Final thoughts and info

Hi all,

I'm back on my own imac in Edinburgh and will wrap up this blog with this final posting. It has some overall stats, some pics (particularly of the last day) and my closing thoughts.

Let's begin with overall stats...

Total Miles - 1923
Overall time in saddle - 147 hours and 15 minutes

The tour took me 40 days and the breakdown was
Rest days - 6 days
Virtual rest day (< 20 miles) - 1 day
20-29.9 miles - 1 day
30-30.9 miles - 3 days
40-40.9 miles - 6 days
50-50.9 miles - 9 days
60-69.9 miles - 8 days
70-79.9 miles - 5 days
80-89.9 miles - 0 days
>=90 miles - 1 day

Overall my average day (excluding rest days was) 57.8 miles and 4 hrs 25 minutes pedaling. So to give an idea of what this meant I usually started between 9 and 10, had 1 hour for lunch and around 1 stop per hour of say 10 minutes taking me to around about a 4pm finish. Sounds about right.

The last day was a little strange, particularly at the end. Here's some pictures...

The view from my rest stop in La Jolla where the waves nearly intervened and prevented me finishing!

This is the "Quagmire" that I

a) tried to cycle through - nearly fell over as my wheels were sticking.
b) tried to push through - this didn't quite work either as the mud was thick and my feet and bike were starting to get stuck
c) ended up circling round through the fairly thick and grabby brush.

This is the most southerly beach on the Pacific coast of the US. As you can see Tricross has made it through the quagmire and you will also see a fence and some buildings - these are beachside houses on the Mexican side. There were some Mexicans enjoying the sun on the other side and I felt very out of place on my own on this side.

This is me with the bullring-by-the-sea. Apologies for poor quality - there was no-one else around and nothing much to balance my camera on. I wasn't really in the mood for hanging around either as there were choppers (ok, one chopper) flying overhead. I did feel as if I wasn't really supposed to be here. But I made it!



So finally, what are my thoughts about the whole trip. Apart from completing the cycle challenge - Woohoo!, I suppose I should remind myself what it was all for...

1. Raise money for Room to Read and make a difference. I think we can call this a success!
2. Give me time to think about what I want to do when I grow up ;)
3. Have an adventure.
4. Continue to learn Spanish

I don't have an easy answer on 2 and I think this is partly because there will probably never be one magic, shiny thing that will be perfect....and partly because maybe I'll never grow up!

On 3 however, I certainly did! I had no idea what to expect before the trip. I didn't even know if I could do it at all with my back injury - in fact chances were I couldn't. I only started cycling again about 10 days before I flew. Not the best preparation. A couple of friends that spoke with me during that time will know that I didn't think much of my chances. I was so focused on trying to get my back sorted that I didn't know much about my route. I knew I had some maps that were probably pretty good and a GPS for if I got lost. However, I knew I could sort things out as I went (with my credit card handy just in case!) and that's how it turned out.

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to learn as much Spanish as I'd originally thought. Not really surprising with the benefit of 20:20 hindsight. However, I did keep my hand in a bit by reading short stories, listening to Michel Thomas and having the odd conversation with a Mexican speaker or two.
 
So what did I enjoy the most?
- First I think the Pacific Coast of the US (and Canada) is a stunning and amazing part of the world and the people I met were very friendly and helpful (and the beers & wine ain't bad either!)
- Some of the other cyclists I met were great company (if only for a short while). We're all doing our tours for our own reasons. Some quite different and others remarkably similar. No matter why we are touring though, there is some sort of a bond between cyclists, particularly tourers - maybe we're all a little crazy!

- None of us gets enough of a chance to take a time out and just enjoy being alive it seems to me - a chance to "stop and smell the flowers" is probably the cliche. Ok, we get a couple of weeks off for holiday but most of that is de-stressing before heading back into work again. I really appreciated being able to just look at things a bit longer, not be constrained by timescales (other than the cycling piece).  I saw a great sign in a cafe which I thought summed it up in a way...

- Possibly most of all, though, I loved just getting out there and doing it!!!

So what now...?

Well, thankfully for me, the adventure doesn't end quite yet - On the 1st of November I fly to Argentina where I will teach English for a month. I will then have a few weeks to travel around South America and follow my nose there for a while. So I still have some time to think about what I want to do when I grow up!

Finally, before I sign off I'm going to mention a bloke I met in Santa Barbara again. His name is Al and I only spoke with him for about half an hour. He was drinking Bud light (well, no-one's perfect!) and I mentioned him in Day 38 pt2 - he was glad I didn't think everyone in America was a Jackass. One other thing he said was - "What are you going to do next?! Tour De France?!" At the time I laughed it off. But, you know, Tim Moore wrote a great book about cycling the route of the Tour De France having done practically no cycling for years - French Revolutions. I have no idea what would be involved really...but if I'd thought like that about my Pacific Coast tour....anyone fancy doing the TDF route?

Maybe it won't end up being the TDF, but there will be a challenge 2012...and maybe I'll write a blog...until then....

Piccy Catch-up

It seems like I have a lot of photo catching up to do. Here's some notables since the last one (10 Oct)

These signs weren't all the way along the route. But always reassuring when you see one. They often put them at nasty big junctions where a little reassurance was just the ticket.

Pismo Beach. Surfing goes on while there is light and the surf's up. I can't remember exactly the time - probably about 7pm - but it was getting quite dark.

I'd taken this one either directly before or after the surfer one. You can see a few surfers paddling out in this one too.

This is one of the cycle paths I took through LA. Long Beach I think. The bit on the left of the white line is supposed to be bike only (totally ignored) and the bit to the right of the white for pedestrians. All ok if it's as quiet as this though!





The roads were getting bigger and busier. I think this is near Newport Beach - 3 lanes each way. As you can see I still have my own lane (shoulder) - UNLESS someone parks in it! This side of the road is quiet as I've pulled over a little past a set of lights to have a snackattack. Must've been red going my way.

San Diego - hmmm mmm - drink it in!

Some interesting road signs...

On the way out of Santa Barbara...on the way to Santa Monica.

Nice to know I'm heading in the right direction! I wasn't always right on the coast so the old "is the ocean on my right" method of navigating didn't always apply.

This does not look like the way I should go. Truck, where are you?

There you are!

The trouble with reading spanish on this trip...

Hmmm, what does "Estaba muy cansado" mean...

....ah!

San Diego...Hmm mmm...drink it in!

One final thing before i do chill. Many of you know (and some would care to forget due to endless quoting) that one of my fav...no, for the next two days my number 1, top, all time favourite film of all time... is Anchorman. Its set in San Diego about a news anchorman whose sign off is always "You stay classy San Diego". Needless to say there are many other eminently quotable and many times laughable moments in the film.

