ToP 2015 DAY ONE: SF to Santa Cruz

It’s happened. Day 1 of the 2015 Train of Pain is in the books. The crew got it almost easy today – in comparison to the remainder of the week – this stage was somewhat short, but still a great ride and filled with plenty of antics.

This year’s edition is the 8th for ToP, and the fourth time we have rolled out of San Francisco. It's also the fourth time we have shared the start with the Bay to Breakers running race.  For those of you unfamiliar, the Bay to Breakers is one of the largest races in terms of participants in the country, with most years topping 100,000 participants. These brave runners are often dressed in wild costumes (and more than a few in no costume or anything else for that matter), for what is really just a grand excuse to have a huge street party. It's also a huge traffic nightmare with drunken bedazzled runners, street closings and detours in every block. So naturally, this is also the day we roll out, 32 riders strong to add our mass into the melee.

And roll out we did - but first the riders’ brief, which included:

·       Caution to follow the traffic laws

·       Think of the riders behind you

·       Ensure you are being a positive reminder that bikes really do belong on the road

So off we go, the grand depart. As is tradition, the first miles are led out by the two ride organizers – the same two who gave the stern warnings of etiquette. We made it almost 100 whole meters before they blew through the first red light – 30 fellow riders immediately taking up the cat calls - ah the hypocrisy!  "That was just a teaching point" was the best they could come up with as an excuse.

Once out of the city it was a picturesque day along the NorCal coast. Great views of the ocean and trees, and a sizable tail wind to make the ride fast and fun.

As always, the ride broke up into groups, with Len and Ritchie seizing the initiative and heading out for some early glory. The main group stayed pretty much together, spreading on the hills and regrouping at the Van stops.  Other than a minor tangle between a couple bikes and riders, it was a perfect day.

The real test of a riders mettle was being fought out by the trailing group. Three brave and hearty souls who braved the largest of the challenges – that of enjoying each and every mile to the utmost. If you've followed the ride over the years you may remember year one and the infamous blueberry pie. Beginning at about the 50-mile point you are beckoned – not unlike the siren of the seas, only instead of the mythical mermaid, it is the call of the pie!

"Slow down for pie" the signs read – mile after mile until you finally crest a small climb and there, like a might oasis, stands the final beckoning finger – stop here, join us, the pie, the pie, the pie. . .

For our stalwart trio, this was a call not to be ignored. While the rest of us slogged the miles, they enjoyed the bounty that is fruit, sugar, flour and butter. While they did not finish first, who could deny that they clearly won the day.

Tomorrow takes us to The Lodge at Big Sur - maybe one of the most beautiful spots on the CA coast.

San Francisco to Santa Cruz

85.9 miles

4653 feet of climbing (except for El Jefe, who managed almost 8000!)

Total for the trip - 85.9 miles