Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2 (2003)

Day by Day Coverage: Day 3 - King City to Paso Robles

Work Those Quads, Baby

Today was all about the “Quadbuster.”

“Don’t blame me for the hill today,” joked a Roadie as the Cyclists rode out of camp in King City. “Blame the North American geological tectonic system.”

Cyclists took a variety of approaches to the steep, 1.3-mile climb. Some took it slow and steady. Others walked their bikes part of the way up. A few Cyclists with energy (and heart) to spare helped other Cyclists up the hill, riding alongside them with encouraging comments, and sometimes even pushing them up with a hand on their back. At the top, Cyclists gathered to cheer on the others who scaled the summit.

The members of the motorcycle safety crew have become our benevolent protectors, always guiding us through difficult traffic situations with cheery smiles. On a hot day like today, some of them sprayed water guns on thankful Cyclists.

A road sign that has become a cherished sight is “Rest Stop -- 1 Mile.” Rest Stop 1 created handmade bagel treats with bananas, peanut butter & nuts. At Stop 3, Cyclists bought ice cream at a shop and lounged on the grass under the sun. The inventive team at Rest Stop 4, using an old Spanish mission as a backdrop, became “pilgrims” and invited Cyclists to pose for pictures with their head and arms locked in a “stock.”

The route wound through vineyards and pastoral, cow-laden ranch land. It also took Cyclists over some rugged rural roads and the bumpy shoulder of Highway 101. Participants settled into camp in Paso Robles at the Mid-State County Fairgrounds, which is made up like an old Western town, and got ready for Day 4’s challenge: The Evil Twins.

-- Jeff Brock, ALC Webmaster & Cyclist #5410
Reporting from Paso Robles

Check out today's photos!

Read today's journal entries from:

• Danelle
• Darrel
• Diane
• Tien