Got to Santa Cruz from Half Moon Bay on Wednesday, after the worst day of touring I have had. There was such a strong south wind that day, I remember going down a decent hill, and looking down to actually see that I was slowing down. This is the first time I recall, that I was not pleased to be riding (at one point cursing the wind aloud). The weather was excellent, sunshine, warm... just a damn headwind!
I continue to meet awesome people on the road. Not sure if I mentioned it previously, but it's interesting that most of the touring cyclists I meet are from other parts of the world, and not typically american. Coming from Half Moon Bay alone, I met two guys from the Netherlands, and another couple German dudes.
Leaving San Francisco, I was greeted with another day of terrific weather (see the Golden Gate shots). Winding around the coast and down to Half Moon Bay, I checked out Mavericks, a famous big-wave spot I have never seen before. Standing there on the bluff, looking at the break, I could feel the potential power and energy there, a very humbling place.
I have been enjoying myself tremendously...as usual, haha. My friend Jad, has been staying his friend's in Santa Cruz, and fortunately let me stay there as well. Arnoldo is our host, a very generous, kind man with roots in Columbia, and has offered lots of great advice and interesting stories. I have been having an excellent time in Santa Cruz hanging with Jad, surfing, working out, partying...a great mix of everything.
Hosted my first touring cyclist, Eric, had seen him on the road several times in his recumbent. After surfing and heading home one evening a few days ago, we spotted Eric riding through town. We had him at the house, cooked a meal for him, and sent him on his way the following morning (with excellent timing, it had begun to rain just as we met him that night).
I'll be back on the road mon/tues, should be to San Luis Obispo by next weekend.
Hope you have an excellent halloween.
Enjoy The Ride
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Pics
Iraq memorial
Uncle and fam
Sister and niece
Santa cruz, frisbee with Jad, Monterrey in the background
Cyclist Eric
Start of a great night
Party in SC
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thousands of miles, one pedal stroke at a time
112. This is the amount of weight I have to lug around with me. That's ~112lbs, fluctuates based on groceries and amount of water, but it includes 75 pounds of gear, and a 37 pound bike. I finally had the chance to figure it out when I stayed at Janet's house in Arcata (thanks again Janet).
Here is a summary as a refresher from previous:
After leaving Astoria, I continued South, only to meet some more touring cyclists within the next day or two (Russel and Lauraly - two brits, and Ben - canadian) I would camp with them a couple times and occasionally see them on the road, and ride with them when we were on the same schedule. A highlight of being with them was camping at South Beach State Park, riding bike paths to Rogue brewery under the bridge in Newport, and riding back in the dark = very excellent time.
I took a week off in Crescenty City at my good friend Miles' place, that can be summed up with a basic description of our day: coffee, surfing, beer, food, friends, repeat.
Leaving Crescenty City and my friends was difficult but I felt the road calling, and the weather looming with fall swiftly approaching. Up a huge hill, couple camp spots, and I'm in Arcata (place I have wanted to live in for years). Meeting people was easy and having a generous warmshowers host - Janet, and awesome new friend and couchsurfer host - Kristin, I again I found myself having a hard time leaving this town, and had to muster some motivation to keep moving.
Riding through the redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants, was probably the best time riding for me yet (I knew it would be spectacular). With little cars on the road, and relatively flat land, my mind could wander through the trees as I pedaled. I thought a lot of the people I had met on this journey and where this trip has taken me. I thanked myself for making this trip happen. I was astonished that I had already ridden halfway to San Diego, and over 1,000 miles. I was (and still a bit) filled with mixed emotions. On one side I was thrilled to have ridden as far as I have, and proud of myself. On the other side, sad, that the trip would be ending soon, and that this was likely the last cool scenic leg of the trip.
