California Diaries Day 8: December 27th

Insomnia is not something that I normally suffer with, but it was tough to sleep last night. Knowing what was “out there”, poised and ready to be ridden, kept my mind from fully switching off. I could describe the anticipative excitement to be similar to that of a kid at Christmas but to be honest, as a child, I never felt the same level of incitement I do now.

Rolling up Kings Mountain, crossing Skyline and onto the descent of Tunitas Creek was a gift in itself, even though the road surface until the hidden right hander to Lobitos Creek Road is joint jarring to say the least. A short blast winding your way through Redwoods on either side of the road doesn’t give any indication of the stunning views until they hit you full on. Initially undulating through vast open farmland before an exhilarating and technical eucalyptus filled descent towards the coast. One word, amazing. Two words, totally amazing! Three words, totally freakin’ amazing!

Like a cool summer’s breeze, the contrast between mountain terrain and the Pacific ocean is truly refreshing. A short section on Cabrillo HWY gave time to soak up everything on offer before horse shoeing inland on Stage Road for more views of sensory overload proportion. Back on the coast and past Pigeon Point Lighthouse before making our decisive left hand turn inland onto Gazos Creek Road and a reverse from yesterday on Cloverdale and Pescadero Creek Road. It had already been a sensational ride, but with the feeling of freedom and picutre postcard views offered on the ascent of Alpine Road the time needed to be cherished.

On dry roads descending Page Mill gives the sense of floating your way effortlessly through switch backs and chicanes to the valley below. And with the final “gem” (read into that how you will. I should have maybe said “horror") of Joaquin Road to Los Trancos, by the time the shoes unclicked for the final time you couldn’t help but feel immensely satisfied, or as the Spanish say "pacífico" (at peace).

Ride stats: 2,450m elevation/100miles

For Day 8 GPS info click here