Day11 Sanata Barbara to LA

Slept well after yesterdays long ride, though still woke up at 0600. Went out for a walk along the front to get some exercise and if possible find an ATM. Not too many folk about but somebody was working their metal detector along the sand at the edge of the sidewalk. Otherwise only the occasional car and the gaggle of blue herons making a noise in the trees. The two ATM's were out of order but on returning to the hotel I got directions from Pat to another one.
Pat, Candy and Andy were heading down the rest of Highway 1 to SanDiego and I was joining them for some of it. We set off after 0900 and went at a leisurely speed taking in the views. The route is shared with Highway 101 which is Freeway most of the time, so some faster sections were inevitable.
On sunday mornings the verge between the beach and the road becomes a temporary boot sale area. There were a lot of local artists selling their paintings, pottery and jewellery.

The coastline is rugged just north of SB but now it changes. Sadly there are some parts being reclaimed by the sea along with peoples houses as this picture shows. It is less rocky now with small hills and of course a lot more housing. We soon come down to Malibu and take a turn off to go check out some of the houses on the beach. Well you know we can only see the back door of some of them, while you can't get to the front 'cause that is their own beach it seems. Ah well, might have been nice and idyllic in the 50's and 60's but its doesn't do it for me. There are fine houses up the cliff though, with their decks well away from the traffic and possible rising sea levels.

Another few miles and we stop at the beach that we can get on; no cafe though, seems its too cold and season is not really started yet. Thankfully the restrooms are open. H1 here runs parallel to the Interstate but the kerb nearest the beach has been comandeered by RV's. They are in all sizes from the large to the XXLarge articulated type with scooters on the back and expanding sides.

There are lots of cyclists out, mostly on racers, but also a few recreational riders with kids on tandem extensions. Also out are the bikers, lots of them and soon we pass a diner on the other side with easily 50 bikes parked outside. Obviously a popular cafe for those on 2 wheels.

We continue and eventually get to Redondo where lunch calls. We stop near a pier and get a mexican at the beach end. I get a fish plate which has 5 pieces of fish, like large fish fingers shape, with fries, what else, and an orange juice. Its getting hotter now and Andy realises he is getting sunburn on his arms. A purchase of 'Ice' aftersun is made and applied to the painful areas. Poor Andy suffered here but the Ice did the trick.

This is as far as i go on Highway 1. I have to hand the bike back as I am going to have a day out in LA. Pat and Andy and Candy are continuing to San Diego down I5 to do as much of the west coast route as possible. Speaking later they tell me they accidentally got onto a toll road which was deserted but was the best road surface encountered. It'll probably last for ever as its so seldom used.

The GPS gets me back to Eaglerider bike hire, topping up the fuel on the way. I unload my gear and wait for the bike to be checked over. NND -no new damage- is added to the paperwork. I get a clean bill and thankfully no extra charges. The bike has been good and I have had a brilliant 2 weeks touring California. Can't wait for the next one though it'll probably be 2 years yet, we'll see. Whats that ? What route? , well it has be Route 66 doesn't it. Ride on.