Anyway...In my tour tiredness I forget all about this until I dropped into the starbucks Im in now and I look at the adverts on the back of my tourist map. stayclassybikes.com!

The guy next to give me a glance as i guffaw into my americano.

The barrista had just finished saying i should get a discount for having a "touch of class" for asking for a china cup rather than cardboard.

Finally, theyve got Bob Dylan Highway 61 revisited on the stereo. Very classy.

You stay classy San Diego!!!!

The day after - Mon 17 Oct

Hi everyone, Ive decided Im going to wait for the comfort of my own imac on Thursday before I do any more photos and chat. My brain is like mush today and I want to relax a bit in San Diego.

I do have one very important task still to do.

Part 1. Meet with Jon Benson of San Diego Bicycle club to pick up my bike box. Thanks for helping me out! (Thats later today)

Part 2. Dismantle Tricross and pack him up nice and comfy for the flight back (Thats for tomorrow as my flight isnt til 20:05.)

So, Im off to have a wee wander. No cycling today ;)

Day 40 report pt5

...into the wind along the lagoon and its automatic pilot, my mind working on how I get my bike clean. Three gas stations and no washing capabilities A golf club with compr essed air to clean kit...noone there...id rather there was so i could ask...beaches coming up. I stop at one of those taps at beaches to clean your feet. I have to share it with about 7 beach dirty kids though. Third feet wetting to get mud off. Bike finally in better shape..but Im not. A lady asks me in the ferry queue if I'd been for a mud treatment! You could say that! And here I am.

I guess thats it for tonight. Ill try to do photos and a final round up tomorrow. I dont think its sunk in that im finished yet. Lets see how I feel in the morning.

In the meantime, thanks again for all the support along the way and for helping me reach the fundraising target. Magic!

Day 40 report pt4

...where was I? Ive relocated to hotel room (con cerveza) to finish off. The first parts were over dinner.

Ah yes, Id just got past the quagmire. Bike is a mess of mud, Im a mess of mud. Ill have to deal with that later. What lies beyond? A completely different welcome from John O groats last year. In fact there is no welcome at all. Im on my own...this side of the fence...down at the beach the mexicans are enjoying the sun. The "monument" of monument road is closed off (no idea what it is or for). Better not incur the wrath of the border guards. So I take some piccys (hope to post tomorrow) and contemplate the return.

First up was the quagmire. This time I dont even try to cycle through and im laughing at myself for the lengths Ill go to! The bike is out of the mud but I cant avoid my second feet wetting.

The bike is a mess. Nearly every night Ive been able to take the bike into my room. Not tonight unless I clean it up!

I begin to retrace my steps...into the wind!...tbc

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Day 40 report pt3

...and not much by way of road signs...or anyone else at all. I passed a couple of ranches and then some horse riders..whats this on the map? The bull ring by the sea...on the mexican side (of course). Ok thats when Ill know Im there..when I see the bullring...and all of a sudden, round a corner and there it was up on the hill. Nearly there! But I wanted to see the last beach in the US and get some piccys. Im going on...whats this!? A massive waterlogged part of the road! BAH! No Im not letting this stop me. This bike is designed to take a bit of offroad. lets go...Its fine...oh no its not! I have to get off as its too muddy to get through with my slick tyres. So Ill walk (wet feet). I finally get off the side of the road and push it through the undergrowth because my feet are clinging in the mud! the side is not much easier- a bit like heather and very clingy on the bike.

But Im a persistent son of a gun and I made it through! Fine for now but I Knew I had to get back too...tbc

Day 40 report pt2

...Ahhh, the waves are coming! Thankfully I managed to get back up the steps without wet feet. Wet feet would come later...

The marine layer was being burned off and by the time I got to my hotel the sun was out. I managed to check in, drop my paniers in the room and go get my ferry. The next sailing went at 1 (this was 12:15) so grab some lunch. Done. The ferry was quite short but nice enough and Coronado is a nice touristy area...but I didnt hang about to find out. I was off on the long long bike path around the corner, under a big road bridge and then out the lagoon. At this point I had a tail wind. This was enjoyable and I found a wee bit of warp drive despite my back. But in the back of my mind I knew this would be a very diff story on the way back! Through Imperial Beach and out the other side towards the border on monument road. This bit is not where you can pitch up with your passport in your pocket and get through. Just a big fence..border patrol pickups...and choppers..tbc

Day 40 Report - Encinitas to the mexican border (via San Diego) and finally back to San Diegop

Total miles 50.0 (border) 68.4 (overall)
Average speed 12.6 (both)
Total ascent 473m (border) 506 (overall).

I made it! But it was a bit of a saga and Im totally exhausted.

My back just about held out but plans of hiring a surfboard tomorrow are definitely in the unlikely to happen category.

I had a great brekky and was off at 8:44. Immediately I could tell my back had regressed. This was a sharper pain than before and my mobility was very poor. Maybe my back is telling me its time for the end of the tour!

It seemed Neptune, the greek god of the sea, was on this wavelength too. I better explain that one...

My route wound me through La Jolla, this is a very built up area (some of you know whats coming next) and nowhere to pee! I was due a stop to snack and stretch and saw a wee viewpoint ;). Wait a minute, there's steps down to the rocks...I could get away with it if noone else follows...Im going for it... All is good until Im in no position to make a speedy exit...WHOOOSH! tbc...

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Day 40 - live update 12:22 pacific time

Hotel check-in...completed
Panier drop off...completed
Coronado ferry...tickets purchased...next sailing 13:00 hrs.

Injury update.
Upper back has worsened from uncomfortable to nasty sore and not very mobile. op cap 28%
Warp drive and seige guns out of commission. Impulse power only.

18 miles to the border and 18 back. Will my back hold out? Find out later in the full report...

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Brekky bites - Sunday 16 Oct.

Well, if all goes to plan this should be the final day of cycling. I was having at&t comms issues yesterday so not sure if my day 39 report posted ok. Hope so.

The marine layer (I think thats what they call it here) is still blocking the sun. Never mind, thats fewer sun block apps and easier on water...every cloud.

My oatmeal and fruit has arrived and is looking good. I just asked for a spoon but it was on my plate all along - hiding behind the bowl. Im glad the waitress just laughed rather than got annoyed. Chilled out California. Oh well, better "sup up quick"

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Day 39 report pt4

...after looking forward to the end a bit the last couple of days (aches and pains, motel living, always needing to think about the next step) the walk on the beach hit it home that Im also going to be gutted.

