Day 17: Santa Barbara to Santa Monica/Marina del Rey

The cycling adventure began at the famous Stearns Warf in Santa Barbara, offering a view of distant oil rigs and serving as a picturesque starting point for a memorable ride. Gregg and Kevin followed a variety of paths, including the breathtaking Route 1 along the picturesque coastline. They cycled through delightful towns such as Carpinteria, Oxnard and Pacific Palisades, enjoying the coastal scenery and the invigorating ocean air.

Before departing Santa Barbara, Cat enjoyed strolling along the beach promenade and down the pier, walking a total of 8.5 miles while admiring the bay views with some of the most tranquil ocean waters she had ever encountered.

Right before reaching Point Mugu State Park, the route traversed past Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, surrounded by the park's scenic beauty. Moving forward, the route took them through the famous coastal area of Malibu, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a field adorned with flags near Pepperdine University. The winding paths of Topanga State Park brought an exciting element to the journey, with its lush green landscapes and captivating terrain.

Despite the overcast skies casting a moody atmosphere throughout the day, the ideal riding conditions prevailed with temperatures hovering between 66-70 degrees Fahrenheit with little to no winds. This weather provided the perfect backdrop for a day of cycling, allowing them to enjoy the cool breeze and comfortable temperatures while exploring the scenic route. As Gregg and Kevin made their way through the final stretch, the route took them through the iconic Venice Beach, a vibrant and colorful area known for its eclectic mix of shops, street performers, and bustling boardwalk. The riders had the opportunity to soak in the lively atmosphere and indulge in some fantastic people-watching, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their journey.

After the delightful stop for a bite to eat at Venice Beach, where the eclectic environment invites one to enjoy taking in the sites of the interesting characters, street performers, artists, people taking advantage of the outdoor weight equipment getting a work out on the beach, people riding skate boards and roller skates, etc. Gregg and Kevin continued on their route, eventually reaching the bustling city of Santa Monica. The vibrant streets were filled with the hustle and bustle of city life, with cars honking and pedestrians going about their day. Despite the traffic, they were able to navigate through the city with care as they reached the end of their cycling adventure in Santa Monica, with a feeling of being in the home stretch of this Canada to Mexico adventure. Two more ride days to go until the route ends at the Mexico border.

Today's cycling journey spanned a distance of 90.66 miles, featuring an elevation gain of 2,320 feet. The total duration of the ride was 5 hours and 26 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 16.6 mph.