Fortunately, there has still been tons to see further south and I don't feel like the excitement has been lost. Also, I already made the decision to continue my journey south of the border once I sell belongings. After roughly a week, some serious hilly, curvy and varied terrain, the 1 finally brought me to the bay area. Riding across the Golden Gate at night, no fog, I could see the entire downtown SF skyline, even the bay bridge. Riding to downtown to catch the BART to Lafayette and my uncle/aunt's house, I looked back to see the ENTIRE Golden Gate. A cycling commuter I had ridden with across was saying that in the last four months of riding to/from work daily, he has never seen it that clear...
Here are some random thoughts:
It's funny how while riding, the journey itself seems very difficult, i.e. going up huge hills, dealing with traffic/winds/weather, etc...but all of the hardships are soon forgotten when arriving at a place and meeting fellow touring cyclists, or just seeing something amazing. It's funny to me how sometimes I'll just plain be tired of riding, body hurting, but then off my bike on some detour, or hanging with new friends, it all seems perfect and fun.
I think it's funny how different things seem while riding. For example: I have driven the entire California coast numerous times over the years, even driving the 1 from San Francisco to Humboldt once going North, yet a lot of it seems so unfamiliar now while biking. There are certain places (bars, beaches...) that I have seen many times and have the same fee now, but others...just so exotic. It's crazy to me how much more I am seeing while on the road, passing a body of water for instance, instead of seconds in a car, I have minutes to analyze the area.
I have definitely noticed the weather cooling down within the past 2-3 weeks. Very noticeable shift in the weather. I have not been rained on in so long...I don't even remember the last time! Coming down off Legget hill, into the valley before the next hill, I have never been so cold riding. Flying at around 25mph, for a few miles, with just a T shirt on and bike shorts, with probably temp around 50, I felt the cold wind chill me deep down to the bones. I actually had to stop and put a sweatshirt on, and was still cold until the next uphill.
It's amazing how many touring cyclists are out there. I remember I barely saw any in Washington, then I hit Oregon and from then on, I see lots. Now they are almost dime-a-dozen (but not really) and sometimes just exchange hellos instead of emails and blog addresses.
I have been thinking a lot recently, the whole notion of meeting people on the road. Lots (most) are very nice and interesting people. There are some particular people that I make a serious connection with. These people that I can see right away, already have a profound effect, would make awesome companions, and just better my life altogether, are only temporary. Somebody recently said how I would never see someone ever again, and the thought has plagued me since I heard the words. It has been difficult to think how when I meet someone that stands out in the awesome category, I will shortly be saying my goodbyes and possibly never seeing that person again...that sux haha! I think, of course, it is much better to have maid connections with people (hopefully learned something important, or at least had an outstanding time), some strong bonds, and hope that one day we will hang out again and reminisce...but it is difficult to deal with for me nonetheless.
The guide book I am following uses some statements that I hate. Things like "the miles fly by" - describing certain sections of the tour that are supposed to be easy...which never happens!
I have probably mentioned this previously, out of all the things to deal with while riding on the road, the wind is the worst. I will take rain, cars, logging trucks, even incapable/inconsiderate RV drivers, over a strong headwind. It just saps my motivation and turns riding into a struggle to move.
Well I'm off to bed for a long day of touring around SF on my bike tomorrow. I'll probably stay in the area through the weekend and move South on Monday (I'm hoping to find a reasonably priced handlebar bag, and some new bike shoes, both of which are expensive)
Total mileage: 1334
Here is a summary as a refresher from previous:
After leaving Astoria, I continued South, only to meet some more touring cyclists within the next day or two (Russel and Lauraly - two brits, and Ben - canadian) I would camp with them a couple times and occasionally see them on the road, and ride with them when we were on the same schedule. A highlight of being with them was camping at South Beach State Park, riding bike paths to Rogue brewery under the bridge in Newport, and riding back in the dark = very excellent time.
I took a week off in Crescenty City at my good friend Miles' place, that can be summed up with a basic description of our day: coffee, surfing, beer, food, friends, repeat.
