Day 3, King City to Paso Robles, 66 miles

Day 3 is Quad-buster. It's a big hill, even by East Bay rider standards. Starts out with a 7 mile, steady, not too steep climb. Suddenly you have 1 mile left of between 6.5 and 9+% grade. There is lots of cheering at the top. And some folks do have to walk for a bit while they rest. My saying, "I've never met a hill I can't walk up" is true. Luckily I train in the East Bay and I'm ok with Quad-buster. No one from the PG&E team had to walk up.
Leaving camp on Day 3 is a long trail, some of it sand, so if too crowded, cyclists have to walk a bit. this was taken from Emilia's sweep vehicle on the road, as she drove to the route.

Top of Quad-Buster, some riders stop to rest and cheer others to the top.

This is a panoramic shot of the top of Quad Buster

Jan and Mike, at rest stop 2, after quad-buster. There are usually 4 rest stops, plus lunch each day.
Some days have extra water stops, or 1 less rest stop.

             

John and Jan finding shade for a few minutes after a climb in the base. 
We then ride by their military museum. 

   The Bradley School district, partners with ALC to raise money, to fund their schools programs. The community and district are very small. This fundraiser has grown over the years from raising less than $10,000, to raising over $70,000 this year. They serve burgers, tacos and hot dogs for for a flat, tax-deductible donation of $10.00. Then for a big donation of $100.00, you can have it served to you, inside their air-conditioned school building. It was 103 degrees in Bradley when we were there.

A few years ago when 101 washed out the route was changed. Now, after lunch in Bradley, we ride through Camp Roberts military base.

Ike posing with his bike on top of the tank.The rest of the day is filled with bumpy roads, fields with hat, vineyards and mountains.
The weather was very hot.

  

  "The Bunny Lady" is a woman with pet bunnies who brings them along with whatever she is fostering to the event in baby carriages. The riders enjoy holding and playing with them.
Dinner is served inside a hall at the Paso Robles Mid State Fair Grounds where we camp for the night. It is the only meal of the week in a room instead of a giant tent.