Figueroa Mountain

A heavy layer of maritime fog greeted us as we stood around shivering in 44 degree temps in the parking lot.  But, as is usually the case, a few miles inland the fog breaks, ushering in another day of sun and warm temps.  Light winds too which is important at the top of the mountain. A couple of years ago, a guy was bombing the descent, rounded a corner and was blasted by a cross wind that sent him into a ditch with broken bones. 

After 12 miles and 1100' of climbing, we reached the start of the climb to the top of "The Fig".  I use this climb for a very slow time trial, going all 9.82 miles without stopping and comparing my times to other trips up the mountain. It's about a 4000' climb with 3/4 of a mile through a dirt section.

Always a grind and with only one downhill section, always climbing.  I reached the top in 1:25 so not my best time but understandable given the weather circumstances that kept me off the bike too often in the two weeks leading up to this trip.

The mountain range in the distance is where I was on Saturday at the top of the Refugio climb.  Lake Chumash is visable in the center.

The wild flowers are out so lots of people drive up to see or photograph them.

About half way down, the good views continue.  Ended the day with 55 miles and 5700' of climbing.  Unfortunately, I've acquired a cold virus so that sucks but the show must go on and tomorrow is the ride out to Casmalia.