I was looking forward to doing this ride again, basically 1 year later (Sea Otter weekend both times). On the drive down though, there was fog from Monterey south passed the Bixby Creek Bridge. The sun was out just around the corner from the climb out from the bridge. I was really hoping by the time we rode there, the fog was going to have burned off. Foreshadowing? Old Coast Rd. seemed to be looser than it was last year but otherwise it was in pretty good condition. There was definitely fresh gravel on certain parts leading to the good but loose conditions. Once again, the Epic EVO was the better choice on the ride. I was having so much fun ripping the descents, even though it was loose and I was fine on the climbs and road sections with it. It's the better gravel bike. :) On the descent through the redwoods I was able to stop, get photos of people, catch back up and pass them again, and repeat the process. It was great. The 2nd last long climb felt WAY longer than it did last year. Probably because it was just Zack and I tootling along and talking. :) When we got to the bridge, it was still fogged in. Not only that but it was very windy and cold. Fortunately it was a very strong tailwind back. We had lunch at the River Inn. After lunch, half of us continued to Pfeiffer Beach only to find the road down was closed. And the person there was also saying that bikes are no longer allowed on the road. I call BS but they put some restriction so only motorized vehicles are allowed. You can't even walk down. I think that's pretty stupid. I think holding this on Sea Otter weekend helped because quite a few people came up from LA to do this ride.