An 8am start after a good breakfast that included omelette and waffles with lashes of maple syrup. We were all a bit apprehensive about the proposed ride to 2000ft up Leggett Hill. It was great to have Tim back for a full-day ride – properly back amongst Team Vancomex..
After starting out on US101 we made a couple of turnoffs to follow more scenic routes along the Eel River before returning to US101. Again we saw eagles soaring above us. We’ve either been on the US101 or close to it for 1600kms so it was a significant moment in the tour when we left it for the last time to join SR1 (see picture). Soon after joining SR1 we were treated to an 1100ft climb to an altitude of 2000ft. This took about 45 minutes to complete – and was both the highest point of the whole ride from Vancouver and the longest non-stop climb. (No Kay and Karen – it is not permitted to stop half way up!!) At the top of the climb we were out into the sun and joined Scott who had got us coffee and bagels – this was the first time we used the chairs provided by Maurice. (SEE PICTURES) We met up with David, Jim and Jill who were cycling from Vancouver, Canada to San Francisco – it’s really nice to exchange tour stories with other cyclists along the route.
After our stop we had a fast 10km decent making our Bradley sideburns blow in the wind – probably as close as we will ever get to cycle the Alps section of the Tour De France. The descent was truly exhilarating. We then climbed an even steeper hill but thankfully only 800 feet of ascent. After the hill climbs and descents we reached the coast and hugged it for the next 30kms – the weather making it a real treat to cycle this section with plenty of stops for photos. We had a super lunch at Westport – first taste of Pizzas on the tour so far and their toppings were superb.
We finished the day’s ride along a 3 mile beach cycle path – a perfect way to end the day. At 5.15 we cycled into our lodgings at Fort Bragg, all agreeing that this was one of the best days so far. 110kms under our belt today – time for an IPA beer or two. Another key milestone today was that we passed through 1000 miles for the tour, making us feel pretty good.
Tom was a clear winner for TWIT of the day. A combination of several incidents, but the best was his version of Ministry of Silly Pedalling. We could not stop laughing for several kms.PS Sorry for lack of photos - slow connection speed - will catch up tomorrow
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Wake up Tom, it’s beer o’clock time
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A few grandads next to the Grandfather tree
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| to our 1600km flirtation with US101. SR1 – hello, we will be together for a while |
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| All five seats out the van for the first time - coffee and refuel at Leggett Hill Peak |
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| The coastal route we followed for 30k – magnificent cycling in great weather |
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| The coastal route we followed for 30k – magnificent cycling in great weather |
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| Meet David – travelling from Vancouver to San Francisco for a 90th birthday celebration – WOW |
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