The Beauty of Solvang

[Joe Wrobel]

I just returned from an 18 mile loop on my bike. Although this is my 3rd time in Solvang for VQ camp, late yesterday afternoon and this morning, while marking and checking routes in a car, and particularly this afternoon on the bike, it struck me how beautiful it is here. My first reaction is that the various shades of green overwhelm the eye. Thinking about this winter in Chicago, there are three colors that predominate: the brown of the leafless branches of trees and bushes, the gray of the cloudy skies, and the dirty white of the shoveled and plowed snow.

The ride I did was absolutely invigorating. The scenery is breath-taking: mountains in the distance, green hills of all shapes and sizes seemingly arms length away, cows and longhorn steers, horses of all shapes and sizes, ostriches ( check out the Ostrich farm just a few miles out of Solvang on the left side of the road; Hwy 246/Mission Drive before the town of Buelton), vinyards, steep little switchbacks, exhilarating downhills....I became aware that although I had seen this on prior trips, that when riding in a group, you basically see tushes and tires.

So, take advantage of where we are. Take in the surroundings as much as you can during our rides. You won't regret it.

[sydney moy]

There is plenty of "green" scenery when riding here in Chicago! We see lots of mountains and hills as we are watching the 2001 Tour De France for the 200th time while on the computrainer!! Practically the same thing right? :)

[Joe Wrobel]

Oh yes....exactly!! :-)