California Ride Report #4, Recovery, somewhat

I felt like taking a day off to allow my toasted legs to recover and normally after 2-3 days of riding out here I do but the itinerary called for a shortish 62 miles with the Harris Grade and dreaded Drum Canyon climbs.  So, hooked up with the Planet Ultra group, a group that continues to attrite as today, Friday, we were down to 9 of the original 17.  Some people did not show up after Monday's spin around the valley or after the shock of climbing the Fig on Tuesday.  I hear these people are still in the area but doing short rides or hanging out at the wineries.  Speaking of which, I've not been to one yet and running out of time.  Headed out #246, hung a left at Avenue of the Flags Road, turns into Santa Rosa Road and passed this field.  

Eventually, after going through Lompoc, we hit the Harris Grade climb.  300+ feet of elevation gain but not steep and a chance to spin to the top with great views to the west.

The views going down the other side towards #135 are good too! 

Followed the tandem couple and the two Planet Ultra guides for 12 miles into Los Alamos.  The tandem couple are from Argentina, now living in Seattle.  Today, they were informed the body of her brother, who had died 4 years ago in a white water rafting ride, was recovered while officials were using sonar to search for some else who had drowned last week.    Most of the group stopped to sit in a cafe to eat but I wanted to get the ride over with and headed, gulp, up Drum Canyon and down the bumpy butt side.  the climbing is great out here of course but the descents can be good too, here on #246 close to Buellton.  Finished with 62 miles and 3125' of climbing.  Conflicted about tomorrow's (Saturday"s) ride as it is a 100 miles that includes Foxen Canyon and Tepusquet.  The conflict is the Buckeyes tip off out here at 5:45 and I've got to find a seat somewhere in time to watch. What do do, what to do....
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