Strawberry Fields Forever
When I read about this cycle ride a few months ago, I was keen to take part. Now, at 6 am on the day, I am not so sure.
Strawberry Fields Forever is run by Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, a non profit organization
whose ‘express purpose is to further peace and international understanding through exchanges between people with a common interest in cycling’ (straight quote taken from their website). It is centered around Watsonville which, as everybody knows, is the strawberry capital of the world. There are three routes being held - 25 miles, 100 kilometers and 100 miles. As we are comparatively novice rides, we plumped for the shortest route. It is described as ‘A nice loop through some beautiful coastal redwoods and apple orchards. Two short climbs. This is one for those just venturing forth on their first organized ride, or those with children in tow.’
The weather should be hot. Afterall we have endured three days of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and today we are promised slightly cooler weather but we didn’t expect ’slightly cooler’ to be below 50 degrees and extremely foggy to boot. We were not dressed for these cool conditions but we thought ‘what the heck’. Well that’s what I thought. Tom might have a different version.
The start was between 7 and 9 am from the Pajaro Valley High School and there we duly presented ourselves at 6.30 am. We came to the conclusion pretty quickly that we were seriously outclassed and that maybe the 25 milers didn’t start until later because all the other early arrivals had far superior equipment from their riding gear, go faster helmets and super duper bikes.
I expected a mass start but contrary to belief everybody could set off as soon as they had registered. Each route was marked by colored arrows on the pavement.
Soon after we set out, we were passed by a team of identically dressed riders and the leader asked if we were taking part in the 100 mile ride. I just laughed and replied ‘What, dressed like this?’ Before long we were on our own following the blue arrows. The red and yellow arrows were pointing a different way.
It was freezing and my hands were really cold because I have no gloves. Tom, bless his heart, gave me his to wear and instantly I was warmer.
The complete route was over roads. Now Tom and I have only ridden on cycle paths so getting used to cars and traffic lights was a novel and sometimes scary experience. Very soon though we were out in the country and both cars and signals were few and far apart.
May 31 2008 | Special Places | No Comments »
