It was a grind of a ride with a happy ending today.
If you want to kill a mini-adventure vibe, call the government. That’s how I started my day. Trying to sort out my plan to get to Oceanside based on campground spacing and availability. Turns out some of the campgrounds in and around LA do have hiker biker spots, they just don’t advertise it. I read on the internet that this is because of the homelessness ‘problem’. Sounds like something a bureaucrat would do.
45 minutes on hold and then an unbelievable amount of time to answer my basic questions, but I’m all set. And my patience must be a very special thing for as many times as I was thanked for it.
So my new slightly ambitious plan is here to a hiker biker spot in Leo Carrillo tomorrow, there to a primitive campsite in crystal cove the day after, then to Oceanside. The next two days are long, but should be doable.
Back to today. The riding was almost all inland, I think because the coast has a military base.
The land, while not featureless, was not featureful. Just rather hot, dusty, sparse and hilly. The highlight was ice cream in Lompoc. Otherwise it was a lot of counting the clicks. All 90 of them, one at a time.
Once reunited with the ocean, I knew I had a choice of 3 campgrounds in close proximity to one another. I was aiming for the last so as to be a little closer to tomorrow’s destination, but did pause at Refugio because it looked beautiful. But I carried on.
At Capitán the guy at the booth told me to go to the far backside of the grounds for the hiker biker spot. This did not sound promising, and as I rode and rode and rode to find it I grew concerned. You never know with these sites. Sometimes they are thoughtful and nice, and sometimes are very clearly an afterthought.
In the end I was rewarded with a beautiful spot about 100 feet above a lovely, sandy beach, tucked away in the quiet, far corner of this park. Awesome.
And it’s warm again.
P.S. I used to reply to most comments but then I realized that notification emails aren’t sent to the commenter when I do. And without that I don’t presume non-mother people check back later. I’ll try to sort this out before my next trip. I’m the meantime I do enjoy reading your comments and have responded to many. So thanks!
For the inland route, I hope you at least had minimal traffic. The photos suggest as much, but who knows.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit sad to read, prior to today’s post, that Oceanside was looking like Monday. But of course, safety is my first thought, your enjoyment / fulfillment is my second, and- finally- I’ll just be happy when we are all in Oceanside after 2+ incredibly weird years since we first planned it.
Safe riding, enjoy every click, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
(Lastly- I sent dad very clear directions to both Nico’s proximate to the San Diego airport plus my typical breakfast burrito order as a clear indication that I would appreciate a Nico’s burrito immediately upon arrival)
In spreadsheet format? He may not compute otherwise
As Jeremy said, first disappointment you wouldn’t make it to Oceanside until Monday but it all worked out – due to the patience which I assume came from your mother! Hope on your long day today you’re able to enjoy burritos in Santa Barbara. Yesterday’s ride looked very boring but in the end you got to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Speaking of Jeremy, I had already mapped the Nico’s, knew it was not only a doable pickup on the way to the airport but if the burrito is worth it, only a 30 minute drive from our beach house. Get clicking away Chaddo – looks to be a long day for you. Hugs, Ma
Your final destination is lovely after all the bland inland cycling. Was nice to chat last night and hear the wind in the trees at your site and hear your reports of seals, especially the very odd and noisy elephant seals. Smooth sailing today, savour all the moments.
There will be great riding ahead. Lots of variation and trails
Hey there Chadinski,
Glad to read that you’re still at, what an awesome place to rest for the night. If you didn’t have that reunion to get to I would chill there for a few days. I plan to look for you and your bike in the background of movies set in LA this year. How are you liking your ride? Would you trip again with it? You seem to cover lots of ground (and height) with it.
Inspired by you crossing the 10,000km threshold I finally replaced my bike tubes! I’ve already clocked 800 metres and will probably book my first kilometre before your return.
Have a great reunion with your family! What an awesome end to a trip..and with a burrito to boot!
You pumped up your tire finally!!!!! Awesome. The brompton is fun to ride and for sure a conversation starter. I’ll use it again but it doesn’t replace my surly.