Lisa’s Santa Barbara Ride
Lisa and I really enjoy this ride and it is a favorite of ours. It has nearly an identical amount of climbing as Paris-Brest-Paris, so six laps around would save you a lot in airfare if you are so inclined. This ride runs to the coast from Moorpark, then up to Santa Barbara and back. While the route may be somewhat difficult in some sections to follow, you will be rewarded with some world class views and cycling roads. I recommend taking your time and do the ride in style, making it into a mini cyclo-tourist vacation. Have lunch in Downtown Santa Barbara or at Stearns Wharf. Stop and take a quick look at the artworks for sale along the beach in Santa Barbara or just watch a beach volleyball game for a while, but do not forget that you are on the clock! The start of the ride follows the 118 which during the week is clogged with commuters and large trucks – a very dangerous place for a cyclist. However, on weekends and holidays, early in the morning it has very little traffic. I strongly recommend starting early, for if you wait much after dawn, the typical early morning wind that has pushed us to average well over 20 MPH (We think that is real fast.) all the way to Ventura will change directions and be working against you. In the afternoon a strong wind will likely be at your back (unless there are Santa Ana Winds) and you will avoid much of the 118 by riding through lemon and avocado orchards. Follow the Boy Scout motto of Be Prepared as some sections are remote and cell phone reception is rather sketchy. Make sure you are familiar with the route directions before the ride and watch your speed on the descent into Santa Barbara. Most of all have fun!
