Sorry for the delay there was no service in Dana Pt and we were quite busy anyway as the CAF is all about top notch service and keeping you busy! The drive down was very uneventful and it was actually a lovely day on the 5.  Dave and I pondered the plight of those who farmed the land along the 5 and we were BOTH sympathetic to their difficult lifestyle AND thankful for what they do. We can be quite thoughtful when we choose to be.  We were prepared for a difficult journey over the 5 and through LA but the commuter lane afforded us with a speedy option through town and we pulled into The Terraneo around 3 and it was go time from that point on. The CAF MDC is a BIG operation. This year there are 165 riders doing the ride. They used to have it capped at 100 but they said that rider feedback requested a larger group and a HARDER course SO they added mileage to days 1-5, added an extra optional day (day 0) and moved many of the hotels in order to add elevation as well. These people I tell ya! I would have voted to make it easier after 2014 BUT we have some amazing athletes on this trip and they wanted harder so harder it was!  130 of the riders did the entire 7 day and then there were us “2 day riders” who joined in RPV. This was the first year they offered the 2 day route and they had 31 riders sign up for this option. The CAF ride is top notch on the rider comfort side so there are a LOT of people supporting the 165 riders with the mechanics/logistics/masseuses/food/hotels/events etc–its a LOT of people but they do a great job. Here are some pictures of our trip and arrival at RPV:

Bill had a new look this year he went for the full on heavy application of sunscreen and didnt wipe it in all the way….more later.  And, yes we did get thirsty after such a long day on the 5–so, well, I like beer?  I drink beer–do you like beer? That sounds so familiar…

We got to know the lay of the land at the resort and then we had a program/food event from 6-9 and YES the programs are all tear jerkers. They have several of the challenged athletes speak/tell their story and boy they never leave a dry eye in the house but in a good way.  Shred and I were soaking it all in when our good friend Bret Barker arrived!  This is one of his publicity photos so its quite professional:

Despite being a busy father of 2, Bret found his way to meet us after another 14 hour day in the office (this is not unusual for Bret who often works 7 days a week). As a Platinum sponsor Bret was able to enjoy the receptions and interact with any and all of the Challenged Athletes and Staff.  I think he really liked it and we sure liked having him there even if there was a lot of crying at our table! Thanks for coming Bret:

After dinner that was about it for the official events but we had a ton to do anyway as we got all our CAF gear when we arrived so we had to get all organized etc and be up for our 6 am breakfast. After you eat you run to the room get dressed and haul your luggage to luggage drop off/take your drop bags to their respective locations/retrieve your bike get her all ready and head out! I will throw up some pictures from that and get to Day 1 next.  I wanted to be more on top of this but after you ride for 6-7 hours you immediately have options at the ride in area/then you shower and boy its right on to the cocktail party/dinner/show we were busy!  Here is all the gear I got!

  

And they are off!

I will leave it there for now as I must catch up on some of my other writing obligations and I have lots of good pictures for the full riding days coming up!