From dusty farm lands to flat expansive fields to a rolling stream and gulch, to a cliff dropping to the sea, and perhaps an alternate reality, this ride has it all. Starts out flat, then the climb is nice and steady but today it was also bug-infested. It was so buggy that I had to climb faster than I wanted to on the way out. Past campgrounds and closed dirt roads to the edge of the world. Daredeville descent into deliciously cool & crisp air down by the ocean. Back in civilization, kind of. The campground by Hway 1 has hike-a-bike spots, worth exploring for next time. WC and H2O too.
Animal sightings: Saw a stalking coyote before starting the ride, and amazing birds of prey at roughly halfway point. The flock of hawks started to circle and play on the updrafts by the ocean. Or were they encircling me? Temperature changes by the sea were drastic. It was also so foggy there were only views of the clouds. On the way back it was devilishly hot, hence it was mostly temperature regulation on the return and slow-mo speeds. I think the computer face got overheated, and while 113F was inaccurate, it did reach 100+F. My last drop of water lasted just long enough. Also, beware of rattlesnakes. Saw two, one rattled and recoiled, or lunged, hard to tell. That'll spook ya, either way. They seem to hang out by the side of the road. Or it could just be skittish squirrels. Good thing it's so desolate and remote that you can ride in the middle of the road for miles at a time. Very few cars. By starting at the Mission you cross into the Fort Army Base Land. That makes it a full David Lynch day.