56.1km out of 2407km so far

Raccoon tree

We all woke up early, but it was again a late start as we knew we didn’t have much distance to cover. We cycled 10-15km or so and stopped at a bike shop in Fairfax for Garry’s broken spoke and Eric’s ruined pedal. The short wait was a good opportunity for early lunch and beer from the next door brewery.

The rest of the ride was pretty straightforward, as the route took us mostly within towns and bike paths. Fancy houses and cars were becoming more and more frequent, together with golf courses, hair salons and pet shops. Always a good indication that a major North-American town is nearby. Right before Mill valley, we went up a small hill, from where San Fransisco’s skyline and one of the bridges first appeared. A rather rewarding view, as it’s a nice city to be in. I was also looking forward for a short break in the city, together with the comfort of a house. After that hill and another bike path, we entered Sasaulito, which is a small nice town right by the water, just north of the bridge.

Along the bike path

The view of San Fransisco from Sausalito

I needed to be at my friend’s place in an hour, so I really rushed that section hoping that I will make it. By the time I went up the last hill before the bridge, I realized I couldn’t make on time, so we re-arranged for 7pm which gave me time to enjoy the crossing. It was a bit windy all day long and even more on the bridge, but luckily there was no fog so I could enjoy the amazing view of the bay. It took about 15 minutes to cycle over the bridge.

Another milestone of the trip

The great vista of the bay

On the other side

Some photographic evidence that I was really there

Right after the bridge, I cycled along Crissy fields. Last time I was here it was just a plain field, but this time there are some massive metal sculptures, which I really enjoyed. In the water, apart from sailboats and boats, there are many kite surfers, taking advantage of the strong winds. The guys were almost flying with these things. I reached Marina Boulevard, which is a touristic trap, full of Oyster restaurants and boat cruises. I went around a bit, spent some time by the water enjoying the view and then had a drink in a cafe, before it was time to go meet Kirsty and Rob. Last challenge was to get to their place. It was not far at all, but they live on the top Nob Hill, which has a very very steep climb. I managed to cycle maybe a third but it was impossible, so I pushed the bike for the rest of it.

Training in public

The Rock

The hill I went up

The night came in by the time I got to the top, but it was worth it.

80km out of 2351km so far

After yesterday’s long ride, we decided not to cover the whole distance to San Fransisco today, but split the ride in two days. We had our breakfast, had a chat with the two families and caught the hilly highway 1.

Campground’s beach access

Cycle touring – level advanced

The route was once again windy and hilly. On our right we could see the rocky coastline and the strong oceanic waves. Residencies were becoming more and more frequent, most of them in a 70s northwest modernist architecture. Some of the buildings right by the coastal cliffs, were deemed unsuitable to occupy, due erosion. Despite the relative remoteness, I noticed most of the area is privately owned and all day long I kept seeing ‘no trespassing‘ and ‘Private property‘ signs warning to keep out.

The collapse of modernism

Endless waves

We stopped at Bodega Bay town for a snack and there we meet Garry and Liz once again. I think it’s the forth time we separate and meet on the road. We continued the rest of the day all five of us. After that point the route left the coast and went a inland. The terrain became a lot easier to ride and the scenery looked much drier all together.

I think I am in American Land

20km later, the road met the sea again, right by the Bodega Bay it self. The water was much calmer within the narrow bay and the place was full of fishing boats and oyster restaurants. The ride at that point was very easy and enjoyable. The higher class housing, hotels and restaurants made it clear we were getting closer to the big city.

We stopped at Point Reyes for lunch and bike shop supplies. It was still early and I was debating whether to attempt and cover another 60km to get at Mike’s and Krissa’s place at Mill Valley, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s the couple I met during my Rockies trip and they offered me a place to stay for the night. Unfortunately after the massive burrito I had, I felt I would have trouble covering the distance before the sunset. I decided to stick with the group and we cycled for another 20km. Half way through that last section, we entered a bike path running next to a river. It was a very serene ride and a nice way to end the day. The campsite at the Samuel P.Taylor State Park was right at the end of the trail, at a really nice location within the forest. At night a whole family of racoons visited us begging for food. Some of the baby ones were very cute, especially when they were looking us within the hollow tree trunk. We were not convinced though and we all locked our food in the provided cabinets.

The trail leading to the campground