What a great weekend in Santa Ynez for the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon. Our arrival in Santa Barbara on Thursday was a bit surreal. We were enjoying a late lunch with ‘ritas on State Street as ash from the nearby fire was raining down on us. An hour later I was doing a book signing and talk at the Double Tree resort in SB – the beautiful beach and Pacific Ocean in front of us and a raging fire in the Los Padres National Forest behind us. We were able to do the short 30 minute drive up to Santa Ynez just before authorities close down Highway 154. (Highway 101 was open and a safe alternative throughout the weekend). My wife Laura got some spectacular photos from the passenger seat as we made our way to our B & B in Santa Ynez. Once in this beautiful wine country – also horse country  - all else was fine and calm. Air quality was healthy and the races – far from the fire were a go.

The day prior to the half marathon and relay got started with a bike tour I lead which followed the awesome 13.1 mile race route the next day – Santa Ynez thru Los Olivos (much of the movie “Sideways” was shot here) to the finish in the little Danish village of Solvang with time for a wonderful lunch at the beautiful Rusack Winery. But the wining didn’t end there – we continued later that evening with a relaxing wine tasting and appetizers at the gorgeous Roblar Winery in Los Olivos. I showed my slide show as well. So those were the first two parts of my triple crown of running – after the Saturday events – which were sold out well in advance. Following the race awards ceremony which was staged with wine tasting on Solvang town square, Race Director Matt Dockstetter, race announcer extraordinaire Whit Raymond and myself hosted a tour that took us to half a dozen wineries for those who wanted to further dehydrate themselves after their runs – complete with chauffeur – and the perfect triple crown in my opinion – a great alternative for those of us who didn’t run but wanted to experience this very special part of California. Remember this race sells out fast so sign up for 2010 asap. Check www.runsantaynez.com for more information.