The Transition from AZ to CA

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.

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.

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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