Oh well, my back wont last forever and Im not sure Mexico would be as much fun. Id maybe learn a bit more spanish though ;)

Early start I think. It'll be nice to drop off my paniers (french accent) for the final 20. After jinxing up a mist (my comment about pining for rain the other day) Im hoping for a sunny last day. Let's see.

Day 39 report pt3

...cycling thro camp pendleton was indeed a little strange. Past barracks and the troops exercising. One poor guy was running laps with full pack on. Wonder what he'd done wrong?! We'll never know. I was once again glad about the way the days have landed. Better with other cyclists around on a sat.No danger, just felt a bit odd.

Just before I got to my Motel in Encinitas (circa 2 after lunch nearby) I got caught up in a (peaceful demo)! I might even be on TV news or the papers as I was right amongst them trying to cross the road for a minute or 2. This is linked with the gang in Washington I think. Dunno if thats made the news at home.

After a technical glitch fix - at&t are no the best - and my usual post ride routine i was out...into the sunshine! A walk along the beach to watch the sun go down. Followed by a fab Italian - Sea Bass was the special and it didnt disappoint. Tiramisu? Gimme gimme...yummy. A brekky tip from Simone the waiter (cheers) and here I am..tbc

Day 39 report pt2

...I expected he was going the same way as me - to the coast cycle path - he was. The cyclists are friendly again here (yesterday it was every man for himself - or thats how it seemed). Troy races mountain bikes but goes out on his roady 3 times a week to "mix it up". Amongst other things he confirmed the US is mad about halloween. There is even a night time bike cross race in its honour nearby..and when Haloween is over the Xmas build up begins To be fair its nearly as bad at home. His great grands were from scotland so maybe he'll go over one day. Just before turning round for his back loop he gave me some route advice. Thanks Troy.

I was on a long and wide track at San Ofore state beach and the cycle clubs were all out practicing formation. Soon would come the Marine corp. I had to show my driving licence but as there were loads of other cyclists there was no bother. Surprised they didnt check my bags. Maybe I look an honest fellow - of course I do!

It was actually bizarre..tbc

Day 39 report - Laguna Beach to Encinitas pt1

Total miles 45.8
Average speed 14.4mph
Total Ascent 429m

8:48 kick off and the traffic was noticably lighter than last night. I was on the Pacific Highway to start - The "1" - but I would soon be leaving it for good. One of fave bands (The Decemberists) have a song about this road (called California One) and im listening to it now. I took a few carefully selected songs (all american of course) on a very light walkman thing in addition to some spanish self learning. Anyway...great song and a great great road.

Ever been driving on a road when you get stopped at EVERY traffic light? Try that on a bike. Bad start. But it got better. The mist never really burnt off until about 4pm today but visibility was pretty good. Scottish east coast low cloud weather.

I passed through some back streets of San Clemente and kicked on to stick on the back wheel of a cyclist who passed me. There were lots of Saturday morning rides today. This guy was going about my pace if i didnt have to navigate...tbc

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Post-brekky lull post

Weather update...it was pretty hot yesterday up to the point where i got into the mist when it cooled down nicely (at the expense of seeing anything much!). Today the mist is still here but appears less thick and is predicted to burn off.

Im hoping for an earlier finish today as im only going 50 miles. Lets see how that works out...

PS back still sore but should be able to survive 2 more days....Im not going to let it stop me now!

Day 38 report pt 4

...Some less good news was that my back was sore today. A long day yesterday with no proper lunch stop maybe and im getting lazy with stops again. As a stop now is not accompanied by an amazing view as often I just want to get the miles done.

Back to the mist...it was quite eerie cycling in the mist on the beach. maybe halloween was coming early after all. Aaaaah!

Finally the beach path ended at Huntington beach and I was back on Highway 1. Unfortunately this was about 4 on Friday in Newport Beach so quite busy. But not in the same league as earlier...I had more of a lane/shoulder...and I made it safely to my motel in Laguna beach. Fab Thai dinner and 2 Thai lagers. Thai has been one of my fave foods of the trip. Light, relatively healthy with veg and not too fatty..and good carbs in rice/noodles. Yum.

Now I have circa 100 miles to the border and not too many on big roads. Tomorrow I go thro Pendleton marine base!

Back to early starts I think...no rush hour at the weekend! Yahoooo!

Day 38 report pt3

...I think of this as riding my bike as if it was a car. My view is cars behind will see me sooner (as ive got rear red light flashing) and will actually have to do something about it (remember there is another lane). If you are timid and stay over at the side it feels like they carry on as if youre not there. I do have to check whats behind me and if something big is coming its time to get outta there. I was not mr popular and maybe i added a few seconds to a few peoples journey. Im not going to apologise.

Anyway, I got through and back to the beach path and had a mexican lunch. A post lunch sun block application turned out to be a waste of time as the mist came in by the time I got to Seal Beach

Intermission. Some americans go really bonkers about Halloween! They have web and spiders, pumpkins and all sorts in their gardens. Its still 2 weeks away!

Yesterday my colleagues at work held a bake sale and tombola and raised enough to get me to my target! Amazing! Thanks everyone!

Day 38 report pt2

...in LA car is King. I was already hearing that loud and clear last night on my way into Santa Mon. I was, for the first time on this tour, into a major city where people honk at someone who takes 2 seconds to see a green light. Im sure road rage must be common in LA. More importantly for me...this is a place where cyclists appear not to be welcome. Now this is a bit unfair. I had a conversation in a bar the other night. The guy (Al) was happy to hear Id had good experiences so far. "Not everyone in the US is a Jackass" he said. I agreed and said "Everywhere has Jackasses". So does LA. The majority of motorists are fine but there are a lot of Jackasses too.

Other than on the beach the cycle lanes are intermittant (worse than none at all!) and thin.

Im afraid I was not popular at times as when there is not enough lane I get right out into the lane (before i go on these are 4 lane - 2 each way). At least then Im safe from car doors opening etc and have an "out" to the right..tbc

Day 38 Report - Santa Monica to Laguna Beach pt1

Total miles 69.1
Average speed 12.5mph
Total ascent 361m

I was expecting a slow day. A day where concentration and patience were more important than physical endurance. I wasnt wrong. This was my least favourite day of the tour by far but it wasnt as bad as i thought it might be

As I set off at a post rush hour 9:44 I was wondering how the beach paths would be. My map had said it could be busy and not without hazard. As it turned out the paths were pretty quiet and i didnt mind giving way to pedestrians etc when required. This might have been a different story if i hadnt taken it on before the weekend - i love it when a plan comes together!

But despite being quiet it wasnt possible to go quick on the paths as they wind about a bit. So a 12mph day was going to be a good outcome.

The real worry was always going to be when i had to head into the city through Torrance (very busy) and Carson (not quite so) to Long Beach.

