An S240 Adventure to Leo Carrillo

It's been quite a while since my last adventure, May to be exact.  That's seems to be a common theme for me this year.  With changes in priorities, my weekend trips have had to take a backseat.  

With a little bit of planning, I was able to take time for myself, away from responsibilities for at least 24 hours.  This trip was a birthday present for myself...I will be celebrating another year on this earth this week.

As with all my adventures, I am joined by a few friends and this past Saturday, we embarked on a 16 mile ride to Leo Carrillo.  

Meeting at a local Starbucks in Malibu, we pack up our bikes, anxiously waiting to start our ride through PCH.

Panniers loaded, we start our ride at 11:30AM.  Not having done any form of physical activity for the past 4 months, the first hill climb to Pepperdine got to me - it reminded me of how out of shape I became.  Out of breath and out of shape, I had to re-pace myself...we haven't even pedaled a mile.

A mile in, I decide to stop for a minute to catch my breath...we're at Pepperdine at this point.

To think, this was just the first hill...looking at the terrain in advance prior to the trip, I was well aware of this but didn't think it would be this challenging.

This was our route...as you can see, there were quite a few hills still to climb before reaching our destination.

No matter, we had beautiful weather and a cool breeze to help us through.  It was truly a nice day to ride.

10 miles in, we reach our first planned stop at Trancas Canyon...food and cold drinks await. Much needed nourishment for the calories burned so far.

I remember when this used to be a How's Market...this place has changed since I was last here in 2011.  I do miss the Tri-Tip from this place...the best I've had.

We stayed here for a while to rest. I think I rested a little too much though, because as soon as I started to pedal out, both my legs began cramp up severely.  It came to a point where both legs stiffened and I had to force myself to pedal to release whatever lactic acid build up I had.

A little over 5 miles to go and I would be at Leo Carrillo.  Once my legs started pedaling, my cramps went away.  I made sure to eat all the bananas I had and drink lots and lots of water.

Half hour later, I arrive at Leo Carrillo...oh man what I sight to see.  I arrived at Leo Carrillo in exactly 2.5 hours...a bit slow but still glad I made it.

Happy to have arrived in one piece and happy to have secured a campsite away from all the RV's and other Car Campers.  We had a beautiful camp that felt secluded enough to give you that feeling that you were miles away from the world...with the exception of the occasional sounds of passing cars and motorcycles.

Enjoyed reconnecting with new and old friends that I haven't seen in sometime.  Also celebrated my good friends birthday along with mine....I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my birthday.

I am hoping that my adventures won't be so far in between...looking forward to doing this again. I sure miss being out in the woods.

Till next time...see you on the trails.