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.
We were surrounded by strawberry fields and could literally see them stretching forever. For a long time we seemed to be the only riders on this route but as we stopped often to not only admire the view but to take photos, we were passed by a few fellow participants but at no time on the course were we in a crowd.
Tom remarked at how sophisticated growing strawberries has become with the extremely straight, row after row of slightly raised beds covered in black plastic (to control weeds) with evenly spaced strawberry plants poking through and the drip fed water lines running down each line. Someone remarked later that the strawberry farmers in the area are the richest people around. It must be a real money making business. Some of the strawberries are grown organically but a lot of fields have large fertilizers tanks at the the edge. There were a lot of fruit ready to be picked and we wandered whether they are harvested every day and whether they are gathered by hand or machine.
Our route went to the south and east of Watsonville before heading north. At first it was nothing but strawberries but as we headed north the scenery changed. At the town of Pajaro we cross the railroad tracks and follow the railway down Lewis Road for a while and then faced our first climb before the freewheeling down into the valley once again. I’m pleased to say we both made it but were glad to take a break at the top.
There is only one rest stop on this route but it’s at the 17 mile point. By this time we were feeling the affects of our long ride and were anxious to reach it but there was the second, steeper climb just beforehand. I must confess that as my knees complained so much, I ended up walking the last bit.
The rest stop was situated at the Gizdich Ranch, which is worth a visit all on its own. At this time of the year you can pick, guess what?, strawberries but later on try your hand at ollalieberries in June, boysenberries in mid June, raspberries and blackberries in July and apples in September. There is an antique shop, gift shop and bake shop on site. I would have liked to buy one of their pies but had no way of carrying it home. Definitely will come back another day.
The facilities for the bike riders were admirable. Lots of refreshments and nearby a line of very clean porta potties - thank goodness. We sat at a picnic table and ate bananas, water melon, pretzels and nuts and drank a vast quantity of apple juice. Water and other juices were also available. Waste disposal was taken seriously with well marked bins for plastic, glass, paper and food. It was a good chance to relax and talk to other riders.
While we sat there three unicyclists turned up. We were amazed that it was possible to undertake such a ride on such bikes. Their cycles were bigger than usual and to watch them dismount and then mount was a sight to see. When we set off, we overtook them on a hill and wandered if they had gears and brakes.
The last part of the route was westward towards the airport along main roads so was mundane and boring. We were eager to get to the end where lunch awaited us. One final climb up to the school beat me but Tom valiantly made it to the top. We were both extremely pleased with ourselves as we loaded the bikes back onto the rack that we had completed the course.
Lunch was served in the cafeteria and proved to be excellent - generous helpings of BBQd chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta and green salad. To drink were bottles of water and other juices and to finish the meal, strawberries, cream and dipping chocolate. Scrumptious. We sat outside at a picnic table and as luck would have it we shared a table with the three unicyclists and had a very interesting chat with them. We learnt that their cycles do have brakes but there is a way to control the speed downhill by pushing back on the pedals. Another fascinating fact is that it is dangerous to look down. The whole balancing act is controlled by the center of gravity so a straight back is essential. The head, which weighs about 8lbs, can cause the cyclist to fall forward when bent downwards so ensuring that the rider topples over.
Our appetites sated and with very tired legs but also with a sense of achievement, we walked back to the car and drove home.
May 31 2008 05:49 pm | Special Places
