I've taken a 6 month career break to help me decide what I want to do when I grow up! This BLOG will record my adventures and chart my progress as I cycle the western pacific coast of the US for Room to Read. Find out what I've been up to and how I'm getting on...


Saturday, 24 September 2011

Day 18 Report - Arcata to Ferndale

Total Miles 33.2 (inc a short detour to bike shop in Eureka)
Average speed 13.3mph
Total ascent 179m

A short day today in hope of fine weather tomorrow for the lost coast. The locals here say "don't listen to the weather reports" so I'm still holding out hope.

I had a lazy start to the day today as I knew I could polish off 30 miles before lunch without too much trouble. It was a just before10am kick off and the weather wasn't great. The pock rock was on as it was cold but also for visibility as it was a little misty.

This mist meant there were no early photo opportunities and the ride today was a little more urban than I've been used to...until getting close to Ferndale that is. I had assumed Glen had made an early start because he was planning on a longer day than me so I was surprised to see his unmistakable yellow "panieeers" (sorry - in joke) up ahead as I was pedaling out of Eureka on the 101. We parted again soon after as I took the map-suggested side-road while Glen decided to get some faster miles on the shoulder of the 101. However, our paths were to cross once again as I crossed back over the 101 on the side road as he was getting onto the same route. Rather amusing.

Ok, so I made it to Ferndale at the unheard-of finishing time of around 1:15!?!?! I got checked into a motel and after a clean up went out for a wander. By now the sun had come out and I was able to enjoy what is a lovely Victorian town. Old wooden houses and churches. I've got my dinner all planned - linguine a with simple tomato, garlic and mushroom sauce in the Ivanhoe restaurant. Might have a glass of vino.

Well, that's it for today. I'm off to enjoy the evening sunshine for a while.

2 comments:

  1. So you _do_ like to take it a bit easy!! ;-)

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  2. Hey Jim, Glen here. I made it to a campsite in Ft. Meyers on this day. You definitely had a nicer dinner than my two Top Ramen noodles :-) Loved the rain at the campground overnight as well, something you just can't get in the hotel room!

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