On A Mission Recap

February 23, 2015

Day 1 - Carmel By the Sea to Fort Hunter Liggett

The idea was simple, ride from the coast to Mission San Antonio De Padua, explore Indians Road and take photographs of the experience.

The Day 1 route was set to Mission San Antonio de Padua with a short lunch break in Arroyo Seco. What started off in Carmel with a cold overcast, we didn't anticipate the heat once we reached the bottom of the Carmel Valley. It quickly turned into a 90+ degree ride with short punchy climbs. After the last dreadful miles into the Campground we met up with Zack (support), we took a few moments to collect ourselves and cool off in the river.

Johnny Rides a Cannondale Slate

Erik is outfitted with a Salsa Marrakesh

Our next leg of the ride us though the central valley. The temperatures dropped and the terrain flattened out. We took our time to enjoy the scenery. We rolled through small vineyards, industrial farm land and slowly rolled into King City.

Junk food rest stop

The ride was extended due to road closures into FHL. We later found out there was live fire testing on the base. We finally met up with Zack and rolled into our campsite. After the long day on the saddle we unwound with whiskey and and got some much needed rest.

Day 2 - Ponderosa Campground to Mission San Antonio De Padua

Zack joined us on the ride into San Antonio de Padua. We took our time to enjoy the wildlife, dried grassland scenery and birding along the way. The Mission located just outside of the military barracks preserved its tranquility and history.

Johnny's hammock set up for the weekend.

We stumbled upon one of the Tactical Training Facility on Fort Hunter Liggett.

The Mission was founded July 14, 1771. largely restored by W.R. Hearst and the Franciscans between 1948 and 1952. The extensive restoration and unspoiled setting makes makes this one of the most picturesque missions in California.

We took the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

Day 3 - Ponderosa Campground to Arroyo Seco

We started early to avoid the heat climbing into Indians Road. The first part of the morning was easy enough, low temps and flat roads. As soon as we exited the FHL lands the heat picked up and the climbs started.

The road has been unused for over 10 years due to multiple rockslides. The plants and cacti were overgrown and made it difficult to ride through in some areas. We reached the top of Indians Road and were rewarded with amazing downhill single track.

We had to stop and carry our bikes over the mess of rocks.

Just like the first day, the route itself was not incredibly difficult but the heat made every climb so much more demanding. The temps were in the mid 90's as we made it back to the Arroyo Seco. Zack was waiting for us with food and water in hand. We took a few moments to collect ourselves, rehydrate and unpack our gear. Once we settled down, we took the afternoon to enjoy ourselves in the river. The cold water was the best book end to our hot ride.

 Photos by Johnny Galvan & Erik Mathey

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