In my maps notes it says in LA car is King. Absolutely true...tbc

Post brekky lull post - Fri 14 Oct

Morning all. Well im just waiting for my conti brekky to settle and for rush hour to finish before tackling the section of the whole coast ive been looking forward to least. LA. That is why Im going get it all done and away in one day. Im expecting most of the day to be dodging other cyclists, skateboards, surfboards and pedestrians on the beach path and my nav skills could be tested on the occasions i need to duck into the city. Good job i have Garmy 800 fully charged and ready to help out. Oh well, there's no time like the present.

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Day 37 report pt 2

...for the sub I was after something simple and easy to digest. So no cheese, dont toast it just lettuce& tomato...er ok jalopenos, ooh olives! Yes! I ate it in two short stops about 12:30 and then 2. Then I hit malibu. A very strange place. 27 miles of beach and not much else that I could see. Except the traffic was getting busier...and nasty beachgoers were parking in MY shoulder! This was worst of all between Malibu and Santa mon and I was glad to get onto the beach bike & pedestrian path that will be my companion for much of the rest of the tour. Ive just had a nice italian in santa mon and will be getting an early night. But my early starts will be suspended tomorrow. i have 2 miles to ride through the city to the beach and i am in no rush to tussle with LA rush hour. I suspect this will be in a different league from santa barb. Justified lie in. Tremendous!

Day 37 Report - Santa Barbara to Santa Monica pt1

Total miles 90.6
Average Speed 14.2
Total ascent 605m

My earliest tee off of the tour 8:29 was a calculated risk. Rush hour versus get more miles done before it really heats up. Rush hour? What rush hour? It was roasting hot though and forgetting to get more sun block was a little silly. I had enough for full face, neck leg pre-ride but only for face and neck at lunchtime. My legs would have to manage (unless i spotted a handy chemist - which i didnt).

The best thing about the early start was the 20 miles before 10 and 30 miles before 11. Both firsts. You can see from the ascent number this was flat riding today. So despite being the longest in miles this was not one of the toughst. There was also pretty much no wind, certainly nothing to worry me I cycled through Ventura, which looked to have a top surfing beach and a big place next door with a big airbase and enormous marina.

As there wasnt an obvious just past halfway lunch spot I picked up a foot long subway turkey sub..tbc

Brekky bites - Thursday 13th Oct

Ive just heard someone say that it'll be over 90 degrees F today and over 100 tomorrow...YIKES! Would it be wrong of me to pine for rain? Base layer not required!

I have to admit that yesterday the thought of riding nearly 90 miles today was feeling almost impossible. But Im feeling a bit better today and with a good oatmeal and short stack brekky on its way to the engine room Im as ready as ill ever be. Voy a hacerlo!

Day 36 report pt2

...so now i can exclusively reveal how the final 250 miles will be approached

1. Thur...to santa monica...85miles
2. Fri...to Laguna beach...62miles
3. Sat...to Encinitas...50miles
4. Sun...to Imperial beach and mexican border...51miles

The riding should be flatter but not necesarily quicker as much of this will be urban. Through LA the map leads me as close to the pacific as possible on beachside bike and pedestrian ways. Not always possible and at times Ill be on roads eg from redondo beach through carson to long beach. Thats the only significant detour inland and into city.

In San Diego I need to get a ferry to Coronado with c20 miles to go. I have managed to get a hotel close enough so i can drop off my bags and do those last miles light! Of course ill have c20 miles back again at the end but there you go.

So there we are folks, Ive got a tough 4 days ahead and with the heat building Ill need to be careful on the water supplies.

Oh well, here goes for the final push!

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Day 36 - rest day in Santa Barbara pt 1

I really needed a rest today. You could maybe tell from my last couple of posts i was starting to lose the plot. Me? A burger? With my reputation? ;)

Santa Barbara is quite a nice spot and the bars were lively last night. But I was not capable of going large so an early night was taken.

It is monster, roasting hot today. Too hot for a poor wee scots laddie. I had to buy beach shorts and a sun hat. Beach shorts to stay cool (unsuccesfully) and a hat to save sunburn on my folically challenged scalp.

Back to the script Jimbo. I am now entering the endgame of this tour/challenge. To help me get over the finish line - in terms of moral support and fund raising - my work colleagues are holding a bake sale and tombola event on Thursday. Brilliant! Many thanks to everyone involved and a special thanks to Douglas Hill. Id never have known about Room To Read if not for his marathon running acievements and hes been helping keep everyone at work uptodate on my progress on this trip...tbc

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Day 35 report pt2

...as there was no obvious lunch stop on the way i planned on getting something on the outskirts or on my way into Santa B. As it happened this didnt work out and I was really struggling for energy towards the end. I also ran out of water as its so hot hot hot today.

I was pleased to see cycle paths on my map for the way into town. However when i got there - which do i choose? A roadwork had detoured me off the pacific coast route which normally has great signage and I was going past and through Uni College SB. A veritable maze of paths!

I eventually managed to get back on track by deciding to dump the paths and go onto a road. Off the road I then saw a more likely path. Yes!

So i got to my motel and immediately had my first afternoon nap of the trip..Rest day required pronto! I always want a nap but dont allow it so i get all the stuff i need to do done and get some time to see the town in daylight. Today however I couldnt resist. I also couldnt resist a big burger!

Day 35 Report - Lompoc to Santa Barbara pt1

Total miles 55.4
Average speed 13.7
Total ascent 642m
Map Miles to go 250

Not a particularly memorable ride today. I made another early start 8:58 it seems! This was partly because i made do with quite a poor conti breakfast The continentals beat me to it! A coach load of French tourists left me with not much to choose. Or maybe there wasnt much there at all. Anyway, this poor brekky would be regretted (dont worry I did pick up 2 bananas and had several chewy cereal bars for snackattack).

I was on the bigger 101 road today for a big portion - c25 miles. 4 lanes - maybe 6 at times I cant remember. I had my own lane - the shoulder, so i just got on with it.

There was no real town before Santa B so lunch plans were tricky...tbc...

Day 34 report pt2

...in the "how fast can i go on the flat" game today (the inaugural worldchampionship) ... I won! ;) with a top speed of 27mph.

There was a period when the wind was really a crosswind which is no use to anyone and towards the end a nasty little climb was before me. Its bark was worse than its bite however and i was soon descending into Lompoc. I suspect this is more of a market town than tourist but functional enough.

I managed to use the library for photos and get a motel booked for santa b. Now its coffee and blog report.

This cafe is similar to many in calif in that the music is a mix of rock and 60s retro (partic beatles and hendrix). Gone are the days of good ole country in washington and oregon. Ive not heard a steel guitar for weeks and i dont mind telling you im starting to miss em!