Leaving Crescenty City and my friends was difficult but I felt the road calling, and the weather looming with fall swiftly approaching. Up a huge hill, couple camp spots, and I'm in Arcata (place I have wanted to live in for years). Meeting people was easy and having a generous warmshowers host - Janet, and awesome new friend and couchsurfer host - Kristin, I again I found myself having a hard time leaving this town, and had to muster some motivation to keep moving.
Riding through the redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants, was probably the best time riding for me yet (I knew it would be spectacular). With little cars on the road, and relatively flat land, my mind could wander through the trees as I pedaled. I thought a lot of the people I had met on this journey and where this trip has taken me. I thanked myself for making this trip happen. I was astonished that I had already ridden halfway to San Diego, and over 1,000 miles. I was (and still a bit) filled with mixed emotions. On one side I was thrilled to have ridden as far as I have, and proud of myself. On the other side, sad, that the trip would be ending soon, and that this was likely the last cool scenic leg of the trip.
Fortunately, there has still been tons to see further south and I don't feel like the excitement has been lost. Also, I already made the decision to continue my journey south of the border once I sell belongings. After roughly a week, some serious hilly, curvy and varied terrain, the 1 finally brought me to the bay area. Riding across the Golden Gate at night, no fog, I could see the entire downtown SF skyline, even the bay bridge. Riding to downtown to catch the BART to Lafayette and my uncle/aunt's house, I looked back to see the ENTIRE Golden Gate. A cycling commuter I had ridden with across was saying that in the last four months of riding to/from work daily, he has never seen it that clear...
Here are some random thoughts:
It's funny how while riding, the journey itself seems very difficult, i.e. going up huge hills, dealing with traffic/winds/weather, etc...but all of the hardships are soon forgotten when arriving at a place and meeting fellow touring cyclists, or just seeing something amazing. It's funny to me how sometimes I'll just plain be tired of riding, body hurting, but then off my bike on some detour, or hanging with new friends, it all seems perfect and fun.
I think it's funny how different things seem while riding. For example: I have driven the entire California coast numerous times over the years, even driving the 1 from San Francisco to Humboldt once going North, yet a lot of it seems so unfamiliar now while biking. There are certain places (bars, beaches...) that I have seen many times and have the same fee now, but others...just so exotic. It's crazy to me how much more I am seeing while on the road, passing a body of water for instance, instead of seconds in a car, I have minutes to analyze the area.
I have definitely noticed the weather cooling down within the past 2-3 weeks. Very noticeable shift in the weather. I have not been rained on in so long...I don't even remember the last time! Coming down off Legget hill, into the valley before the next hill, I have never been so cold riding. Flying at around 25mph, for a few miles, with just a T shirt on and bike shorts, with probably temp around 50, I felt the cold wind chill me deep down to the bones. I actually had to stop and put a sweatshirt on, and was still cold until the next uphill.
It's amazing how many touring cyclists are out there. I remember I barely saw any in Washington, then I hit Oregon and from then on, I see lots. Now they are almost dime-a-dozen (but not really) and sometimes just exchange hellos instead of emails and blog addresses.
I have been thinking a lot recently, the whole notion of meeting people on the road. Lots (most) are very nice and interesting people. There are some particular people that I make a serious connection with. These people that I can see right away, already have a profound effect, would make awesome companions, and just better my life altogether, are only temporary. Somebody recently said how I would never see someone ever again, and the thought has plagued me since I heard the words. It has been difficult to think how when I meet someone that stands out in the awesome category, I will shortly be saying my goodbyes and possibly never seeing that person again...that sux haha! I think, of course, it is much better to have maid connections with people (hopefully learned something important, or at least had an outstanding time), some strong bonds, and hope that one day we will hang out again and reminisce...but it is difficult to deal with for me nonetheless.
The guide book I am following uses some statements that I hate. Things like "the miles fly by" - describing certain sections of the tour that are supposed to be easy...which never happens!
I have probably mentioned this previously, out of all the things to deal with while riding on the road, the wind is the worst. I will take rain, cars, logging trucks, even incapable/inconsiderate RV drivers, over a strong headwind. It just saps my motivation and turns riding into a struggle to move.
