The second Camp Chopper is in the books. The 4 days of cycling the central coast and all of its treasures, delivered once again just as promised. Let me say again thanks to everyone and their families who carved out these 4 days in January to take on the 235 miles. The camp is made up of many things but at the end of the day it's really made up of the people who attend.
Here is my daily recap of Camp Chopper
Camp Day 1 Camp registration went smooth as everyone attending camp checked in to receive the CC swag bag. This year the bag included a bottle of Adelaida School House red, Honey Stinger products and the official CC T-shirt. Campers were asked to sign the waiver in case they got punched in the quad.
The Thursday ride took off without a pair of arm or knee warmers in sight. The ride up Peachy Canyon delivered hills, vines and deer and we made it back in time for a quick shower.
The crew headed to Austin Hope for the private tasting. Christy poured some great wines and more than a few cases were purchased. I can't remember the last times I bought a white wine. Great vibe and lots of laughs. Back in the car we headed to McPhee's in the quaint town of Templeton. The best Salmom I have ever eaten.
Swag Bag + Peachy Canyon Loop + Austin Hope + McPhee's = that's more fun in one day than my brother has had in his whole life.
Camp Day 2 Today we headed out to the coast for the highway 46 Cayucos loop. That morning like the next 2 mornings were cold. The saving grace of the morning is knowing its gonna be 70 + degrees later in the day. The SAG vehicles earned their pay early on this ride herding the riders, dealing with vehicles, Gatorade incidents and a clothing collection that would challenge a goodwill donation site.
The Camp Chopper SAG crews continue to be the best part of Camp. Having the vehicles available to carry fuel, equipment and available to help riders cannot be over looked and did I mention they are babes !
We all made it up Old Creek Road and back to the hotel. Shannon started the daily massage schedule while we went to the pool. We were told not to go in the Jacuzzi. We went in the Jacuzzi. Steffanie from Anglim Winery held a private tasting at the hotel for us while the hotel provided free appetizers.The manager of the hotel was impressed.
After the tasting we headed over to Marv's for pizza as we needed to carbo load for the upcoming Grand Chopper. Lots of laughs and lots of Firestone 805.
Cayucos Loop + Anglim Winery tasting + Marv's = Does this camp really only cost me $50 bucks ?
Camp Day 3 Today started like every other day at Camp with a free breakfast. The breakfast area is the one thing I miss when I get home. I really like seeing everyone at breakfast I am thinking of being a fireman when I grow up I hear they have a similar set up.
The Grand Chopper featured the famous climb up Santa Rosa Creek Road. As you log all the miles leading up to this climb its hard not to shart yourself knowing what is looming. This day featured the only mechanical hiccup of the camp and the ripple effect thru the ride. The SAG team went above and beyond the call of duty that day.
Everyone got to the top of Santa Rosa Creek Road. That climb is still the
toughest mother I have ever ridden. There may be steeper climbs on the planet but rarely in life do you hit a climb like that after 3 days and 170 miles in your legs.
I waited for the SAG vehicle before the climb started and got the last start. The shenanigans following the stops will be solved next time. Only 4 minutes with a car horn to warn everyone we are about to roll. No more Jack and Jill take offs.
Honestly can't believe I'm saying this but the 93 miles flew by that day. Everyone who started the Grand Chopper finished and can download their merit badge.
As usual the girls hit a home run with 10 pizzas, the Kulbins provided Firestone and Joey brought the Jack Daniels.
Dinner later that night at the Firestone brewery for some more 805 and a group tab over $ 1,100 then onto the Jacuzzi for some tasteful viewing of skin.
The Grand Chopper + Dominos + Firestone + Jack Daniels + Jacuzzi Party = it's really good to know Chopper.
Camp Day 4 Last day of Camp we headed out for the last miles of the trip. A cold morning and some good old fashion off road miles. We took a detour thru a construction site so Bob Harbor could write the trip off on his taxes. Now that's a guy with wicked smarts.
We rolled back into the Laquita around 10:45 am and took the last pedal stroke of camp. 235 miles and No Flats, let me say that again 235 miles and No flats. Yep, that's how we roll.
Packed up and head to Berry Hill Bistro for lunch and then believe it or not 4 wine tasting's and a drive home without stopping at In and Out Burger.
Estrella Road + No Flats + 235 miles = You just finished Camp Chopper. We're all going to Disney Land.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed in every way to making this camp a success. Putting together a group event is a challenge that I love and will continue to strive to making future camps better. This year we knocked the group meals out of the park and the tasting's were spectacular. LaQuinta continues to be a home base that works perfect. I have already started planning Camp Chopper 3 with new routes and improvements we can make for getting the riders on the same page. Having a B group is strong possibility in the future, talk of a wine tasters dinner with Christian and a 3 day Summer Camp.
Thanks again for attending and congratulations to all for making Camp Chopper 2 an amazing 4 days that went way too fast. I hope you all enjoy your shirts and the hot chicks they will attract.