One more day in this 7 day, 380 mile, shift from san fran. Then a day off before the final 250 mile push.

Day 34 Report - Pismo beach to Lompoc pt1

Total miles 48.3
Average Speed 14.3
Total Ascent 592m

A 1pm finish? Woof! Early start, pretty flat, hint of a tail wind and lunch after check-in. Those were the ingredients.

Early start was 9:08. I usually "wait" til after rush hour. Ahem, this is more a convenient byproduct of a crucial morning "routine" of dozing, stretching, shower, tv news, packing, double sweep, check ive got everything. Then, of course, brekky is not to be rushed. Its the most important meal of the day!

A pretty unremarkable scenery day today. Farmlands - vines, berries, cabbage. An early morning mist necessitating a rare outing for Mr Pock Rock soon cleared. The flat roads were good for getting the miles done (partic with a hint of tailwind) but IP opportunities were extremely limited. Coffee refills are easy to accept but soon regretted in this game!

The flat terrain was a little (dare i say it) boring after all that had gone before so i started playing the "how fast can i go on the flat" game..tbc

Quick piccy catch-up - Fri 7th and Sat 8th Oct

Not far out from Carmel on the way to Big Sur. Starting to get cliffs and headlands.

Sur Point (actually it's called Point Sur)

This is where I got my first tailwind for weeks. I'm going into them thar hills.

And in them thar hills there be redwood forest

Petite Cuisine - compact but bijoux!

Descending from Big Sur on Saturday

Beauty and the Beast!

Brekky Bites - Mon 10 Oct

Good morning everyone. Well that was the cheapest room of the trip 48 bucks and absolutely fine. Motel 6. No frills but I dont need em.

Ive got 350 miles to go and when i woke today I was actually for the first time really ready to finish! Id pencilled in a rest day in santa barbara. Its the end of map 4 (out of 5) and ive felt good taking a rest after a map. Ive done this since the 2 to 3 transition. But because im sort of looking forward to the end im partly considering pushing on. My body, however, is telling me otherwise. So its a rest day on wed in Santa Barbara (or is it Brabra? apologies - in joke for flight of the conchords fans).

Ive just finished reading Glen Lewis' post on his Mt St Helens ride. Great post! Unfortunately i cant see the pics. Must admit im thinking the views will be great but i just wanna see those minifigs the most!

If anyone else would like to see Glen's blog its at glenlewis.com. I met Glen briefly (but repeatedly!) in N Calif.

Day 33 report pt3

...I was able to head into town in time to catch the vibe and sunset. Pismo Beach is really all about the beach. No surprises but it is one mucho grande playa and very sandy too. Loads of surfing which seems to go on past dusk. People going after work? Change of wind giving better waves? I soon got very hungry though as i hadnt been very clever at snacking today. It was only 5:30 so i thought maybe a wee wrap to tide me over. I found a great place called Hoagies and ordered the chinese chicken wrap but my mini snackette was now a monster meal. Two massive wraps and fries. Oh well. cuando estes en Roma! I was very hungry and it was very good so I polished it off no problem. While doing so i noticed there was a bell at the counter in front of the chef's area. A notice said that if you like your meal ring the bell to say thanks to the chefs. I couldnt resist-my meal was great but also for the banter. The chefs loved it. Big smiles and thanks all around. I left with a spring in my step!

Day 33 report pt2

..as i was saying, the only real weapon i have is the element of surprise. If those guys knew i was racing up to steal a draft im sure they couldve left me stranded. But they didnt see me and i had them caught just in time for my next turn off BAH!

This is maybe a good point to respond to Gavin's comment from yesterday. I am certainly not a cycling god. I'd more likely put myself as "a chilled out entertainer" ;) and yes i do have a cunning plan for LA. More on that nearer the time but it does rely on their being no roads actually called "private road"! as there was on the day of High Bentham.

I had lunch in San Luis Obispo, which seemed lively- except for the cafe i chose which had a dozen people on laptops and ipods! San L.O. is right in wine country and i enjoyed cycling through the vines. But strangely it was beer that came to mind as id preferred vino of late and it was such a hot day...

I could get used to 3pm finishes as i was all stretched and showered just after 4...tbc...

Day 33 - San Simeon to Pismo beach pt1

Total miles 55.4
Average speed 15.3mph
Total ascent 614m

Despite the late brekky i did get away before 10 for a semi respectable 9:41 kick-off!

The tail wind had stuck with me too - Lucky Jim! So in the first hour at 17mph I was thinking i should do a century after all. But this was merely early ride friskiness and after another hour i was denying all knowledge of triple figures!

This was pretty much sea level riding too with one of my flattest days so far.

I passed through Morro Bay with its enormous rock headland. My camera was feeling tired though so this was a quiet piccy day.

My designated route out of Morro was closed and i was detoured through a golf course (bizarre) and this nearly led to a big wrong turn. thankfully the roads converged again later - Lucky Jim!

Just as the routes converged I saw 3 cyclists ahead so locked on and engaged stealth mode. The most lethal (erm, the only) weapon at the disposal of the stealth assasin cyclist is the element of surprise..tbc.

Brekky Bites - Sunday 9 Oct

A later start today. Im just sitting down to brekky at 9 so probably wont get away before 10. Less urg ency today as the next 3 days should be a little shorter at average c50 miles into Santa Barbara. I tried to find two 75ers in there but there is nowhere to stay in between. Id rather not do a century unless i really have to in case injuries flare up. A few areas are uncomfy but at the moment pretty much under control.

Other notables-
-Sun is shining again and pretty calm
-Despite Gav's warning Ive lost something! Dont worry, its only a pair of light walking trousers for evening wear. Good job I have 2! A timely warning though. I do feel pretty fatigued and need to check i have all the essentials several times before i move on. The motel room has been getting a double sweep after im packed up so no idea how i lost those troos. Mustve been the trouser elfs!

Proverbio del dia

No hay que pedir peras al olmo

----------
Sent from AT&T's Wireless network using Mobile Email

Day 32 Report - Big Sur to San Simeon

Total miles 62.5
Average speed 14.6mph
Total ascent 1177m

I woke up refreshed after a monster sleep in the wee kitchen! A hearty breakfast was required and delivered. Oatmeal and pancake. A winning combination.
I had put on my windproof expecting a chilly descent to begin but quickly changed into a thin jersey on top of the (mostly) ever present base layer. It was hot! Very calm as well - lucky Jim!

The coast was on stunning form again today and sometimes when i stopped i was amazed by giant butterflies! Sorry, pic update will have to wait as this motel PC has very slow internet.

