We went inland again, as Highway 1 and the 101 were not very safe to travel with bikes. We met two other cross country touring bikers and traded information when we ran into the 101. Google sent us onto this highway for about six miles. Although bicycle travel on highways is generally legal in California less traveled roads are safer. David found Harris Grade Road a two lane road that gave us an alternative
We left the highway to travel up a winding road gaining elevation steeply. David managed to get to the top of Harris Grade without stopping, except to help Carolyn push her bike.
The up lasted for seven miles off the highway up 1800 feet and down 500 feet for six miles. We found a vender of watermelon at the bottom before entering Lompoc. David stopped and took photos while Carolyn cruised down to the city limits.
The days continued to shorten. We arrived around 4pm to Lotus Inn before sunset. While not as pleasent as the hotel in Santa Maria, it served our needs as we piled unnecessary furniture to fit the bikes into the room. Sophie and I were quite tired and eventually shared the rather lumpy bed with David. We ate a meal and fell to sleep in order to start again the next day.