VANCOMEX: 09/21/12

Friday, 21 September 2012

21st September - Rest day in San Francisco

A lie in today, but an early call from Tom alerted us to an opportunity we couldn't miss - the space shuttle was due to fly across San Francisco at 9.30am and up over the Golden Gate Bridge. So off we trotted down to Fishermans Wharf to get a spot to take photos. Just like British Rail the shuttle was 45 minutes late, but it was well worth the wait - we had no idea that the shuttle was going to pass so low to sea level. It was spectacular - see the pictures below.

We had a great brunch of omlettes and 'all the trimmings' on Pier 39 and discussed our plans for the day. We wanted the day to be relaxing, but also get a feel for the city of San Francisco. Tom was keen to ride a city tour bus. We took the Downtown and Golden Gate Park tours - great views from the open top and useful commentary gave us a good feel for the city in beautiful weather - great stuff.

We felt obliged to have a quick beer on the way back to the hotel, but then reality kicked in that "rest day" also meant "laundry day", as restaurants may start refusing us entry if we don't start to freshen up the lycra!! So Tim gave Chris and Brian a quick lesson on the operation of a washing machine and spin dryer and we loaded up for a spin! At 7.00 in the evening Simon joined us at the hotel and was given 15 minutes to shave, shower and get ready to go out for an evening meal and a few beers. These are essential for the 150kms (95+ miles) ride planned for tomorrow. We were all pleased to have Maurice rejoin the tour this evening and immediately take charge of the 'kitty'. Maurice we missed you.

Kimberley, Scott's girlfriend, judged the TWIT of the day award - an unbiased view! After hearing all the evidence she nominated Tom as TWIT. The reason being, Tom slept on both the site-seeing tour buses, and after lengthy negotiations to buy fruit in China Town declined not to purchase because he had no means to peel the fruit. Other candidates palled into insignificance. After the award for today Tim made a strong bid for tomorrow's award, but all will be revealed later! Simon stayed the pace despite his 30 hour day - and feels he will soon be a contender for TWIT of the day.

Bradley (Chris) burns update

Bradley (Brian) burns update

Bradley (Tom) burns update

Bradley (Tim) burns update

Space Shuttle fly past at San Francisco

Space Shuttle flys over the Golden Gate bridge

Alcatraz - bed for the night for TWIT of the day

Seals and sea lions at Pier 39

I've got an itch

Keep off - this is my board!

Union Square - San Francisco

How much is that doggy in the window - woof woof!

City Hall - San Francisco

Victorian homes with city skyline in San Francisco

All aboard - the San Fran tram

True love found in San Francisco!

I think you need bigger heels Tim

Creating a garden park in a parking
lot as part of Park International week

A previous picture edited!

Colourful China town

20th September - Guerneville to San Francisco

Today was all about getting to San Frnacisco and having a REST DAY !!

We ended up the previous day 13 miles off route so we left early at 7.40am to get back on route as we had 85 plus miles to cycle to San Francisco.

After rejoining the SR1 we hugged the coastline to Bodega Bay and saw seals basking in the sun. Fortunately, the fog lifted early today and by 9.30 we were cycling in bright sunshine. We reached our breakfast location at Bodega Bay and enjoyed omlettes, hash browns and toast. The route then headed inland leaving Sonoma Cunty and entering Marin County. The cycling was a continual journey over short sharp hills and steep inclines and proved to be strenuous work. We were rewarded with lovely countryside views (a nice change from the coastline). We passed through Valley Ford, Tomales before reaching Point Reyes Station at 2.00pm for a short lunch stop of coffee and a sticky bun each.

After lunch with continued cycling in great countryside, the journey included a quiet bike path through Samuel P Taylor state park before entering the suburbs of San Francisco 20 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Chris led us on our way expertly using the route map so our journey was relativelt stress free. At Sausalito we got our first glimpse of San Francisco and after yet another long climb we reached the Golden Gate Bridge - whoop whoop. It was great to cycle across the bridge and we took out time to savour the views (see pictures below).

At the SF end of the bridge we met up with Scott on his bike and he guided us to our evening lodging in China Town. The ride today was 160kms (100 miles) and this followed a much longer journey yesterday. After freshening up we went out for a lovely Thai meal and talked about plans for the rest of our stay in SF. We are having a great time on our bikes, but all of us agree that after 15 consecutive days of cycling, a rest day is welcome! We have now cycled nearly 2000kms (1250 miles). We've agreed to meet for breakfast at 9am - wow - a well deserved now that's a lie in!

Thanks again for your interest in our blog - we have now had over 4000 page reviews so we feel that it's worth the production effort and people are enjoying taking a look.

Chris was awarded TWIT of the day - he thought he was in London and did not not to stop at 4-Way stop signs!!! A driver had to slam on his brakes and shouted - we stop in Fairfax!