Sun. Nov 13 Echelon Ride, Tejay Van Garderen & Jessica Phillips, Handlebar Cafe

Almost every day is a great day to ride in the Carpinteria / Santa Barbara / Goleta Valley. Our Sunday Rides are a great reminder of that. Today’s ride was no exception. A great morning, and a nice group provides for a bit more spirit in the pace. Still comfy, but plenty fun. After a loop of the traditional Sunday route to the Rincon and back, we all decided to check out the new coffee ‘Spot’ in town – The Handbar Cafe on Canon Perdido, just 2 doors down from the Sojourner.
Well it was busy, in fact it was ‘booked’ by a private party, and the place was buzzin! We almost rolled away, but were invited by the party host to stay and enjoy the Handlebar. Turns out it was a family and friends morning get-together for Tejay Van Garderen and Jessica Phillips, who had just been wed, yesterday, Sat. Nov 12, in Santa Barbara. Among those in attendence were Taylor Phinney and Connie Carpenter Phinney, and a host of other cycling notables. Any one who follows the Pro Peleton will know of Tejay, a quick internet search will bring up thousands of hits if you’re not aware of him.
We took the opportunity to give our best wishes to Tee Jay and Jesscia, and then mill around and enjoy. No pics available, since we’re not paparazzi and we all appreciated the invitation to stay and enjoy. Another reminder that even though cycling is an international sport with millions of enthusiasts and fans; here in SB, cycling is an extended family with many friendly members.
As for the Handlebar Cafe – its a really nice spot with a comfy patio, great coffee and very nice staff – major thumbs up for becoming a regular stop!
So if you’re rollin around in bed on a Sunday morning, with little motivation – drag yourself out, get on the bike and bimble down to the East Beach Bath house for the 8:30 ride – no regrets mate!