Links and More

Home
My Equipment
My Links
My Photos
My Training
My Tours
My Trips

Friday 07/11/08 - Sausalito to Half Moon Bay State Beach

We started our day in Sausalito this morning at 10:30 am. The wind was blowing a bit and the clouds were out so we put on the arm and leg warmers. A big change from the triple digit heat we've had back in Roseville for the past week. Another big change is no smoke. With all of the forest fires in the hills filling up the valley with nothing but smoke it has been difficult to get out and play, swim, or even cycle. Here on the coast we wouldn't have to worry about that today. It took Steve and I a few minutes to get the bikes, trailers, and other gear out.  Then we had to put it all together.  After a few pictures we were on our way.  As we started out we climbed a few hills quickly as we rode through the streets of Sausalito and then we were at the Golden Gate Bridge once again. It was 3 years ago that I was last here on the bike. We took a few shots of being at this point once again and then made our way through the heavy pedestrian traffic.

Once across we made our way along Lincoln Blvd and then 27th Street. We had decided to find some food and do lunch in Golden Gate Park. Only problem was finding a place to get something to eat. Finally we found a Safeway Grocery Store on Fulton. I was hoping to get a sandwich in the deli section but that proved to be a little harder than I thought when I found only one person working the counter and plenty of people wanted the exact same thing as I. So instead I opted for something already made and headed for the register.

It was nice to eat in the park because it was mostly sheltered from the winds. By 1:00 pm we were done with lunch and back on the road. This is where our group went from 3 to 2.  Connie headed back to the car and then would meet us in Santa Cruz tomorrow.  Meanwhile Steve and I headed out on the Great Highway enjoying the view of the beach. The wind was picking up a bit and the clouds were still over head. Going through Daly City we did a lot of climbing and had to keep checking the map, there were just too many turns to try and figure out. Once we reached the top it was a fast ride down Palmeto. Up and around to Francisco and then Bradford, a left a Westport and then we were finally on Highway 1.

We went through Pacifica, a cozy little get away place. I had never seen this area and would definitely have to come back here again. As soon as we got out of Pacifica the shoulder disappeared and the road started to climb. Up ahead a sign warned us of a 3 mile road that would not be straight. This meant get ready to climb for 3 miles.

We put it in the lowest gear possible and just took it easy. Near the top of the climb the wind started to really pick up. As if climbing was hard enough without the wind. They were building a new bridge at the top and traffic was heavy once again, we managed to get through here with no issues.

We passed through a few small towns along the way but didn't need much so we kept on going. By 4:00 pm we made it to camp for the night, Half Moon Bay. The Hiker/Biker site is at the back end of the campground right next to the showers, bathrooms, water, and trash. There were a few cyclists already in camp. A dad with his two kids from San Carlos. They were doing a quick overnight trip. Later in the evening Siegmar and Ilona from Germany arrived in camp (Here they are in Santa Cruz later in their trip). They had started from Portland and were headed to the Mexican Border.

We setup camp, shower, and get something to eat. From this point it's a bit of getting things ready for tomorrow, enjoying the waves on the beach, and getting the details of the day down on paper.

I talked with the Siegmar and Ilona a bit to find out their routes and if they going to try and get through Big Sur. Siegmar thinks the roads will be fine. We'll soon find out.

We didn't set any speed records today because of having to get across the bridge and through Daly City. There were just too many pedestrians on the bridge and we had to keep it slow. But we weren't in a hurry, it was more about getting into the swing of it and seeing how Steve did with the trailer. I think we'll do just fine as we head south.

I really liked the Half Moon Bay campground as it was very clean and the showers were great. I would come back to this one for sure.

Just before bed the kids come over and offer us brownies. They had made them fresh that morning and wanted to share. A great treat before we head to bed. We enjoy them and then head to bed.

 

Pictures for the Day
We started from a park and ride lot in Sausilito.	Checking all the papers and maps one last time.	Devin packing up the trailer	Steve gets the rig put together.	Steve's rig is all ready to go.
Devin loaded up and ready to hit the road.	Steve is loaded up and ready to turn around to the right direction.	I have to pull this thing along?	The group shot.	Devin and Steve heading out on the bike trail.
Bike lanes were plenty along the way.	It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years since I last climbed this hill.	Coming up and around...	...the bend to get a look...	...at the Golden Gate Bridge.
We arrive at the rest stop/vista point for the Golden Gate Bridge.	The moment to all those who've lost their life at sea.		Steve's rig at the Vista Point.	The tops of the bridge are hidden in the fog today, like most days.
Connie and the bridge.	Okay, let's get this moving, heading towards the bridge.	Connie the cyclo-tourist.	Devin and the bridge.	Steve and Devin posing for the camera.
Making our way across the bridge.	Looking out to Alcatraz Island.	Looking over to San Francisco.	Pedestrians to the left, cars to the right, and plenty of wind today.	Okay now that we're across the bridge what's next?
Devin and Connie make it to the other side.	Russian Orthodox Church.	"...are you sure you know where you're going."	Devin checking the map one more time...	"Of course I'm sure, pretty sure..."
On the outside of Golden Gate Park...	...is a beautiful windmill...	...and flower garden.	Finally through Golden Gate Park we hit the coast.	Taking a pit stop after lunch before we had out of town.
Heading towards Pacifica.	Out of Pacifica we start climbing...	...for 3 miles with a headwind uphill.	Looking towards Half Moon Bay.	Entering Half Moon Bay at rush hour.
The hiker/biker site at Half Moon Bay.	Steve's tent for the trip.	Devin's tent for the trip.	The campsite was located at the end of the camp.	But still close enough to the showers, restrooms, and water.
The lifeguards calling it a day.	Watching the sun set at Half Moon Bay State Beach.

 

Video Clip
	Crossing the Bridge: Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in a car is a real experience.  Walking across is even more of an experience.  Now try cycling across with pedestrians to your left and cars to your right, add a little wind, and you've got one heck of a ride!  This video clip shows Connie in the Lead with me following, Steve is taking this video clip.

 

Daily Stats
Rider: Devin Holmes Time Left: 10:30 am Time Arrived: 4:00 pm Max mph: 29.8 Avg mph: 9.6 Distance:  38.08 Actual Time Riding: 3:56:59	Camp Fee: $3.00 Lunch: $8.00 Groceries: $0 Shower $1.00 Laundry: $0 Gas: $15.00* (my share of the cost) Total Cost for today: $27.00

Copyright © 2003-2013 Devin Holmes