Day 5 - Santa Barbara to Santa Monica - 86 Miles, 1,900' climb

We rolled out from Santa Barbara with my friend Sully.  He was having some tendonitis in his legs so we were determined not to go with any faster riders and take our time "meandering" down the coast.  At Pt. Magu Naval Air station, we had our picture taken with a poster of John. He had rode the CAF for the last few years but after last year's ride he found out he had pancreatic cancer. Now, he sits with few days left and his poster was taken down the coast and photo'd everywhere so he could know that he was missed. Special people on this ride. Very special people.

So the presentation at the end of the day was by Sarah Reinertsen. She spoke of her early disability and her desire to run, to compete and eventually be the first women with a prothsetic limb to finish the Kona Ironman. She missed the time cut-off the first time she tried but worked with John Howard (World-record biker from day 1) and eventually finished the Kona Ironman in under 15 hours. She also is on the cover of ESPN Magazine "The Body" issue. What an inspirations speaker. This is exactly why I brought the kids, not the Body issue, but meeting people who overcame great challenges.. These are things that you don't learn in school.


Great hotel again, Le Marigot in Santa Monica.  Great view from our room.  Great ride with a great rider.  It is a little sad since entering LA means that we are nearing the end of the ride.

View from our room at Le Marigot Beach Hotel in Santa Monica