Looking good for the Ford Ironman Tomorrow along the beach in Oceanside

Every racers dream is cool weather on race day. Today, the day before the Ford Ironman in Oceanside it was 51 degrees at 5:30 AM and 56 degrees at 8:45 AM and that should mean good things for tomorrows race. I have some experience in marathons and know how much I dreaded hot race days. The course hugs the coast for the most part and should finish up under 67 degrees tomorrow.
It is awesome looking over the setup for an Ironman. The huge tents for changing after the swim along side the bike racks setup for thousands participants. This is quite a spectacle and if you can you should go and check it out. Look to the Ironman website for information about where to view the race best. If you want to experience a Carbo Load meal like the participants you can check out the Spaghetti at the 101 Cafe.

Oceanside History

Oceanside became a town because the extension of the Transcontinental Railroad was planned to come from the Colton, Riverside area to San Diego.

Before that time Indians once roamed through the coastal plain along the streams and rivers in search of food for thousands of years. It wasn't until Spanish explorers led the expedition up 'Alta' California from Mexico to found the Missions that created a stronghold on this new land in 1769. It marked the beginning when Europeans came to settle our area.

In the 1880's the train was planned and built to accommodate the anticipated travelers from across the country. When these travelers stopped in our community some became owners. Some speculated and others stayed, many built beach cottages. The train remained the dominant transportation link until the time of Henry Ford's Model T. Cars would change the landscape of our community and drive demand for more services and create the need for more housing.

Once drivers discovered the coast route between Los Angeles and San Diego Oceanside became an important stopping place for autoist. The car culture in California drove the need for highways and the coastal route soon became US Highway 101. The popularity of the car has changed our state from a small agricultural based economy to the sixth largest economy in the world and has created endless miles of driving adventures.

Oceanside is now a community of 180,000 and with a harbor, miles of sandy beaches and a storied past is poised to make to make history for many decades to come.

Woodies on the 101

You soon discover the surf culture in San Diego County when you spot your first Woodie. You are more likely to see a completely restored car than the ones that cruised along the old 101 Highway with surfboards hanging out the back window in the sixties. There is something about their look that takes you back to your youth and makes you long for the beach.

Maybe it is the simpler times or that you could spend more time enjoying your friends that make you reminisce of days gone by.

If you cruise the 101 and see a special bus with an image of a classic Woodie you would be checking out the 101 bus that travels between Oceanside and La Jolla.

The North County Transit District partnered with the Highway 101 Association to put two of these unique rides on the 101. Woodies might not be unique to the coast, but they just fit the picture of the California Surf Culture to a T.

Cities along the US Highway 101

Where can you find the largest number of photos or post cards of cities along the Historic US Highway 101, at the 101 Cafe's website and you will also find out about the Highway's history. The site is meant to give out as much information as possible and is updated occasionally with new photos and other historic information.
The links it has will take you to sites that speak to, preserve and promote the 101 and will lead you to a site that features El Camino Real Bells
The Cafe's website also features links to major attractions throughout Southern California.

Special Events are part of Oceanside

The 2008 Ford Ironman Oceanside California begins the season of Special Events in Oceanside March 29, 2008. There is little question the weather and the Pacific Ocean play an important part in the events that are attracted to Oceanside.

I believe there may be more surf contest; youth, Junior High School, High School, religious, fire, police, amateurs, pro, longboard and short board just to mention a few. The surf contest also use many of our beaches; South Pier, North Pier, South Jetty Harbor Beach and North Jetty Harbor Beach to name a few. These events are great eye candy for those wanting excitement.

Spring is the thing this morning

Spring days in Oceanside bring clear Blue sky's more often than not. As I walked this morning I could not help seeing the change from dark nest to the Spring Blue that I have come to know in Oceanside. It comes with a price, it is pretty cool. Sunrise at the beach is worth dressing warm for and getting up early. At 4:00 AM walking along the Strand next to the sand there are no other joggers or walkers. Not until a little before 5:00 AM do those seeking to exercise or comuning with nature arrive, but from then on you will see lots of folks enjoying the beach including surfers . It is quite a show if you consider all the surf spots in Oceanside 3 1/2 miles of beach, a spot for everyone. Now that Spring Break has begun you will see crowds all during the daylight hours.

Of course our sunsets now coming later with daylight savings time in place are just as spectactular as ever. I know that this is just one more small piece that make me the Californian I am.