4. Jolon to Paso Robles, CA, USA

This was supposed to be an easy-ish day, with only 45 miles through gorgeous countryside. But the heat and the hills conspired to kick my patootie, such that I had to treat myself to a mid-ride pizza and iced coffee to get out of the heat and restore my levels. Mighta had a slice of cheesecake, too.

Before my feast, I hadn't realized how depleted I was until I stopped on the side of the road to have a pee. The locale was perfect for my needs: a fence to lean my bike against, a bush to hide me from the road, and no creepers a-peeping.

I took off my gloves, stuffed them in a feed bag on my handlebars, and did my business.

But when I went back to my bike, one of my gloves was missing. I spent 10 minutes looking for it, utterly flummoxed. I mean, I was out in the middle of nowhere, with no one around, and no wind. Where could it have gone?

I finally gave up and rode the rest of the way one-gloved.

That night in my hotel, the glove magically reappeared. just sitting on the floor, all innocent-like. I have no idea where it went, nor how it returned. But I resolved to drink more electrolytes the next day to keep the hamsters in my brain running on their wheel.

Distance: 45.16 mi / 72.68 km

Climbing: 2,864 ft / 870.7 m

Totals: 245 mi / 395 km; 10,541 ft / 3213 m

Sleep Spot: Cielo House Inn

Route: