PDX to San Diego, Week 2

8/19/2009 10:59:02 AM

By the numbers:

  Week 1 Week 2 Total
Miles travelled: 492 417 909
Average miles per day: 70 60 65
Time on bike (hh:mm): 39:10 29:35 72:30
Average speed: 12.5 MPH 14.1 MPH 12.5 MPH

I did less miles and spent ten hours less time in the saddle during week 2. This was mainly due to the route: the spacing of stops for the night, and terrain being more challenging.

After two weeks I have spent three days worth of time on my bike. Good thing I have a comfortable saddle.

I have about 435 miles remaining until I get to San Diego. My remaining schedule is as follows:

  • Wednesday, 8/19: Monterey to Kirk Creek Campground (60 miles)
    • passing through Big Sur
    • the most demanding day left terrain-wise; lots of hills, a couple big climbs, and windy roads with little or no shoulder
  • Thursday: to Morro Bay (65 miles)
    • Two big hills within the first 20 miles, then relatively flat
    • staying with Steve and Emily Evans in Atascadero
  • Friday: day off maybe?
  • Saturday: San Luis Obispo to Gaviota State Park (85 miles)
    • riding around Vandenburg Air Force Base and over the last of the hills
  • Sunday: to Leo Carrillo State Beach (92 miles)
    • Blasting through Santa Barbara and a lot of flat miles
  • Monday: Escape from LA (78 miles)
    • Think urban. Think apocalypse. Think fuel tank slingshot.
    • Not exactly sure where I’m staying; might do a hostel again, or cash in some of my Starwood points
  • Tuesday: to Carlsbad (50 miles)
    • staying at my aunt’s house
    • reunited with my shaver, normal clothing, and deodorant
  • Wednesday, 8/26: to the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown San Diego (40 miles)
    • Riding in the morning… back to work after lunch!

I may or may not take a day off, instead splitting up that Sunday day into two days as listed in the cycling book… depends on how today and tomorrow goes.

Thanks for all your words of support and encouragement everyone – it really helps knowing you have friends near and far who are rooting for you. One week to go, let’s get to it!

 
Mom
Keep it up Jason, you're doing great!
 
I did 24 miles this morning in my "virtual ride along with Jason." The land here is mostly flat and I don't have 100 pounds of gear loaded on my bike... but I send "go go go" thoughts to you. When the strawberries are ripe here in Florida the berry smell is almost overwhelming. I start to drool almost all the time during berry season. +1 for the Pie Ranch. Yum. Keep having fun!
 
Okay, so now I know to expect you on Tuesday the 25th or there abouts. You have a 3 day convention at the Hard Rock Hotel? And I am assuming you will come back for a little while before you bike back to Oregon? I am asking for the sake of your Grandmother who wants to know when she gets to see "her" Jason? English Girls will be here the 29th or 30th. Take care of yourself and I am jealous you are going thru Big Sur, its one of my favorite places.
 
Nice Job Jason Mauer! I am Alan Doby's son and I have been reading your blogs a lot! Davina and I did a 38.8 mile bike ride called the vinride, and dad did a 70 mile bike ride at light speed!!! Keep up the good work. Sam