There were more cyclists today - a different group though. These guys are doing a double century weekend...100 today monterey to san simeon and another tomorrow to Lompoc. I tried like a bear to stay with them but when the climbs came (and there were many) I couldn't hold them.
 
I think the fast cyclists stopped for lunch at a place called Lucia - I saw some bikes outside anyway but I like to get at least half my day done by lunch and pressed on.
 
I had only just been thinking that with these cliffs and rocks it wasnt surfer country...wrong! Theyll surf anywhere with waves! Bonkers! I also passed something called the Big Sur jade festival. Very popular! No idea what it was all about though as I continued on my way.

I finally did stop for lunch at a place called Gorda. It's very small and only really has a gas station and a small cafe - but they had past bolognese on the menu - I was chuckling away that the other bikers (on noisy harleys) were fueling their bikes up with petrol while I was fuleing up mine with spag bol!

Just as I was getting ready to leave the cafe a bunch of cyclist swept by - BAH! I could've tried to draft them for a while. But no matter as just as I set off there was another bunch woohoo. However, this lasted all of 5 minutes as we began another stiff climb. This one lasted a good while and I lost them. I managed to cling onto a straggler for a while. He was wearing a "King of the mountains" jersey. I asked him why he was flailing around with me if he was KOTM. He said that was 2009 and he'd put on a bit of weight since then! It was good to have company for a while but as the climb got even steeper we got into our own rhythms and he broke ahead.

This was all before my saddle snippet post at Ragged Point. If memory serves Ragged point was just about the end of the climbing and descending and I descended down the final bit to about sea level for a flat 15-18 miles. Just as I did this a support car went by (beware cyclists sign) followed by a lone rider. I have become like a stealth assassin when it comes to stealing draft so I kicked on and managed to hold onto him. Just as well it was flat and again the mid afternoon/early evening had given us a tail wind. I don't think the guy noticed for a while. He was riding a nice cannondale and knew what he was doing so I just got my head down, pegged my ears bag and dug in.

Finally the guy noticed and we said hi, I tried to take my turn for a while and bravely took the lead. But after a wee while at the front I couldn't hold onto the guy anymore when he took over again. It was very nice of him to hold up and wait for me and soon the shoulder was wide enough for us to ride side-by-side and chat. Ernie told me about the double century ride and how he was in good shape last year and despite not doing the training decided at the last minute to do the ride. The pace that the lead bunch were setting was too much for him up Big Sur - no wonder as he said there were a couple of pros in there.

Ernie is a trauma patient nurse and somehow we got onto bike helmets. He said he'd seen patients who had been wearing a helmet and those that hadn't and the difference is stark. I personally wouldn't ride without one -Hogwash, get yersel a helmet!

Cycling in a pair with Ernie reminded me of those late afternoon/evenings during lejog last year. Gav, remember how we somehow got a new burst of energy from somewhere? - a timely snack stop - a laugh about something - it's all part of the legend! Well, the final part of today reminded me a bit of those fast miles towards the end of a day - we fairly flew along. Good luck tomorrow Ernie!

So, after a lull I've had two great days and feel I should say something about the guys I've met that had to stop at San Francisco. I'm sorry you couldn't do these miles this time. Here's to the next time!

Ok, I think I've caught up on reports. Photos will follow when I can. I've just had my dinner - how great is it how much you enjoy your grub after a day in the saddle!

Day 31 Report - Capitola to Big Sur

Total Miles 75.3
Average Speed 13.5mph
Total Ascent 1369m

Where do I start? What a great day! First up the weather was fantastic - the calm after the storm. Wall to wall blue sky and not a breath of wind. Good start. I had a continental breakfast (I've been doing that more often lately) but had plenty of bananas and cereal snacks for the road.

Getting out of the biggish city area took a little while but once outside I was treated to some quiet back roads through fruit and veg country - strawberries, cabbage (I think), lettuce, artichokes and pumpkins. A little later I would see a lorry (sorry - Truck) carrying pumkins the size of medicine balls (remember them from school gym? does anyone use them anymore?)

I cycled past a place called Moss landing and then Marina - that'll explain the marina! I was now onto a very long cycle path - great! smooth surface (apart from the odd tree root damage) and no traffic. This took me past a place called Seaside and somewhere else called Sand Dune City (the clue is in the name as usual!) and then into Monterey. Monterey has a big bay and big beaches - and a fantastic cycle path or two.I picked my way from path to path via small interludes on roads through Monterey and to lunch at Carmel.

The afternoon session began as I left Carmel and hit the coast again. This coastline seemed a little different to what i'd seen before. Now, I've seen my fair share of coastlines over the last few weeks and some have been stunning. The long sandy beaches of Oregon are wonderful, northern California transitioned into more rocky with a few cliffs.What was different here? Perhaps I benefited from a fantastic weather day. I did. But this coast had the ability (despite all that had gone before) to wow me all over again. Perhaps there are higher cliffs here. Perhaps it's just a little more remote. Perhaps the rocky outcrops are more pleasing to the eye. I don't know but it is just lovely. My camera had a busy day!

On the first part of this stretch I was passed by a group of cyclists from a triathlon club. It's always nice to have some other cyclists around. A wee chat but also in my mind this is a heads up to the motorists. There are not big shoulders on this road but that is a fact of cycling life in the UK so I'm not too worried by it. If there are run-offs I try to let traffic by. At roadworks I always wait until the end of the traffic line. I try to keep a steady line as far in as I can. I have to say that in the most part the motorists here are much more considerate than in the UK. Perhaps the roads here are wider (they mostly are) or maybe these are mostly holiday makers not in a rush.


 As I pedalled on there was a reasonably big climb before a stunning headland called Point Sur (Despite my chat about motorists above maybe having cyclists on the road might be a Sur point with some motorists ;o)). At this juncture I stopped to take photos and the tri-club stragglers finally left me behind.

As if today hadn't been good enough, when I descended from the outlook over Point Sur, the valley that followed gave me a wonderful tailwind - Yes, at last! I was heading inland and in the distance I could see big hills and redwoods. This would be Big Sur.

Great to be back in the Redwoods again - maybe this is why I enjoyed Day 31 so much - a great combination of some of the best parts of this coast and forests. I did, however have one more climb to go. I'm torn between whether it's good to have a tough climb at the end of a day or not. You are already tired but you also know that once this is done it is the end of your day. Either way, this particular climb was not that difficult in comparison with some already completed on this tour -but they all hurt and it's still always nice to feel the gradient ease off and see the first downhill part ahead.

I nearly missed the entrance to my motel. It was about a mile or two the other side of the summit and I'd been looking out for the name Deetjens. This sign said Big Sur Inn - can't be it. Thankfully I had Garmin 800 programmed because it beeped at me as I went by and I was able to stop just about in time. I would NOT have thanked myself for an unnecessary climb to end the day!

