This morning I woke up early anticipating my Sunday ride. I was still coming down from a high I carried back from Cambria at last Sunday’s Eroica California event that I do every year. I wasn’t looking to do a long ride, just a couple of hours on my bike. I had originally just planned a loop that I do occasionally that gives me an uphill climb and some nice downhills and then mostly flat , open road. This loop is about 21 miles and pretty fast and does not require heading all the way into Ventura.
I left the house under crisp , sunny skies and as I was heading down the hill from my house , I noticed a fog bank but could not tell how far it reached from the coast. As I headed out of town on Santa Paula Street I could see that the fog was very dense and only a mile or so ahead of me. This meant I would have to head up to Foothill Rd. as soon as I hit Briggs Rd. instead of going to Cummings Rd as I usually do. When I made it to Foothill Rd. I could still see the fog bank as I looked west and it appeared to be a couple of miles ahead of me , but still in my path.
I decided to visit Aliso Canyon which is a nice winding road that dead ends about 4 1/2 miles into the ride. It is slightly uphill all the way with some spectacular country featuring ranches with small cattle herds and horses , chickens , and hogs. The wildflower blooms are still in full swing and the morning air still had a bit of a chill. There was no sign of the dense fog bank that I was avoiding. 
At the end of this beautiful morning ride up this canyon is a nice sunny area perfect for my drink stop. I hung my bike on a chain link fence and grabbed my water bottle off the handlebar holder that secured it until needed. As I sipped my water laced with mineral and electrolyte supplements, I notice in a tree a group of vultures warming up with the morning sun. 
I was alone and being quiet so they seemed undisturbed by my presence. After a nice drink and brief rest I retrieved my bike from the fence for my downhill trip out to Foothill Rd.
The ride out was quite a bit faster than the slow uphill pace going in , so I was glad that I took the time to enjoy the sights on the uphill portion of my ride. I sped along noticing quite a few fellow bikers heading in. I guess I beat the crowd! I headed west on Foothill and the fog bank that was so thick was receding towards the coast I took Olive Rd. Towards Telegraph Rd. to make the loop back to Santa Paula. The entire ride was just under 25 miles and only took less than two hours but the memory of this impromptu detour will be long lasting.
grateful for such an opportunity !
It would be a real shame to use them as these are time capsules . So until I find someone with the bike that these belong on , I will use them for display only on which ever bike I am not riding at the time. I have two other bikes with the same hubs and are laced up to clincher tires that are easily repaired and replaced when needed.
As you come into Ventura via Foothill Rd. , you get a great downhill slide that is exhillerating as you try to control your downhill speed . There are a few uphill climbs in between that are not too bad , so , it is mostly a free ride in . Nicely restored classic homes that are well loved on both sides of the street and a view of the Pacific Ocean with The Channel Islands coming into view as the fog dissipates. I turn left on Chestnut from Foothill Rd which has decided to change its name to Poli. Another steep downhill with both hands firmly gripping my brakes, as , at the bottom of the hill is Main Street and traffic. Also , at this intersection is a very small coffee bar with green umbrellas that doesn’t need any introduction as they are everywhere here in Southern California. I enjoy my Passion fruit iced tea as I feel the heat climbing and realize that it ain’t gonna get any cooler out!
I get back on my bike with my Windsor Wool jersy being the only thing on my back , my thermal undershirt tied around my seatpost and my Nike safety orange outer shirt tied around my waist. I feel the coolness that wool gives you as the wind passes through the knit and the evaporative effect of the air passing over my skin. I guess those early racers knew a thing or two about comfort . I am now ready for my final leg of the ride. The smile on my face cannot be masked knowing that this day is a blessing and I have been able to enjoy another ride. I must now make the climb back up hospital hill to my house. Living on a hill is wonderful with panoramic views of the valley below , but it is brutal getting back home on a bicycle! The climb is not enough to wipe this smile off my face or erase the memory of another great ride.