Well I'm off to bed for a long day of touring around SF on my bike tomorrow. I'll probably stay in the area through the weekend and move South on Monday (I'm hoping to find a reasonably priced handlebar bag, and some new bike shoes, both of which are expensive)
Total mileage: 1334
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Vivid Details
Miles' house, a very good friend that I stayed with for a week
Nothing like taking a break for some waves. Note: nice right peeling wave behind me
A few steps from my friend's place in Crescent City
...and nobody out
so excite!
Janet, awesome warmshowers host
True story, pizza and beer in a movie theater = amazing
Goodtimes with couchsurfer kristin
speechless
The very spot I first heard about going on a trip like this and gave me the idea.
Cypress barrel
Tim and Allen, touring on a weekend.
Norcal is cool.
Fellow cyclist Emily after breakfast warming up
Probably best stealth camp spot yet, mere 20 meters from a kelp bed
Red-tail gliding, on top of Mt. Tamalpais
Not doing it justice... could see the ENTIRE bridge and downtown skyline.
Monday, October 11, 2010
More Pictures
Hiked a mile to get this shot. Look familiar?
Great free-camp spot, complete with cooking log (so nice getting up to morning sun).
Creek, next to our camp site near Crescent City
New friends from the hostel
Morning glow, side of the road
Brits on the left, canadian on the right
Rare carnivorous california pitcher plant
Astoria, OR. Taken from the monument
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Torture, In So Many Ways
Made it to Crescent City! Realized some time last week that in order to be here by friday, I would have to do a seriously long ride, basically two days worth. So I rode all the way from Sunset Bay state park, Oregon, to Crescent City, Ca. That's a total of 136. That is not a typo. I rode for so long my timer reset itself. I was on the bike, pedaling, for almost 12 hours.
On Thursday, I camped at Sunset Bay state park in Oregon with the young British couple, and Canadian I have been riding with/seeing occasionally that weekk. I got up Friday morning around 6, had a quick breakfast (it was still dark), broke camp and packed. I left around 730, saw an amazing wave breaking as I passed Bastendorf state park, but no time to stop and check it out, so pushed on. Got through the mountains relatively quickly and back onto the 101. Stopped in Bandon (i think) for a couple of doughnuts, then back on the road.
Somewhere near Humbug mountain (in the mountains), I got a flat in my rear tire. I heard what sounded like a stone stuck in the tire, when I stopped, I heard the hiss. Changed it quick and was back on the road in probably about an hour.
When I got to Gold Beach, I felt the energy just draining from me, and lack of fuel. I stopped at subway and slammed a half a sub, saved the other half for the rest of the ride. I hit the hill at Cape Sebastian, I felt myself just crashing a tad. I was at around the 90 mile mark. I looked up at the hill in front of me, as I had some water and took a moment to think about what I was doing. I tried to take a step back and just think for a moment, "is what I'm doing safe?" I debated for a moment, and reasoned that the road is inherently unsafe, and that I have plenty of water and nutrients in my body. I was feeling tired, but not dizzy, so I pedaled on.
I struggled up that hill, it took a lot for me to get up that damn thing. I hit an all time high of 41mph screaming down the other side, if that gives you an idea of how steep it was. After that, I saw numerous, empty, awesome waves.
I hit Brookings as it was getting dark. At that point, I was so drained, but still confident. I didn't have the crash kind of feeling as I did near Cape Sebastian. Since it was nearly dark, and it would take me a few hours still to get to Crescent City, I stopped to have some coffee and eat the rest of my sub.
The ride from there to Crescent was...interesting. It was so dark. I had my reflective vest on. Cars were few and far between, and a tad dangerous in one section when the shoulder disappeared. As I neared Crescent, it was SO dark. With no cars, I couldn't see the road signs, or even the road. Huge redwoods loomed over me. I focused on the fog line, and waited until a car would come to get my bearings. I had a tad of vertigo at times, nearly falling over, did I say it was dark?
