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Club Member Spotlight
BIKE RIDE TO MALIBU WITH THE MICHELFELDERS AND LOU
– By Neil and Molly Michelfelder with (Molly’s son) Lou Fatale
Our 2004 bike ride to Santa Barbara was so much fun we decided to do it again this fall, but this time to Malibu. Molly’s son, Lou, flew in from Virginia and he and Molly took turns sagging in a fully-loaded (two bikes, spare tires/tubes, extra wheel, tools, clothing, food, and drinks) rental Dodge Caravan while Neil planned to bike the entire route (400+/- miles), weather permitting. Molly (in the morning) and Lou (in the afternoon) alternately rode with Neil on the tandem then Neil finished the route on his single Trek. This ride was quite a challenge for Lou, since he never biked unless he was visiting us in California. We changed the original 2004 route because we wanted to ride mostly on Highway One/the Coast Highway, take bike paths where available, travel through the beautiful countryside and small towns, and on Rt. 101, when necessary. We kept in contact with each other via walkie-talkies and cell phones. Of course, we stopped at many coffee shops; even Starbucks if no local ones were in the area to fill Neil’s need for caffeine. We had breakfast in our motel room, ate picnic lunches on the road (except for the first day), and treated ourselves to dinner at some great restaurants. Lou did most of the shopping to replace the food and drinks as needed while Neil and Molly biked in the morning. This was the most enjoyable bike ride of the three we’ve done so far and the weather was perfect (sunny and in the 70’s), except for fog some mornings. It rained twice but only during the night. Fortunately, we were home one week before the Malibu/San Diego fires started. Hope you enjoy our day-by-day itinerary!
Saturday, October 6 – destination Watsonville—44 miles
Neil and Molly began the tandem ride from Hellyer Park in San Jose and stopped for a great pizza lunch in Morgan Hill. Lou took Molly’s place on the back of the tandem for the difficult climb up Hecker Pass. Molly drove the van and met them (all smiles with thumbs up) at the top at Mt. Madonna Inn. Neil and Lou continued on the tandem to our motel in Watsonville. We drove to Moss Landing and enjoyed dinner at Phil’s Fishhouse (the usual dinner stop on FFBC’s yearly ride on the day after Thanksgiving).
(Mileage: Molly-22; Lou-22; Neil-44)
Sunday, October 7- destination Big Sur—62 miles
Molly and Neil at Pt. Lobos
Neil and Molly traversed local bike trails to a coffee stop in Marina then continued through Monterey on Rt. 101 to Pt. Lobos State Park for a picnic lunch. After lunch, Neil and Lou continued to do the hilliest and most spectacular part of the ride over the Bixby Bridge to rustic Ripplewood Cabins in Big Sur for two nights. We had a great dinner at the famous Deetjen’s Restaurant. (Mileage: Molly 33; Lou 29; Neil 62)
Monday, October 8 – touring Big Sur today
At Julia Pfifer State Park
On our ride in 2004, we just passed through Big Sur, so we decided to tour the area by car in this most picturesque spot on the Coast. We did a short hike to see Pfeiffer Falls which was running full then went to Nepenthe for coffee and the most gorgeous views of the coastline. Lou heard of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, a luxurious spa where the rich and famous go to relax and be pampered. He made a reservation for the full “three-hour treatment—clothing optional” (whatever that means, but for $150 it had better be great). When Lou returned to the cabin, he was very relaxed and said it was worth every penny. He treated us to a fantastic pasta dinner at Big Sur Lodge.
Molly, Neil, and Lou
Tuesday, October 9 – destination Ragged Point Resort—51 miles
Neil began today’s ride on his single bike for the first 26 miles because that part of the Coast Highway is very steep. He met Molly and Lou in Lucia for their picnic lunch at a spot overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Neil and Molly rode the tandem for a while then Neil and Lou finished the spectacular ride to the Ragged Point Inn (near San Simeon). This resort is absolutely great and has everything from a gift shop stocked with local artists’ works to a four star restaurant where we had a fantastic dinner. But the best part was the most spectacular sunset we have ever seen! We did have some excitement though: Lou went outside through the rear door of the room later that evening to gaze at the stars and listen to the ocean when he felt someone/something watching him. When he turned around, two huge [his words] raccoons were standing behind him. Whenever he moved, they moved in closer. He finally made a run for it to the front banging on the door for us to let him in. We still don’t know whether they followed him or not. He probably scared them to death and they took off in the opposite direction. We have never been there before but we’ll return again someday. (Mileage: Molly 9; Lou 16; Neil 51)
Wednesday, October 10 – destination San Luis Obispo—63 miles
It rained the previous night so it was foggy when we woke in the morning. Neil and Molly dressed for the inclement weather and began the ride. The sun finally broke through and the sights just got better and better: Piedras Blancas light house; seals sunning and fighting on the beach; Morro Rock; foggy cliffs at the ocean. After a picnic lunch at (windy and cold) Baywood Park, Lou took Molly’s place on the tandem for the rest of the ride into San Luis. We ate dinner at a local Thai restaurant. (Mileage: Molly 23; Lou 40; Neil 63)
