Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Bike Tour 2009

Sorry we've been neglecting you for so long blog.

In September Brian and I took time off work for a bike tour. As we were deliberating about where to ride, we decided against flying or taking the train to our starting location. After finding out that the Power To The Peaceful festival was taking place in Golden Gate Park the last weekend of our vacation, we decided this would be our final destination. We decided to ride the northern coast from Fort Bragg (we were dropped off a little south of there) to San Francisco (where we were picked up after the festival).

Here are some pictures of our adventure.


Entrance to a cemetery


Gualala, CA - Our destination for Day 1
We found this spot with a beautiful view to eat our lunch

Gualala Point Regional Park. Home for the night...


Our site was right next to the Gualala river

Some shots from Day 2:




Entrance to Fort Ross Cemetery




As we were stopped, taking a much needed break after some serious climbing, we watched this car ascend even further, and disappear into the fog. I was grateful that I was on my bike, able to take in every inch of the scenery rather than speeding by in a car, having to pay attention only to the road.

Lunch and coffee at Cafe Aquatica in Jenner (if ever in Jenner, go here!)


After riding down the most beautiful, long, smooth, curvy hill (I actually laughed out loud while riding down it) we rode into Bodega Bay, our destination.


Home for the night, Day 2
We were looking forward to that hot tub ALL DAY. It was everything we hoped for.

Wanting something healthy for dinner I was disappointed to discover our options were a fish n chips place or a fancy looking italian restaurant. We chose the fish n chips which ended up being super delicious.

Day 3:
After filling up on the complimentary breakfast and coffee at the office in the morning we made our way out of Bodega Bay.


We stopped at this market in Valley Ford for lunch




Leaving Tomales heading to Point Reyes Station





We rode past this boat junk yard and I found it fascinating


We stopped on the side of the road for some fuel (fresh fruit and trail mix) and rest. I collected some oyster shells after noticing they were all around me.



Entering Samuel P. Taylor State Park on the cross Marin trail

This trail is so beautiful, and peaceful.

My bike - Surly Long Haul Trucker

Brian's bike

Our secluded hiker/biker spot at Samuel P. Taylor



Riding out of the park, on our way to Lagunitas Market for coffee and the best breakfast bagels.

Riding from Lagunitas to Corte Madera, the weather was unusually hot. The thermometer on my bike computer reached 103 at one point. It was a rough day and we decided to rent a hotel room in Corte Madera instead of riding on to the Marin Headlands like we initially planned. We had no regrets about that decision.

We woke up to sporadic rain fall which added to the enjoyment of the day's ride from Corte Madera, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and into the city.



Michael Franti @ Power To The Peaceful


Chicks on stilts, dancing


I know, it looks scary, but it wasn't.

After hanging out here most of the day we rode down to the beach where our ride was patiently waiting for us. We were both sad the adventure was ending. At least until the next one....

2 comments:

  1. Great trip report! Having lived in Texas all my life I'm always surprised at how beautiful the countryside is in California.

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  2. Yes, it is beautiful here. At times, I have to remind myself not to take it for granted.Thanks for visiting our blog! Monica

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