Mark, all ready to go, light brown version.

Erin and I flew out to L.A., rented a car and then started our trip up the California coast to meet Mark by enjoying brunch on the beach in Santa Barbara. And happily any day which begins with coffee and bacon cannot help but be fabulous!

This art bus in Santa Barbara tickled me with its VW van cupola. From what I could tell, someone(s) were actually living in it! Talk about a fabulous motor home! I'm very envious.

As we drove north of L.A., we found ourselves in the middle of a large produce growing area which was dotted with little roadside stands. At this stand we got fresh strawberries and a bunch of orange mint that kept the car fragrant for days.

Erin and I unexpectedly crossed paths with the riders as we passed through the tiny town of Santa Maria, California on our way north to St. Luis Obispo. Us two girls were able to deposit ourselves at the terminus for the day's ride and surprise Mark when he rode in. He was very happy to see us. But first he had to park his bike along with 2499 of his closest friends. The logistical orchestration of the ride was very impressive.

We pet Mark like a cat, fed him some delicious ripe strawberries and admired his rich mahagony sheen, all of which was much appreciated balm for a difficult day. Wednesday's ride had lots of hills (one of them over 2000' high) and a strong dusty head wind at the finish. Mark was very happy to see us as were we to see him.

Lest we forget how dependent on portable energy we are.

Erin and I left Mark in Santa Maria, waiting in line for a shower and headed north to the Madonna Inn in St. Luis Obispo where we had reserved the perky sounding Daisy Mae room.

I had long wanted to stay at the Madonna Inn, but when it came to selecting a room to reserve, I had to go with the rock shower amenity as the deciding factor because sheer audaciousness of furnishings was a 109 way tie.