Best Buddies 2020 Challenge: Stage 13

The Best Buddies Hearst Castle Challenge celebrated its 15th year in 2018, and it was the only year I opted for the 60-mile route instead of 100. It was another year for the alternate route, as Highway 1 remained closed throughout the planning process. It was just too hot that day for me to complete a century on that route (at my pathetic pace), but I enjoyed the chance to explore some different roads anyway.

I had a destination in mind for tonight's stage, but had I done the math I would have realized there wouldn't be enough daylight. When I turned back, I decided to follow a different route—no overlap with my outbound route.

The local sensors were reporting clean air, but the hills were hazy and I started out coughing. I could see smoke beginning to filter in; I opted to keep the ride flat to minimize exertion (despite averaging 12.8 mph—road bike vs. commute bike).

Somehow, I managed the same elevation gain as last night: 460 feet, over 20 miles. I couldn't have pulled that off if I'd tried to plan it!