Thursday, October 11 – destination Lompoc—63 miles
Neil and Molly began the day on the tandem on an inland route and rode to a predetermined coffee stop where Lou met them. Since Lou rode 40 miles yesterday, he decided to drive the van today so Molly and Neil continued their ride through Grover Beach on their way to Pioneer Park in Orcutt for their picnic lunch. After lunch, Neil rode his single bike into Lompoc. Lompoc is a farming community, but in recent years has been renovated into an interesting little town. When we stopped here in 2004 on our way to Santa Barbara, we found this great restaurant called The Blacksmith Steak House owned by colorful (to say the least) Lou Domingos (a Lompoc native). We were looking forward to seeing Lou again and great eats. Whether or not he remembered us, we can’t be sure, but he treated us like old friends. We had a fantastic dinner (the best prime rib and pork chops ever) and many laughs. This is a place everyone must experience. (Mileage: Molly 23; Lou 0; Neil 63)
Passing farmland around Grover Beach
Friday, October 12 – destination Carpinteria—63 miles
It was Molly’s turn to take a day off from riding, so she drove the sag vehicle and kept an eye on the “Boy Wonders.” Driving along the Coast Highway on the way to Santa Barbara, it was difficult to concentrate on the road and look at the awesome scenery at the same time. Many stops were made to take great photos. We met at a coffee shop on the beach in Santa Barbara for our break and saw some Los Angeles wannabees (i.e., really weird folks). Neil and Lou continued their ride and on the way met three senior male cyclists from Germany looking for a motel so we suggested ours and they followed us into Carpinteria. Werner, the only one who spoke English, told us they flew into Chicago and planned to bike to L.A., sight-seeing on the way, which took them about six weeks. They found Neil’s bike mirrors interesting, a good idea, and bought two; the third man wasn’t interested. Our dinner was quite an experience at The Palms, a cook (your own steak/chicken/fish) and serve yourself (veggies/bread/salad/dessert) restaurant in business since 1905. Prices were moderate and the food substantial so, needless to say, it was very crowded. (Mileage: Molly 0; Lou 26; Neil 63--42 before lunch)
Saturday, October 13 – destination Malibu—60 miles
We were excited today as we knew the ride to Malibu would be superb, and it was. Neil and Molly began the perfect day on the tandem riding through the coastal towns of La Conchita, Sea Cliff, Ventura, and past the Naval Base at Port Hueneme. We all met just off the road by a huge rock (which we have seen since then in TV commercials and movies) with the ocean breaking right beneath us for a tailgate lunch with the seagulls and squirrels trying to steal our food. After lunch, Lou and Neil rode the tandem for the last leg of the ride. We stayed in touch via walkie-talkies and cell phone to point out the beautiful shore line, gorgeous estates, and the magnificent Pepperdine University campus. Of course, the driver (Molly) stopped along the way and took many photos which are now in an album (no digital camera yet, but we’re thinking about it). It was our plan to drive about 25 miles from our hotel in Calabasas (via the infamous L.A. freeways) and have dinner at Canter’s, our favorite Jewish Deli in W. Hollywood, for the best brisket, pastrami, and lox and bagels. It sure was the best and the drive was worth it! (Mileage: Molly 28; Lou 32; Neil 60)
Malibu coastline
Total Miles Biked in 7 days: Molly 138; Lou 165; Neil 406
Sunday, October 14 – Destination Pasa Robles
It was the first leg on the trip home. We enjoyed dinner at Canter’s so much last night that we decided to go again for lunch, where we met friends who live in the area. We also ordered deli sandwiches “to go” for our dinner in Pasa Robles. Since we’ve never seen the Hollywood Hills, we decided to drive around the area--Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, and just drove by Grumman’s Chinese Theater and Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not Museum. That was enough of L.A. for us so we headed to our stop for the night at the Melody Ranch Motel in Pasa Robles (some FFBC members stay here during the Great Western Bike Rally on Memorial Day weekend). After we told the owners who we were, we got a very warm welcome from them. They wanted FFBC to know that the usual car show (also there on Memorial Day weekend) has moved its venue to Santa Maria, so rooms will be available for the 2008 Bike Rally. They suggested reserving a room soon.
Monday, October 15 – Destination Fremont and Home
We were ready to go home after being on the road for 10 days and agreed this was a perfect bike trip. Will we do it again? Not that route, but maybe the gold country next time--Mt. Lassen or Mt. Shasta. Stay tuned.
Epilogue
A wondrous journey Molly and Neil have taken
From San Jose they rode down Highway One
With Lou along, their will to ride unshaken,
The days they’ve spent much like the cycling sun.
They started their day’s ride not long past dawn
And traveled as the sun would pedal through
The sky, ‘til dusk arrived, the sun withdrawn;
Settled like air would turn to evening dew.
In seven turns they reached their destination
At Malibu; then drove back at their leisure.
Shortly this trip became their inspiration
To write this journal for our reading pleasure.
So we would see the sites and breathe the air,
Then feel their joys as if we were right there.
Editor
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