One item left over from last month, on June 10, Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew hosted a ride to evaluate the condition of the Coastal Trail from Marina to Sand City. The ride included staff from the Supervisor’s office, Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado, Marina Mayor Pro Tem Liesbeth Visscher, representatives from Cal Trans, representatives from the regional parks authority, and representatives from the local biking community, including VCM. It was encouraging to see Supervisor Root Askew and other local political figures focusing on the abysmal condition of sections of this high use trail.

The July Monthly Metric Century was Sunday, July 5. The ride started in the Starbucks parking lot on Rio Road in Carmel and followed a coastal route through Pebble Beach and out to Pezzini’s and back. Folks added and dropped along the way.

The summer travel season is here, and VCM members are on the road for biking adventures. If you take a bike trip to some place fun send us pictures at MontereyVeloClub@gmail.com

Mark C., Heidi H., Martin A., and Clair A. completed their ride across France (north to south), including a summit of Mount Ventoux.

Lou Z. rode with Bike Rides Northwest in Washington. This is the finish of a ride from Mt. Baker to Blaine, WA (standing in front of the Canadian Border).

Melvin D. did some riding in Colorado including Vail Pass.

Upcoming Club Activities:

• The annual VCM summer ride and picnic will be next Sunday, August 9. There will be two rides. The Long Ride will depart at 7:00 a.m., climb Laureles Grade, follow Hwy 68 to River Road, Arroyo Seco and back over Cahoon Summit into Carmel Valley. It is approximately 87 miles with 4750 ft of climbing. The Shorter Ride leaves the Coniglio house at 9:30 a.m. It is an out and back to Cahoon Summit with a Cachagua Loop option. There will be water support for both rides. The picnic will be held at the Coniglio Family House on Laureles Grade from 2:00-6:00 p.m. There’s lots of room, a big grill, swimming pool, and even a shower for those who want to clean up after the morning rides. VCM provides barbecued burgers, sausages, hot dogs and the fixings, as well as coolers/ice, plates and utensils and non-alcoholic beverages. BYO beer, wine or other alcoholic drinks. If you have one of the new VCM cycle kits please wear it so we can get a photo. Thank you.
  
  
• Car week is coming up so we will not be able to ride in Pebble Beach on Saturday, August 15. The Saturday rides will gather in their usual spots at the regular time and will use a route through Laguna Seca/Fort Ord.
  
  
• We will be conducting a bike path cleanup on Tuesday, August 18. More details to follow in a separate email.