Experience AIDS/LifeCycle 2 (2003)

Day by Day Coverage: Day 6 - Lompoc to Ventura

Down by the Sea

Cyclists are realizing certain things are drawing to a close … such as getting blessed at ride-out every morning by the Roadie with angel wings and a wand, saying “free blessings, don’t leave camp without your free blessings.” And they're going to miss the coveted rest-stop staple: the pre-packaged “peanut butter & jelly graham wafer sandwich” that seems so hard to find in the real world (hint: start here).

The route began with a hill topping out at 1,100 feet around mile 16. (A fleeting sighting along the way: golden-brown horses cavorting in a field, illuminated by sunlight.) But after that first peak, the rest of the route flattened out and drew close to the ocean, on this crystal-clear day.

In the leafy suburban streets of Goleta and beyond, a rainbow of flowers dotted the roadside. The flat Santa Barbara bike path pulled past joggers, tourists, and boats in the harbor. Later, waves crashed along Highway 1, where RVs set up temporary residence and owners sunned themselves on their steps. Near Rest Stop 4, Cyclists sat on the seawall and spent private moments with the ocean.

A long bike path curved through Ventura, and Cyclists glided into the San Buenaventura State Beach under the palm trees. The evening’s presentation turned both celebratory and wistful, as AIDS/LifeCycle staff and Roadies were recognized from the stage for all their work. Under the full moon, which made flashlights almost unnecessary for late-night Porta-Potty trips, participants slept their last night on the road.

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

Check out today's photos!

Read today's journal entries from:

• Danelle
• Darrel
• Roland
• Tien