Day 34 – Carpinteria – Agoura Hills (Los Angeles) – 113km – The Finish!

We had glorious weather for our final ride into the northern end of Los Angeles and the completion of our West Coast travels. 

As expected the neighboring train blew by early and despite protests about the cold morning from Dee was made an early start.  Our route now toured us through numerous cities on our path south.  The challenge now was negotiating the conflicting route markers – we counted 4 differently designed ‘Coast Bike Route’ signs on today’s ride – which can seriously hamper one’s progress.

Not a bad freeway view!

After skirting the freeway for several miles we got to join in on the fun for five fast and nervous miles bordered by the crashing surf of the pacific on our right and angry 18 wheeler whizzing by to our left.  Thankfully there was an ample bike lane and our time was short. 

Upon exiting it was a beautiful coastal ride to Ventura on a quiet road as the morning sun warmed our faces.  A troublesome headwind slowed progress at times.  I remember joking before the trip that this ride would be easy; north to south, downhill on the map and globe.  However, it seemed that we experienced more headwind than tail over the past 5 weeks of riding, which probably helped account for our fine weather. 

We passed through Oxnard, and Port Huemere, which appeared.  Terrain was dead flat with numerous strawberry, and vegetable field around a large Dole processing plant.  The Santa Monica Mountains loomed in the distance as we rode past the Ventura County Naval Base and we stopped to watch a few mammoth planes land while fighters keep watch overhead. 

Always proud to show their weaponry

At last we returned to coast, passing numerous beaches and parks.  We enjoyed to the wide shoulder and light traffic.  The waves crashed against the rock just below us as we wound are way towards Malibu.

California 1 North of Mailbu

  We spotted a great beach for a mid afternoon break, snacking on fresh bread and vegetables while surfers danced on the waves in front of us.  Dee was inspired to take a dip although the chilly water meant she didn’t linger for long.

Publish Post

I still have the thin Bermuda blood

We were mesmerized by the stunning beachfront and hillside property in Malibu.    The famous Zuma beach, packed with surfers wasting away the afternoon left an impressionable final coastal view before we headed inland.

Up, up, up to Agoura

Our final 14 miles were some of our most challenging as we climbed high above the coast in short order, only to descend quickly and climb again before a fast descent into Agoura where our friends Nick and Ellen Greet from Bermuda have moved to.  We enjoyed a celebratory Big Mac meal including strawberry milkshakes indicating our fatigue level.

We're loving it!

We slowly waddled the last hilly mile to the house, reveling in a hot shower and cozy robes – at least for Dee-.  We are planning to relax a little over the next few days before a car tour to Las Vegas mid-week.