Friday 20 September 2013
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Day 13. Encinitas to San Diego. 30.1 miles. Job Done 650 miles.
We made it, 650 miles, down the Pacific Coast from San Francisco to San Diego, from the ruggedness of the north to the endless beaches of the south.
We left late as we knew we had plenty time to enjoy such a short cycle. Sun was out as we quickly passed through the numerous beach towns on our way to SD. Quite a few short, sharp hills and one final, long, steep hill to tax us on our last day. Again, a lot of map reading through La Jolla, Mission Beach and finally Point Loma. We passed Ocean Beach where I had started in, March 2012, my cycle across America. It felt strange, then I was on my own and anxious about my impending trip. Now suddenly we were at out hotel and this journey was over. It has been a good trip, not as challenging as some, as the distances were shorter; not as challenging as all decisions, right or wrong were shared. Nevertheless a great trip, a great holiday and that is what we wanted.
I have loved the Californian outdoor way of life, their climate, beaches, parks, the openness of the people, their courteousness and tolerance. They have put all the amenities in place to enjoy their country to its full potential. At times en route, because there was no hard shoulder we were thrown into the busy, fast traffic but mostly there was a bike lane and, I think, herein lies the secret. All road users know their place and keep to it. Cars can flow freely, as can bikes. When their paths do cross their is not irritation but tolerance knowing the other will soon be back in their 'place' .
Murray and I are still talking, and on a trip like this, an achievement in itself. Spike has done well, hasn't he, he does get about.........till the next one.....Nepal/India Feb 2014
We left late as we knew we had plenty time to enjoy such a short cycle. Sun was out as we quickly passed through the numerous beach towns on our way to SD. Quite a few short, sharp hills and one final, long, steep hill to tax us on our last day. Again, a lot of map reading through La Jolla, Mission Beach and finally Point Loma. We passed Ocean Beach where I had started in, March 2012, my cycle across America. It felt strange, then I was on my own and anxious about my impending trip. Now suddenly we were at out hotel and this journey was over. It has been a good trip, not as challenging as some, as the distances were shorter; not as challenging as all decisions, right or wrong were shared. Nevertheless a great trip, a great holiday and that is what we wanted.
I have loved the Californian outdoor way of life, their climate, beaches, parks, the openness of the people, their courteousness and tolerance. They have put all the amenities in place to enjoy their country to its full potential. At times en route, because there was no hard shoulder we were thrown into the busy, fast traffic but mostly there was a bike lane and, I think, herein lies the secret. All road users know their place and keep to it. Cars can flow freely, as can bikes. When their paths do cross their is not irritation but tolerance knowing the other will soon be back in their 'place' .
Murray and I are still talking, and on a trip like this, an achievement in itself. Spike has done well, hasn't he, he does get about.........till the next one.....Nepal/India Feb 2014
Tuesday 17 September 2013
Day 12. Laguna Beach to Encinitas. 51 miles.
An eventful day which started with nae breakfast as at 8.00am the diner across the road from the motel was not open. We decided to start riding anyway as the road was busy, would become busier and for the next 8 miles have no shoulder or bike lane. By contrast at the end of our day, the cycle signs were stating ' cyclists may use full lane'. We ate a good breakfast about 11.00am, felt fine. Our route travelled 10 miles through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Reservation, at the gate marines checked our passports and asked our business. Very interested and friendly. Apparently at one time you could pass freely through this massive base but since 9/11 security has been tightened considerably. We could hear the ' thump' of mortar or tank fire in the distance. We felt our progress was being monitored the whole time. Found a motel easily enough and had time to hit the beach and enjoy the surf. The surf, I suppose, was relatively small but was oh so powerful, could knock you over and with a strong undertow. Lifeguard tower was making sure surfers stayed clear of swimmers, sea was warmish and I just loved it. Tomorrow is our last cycling day as we are now in San Diego County, don't want it to end.
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