MDC Day 5: Santa Barbara to Santa Monica
The nine were in for a shock this morning, when Don showed up to breakfast in street clothes. Serious conversations ensued, and the right decision was made. Don had to pull out to nurse his torn Achilles tendon. This was an issue that's been getting worse for him from legendary stage two. Unfortunately, the MRI was conclusive, and the ride is now over, at least for the remaining few days.
A huddle was called of the remaining eight. After significant negotiations and sidebar conversations, and generally just distracted conversations about youtube videos, the eight have decided to let Don walk at graduation but he must complete his course work by taking the train up to Santa Barbara and riding to the border with one or more members of the eight as supervisors. We felt this only fair. We have a deal.
In the meantime, the eight had a cool socal rainstorm to enjoy in two large bursts and a generally favorable tail wind descent into Santa Monica. Our average moving time was near 19mph, so can't complain about tailwinds. We also visited Bob's dreaded corner where he managed to crash last year and breaking a collarbone when a number of group 1 riders went down. We all passed the spot and gave it the finger. Only fitting.
The remaining eight have passed the 1,000 mile mark. Only a few hundred to go. WooHoo!
