Today, the team had a similar day to Day 3 of the ride, where we had three major climbs to tackle for the day. This time, our team was more prepared as we had spent days on the bike, and took on today’s challenge in some hotter weather. We were excited to keep inching closer and closer to the coast, as we got our first glimpse of Arcata Bay today, which is right next to the Pacific Ocean!

quote of the day

“Oh no… a whole sandwich before the climb… I’m gonna be a snail!”

— Jessica

ride overview

Mileage: 96.6 Miles

Elevation: 7,754 ft.

Points of Interest: Straw House Resort & Cafe, Trinity River, Arcata Bay, Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

Ride Dedication: Ruth McMichens

Tales of the trail

We tackled three larger climbs today, once again (similar to day 3), but this time, more prepared, as our team has had 72 days of biking under their belts. We were better prepared both physically and mentally. After tackling our first and easiest climb of the day, the teams stopped by the Straw House Resort & Cafe to get some much-needed coffee while admiring the Trinity River nearby. There was a lot of pretty scenery throughout today’s ride, with the rock formations and greenery, all eventually leading us to a subway for lunch! Lunch was around the afternoon, meaning that peak heat was approaching, and fast. After the team ate, we tackled the second, more difficult climb of the day in peak heat. Everyone was sweating up the hill, but despite the heat and steeper climb, we kept on pedaling!

After we descended our second climb of the day, the weather cooled down as we were slowly getting closer to the coast. The last climb of the day was accompanied by riding through a construction zone that lasted 1.5 miles. The groups were followed by an escort vehicle throughout the 1.5 miles as we climbed up the hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill, the teams were greeted with a sign stating there was a 7% grade descent! What a beautiful sight to see after a climb. After the descent, the team biked the last couple of miles to finally reach the stayover at Arcata Presbyterian Church. The last group who got to the stayover decided to bike some extra miles to reach Arcata Bay, get closer to the west coast, and reach a century ride! Funny enough, the team went to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary! To get the team fed for the night, Williams' dad generously bought the team Pho! Thank you to William's dad for donating a good meal to the team for dinner tonight!