Whew-day 1 of riding to Moreno Valley




Wow .   What a ride     Simply an awesome group of people, and some pretty serious bike riders.    It turns out the last 4 months of me just recreationally riding around doesn't cut it with serious people .    Went out too fast for too long.   The best way to learn is from one's own mistakes.    I'll be smarter tomorrow!    That said, a super cool ride.   Weather was 60s or so, although the California sun felt more intense.    Yeah, getting out of LA was stoplight hell.  (I'd just shifted into the big ring and was just starting to bear down..... And here comes another yellow light!).   Caught some greens too, but always remember the reds and yellows!   Mid way through the day we were on a bike path which paralleled a super wide irrigation canal .   Some really pretty greenery, trees, water, parks...... Never would have thought of that but it was beautiful.    Ride through some orange groves with tons of oranges on the trees as well as in the ground.  Last couple - ok 3 - comments.
1.  Everyone was talking about the long long narrow bike lane going up a hill which never ended.   I briefly pulled over and stopped once.  Seriously it was probably 30 minutes straight of climbing.  Not super steep, but 6-7 mph lasted forever.   Sun was bearing down, and five miles from the end of the day.   Anyway, glad that's over  
2.  The organizers and staff lay out a fantastic spread of all the usual choices, and then some at the two rest stops.
3.  Most important. I couldn't believe it, but there were a ton of geese 🦆 at the park where we had our first rest stop.   I guess those suckers are everywhere!   I just never would have guessed they'd be in Los Angeles too ...
Finally.   I rode with a bunch of different mini groups and riders today, and just a wonderful, wonderful group of people.   Just have to ride myself into shape over the next two weeks to be able to hang onto their rear wheels.   
Now that I've showered, rested a bit, ate, etc.  I feel pretty good.   Just have to see what tomorrow brings.
Today was 85 miles with 2970 feet of climbing, 1535 feet of descent.    Tomorrow is scheduled for 90 miles, with 2100 feet of climb.   As I understand it, the climbing comes a bit earlier, rather than at the END OF THE DAY.  Grrrrrr!
Outta here!
By the way if the place is called "Valley" why is it at the top of a hill?

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