Hooky

I love that little sleepy town. Located just about fifteen minutes north of Solvang, Los alamos has been a great place to hide out and ride. After spending my high school summers backpacking Euorope, the Solvang area is most like those French/Italian/Pelopponesian countryside roads.
A favorite of Lance Armstrong, Huell Howser, and Michael Jackson, it is a bike riders Heaven.
Departing from the Union Hotel and Victorian Mansion on a foggy and cool morning, Desi and I rode off through the vineyards made famous by the movie "Sideways." There is something amazing about cruising for fifty miles from a homey B&B through hours of scenic backroads, only to return to that same wonderful place and EAT LIKE HOGS, drink some Firestone Walker Double Barrell Ale, and take a nice hot bath. Ever sleep in an 1880's Wells Fargo stage coach stop? Our team is sponsored by one, and man does it so NOT SUCK! It was Tuesday, and we rode unimpeded for three hours into Los Olivos and back...seeing only about four cars. I am be going back Friday night, just out of spite.
During the ride, we passed the Firestone Cal State race course area, and several fond memories cam to me from last years race there. This year, Ara broke his bike in half, and Jay hauled ass on a mini-dirt bike that looked to be stolen from a Russian circus bear. The weather was cool and overcast...perfect for climbing. We returned to the Hotel for food and beer, not really wanting to return just yet. Ever. Never.
If you haven't ridden that area (many of you have, I know), there is so much to see, and so much of California's history to see, I highly recommend it. Hooky, while morally reprehensible, has benefits for the human psyche that are beyond calculation. I would do it if I were you, especially in sleepy little Los Alamos.

Cap'n Chris