The talking points of the day had not ended. This is no ordinary motel! That was becoming clear as I walked into reception to find antique style tables for dinner and hear vivaldi's 4 seasons! I'm not used to this treatment! My room also was "interesting". Very small - just enough room for a bed, sink and maybe just about cat-swinging room too. The room was called petite cuisine - so must've been a small kitchen originally - explaining the size. However, it was actually quite cosy.

I took dinner amongst the antiques and was tucked up in the petite cuisine by 9.

Saddle snippets

A quick post en route. Yesterday was fantastic and today great too. Back in the game! Just stopped to take a photo at Ragged point - i wonder if i have phone reception yet? The answer is yes. I have approx 18 miles to go today and feeling good. Catch up reports (and piccys) will be posted when I can

Brekky bites - Friday 7 Oct

Just a quick note before i set off. Where i am staying tonight is unlikely to have internet or phone signal. Also brother Neil is away to montreal so probably unable to post for me. So dont worry if there are no posts tonight The motel are expecting me so all is good.

Proverbio del dia

Hoy tenemos este proverbio...

Poco a poco se va lejos

Day 30 Report - Half Moon Bay to Capitola

Total Miles 54.2
Average Speed 12.7mph
Total Ascent 743m

It was a day of many showers and I had a 100% waterproof overshoe day (team Endura style) and almost a full day of Altura's excellent Pock Rock to keep my top half dry.

This ended up being slightly shorter than I'd really have liked. I forgot the pre-booked motel was a little short of my optimum 60 miles for today. Never mind, with the showers and (yet again) a headwind I'm not too fussed about having to add a few miles to tomorrow. Can anyone remember the last time I mentioned a tail wind? No? Neither can I.

I actually started off in a break in the showers but I wasn't naive enough to begin without overshoes and pock rock on. Sure enough 45 minutes later and there it was - a rain shower. It was quite cold too and I missed my full finger gloves (at home) but only for a moment - it's not practical to take everything and it wasn't all that cold really.

The Highway 1 took me along the coast in pretty open country until quite late in the day at Santa Cruz. I stopped at a lovely spot between showers just after 11 - Pigeon point. There is an old lighthouse there and some stunning views (pics another time). It was also nice and quiet until a couple of big school buses showed up - time to move on! It's great for them to have such lovely coastline on their doorstep. I don't remember too much about my school trips but expect they were mostly rainy days too.

After Pigeon point I even took the pock rock off because the sun had come out and I made it to lunch at about 1 in this way. I took off my overshoes at lunch but as there was another shower brewing they went on together with pock rock as the afternoon session commenced.

I will always remember Santa Cruz as being the wettest place on the Pacific coast. This is probably very unfair as it is only based on the short while it took me to get through it - and the deluge that welcomed me. Deluge it really was - rivers flowing down the gutters and big puddles in the road. This does add a few extra things to think about for the cyclist - are there potholes in those puddles? - better avoid all drain covers as they'll be slippy - no sharp turns as these roads are so slimy. Anyway - I'm used to this from cycling at home so no big deal as long as you're careful.

I've noticed there have been far fewer touring cyclists since San Fran (by the way I forgot to mention how big cycling is in and around that city -great!).

I did however pass a couple of cyclists in the deluge (commuters I think).

cyclist 1 - swearing and ranting at the weather
cyclist 2 - laughing at the absurdity of the suituation

cyclist 2, I like your style!

I also briefly met a couple of (French I think) tourers. They were looking for a motel and I said I had one booked. Unfortunately this came about right at the most busy and complicated junction in Santa Cruz. It really annoys the motorists if you are in the road at a junction (even a bike lane) and stop - the turn right is then blocked for them. I can understand this, so I don't stop at a junction to look at maps/gps unless I get the bike right off the road. The lights turned green just as we were slowing down (always a bonus with clip in pedals) so I went through the complicated junction and looked back. They had stopped and were discussing right at the junction. Ah well, "there's two of them, they'll be ok" I thought. Sorry guys I guess I was looking out for number 1!

It wasn't long until I was safely at my motel and getting dried and warmed.

I interrupt this blog for a rant

"Leaf blowers - why on earth did anyone invent such and thing and even worse why would anyone use one!!! They are incredibly noisy, probably expensive to buy and run and do not solve the root cause of the problem. Presumably they are used because leaves look messy - correct me if I'm wrong but blowing them around a bit is not going to solve that. Please just get a rake and a suitable leaf container and deal with it!"

Ah, that feels better - there was one of these going at the motel.

Tomorrow I will finish near the small town of Big Sur. There is practically nothing for 20-30 miles either side of that, hence the planning ahead with accommodation. By my (sometimes faulty) calcs tomorrow and the next day will both be c70 milers. There will be climbing too. Here's hoping for dry days and if I could have a wee tail wind for a change that would be nice too.

The Birds...

Hello, little fella - you ain't shy!

Ah, I expect you are after something to eat...sorry buddy I have nothing for you...

Look, I told you I have nothing, you are beginning to annoy me now - shooo!

YIKES!

Alien v Predator?

I think not! something far more interesting.....

Cormorant v Heron...!

Cormorant won - big wings maybe keeping the Heron's big beak at bay? Or maybe just that Cormorant wanted that perch just a little bit more.

Brekky bites - Thur 6 Oct

RAIN!

Forecast says showers all day. I suppose ive had a great run with the weather so far.

Nothing else for it, the pocket rocket and waterproof overshoes will be on from the start. Although Ill be going around 60 miles the map profile readout looks like it wont be too hilly. We'll see.

Well, taking on board last night's proverb ... here goes...

Proverbio del dia

Este nuevo, el proverbio del dia!

Esta noche tenemos el proverbio...

No dejes para manana lo que puedes hacer hoy.

Buenas noches amigos. Hasta manana.

Day 29 report pt 2

...but its always much nicer without the traffic noise and being able to take in the surroundings more.

This was an uplifting last few miles to my motel for the night. On arrival they asked if id been rained on today. Not apart from a tiny spot or two in san fran. Lucky for me because after my post cycle stretch and shower i opened my curtains to see big puddles on the previously dry ground. Glad i just missed that!

Ok, its a longer day tomorrow so id better eat soon. But before i do i need to tweak my setup...again! Arms are good with the lower bars and back pretty much ok but a longer day would probably hurt my back. Need to find a happy medium i think.

Day 29 Report - San Francisco to Half Moon Bay pt1

Total miles 38.4
Average speed 11.2
Total ascent 683m

Note - days 26, 27 and 28 were rest days.

