Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 4 (2005)

The day started with back-to-back hills known as the Evil Twins (although last year, one cyclist said she didn’t think they were all that evil, just two bad boys). What a treat when we peaked -- the “Half the Way to LA” sign! Yes, we were at the midway point of the ride, a summit with a stunning view of the ocean under unusually clear skies. Multiple lines of cyclists lined up for a pic to mark the occasion. Miz Ginger Brewlay, Roadie extraordinaire, had made a second Half-Way sign, from (not surprisingly) color hairspray. She promised at least two more for next year. One rider thought we could have express lanes with just painted backdrops of the view and sign.

Ginger herself was a vision in beige – 40s cocktail dress with loads o’ crinoline, sunhat, and low suede heels. She moved the lines along, including a whole group who clambered up the rock while another cyclist described them as “the synchronized bike-lifting team from the Ukraine.”

After coasting downhill into the marine layer, we discovered Rest Stop 2 as Famous Tramps, more cowboys at Lunch, and Mardi Gras at Rest Stop 3, complete with stilt walker and “large-busted” ladies (female and male) willing to flash us at the slightest provocation. Before we rolled into Santa Maria’s loverly Preisker Park, cyclists coming out of Rest Stop 4 had their rear end aligned and dipstick checked by the Roadies in NASCAR gear.

We got a sweet surprise on arriving in camp -- luscious strawberries! Gina and Lauri from the Santa Maria Visitor and Convention Bureau brought ‘em by, and they were donated by Daren Gee of DB Specialty Farms. Ain’t it good to have friends?

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