Went on a road I don't think I've ridden before, Roblar, lots of farms and saw this animal, Have no idea what it is. Below is an image of it and another, also grazing. Today, was a fantastic, epic, amazing, etc.... day. Few cyclists have ridden this route and today, 20-30mph winds in the valley, up here the winds had to be 40+mph. I've never been hit with cross winds like what I experienced, so strong I had to stop several times and walk so as not to be blown down the mountain. The views were the best I've ever witnessed from a bike and many times I wished each of you were here to see what I saw. Once, my mouth was agape while looking first to the ocean views and next to the valley views on a narrow spine of the mountain and thinking, "How do I describe this?" I can't and neither can anyone and the images that will come don't do justice to this. Above, the road rises above me, the Pacific to the right and the Channel Islands on the horizon. Yes, after 9-10 trips to Santa Ynez Valley, I finally rode all the way to the satellite array first up Refugio and then at the top of that climb, make a left on Camino Celio Road and climb another 1800' to the end of the paved road and then farther on packed dirt to the satellites. Much, much more to come but later.
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Saturday, the century ride that culminates in the climb up Tepusquet Road. Here a view over the valley toward Santa Maria Mesa. I took a break at the store in Sisquoc, sitting on a bench situated between the flowering plants, watching the world go by. Not a bad way to spend 15 minutes. Clouds were thickening and approaching from the west. They were especially gathering around the ridge I was about to climb so I anticipated rain at the top. I was in luck as I rode up the smooth surface to the summit, no rain. Not at all steep from the front side although it gains 900' and from the other side off #166, a little steeper but still not a hard climb. Here, I storm up the slope, although it does appear just here I am struggling a little. Note I wore my OSU jersey to show my support for the Buckeyes. Tough loss later that day. After reaching #166, I climbed back up the mountain, descended toward Foxen Canyon Road and then it began to rain and looking to the west, there was a gathering gloom of sheer gray. The 25 miles back to Solvang into a 25mph head wind was going to be tough. But wait, here is the Planet Ultra van at the bottom of the hill and we all pile in and ride back to town. So, a little less than 100 miles, ahhhh only 63 actually but 4700' of climbing. Today, is an epic day, the climb up Refugio Road, down to the ocean and back. Probably the hardest climb in the area.
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