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May 30, 2007
Some R&R in Redondo Beach
Two days off the bike, (well, off the loaded bike), and I am relaxed and rested.
This past weekend was the Memorial Day weekend and as our non-existant planning would have it we were to pass through the Santa Barbara to LA area. The "demanding" section of riding was made a lot more enjoyable with the constant flow of RVs, speeding convertables and the stunt motorbike riders. All of whom seemed to want to get real close to us. What boggled my mind the most was the "camping". There were stretches of road wherein 150 RVs would set up camp, back to the freeway and facing the ocean, each savouring their 20ft parking spot. There were over 4 areas of these RVs within the 40-miles of roadway, and that wasn't even including the overflow "camping" (parking) spots. I can't see the appeal, however, I doubt they can see the appeal of camping/biking your way down the Pacific Coast on a bicycle.
As we passed through Malibu we were wondering what the heck is the draw. There appears to be no amentities, fake people and lots of MONEY. Either way we had a destination which encouraged us to finish up the 96-mile day at Redondo Beach.
Shona, (my friend and occasionally my swim coach), was kind enough to let myself, Larry, our bikes and all our crap crash in her bachelor suite. Located right off a stretch of beach I was tempted into staying an extra day.
We were able to stay off the road on holiday Monday and biked into Hermosa Beach to take part in the annual Memorial Day Fiesta. It was essentially tent city with carnies selling their junk and a prime location for people watching. We ate and drank ourselves through the day and upon waddling up the stairs to Shona's house deemed ourselves full.
I took a second day off and parted ways with Larry - again. I made it a productive day in that I now have a plane ticket into Glasgow for June 13th and a flight out of Manchester for July 5th. Aside from that I caught up on some reading, journal entries and lounged on the beach for a few hours.
I figure the rush hours is now over and I must depart from the comfort of Shona's Shelter. I have two 60-mile days left to get me into San Diego and sadly I must go alone. Tally-ho!
Posted by jmclean at May 30, 2007 05:52 PM
Comments
You're going abroad, too? Awesome. Also: if you're in the SE Asia 'hood this summer, look me up.
Posted by: Jeff Werner at May 31, 2007 06:52 AM