Made my way to Golden Gate Park today to pay homage to one of tbe iconic places of my youth. This is where the original Summer of Love started with the birth of the hippie culture back in the sixties. Was it 67 or 68. I cant remember.
The Haight/Ashbury corner is where the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin all hung out at the time. Just had to visit Amoeba Records and buy some Dead and Airplane CD's.
This city is amazing. I want to live here!
What can I say. San Francisco Bay WOW! Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge WOW! Does anybody remember Lets Go to San Francisco by the Flowetpot men. I cant seem to get this song out of my head. I am on a total high today. Glad to finish cycling but sad that this amazing adventure has finally come to an end.
After getting Dolo to her hostel I cycled atound the bay to the Embarcadero and caught the BART ( Bay Area Rapid Transport ) to Berkeley and met up with Greg to find that he actually does own a Ski shop. And a little red Mazda MX5 that I can have the use of over the next few days.
So I plan to enjoy San Fransisco and surrounding area for the next few days before I take the Amtrak to Vancouver and finally fly home on the 26th.
Miles Today 30
Total 5340
You can tell that you are getting closer to San Fransisco when:
The oyster bars on the side of the road have free valet parking.
A latte costs $5
Every othet car on the road is a convertible
You're sat in a cafe surrounded by lycra clad cyclists and they are not interesred in talking to you.
The map says 27 miles to go.
However another great days cycling finished offf with an excellent Indian meal. Passed another couple of around the world cyclists today. The global mobile family, with 4 children the oldest of which was 8 and the youngest 8 MONTHS. Amazing.
Miles Tofay 50
Total 5300
Despite being described as medium in the route book today's ride was ridiculously difficult. It was also ridiculously amzing with Coastal scenery par excellence all the way. This is the California that I had envisaged. I think the northern end of California should perhaps be called something else.
The day ended with an excellent mexican seafood meal in Bodega Bay after a 2 mile supposed walking shortcut that was anything but. We ended up back on the campsite and cycling. Just what we didn't need after a tiring day.
We also bumped into a new bunch of people on the campsite doing the Pacific route. Jeremy and Jen from New Orleons and Christine from Los Angeles.
Miles Today 69
Total 5250
After waking up to temperatures in the low forties todays ride was one of outstanding coastal scenery, once we had got out of the built up area around the pleasant town of Fort Bragg. As the book said it was quite strenuous going into and out of all the coves and inlets along the route,
To get a hot shower tonight we are staying on the private KOA at 9$. The campsites over here are amazing value for hikers and bikers. Pity that due to the recession California is closing down over 70 State Parks.
I'm definately counting down the days now. Not attacking the hills with my usual gusto. Will be glad to reach San Francisco now and get the cycling over and done with.
Miles Today 44
Total 5179
