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Saturday 07/19/08 - McGrath State Beach to Redondo

We were up around 7 am and moving a little slow. I was out of oatmeal and decided to make pancakes and Steve had oatmeal. Everything was wet this morning, first time all week, and the sun wasn't out so we had to put it away wet. We finally packed up and headed out a bit after 9 am. We made our way through Oxnard and both commented to each other how there seemed to be no one out and about. I guess that's because it was Saturday. Heading down Channel Islands Blvd I spotted a bike shop across the road. I wanted to get a new tire and we thought we'd look for a derailleur for Steve. They did have what Steve needed but they did let him look through the used bin to see if there was anything he could use. Meanwhile I was checking out the tires and found the Armadillo I needed for the back tire. No more flats for me.

Next we rode through more farm lands for the next 7 miles and then came to the Point Mugu Missile Display. They had all types of missile, an F-4 Phantom, and an F-14 Tomcat. All very cool. Working in the defense business Steve enjoyed the display as well.

After that it was time to hit Highway 1 again. For the next 35 miles we rode right along the coast. Very nice views, still no sun, but nice views. Lots of cyclists were out riding today. Lots of cars but plenty of room on the road.

When we hit Malibu we were amazed at all the huge houses all on the mountain and on the coast. It was 1 pm when we saw the first possible stop for food. It was called the Neptune's Net, there were all sorts of motorcycles out front. We decided to pass when we saw security guards out front. Were they there to watch the bikes or keep the peace? Up ahead we saw another cyclist and asked him where was the next food stop. Up around the next hill in Malibu Lagoon. On the way there someone actually asked me for directions for directions. They wanted to get to Zuma Beach. I looked at my map, "Back that way about 10 miles." "I told you we passed it." It was a convertible BMW full of girls.

Finally up ahead we found food at Subway, it was 2 pm and we were very hungry! After enjoying another pastrami sandwich, soda, chips, and some rest, it was time to head out again. The next 9 miles was more of the coast. Along here people park to get to the Beach so you have to watch your way. Then there are houses and businesses along this way as well. More cars pulled over to your right that you have to watch out for. Then all of a sudden your there, Santa Monica Beach and the bike trail. This takes you through the beach, left and right, nothing but beach, volleyball, tourists, bathing suites, and lifeguards. For the next 17 miles it was bike trail, packed with cyclists, and those on roller blades. At Venice Beach it got really busy with the business district, maybe it was a flea market, I couldn't tell which. There were musicians, entertainers, and all sorts of vendors. Los Angeles Airport was to our left and we decided to take a break and watch the airplanes as they took off. 

Manhattan Beach got busy again and once we hit Hermosa the lights were flashing to tell cyclists to walk there bikes through the area. We decided to head out to the main boulevard instead. 

Once we hit 190th we turned left and headed for our host for the night. At the light we stopped with traffic. Up ahead we spotted a hill and a sign that said, "14% Grade." I looked at Steve and said, "The bad news is we have to climb this hill, the good news is dinner is at the top and we don't have to cook tonight."

The light turned green and we started climbing. I changed to the lowest gear and Steve decided to just walk it about half way up. I waited at the top for him and then we continued for another mile or so. 

We found our host for the evening and quickly showered and changed. We enjoyed an awesome dinner of barbeque chicken, potatoes, corn, and bread. I was much hungrier than I thought. It was so nice. Connie, our host, had this lovely backyard canopy and we ate outdoors. The weather was on the cool side and we just sat there talking. It was a beautiful evening and a nice finish to a long day. Tomorrow was a rest day and we needed it after this week.

Pictures for the Day
Heading out of...	....Oxnard we go up..	...and over the Harbor.	Hamms Bicycle...	...the door is open come on in.
Port Hueneme is really quiet today.	Who are these guys anyway? Graffiti artists or cyclists?	Once our of Hueneme there are lots of farms before you get to...	...Point Mugu.	There is an awesome park...
....that has a number of...	...planes...		....and rockets...	...we had to stop...
...and take a picture of them all!			Once past the Base we continue on Highway 1.	This morning it was on the foggy side.
Up ahead is...	....Malibu.	Neptune's Net.  Security?  Let's keep going....	...up the hill...	....to hopefully find lunch.
There was plenty of room...	...on the road until...	...just before Santa Monica...	...the road started to have cars...	...parked along the road way as well.
And there it is, Santa Monica.	Then it's time for the bike trails...	...there were plenty of them....	...we enjoy about...	...20 miles of a bike path through the beach area.
We take a short break...	...and watch the airplanes take off.	The houses along the beach...	...are the best you could imagine.	Only 2 more miles until we hit home for the night....
...up ahead a hill, only 17% grade.	Welcome to Redondo Beach.

 

Daily Stats
Rider: Devin Holmes Time Left: 9:20 am Time Arrived: 5:30 pm Max mph: 37.6 Avg mph: 11.9 Distance: 73.34  Actual Time Riding: 6:06:56	Camp Fee: $0 Lunch: $10 Misc: $42 Groceries:$0 Shower: $0 Laundry: $0 Total Cost for today: $52

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