Day 23 - Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - SoCal Appreciation

We left Torrance full after taking advantage of the continental breakfast at the Travelodge. Our route took us on a bike path that followed the Los Angeles river and near the impressive Long Beach waterfront area.

We rode on a straightforward bike path through Seal Beach, then through the Huntington Beach area. The pier still has the same landmark red restaurant at the end, but there have been quite a few other changes to the area. Workers were setting up for the US Open of Surfing, erecting seating for the coming weekend. We were jealous of the miscellaneous camps for kids along the beachside including junior lifeguards, surf camps, and beach volleyball.

In Newport Beach we were back on the PCH, and we rode past enough exotic car dealerships to make Ian jealous. We stopped for lunch in Corona Del Mar after putting down half of the necessary mileage for the day.

Back on the PCH we took on the rolling hills through the Laguna Beach area and onto Dana Point. We stopped at a bike shop at the beginning of San Clemente and knew we weren't far from our final destination for the day.

We were treated to dinner at Melissa's Aunt Betty and Uncle Carmen's house in San Clemente. We gorged on the incredible spread while taking in views from the ocean front patio. Many stories and laughs were shared, and it was the perfect end to another day of riding (80 miles). (Side note: it was nice to meet Kristen and Megan!)