wonderful meals. No more laughing and sharing our lives together. Once again it's time ...
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Wednesday April 18, 2012 28 miles (45 km) - Total so far: 314 miles (505 km) I awoke at Kirk Creek early. My schedule has shifted to coincide with the sun since I started this ride. I wake when it rises, and I go to sleep when it sets. It feels ...
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Thursday April 19, 2012 27 miles (43 km) - Total so far: 341 miles (549 km) The day began early in Big Sur. The large crowd in the Hiker/Biker site are all up, and chatting, cooking breakfast and preparing for their day's ride. I pack up early as well, but elect ...
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Friday April 20, 2012 When last I left you, I was in a hotel in Carmel. I had nothing to do really. The trike was dead ...
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