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The Transition from AZ to CA

3/27/2012

6 Comments

 
Picture
If you have driven practically anywhere in the southwest, you have seen a billboard promoting "The Thing".  Hey, I happened to have finally driven by the exit for it and stopped.  Nothing more than a large gift shop with a Dairy Queen and a large door advising that you pay $1 to go into a room and see what is "the Thing".  I passed.
Picture
So, drove from Tucson to Solvang, Ca on Monday.  took me just less than 9 hours and loved the 70-75mph speed limit signs, which meant there was plenty of opportunity to draft off someone going 90+.Skills I have learned at cycling transfer nicely to driving.  Driving on I10, just north of Palm Springs, there is a pass through the mountains through which winds roar, turning the turbines on wind farms.
Picture
Arrived in Solvang, unpacked the bike, put it together, rode it to Dr. J's bike shop and they checked that I had secured all the bolts, nails and screws securely and so I bought a jersey.  Went to Hitching Post II restaurant and had a great meal and one and I mean only one, glass of wine.... Tomorrow is the ride up Figueroa Mountain.  I am certain that while yes, I arrived from the off season as just an ordinary overweight schlep on a bike, at some point, I entered the mediocre stage where I normally reside.  However, if I ride as much as I intend and at the intensity I plan....not much will change because I'll hit the burnout stage and begin the long slide back to a schlep on a bike by October.  Great views out here, this along Ballard Canyon Road.
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6 Comments
Corvair
3/27/2012 01:24:41 am

Wow, I can't believe you passed the Thing up. LOL
I'm riding at 5:30 tonight from Shades, I know that Nate will join me. Weather is 60 degrees for the high and sunny here, hope it's warmer in Cali!

Reply
Nathan (recumbent dude)
3/27/2012 04:21:36 am

What!

$1 ! You passed on THE THING for $1 !!!

Get back there, pay your buck, take a camera phone picture and post it here where we can all see it. We might even take up a collection to reimburse you that $1.

---

Reply
Nathan (Recumbent Dude) - Again
3/27/2012 04:24:00 am

Holy Smokes!

Thank the maker that there is a Wiki entry on "the Thing"!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing%3F

Cut and paste your way to knowledge....


-Nathan

Reply
Nathan (Recumbent Dude) - another again
3/27/2012 04:27:38 am

Ok Mark.

Here's your path to redemption on that miss of "the thing".

Here is a list of roadside attractions for all of California:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/ca/all

How about some pictures! It's freezing here again and I need some entertaining photos and stories from the road.

-Nathan (RD)

Reply
Corvair
3/27/2012 06:12:20 am

Nate, reading your wikipedia link, that's actually really cool and Mark should have stopped...he's missing out.

Reply
Cindy
3/28/2012 12:17:49 am

Wow, we really are bored in OH, 5 posts about "the thing", make that 6.

Reply



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    Mark is a long-time cyclist who enjoys poking fun at himself but most especially at his friends. No nicknames or comments are intended to offend, accept them in the humor they are intended.

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