My last recorded riding of Camino Real was 2013 and the only other time was 2012. The route changed a bit since then. In 2026 I rode with Mike S, Kevin W, and a Brian that joined us along the way. Unlike the 2012-2013 rides that were with the slower group of Bulls, this was more focused on getting the ride done. I had 3 main challenges along the ride: 1) forgot to refill my water at lunch of mile 113, 2) cramps as we rode through the state park at ~ mile 125 ,and 3) dehydration for the last 2 miles as we pulled into the last sag at mile 160. The cramps I got to go away by drinking more water, but that water consumption was limited by what I had left. I also took more electrolytes on the fly. This was a challenging section for me as I was concerned about water, the cramps, and running out of electrolytes. By then I had consumed 7 of the 10 tablets I carried. The running out of water was huge. I slowed way down and last contact with Brian, Mike, and Kevin. At the SAG I drank 3 bottles of water, took 2 more electrolytes ( so 1 left), put a liquid IV pack that the SAG had into 1 of my water bottles and pocketed 2 more liquid IV tubes as reserve. Had a very fresh, soft croissant but with all the water intake, there was not much room for food. I was less concerned about calories since I did a good job of eating all along the way. I know I looked bad and felt worse. The group was ready to ride, so I picked up a spare croissant and set off. Already out of SAG it was apparent I could not hold on with the group. So alone I was, fighting some cramps, trying to get confortable, knowing the Trabuco and Santiago climbs were coming. About 1/2 up Trabuco, I stopped and took the last electrolyte tablet. Drank for liquid IV water not knowing if the cramps would stop or when. All this time I was applying only the amount of pressure to the pedals to get to the cramp feeling and then backing off. A short bit after that electrolyte stop, I started to feel better. So more power and speed! Yahoo. Eventually I felt normal on the descent from Trabuco (ie Live Oak Canyon) and heading over the final long climb of Santiago! How nice. It was still lingering light as I went up Santiago. It was cold, but I did not want to put on my clothes yet. I ultimately waited until 7 miles from the end to put on clothes, vest, skull cap, and arm warmers. My hands and ears were what were really cold. As I pulled into hotel lot, there was Mike walking back from his truck with his bag of clothes to switch into after washing up. He had his bike loaded. This tells me they only finished 5-10 minutes ahead of me! Oh and near the start we saw temps of 28F. That was not real bad since we were climbing. All day it was cool.