The route was a short 63.4 miles (after doing an 80-miler and a century back-to-back, it’s very short) from King City, down Jolon Road and over the 1.3-mile climb known ominously as “Quadbuster,” then past the US Army base at Fort Hunter-Ligget and into the little village of Bradley. Maybe you’ve seen the sign on Highway 101: BRADLEY – Exit 1 Mile. I’ve seen it dozens of times driving to and from Cal Poly, but I’d never been there. Of course, ALC is all about new experiences…like chamois butter and visiting towns practically forgotten since the interstate was constructed.
The small school there puts on a barbeque to raise money. I obliged by gorging myself on a double-cheese burger and picking up several postcards (special note to my fantastic donors: watch your mail boxes!)
Let’s see some photos, shall we?
The first mile of today’s ride was down a hard dirt path leaving San Lorenzo Park and over bridge across the Salinas River.
This is Meredith. She came out from Manhattan by herself to ride ALC8. We’ve made her an unofficial member of the Power Pedalers. How many times have I used the word “unofficial” on this blog? A dozen? You’d think this was a big party where everybody’s wearing colorful Spandex and eating as much food as humanly possible.
QUADBUSTER looms in the distance. It's time to wolf down half a ClifBar and take a few squirts of water, the road is about to go UP.
Coasting into Rest Stop 2.
The line for hamburgers in Bradley. In a town of 150 people, it takes some outside help to make a line around the block. Last year the Bradley Bulldogs made about $8,000 selling food and souvenirs to the riders.
BBQ!