Overnight the winds came in as expected. Some extremely strong gusts made the tent shake and at times I thought it might fall apart. I’m so glad I put the extra tiedowns on the tent. With the tent flapping around hitting me in the head and making noise, there was little sleep to be had. This is the second night In a row that I’ve had little sleep. The previous night there was a group of partying campers in the tent next-door that talked loudly all night long, clear until daylight.
During the night, I only had to get out once to fix a tiedown that came loose. In the morning the tent was still intact a little to my surprise. I understand that Gaviota is known for extremely strong winds.
Last night I was able to pick up from my wife two tools to add to my wheel fighting arsenal. A cassette socket and a chain whip. Now the only problem is I have to carry these monsters with me.There are two significant thousand foot climbs on the way to Guadalupe. At least the way I went because I went around the Vandenberg military base. A tunnel is at the beginning of the first climb.1000 foot summit of the first climbI spotted more wild turkeys today. A hen with her turkeylings. I saw a male “Tom” turkey but he was too shy and I couldn’t get a picture.My fourth spoke broke after the first climb today. I made an attempt get more spokes at the city of Lompoc’s only bike store, but it was closed. Tomorrow I search for more but being it’s memorial day, I’m not too optimistic.Two extinct items in one photographRoad heading up the second big climb of the dayCrossroads in GreenfieldsActive bird’s nests under highway overpassI guess you can never have big enough ones.Looking back on the most excruciating headwind stretch I think I’ve ever done. This road was going directly into the wind and I could barely grind out 4 or 5 mph on a flat road. No shoulder and getting blown all over the place. It was worse because it was after climbing two 1000 foot climbs and 40 miles.Guadalupe cemetery memorial day flags. Gives you an indication of wind strength in this picture.
By the end when I reached Guadalupe, I was extremely beaten down from the constant winds and a little demoralized. After a quick dinner at the local Subway, my outlook improved once again.
I still have to repair my broken spoke. But it’s already getting dark now and I’m going to wait until morning.
Camp for tonight at the Guadalupe fire Department Courtyard. If you contact them ahead of time and you’re biking through, you may be able to stay here.
As I’m writing this in the fire station Courtyard, I keep seeing skunks walking around. I hope they don’t visit my tent at night while I’m sleeping.
Ride summary: 7.5/10 difficulty (due to significant headwinds), 52 miles with 3000 feet climbing. Mostly clear with some clouds and 70s temp, cool due to wind chill. Medium to very heavy headwinds making it extremely difficult. Today’s ride detailed GPS.
4 responses to “PCR Bike Tour Day 14 of 39 Gaviota SB to Guadalupe. Climbing, Heavy winds, Spokes”
Waiting to hear if you had any smelly visitors during the night. Hope you were able to have peaceful sleep. 🙏🏻
Good sleep and not bothered by skunks. Very heavy dew though. Planning to only go short distance today and rest more.
I love the prehistoric photo commentary, and I’m sure the bull is compensating for something.
You’re doing an amazing ride, and it is inspiring.
Thanks!