I had a bit of a slow start today. Why? the bike was not exactly the most inviting thing today. My body was just getting used to not pedalling and here we go again! I needed to take the BART back to embarcadero (where i left off on sat) and they dont allow bikes on during rush hour. But thats no excuse as that finishes at 8:50. Anyway, i did eventually get started at 10:44 and just as well i had a short day planned.

Some lovely views of the GGB lifted my spirits for a while, but apart from the occasional flweeting glimpse of the coast these were urban, busy roads. So very few pic s were taken.

There was some wee climbs to get my muscles back interested and i wasnt too chuffed by the insistent headwind...

...until i took the suggested coastal bike path coming into Half Moon Bay. It has a wonderful half moon shaped beach! The busy road wasnt all that dicey but ...tbc

Spanish homework

Im doing some spanish reading (with a pint or 2 of Russian River Blind Pig IPA - yes!) One of my spanish books has proverbs as well as stories and ive just read a couple that i found amusing / appropriate

Mejor ser cabeza de raton que cola de leon.

Cuando estes en Roma haz como los romanos

...no prizes for guessing the second one...and in the spirit of this ive got half an eye on a baseball match...it just isnt cricket! ;)

It's time to get back on the bike!

Well, after 3 days off in San Francisco it's back on the bike tomorrow. I have to admit that when I waved goodbye to my brother Neil at the BART station this morning my motivation levels were not that high. Shock!!!

When I started this trip almost 4 weeks ago in Vancouver I didn't know whether I could do the cycling at all due to my back injury and had mentally decided that if I can make it to San Francisco then I can do the whole thing. That was excellent for getting me to San Francisco but now...

...but don't worry folks - I'm back in the game! The challenge is to get to the Mexico border and I've still got over 600 miles to go. A lot of people have said the next part between San Franciso and Santa Barbara is the best bit so that helps too.

I've broken with tradition by getting motels booked for the next 4 nights too. There are a lot of big gaps between towns coming up and I didn't want to be caught short.

As well as a bit of touristy activities I've had my bike serviced - new chain and cassette, cables tightened, spokes tweaked, new bar tape. All good there.

Injury update - My arms are miles better and almost completely back to normal. I've actually (perhaps counter-intuitively) lowered the bars a little. My reasoning being that the bars were at their highest position to keep my back as upright as possible. But that was putting strain on my arms to hold that position. Now the bars are in a more natural position my arms feel as if they don't have to do as much work any more. It does mean that I'll have to be extra careful with my back again though.

Here's a couple of tourist snaps of me and Neil...I'm "acting the goat" as normal!

Ok, it's back in the game and back in the saddle tomorrow. The practicalities of accomodation make it a reasonably short day (c40 miles) but that's no bad thing after a few days off.

One final thing - all the best to ZoolDaFool, Starj, TC and Coco this weekend as they join the Tartan army in Leichtenstein - wish I was coming with you lads! Have a great time - I'm sure you will.

Why I'm doing this...

Hi all!

As Room to Read's HQ is in San Francisco I took the opportunity to drop by today. I'm joined in this picture by Geetha Murali who was one of the guys that took the time to say "hi". They also gave us (my brother Neil and I) more little info on what the charity does and how it ensures it is using it's funds in the best ways. The more I learn about Room to Read the more I like what I hear. It's reassuring to know how important it is to them to review the effectiveness of the investments made and how they continue to develop and evolve how they operate as a result.

Of course I'm doing this cycle trip partly as a personal challenge. But a large part of the motivation is to also try to make a small difference in the world.

Thanks to you all at Room to Read for welcoming us this afternoon - especially as I'm sure my cycling chat wasn't to everyone's taste!

The gibbons are going on holiday to Tenerife...

Have a great time lads...!


...full Gibbon council debrief required when we all get back to home territory...over couple of Cal 80s...and a curry!!!

"You can call me Dragon"

There is a small town called Elk on the coast in California. I stopped for lunch there in a great cafe )also had accommodation). One of my best lunches of the trip - simple pasta, chicken, broccoli in white wine sauce. Perfect.  Out the back of this cafe there was a lovely view (and a dragon!) - Elk used to be a much bigger town (called Greenbank I think) and big in logging. There used to be a train track right out onto the rocks for shipping the logs down the coast. There's not much of the track left - just a few joists.

Where does "You can call me dragon" come from? A movie with Will Ferrell called stepbrothers. Not as good as Anchorman (obviously) but worth a look.

Piccy catch-up - Lost Coast slight return

After the first 2 climbs there was a longish flattish part along the coast and through Petrolia and Honeydew.

I stopped on a bridge to take this - not normally good practice but there was hee haw traffic so I'm just going to do it today.

My bike is tired! This was on the way up the "Endless Hill". I normally don't like lying my faithful friend on the ground but there was no tree/fence post to lean him against. I badly needed a rest so normal practice temporarily suspended under special circumstances.

Around the top there was more viewing opportunities. Great to get high up above most of the trees. Worth the effort? Affirmative..also, you'll never know unless you go!

On the way down - only a few little gaps in the foliage to sneak a shot through.

Piccy catch-up - California coast

I think this one was somewhere around a place called Elk. The observant amongst you might note that while Oregon is very sandy, the northern coast of California is much more rocky with only small beaches.

On the way from Fort Bragg to Gualala.
The beaches seem to be restricted to these little river estuary areas. Also means sharp descents and a climb back up onto the coastal plateaux.

This was just as I hit the coast again after lots of Redwoods and steep climbs. Circa 10 miles north of Westport.

Day 25 report - pt 2

...before i go...thanks for all the comments and support. I get an email sent to me with each comment so if i have a phone signal (nearly all the time) i get your comment. They do help keep me motivated (except your ones, Zooldafool ;)) Keep em comin' !!

Day 25 Report - Fairfax to San Francisco pt 1

Total miles 25.5
Average speed 10.0mph
Total Ascent 497m

So here I am in San Francisco and no cycling until Wednesday. Nice!

Im actually blogging from a laundromat in oakland (just across .the bay and a short tube ride from san fran). Neil will join me here tomorrow but of course i will have a look see what the saturday night vibe is in SF.

Just a wee spin today via freinds of Unc keith and aunt Dorothy - the Chittendens. A lovely coffee, cakes and hints and tips about things to do round here. Thanks folks!

Blessed again with a decent day (actually nicer than the last couple) I got great views of the GGB and of the bay area from the GGB.

Im afraid i have to own up to my first walker of the tour. Some of the streets in SF are brutal! I had to get off for the last 10 metres or id have fallen off!

Short post today and im going to take a couple of days rest from the blog too (although i know ive fallen behind on my oregon pics .!)...tbc