Stats:
Start – End: 9:10 AM – 4:10 PM
Distance: 47.6 miles
Average speed: 10.6 mph
Seat time: 4 h 29 min
Climbing: 2460 ft
Tougher ride today. Conditions were a combination of less interesting and more demanding, at least for a majority of the route. We started through a long stretch of suburban riding in Soquel and Aptos. Then we passed through farmland near Watsonville. Smell of strawberries was a delight. But roads and traffic have industrial flavor. Then we navigated a stretch of Hwy 1 with very heavy and fast-moving traffic. This piece included a segment of freeway. After lunch in Moss Landing, we finally made our way to a nice off-road cycle path. But we also found stiff cross winds and head winds as we pedaled through Fort Ord and into Monterey. The final challenge was a steep climb on the most direct route to Carmel. Plus more traffic (and the first encounters on this trip with impatient drivers). But now we have a lovely room at the Carmel Fireplace Inn. All is good!
Bilbo on the Move 