I hadn’t planned on doing the Grand Tour this year since I have ridden it several times in recent years. Some other rides I wanted to do didn’t work out and I had the time available so I signed up at the last minute. My trusty riding partner Joe joined me again for this ride; we have done this ride together several times! I would ride my sporty distance bike, the Pegoretti Palo Santo and Joe would be on his Ti/Carbon Lemond Victoire.

 The Grand Tour is the oldest double century in the US. It is run by the LA Wheelmen and is now in its 54th year. This will be the sixth time that I have ridden the event. My riding partner again this year is Joe Schoney, also from Utah and a frequent riding buddy.

We hoped to do this ride all in the daylight again this year so we waited until near 6 am before starting. The route basically goes up the coast towards Ventura and then turns inland for a bit before ending up in Ojai for lunch. Then back down to the coast to Carpinteria before heading back to finish in Malibu.

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