Day 3 – Leaving the Coast Behind You could feel the shift today. After a couple of easy coastal rides, this was the last planned "easy" day before the real work begins. I covered about 47 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing, moving from the busy coastline into quiet rolling hills. It was super interesting to watch the change happen. I started the morning in Capitola after reluctantly spending the night in a motel room. I would have much rather camped, but I needed to stop and fix some gear before leaving civilization and the helpful bike shops behind. Once I got rolling, I made my way through the suburbs and out into the countryside. I passed through Day Valley, then Watsonville. On the far side of town, the landscape opened up into an entire valley full of strawberry fields, all ready to be picked. The smell of strawberries filled the air and it was hard to ride through without stopping. It made me seriously hungry for them, but I pressed on. From there, I skirted the southern side of Hollister and made my way to Hollister Recreation Area, where I camped for the night. It was a great spot—quiet, few other campers around, and everyone was respectful. It felt good to be back in the tent. Honestly, I sleep better in my tent than I do in a hotel. My legs are feeling stronger, and I am excited to start cranking up the miles and the difficulty level. Bigger days and more adventure are right around the corner. If you would like to help spread the word, please share the fundraiser with your friends and family. Every share helps raise awareness and makes a difference. https://gofund.me/730f7a59