We made some killer pancakes yesterday and a kind soul supplied us some outrageously good blueberries to add to our meal. The hostel is located 5 miles outside of San Fran in a quiet and secluded area. We stayed two nights in a dorm with four bunk beds. The first night one of our roomies snored all night long and we, maybe, got two hours of sleep. The second night was much better with three other quieter roomies allowing for a better night's rest for our 40 plus mile riding through San Fran to Half Moon Bay.
It's been a few days since our last post. We departed Santa Rosa on Friday, July 18th...at least we tried. We woke ready to get BB Baker and Bluga back on the road, however I discovered I had a flat tire. Oh, let me back up a bit. The day before we left we were prepping for our departure and I noticed my back tire was flat. We changed it once, twice and a third time within an hour. If you've ever changed a bike tire, once in a day is really enough. Three times can make you a bit cranky, however, Poncha and I powered through the necessary task. When we started to change the back tire a fourth time on our Santa Rosa departure day, we realized our pump (our only pump) was broken! With deep sighs, we gathered ourselves and went into problem solving mode. Needless to say, we did depart Santa Rosa that day after a trip to a gas station, a bike store and REI which had us leave four hours later than expected.
Once we had ourselves a new pump and the tire was fixed we happily rode off with our destination 51 miles away. It felt great to be back on the bikes. Since Santa Rosa was a detour for our coastal route we knew the route but not the terrain. It turned out to hold more hills than expected and we stopped in Novato for an overnight in a motel. We were beat from our day and once we checked in it the motel we stayed put. We did set up an appointment for our first boat viewing in San Rafael and that helped make us eager to pedal the next day.
On Saturday July 19th we set off to San Rafael, our minds curious about the boat we were going to view. Once we arrived at Rubicon Yatchs in SanRafael we were informed we could not see the boat as the broker's assistant had no time for us. Bummed, really bummed, we pedaled away. We held out hope due to setting up another boat viewing in San Fran the next day. On our way out of San Rafael, I had another flat tire! We couldn't believe our reality! This time the changing of the tire was done in record speed with Poncha's assistance.
Our pedaling took us to Sausalito. It was incredibly gorgeous to see San Fran in the background and all the incredible sailboats catching the wind!
It's been a few days since our last post. We departed Santa Rosa on Friday, July 18th...at least we tried. We woke ready to get BB Baker and Bluga back on the road, however I discovered I had a flat tire. Oh, let me back up a bit. The day before we left we were prepping for our departure and I noticed my back tire was flat. We changed it once, twice and a third time within an hour. If you've ever changed a bike tire, once in a day is really enough. Three times can make you a bit cranky, however, Poncha and I powered through the necessary task. When we started to change the back tire a fourth time on our Santa Rosa departure day, we realized our pump (our only pump) was broken! With deep sighs, we gathered ourselves and went into problem solving mode. Needless to say, we did depart Santa Rosa that day after a trip to a gas station, a bike store and REI which had us leave four hours later than expected.
Once we had ourselves a new pump and the tire was fixed we happily rode off with our destination 51 miles away. It felt great to be back on the bikes. Since Santa Rosa was a detour for our coastal route we knew the route but not the terrain. It turned out to hold more hills than expected and we stopped in Novato for an overnight in a motel. We were beat from our day and once we checked in it the motel we stayed put. We did set up an appointment for our first boat viewing in San Rafael and that helped make us eager to pedal the next day.
On Saturday July 19th we set off to San Rafael, our minds curious about the boat we were going to view. Once we arrived at Rubicon Yatchs in SanRafael we were informed we could not see the boat as the broker's assistant had no time for us. Bummed, really bummed, we pedaled away. We held out hope due to setting up another boat viewing in San Fran the next day. On our way out of San Rafael, I had another flat tire! We couldn't believe our reality! This time the changing of the tire was done in record speed with Poncha's assistance.
Our pedaling took us to Sausalito. It was incredibly gorgeous to see San Fran in the background and all the incredible sailboats catching the wind!
With Sausalito came the monumental hills and forceful winds and tons of cyclists! I do mean rode cyclists and not the touring type, like us. There were a few hill/wind combinations that had us almost at a complete standstill despite our best efforts to pedal with all our might! We made it to the hostel with more hills and more wind and tired legs. It was the first day I wanted a beer more than Poncha! No beer as there was no store around the hostel. The nearest place to get a beer was back in Sausalito and we couldn't bare to cycle back over those hills!
Sunday morning, after our hearty pancake breakfast, we took BB Baker, Bluga and ourselves across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sunday morning, after our hearty pancake breakfast, we took BB Baker, Bluga and ourselves across the Golden Gate Bridge.
After the bridge crossing we learned our second attempt to view a boat was not going to happen due to another appointment glitch with a boat broker. With such beautiful views of San Fran and smiles on our faces we set out to enjoy our day. We thoroughly enjoyed cycling the city. Our stops included REI (since I managed to purchase the wrong size tubes in Santa Rosa), 21st Amendment Brewery for that long awaited and well deserve IPA along with some deep fried crack or cheese curds as they are called at the brewery!
Our "day off" from cycling ended with us riding 30 miles which really wasn't a day off however it was a lovely day. Needless to say our legs were tired again. We ended the day with a much needed magnificent pasta dinner and watching a documentary called Craigslist Joe; which we both recommend.
Off to Half Moon Bay!
Wow, sounds like quite the adventurous few days - good and bad! But you are making good progress - love the photos!
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