Day 15 - Rapha Rising

TODAY'S RIDE

38.5 miles, 3691'
TOTAL:
164.7 miles, 19190'
TOUR DE FRANCE Stage 14: Vanendert wins (I think he's one to watch in the future).  The GC contenders tried getting away but none stuck.  Cadel stays with the winning group.  Voeckler sends another day in yellow.

After missing out the last two days of riding, I was raring to go.  I did the Rock Store loop and it was a cool morning.  Starting tomorrow, it will be hot again.

In the Santa Monicas and the roads are starting to curve...

Already sucking wind but I'm feeling much stronger from the last 2 weeks of climbing.

About 1/3 up the Rock Store hill.  In the Tour of California two years ago, this was all lined with people.

There are lots of wineries popping up in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Left down the hill to to the beach or right and up the mountains.  It was right.

I've seen this a couple times riding past but never stopped.  There are a couple boulder problems here.

There is a steep face with some holds.  The rock is volcanic and looking pretty solid.  I should bring my climbing shoes next time and  check it out.