Day 4-5: evil twins, cartman, ocean and red dresses

And if the subject line hasn't gotten you confused you yet, I'll briefly recap these two very intense days.

Day 4 is truly hump day. Not only because it begins with Evil Twins, the second scary enough climb to be warranted its own name but also and most importantly because it marks, a) the highest point on the route to LA (1762 feet, which incidentally is Matt's rider number) and b) the half distance mark to LA. We were then officially closer to LA than we were to SF.

One funny thing that happened in connection with Evil Twins: on day 2 I wore a really funny jersey I got at the Palo Alto bike store, South Park themed and with Cartman on the back and the writing "Oh man, you guys suck!". When I wore it on the ride I immediately started getting sneering comments from several people to the effect of "what are you doing? It was supposed to be for day 4!" I actually didn't figure it out until Julie told me that a large group from SF had bought several of these jerseys and planned to all wear them for evil twins day.. the day that supposedly brings out the fourth of all ALC sentiments: after nervousness, excitement, and soreness (physical and emotional), it's time for the cranky bitch in everyone to come out. Perfect jersey for that. I did the only appropriate thing, I washed it and wore it again on day 4. we took awesome pics at the halfway mark with a squad of cartman-donning riders.

After a beautiful 8 miles downhill we were once again brought back to the ocean and coasted along the sea shore taking in the incredible scenery and refreshing breeze.

We stopped for ice cream and salt water taffy in Pismo Beach and then rode the last few miles to camp in Santa Maria.

Day 5 is the most awaited, hyped, and anticipated day. It is red dress day. Note, not dress in red day like I had thought. No. It's really red dress day. What started as a symbolic gesture on the day when the route takes the riders in a loop that resembles the shape of the Aids ribbon, inviting everybody to wear red to form a red ribbon that could be seen from the sky, has turned into a joyous day of community, celebration, rememberance and..well...kitsch. The weirdest gowns, biggest caps (helmets disguised), boas and tutus were all displayed. Now what's really funny is that red dress day is always day 5 and the route is always the same so on this day when we go through some really remote areas of Santa Barbara county, I can only imagine what the locals may think of the rest of the state... The highlight of the day was certainly stop 2, in a very small community of only a handful of people.. With nothing but a "General Store" and a school district with 27 students! This event is probably the biggest happening all year long. Every year the owner of the store becomes MC for a day and the whole ride pack dances to disco music in the street in front of said general store. A thing of beauty, a bunch of folks in red dresses and spandex dancing to disco in shoes with cleats. So much fun. After a few more hills with head winds (which give a whole new meaning to the expression "to be dressed in drag") we completed the shortest day on the whole ride, only 47 miles, for a total of 435 miles ridden.

Tonight was the talent show. It's what you'd expect, the entertaining mix of good and bad performers that makes for a good time. But there was one highlight: a rider recited the poem he wrote for his lover who had passed away 8 years before and for whom he had been riding ever since. It was very touching, sincere, sad, and real. It was as if we were there with him in that room: intense and moving. I liked it a lot.

My cold is slightly getting better. Now I have a terrible sounding cough which fortunately hasn't been taking away much of my stamina. Now and then I'll be passing people while coughing really hard... Usually it is followed by a reminder to quit smoking by the other riders... Umpf!

Time for bed now, tomorrow is another 87, miles along the beautiful coast to Ventura. It'll also be another emotional day as we'll hold a silent candlelight vigil for all those who have been lost to Aids.

I have met a lot of cool people. Maybe a few new friends even.
Spirits are high and they counteract any exhaustion, sore bum or nostalgia for a real mattress and toilet.

I'll probably sign up for next year before the week's over.