Hey there, Bike Ridin' Guys Watchers,
It's been a couple days without a report. Sorry about that. Good news! They are still on their bikes.
They continue cruising down the coast and have leap frogged from one gorgeous coastal community to another. After Pismo Beach they spent the night in Carpenteria just south of Santa Barbara. Pat's favorite place so far -- Santa Barbara - dignified and funky at the same time -- beautiful. They are trucking along making between 60 - 90 miles per day.
The weather has turned friendlier. Pat was up this morning before Clay and took a mile long walk with his cup of coffee while Clay stole a little more shut eye. He strolled down by the pier in his shirt sleeves and pinched himself to be out with his son, riding his bike. The beauty all around, their good health, the easy time together ... Such simple things, really, but he spent time in quiet gratitude this morning.
To be sure, Clay is getting more sleep than Pat. But perhaps upon closer inspection, there is good reason. Let's see, who carries all forty pounds of luggage? Umm, that would be Clay. Okay then, who sets the pace and gets them going up the steep coastal hills at a pretty good clip? Well, look, that would be Clay, too. So, how about the navigation? My oh my, Clay again. Planning the turn-by-turn route? Clay, a huh. A definite pattern is emerging, I believe. Who decides where they will stop for coffee, lunch, dinner? Check, check, check-- all Clay. Seems like Pat has found the ideal traveling companion. Since Clay took over they haven't gotten lost once. Seems I recall Pat asking Clay several years ago if he would take care of him when he got older and apparently he is trying out the arrangement. So far, Clay is passing with flying colors.
You may have noticed, Clay has not found the time, or perhaps does not want to waste his precious energy on shaving. This may be something only a mother would notice, but I am betting some of you readers have also wondered about that. Now you know, the kid is exhausted. If he's smart he jettisoned the razor days ago to lighten his load. I received a photo from Pat last evening with Clay utterly crashed out by the news -- the six o'clock news!! Sweet dreams, Son, and thanks for taking such good care of your Pop.
I heard from Pat during their lunch stop today. They were in Oxnard. He said they can feel the end of their ride. His achilles tendon is sore (from riding those seven miles with one pedal, no doubt), and their thighs yip at them at night when they are trying to relax enough to sleep. Their whole bodies will be ready for a break. The rains are right behind them up the coast a little way, chasing them to LA, their final destination. Clay has a high school friend living in LA trying to break into "the industry". He'll spend some time catching up with her and I bet Pat will find a hot bath --he can soak his muscles and relive some of their "ridey" adventures.
Next thing on the agenda, check in with beloved family in Malibu and environs, and then get a rental car Sunday morning and drive back to St. George together. Getting Pat home will be great and I am so looking forward to seeing Clay again. There might be a favorite meal in store for the intrepid travelers. Oh and I better stock up on psyllium...
Bye and thanks for enjoying the ride with me,
A
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