Finally Back on the Trike - Wine Country Style

Moving to a new home takes it's toll. Totally out of shape from not riding I finally hit the road. First ride in a month and a half was a cruise through Central Coast wine country. A meet up with Carrie at Villa San Juliette for lunch and a couple classes of wine.

Moving

Moving to a new home takes time and effort. In addition we're getting work done on the new house before moving in. No time right now for trike'n. Hopefully in a couple weeks we'll be settled in to our new home and I can get back out on the road.

It's a short move from the coast of the Central Coast to the Central Coast wine country. But it's a whole new world of riding opportunities.

Can't wait to get this over with.

Ride to Piedras Blancas Motel

One of my regular rides is a 31 mile out and back to the old abandoned Piedras Blancas Motel whose namesake is the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.

 Nice start to a ride spotting a Blue Heron along HWY 1.

Traffic eases up after passing Hearst Castle. My failed attempt to point to the Castle doesn't make it any easier to see it sitting on the hilltop in a direct vertical line with my left pedal.

 Now a stop to check out the Elephant Seals. From here on traffic is minimal. A good thing too because most the HWY between the Seals and the old motel lacks a shoulder to ride on.

This is the best time of year to see the Elephant Seals. It gets busy with visitors on weekends and holidays.

 The realigned segment of HWY 1 north of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Wide open road with great shoulders. 

 Same location as the above picture but looking inland.

 Plenty of opportunities to talk to the cattle that craze along HWY 1. These curious creatures always stare at me as I talk to them. They must feel safe around me since I'm a vegetarian. Haha.

Ah, the Piedras Blancas Motel now abandoned. Recently it served as the office quarters for the road construction operations. Now one room seems to be a HWY Patrol office.

 Accommodations include two portable toilets. Beats finding bushes tall enough to allow for privacy along HWY 1.

The old HWY 1 alignment in front of the Motel.

A quick stop to look at another group Elephant Seals off in the distance. These blubbering mammals have opted for a private spot away from tourists.

 Another stop on my return trip to look back at the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Way,way in the distance.

The last couple miles of climbing to get home. 

Schwalbe Pro One HS 462 - 28/406

I ordered the 28/406 Pro Ones for the 700. First of all these tires are a nightmare to mount on the rim. Once mounted it was obvious that both tires were out of round.

These are tubeless tires that the Schwalbe website says can be used with a tube. Which I used.

Now to call Schwalbe and ask what's going on with these tires.

I thought Schwalbe Marathon Plus 406s took more effort then normal to mount but these Pro Ones are HARD to get on the rim. I can't imagine repairing a flat while on the road.

Catrike 700 Along the Central Coast

Taking the 700 out for a fast short ride today.

Looking out onto Morro Bay and Morro Rock
On my Instagram

Estero Bay

My New Catrike Expedition Cruising HWY 1

I've been having a awesome time riding my new Catrike Expedition up and down the coast. I've been using a Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 42/559 on the rear and Kojak 35/406s on the front. All inflated to the minimum psi rating. This thing rides fast and comfortable. Who needs suspension on paved roads. I tried suspension and it wasn't worth it. More about that here.

I'll have more thoughts about the Catrike Expedition in later posts. For now suffice to say I think the Expedition is one of the best (maybe the best) trike on the market. Versatility, comfort, speed, weight and price. 

More pics on my Instagram page

My New Catrike Expedition - Pics