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
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