Delirious and ecstatic, I rolled into Crescent City at around 930pm, a full 12 hours since I had left the campground at Sunset Bay in Coos bay. I got to Miles' house, and surprised him since he thought i was likely to arrive the following day. I immediately enjoyed a cold beer, and hung out with him and his friends. I had a shower and did laundry. It felt amazing to put on clean, dry clothes the following morning after having a great nights sleep.
We went camping over the weekend at a friend's ranch in the mountains east of Crescent City. The camp area was awesome. Complete with a running creek, and a deep water hole that I made sure to jump into as we left today. We hung out with friends, had a fire, ate food there saturday night. Did some work around the ranch, got back and surfed today. That area was 'brilliant' (as my brit friends would say, they say that so much, haha) stunning forest covered mountains, with long, brown grassy fields. The wind in the trees, birds flying overhead, so peaceful and serene.
Going to update and summarize the day journal this week and post some pics.
On Thursday, I camped at Sunset Bay state park in Oregon with the young British couple, and Canadian I have been riding with/seeing occasionally that weekk. I got up Friday morning around 6, had a quick breakfast (it was still dark), broke camp and packed. I left around 730, saw an amazing wave breaking as I passed Bastendorf state park, but no time to stop and check it out, so pushed on. Got through the mountains relatively quickly and back onto the 101. Stopped in Bandon (i think) for a couple of doughnuts, then back on the road.
Somewhere near Humbug mountain (in the mountains), I got a flat in my rear tire. I heard what sounded like a stone stuck in the tire, when I stopped, I heard the hiss. Changed it quick and was back on the road in probably about an hour.
When I got to Gold Beach, I felt the energy just draining from me, and lack of fuel. I stopped at subway and slammed a half a sub, saved the other half for the rest of the ride. I hit the hill at Cape Sebastian, I felt myself just crashing a tad. I was at around the 90 mile mark. I looked up at the hill in front of me, as I had some water and took a moment to think about what I was doing. I tried to take a step back and just think for a moment, "is what I'm doing safe?" I debated for a moment, and reasoned that the road is inherently unsafe, and that I have plenty of water and nutrients in my body. I was feeling tired, but not dizzy, so I pedaled on.
I struggled up that hill, it took a lot for me to get up that damn thing. I hit an all time high of 41mph screaming down the other side, if that gives you an idea of how steep it was. After that, I saw numerous, empty, awesome waves.
I hit Brookings as it was getting dark. At that point, I was so drained, but still confident. I didn't have the crash kind of feeling as I did near Cape Sebastian. Since it was nearly dark, and it would take me a few hours still to get to Crescent City, I stopped to have some coffee and eat the rest of my sub.
The ride from there to Crescent was...interesting. It was so dark. I had my reflective vest on. Cars were few and far between, and a tad dangerous in one section when the shoulder disappeared. As I neared Crescent, it was SO dark. With no cars, I couldn't see the road signs, or even the road. Huge redwoods loomed over me. I focused on the fog line, and waited until a car would come to get my bearings. I had a tad of vertigo at times, nearly falling over, did I say it was dark?
Delirious and ecstatic, I rolled into Crescent City at around 930pm, a full 12 hours since I had left the campground at Sunset Bay in Coos bay. I got to Miles' house, and surprised him since he thought i was likely to arrive the following day. I immediately enjoyed a cold beer, and hung out with him and his friends. I had a shower and did laundry. It felt amazing to put on clean, dry clothes the following morning after having a great nights sleep.
We went camping over the weekend at a friend's ranch in the mountains east of Crescent City. The camp area was awesome. Complete with a running creek, and a deep water hole that I made sure to jump into as we left today. We hung out with friends, had a fire, ate food there saturday night. Did some work around the ranch, got back and surfed today. That area was 'brilliant' (as my brit friends would say, they say that so much, haha) stunning forest covered mountains, with long, brown grassy fields. The wind in the trees, birds flying overhead, so peaceful and serene.
Going to update and summarize the day journal this week and post some pics.
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