Aaaaaahhhhhhh

Go For It

A Bit Steep

San Francisco from Alcatraz

5ft x 9ft

Recreation Yard

Alcatraz

Steep roads

T

Mmmm-Breakfast

San Fran - I Love You

Enjoyed a fantastic first day in San Francisco. Didn't sleep too well, time difference, but felt rested.  Got today off to a great start by having 3 pancakes, maple syrup and egg over easy for breakfast. Happy bunny. We assembled the bikes, in our hotel room, then as it was a beautiful warm sunny day Murray and I had a stroll round SF, like it very much, compact, clean with sea on 3 sides. It has extreme, short, steep hills, a challenge on the bike tomorrow without first managing to warm up. We had pre-booked for Alcatraz in the afternoon so took a leisurely stroll to Pier 33. Boats seem to leave every half hour and are extremely busy, if you haven't booked in advance you won't get on. Short, quick, choppy journey, no wonder no-one escaped. Very imposing, sinister place, once an army barracks before being a State Prison.   Quite inhumane, cruel conditions , you certainly did not want to be a prisoner here. Fascinating place to visit full of atmosphere, loved it. Jumped a cable car back to our hotel with Murray standing on the footplate. He was in his element going down the steep hills. Tomorrow we start our cycle south but what a brilliant first day, especially as it was our 26th wedding anniversary. Thanks for all good wishes, can this get any better?

Flying Over Greenland

San Francisco - All's Well

Had a long, hot flight to San Fran, daylight all the way so some stunning views as we passed over Greenland. Bikes arrived safely, which is always a bonus, get them assembled tomorrow. San Fran is hot and sunny but a bit chilly this evening. Brief impressions so far are good, hotel better then expected, people welcoming and friendly and they seem to understand us.  Strange having Murray with me on a bike trip, usually I have to deal with bike and bags on my own, good to have help. It is 9.30pm here, 5.30am UK time so trying to stay awake to help with jet lag. Sight seeing, cable car land Alcatraz tomorrow. Should be fun, hope I can stay awake.

My Bags are Packed and I'm Ready to Go .........

Is this enough for 19 days...... maybe aye maybe no  ????

Spike + Pal Ready for USA Flight

Spike Gets Ready

Man at Work

Today Sunday, Murray and I prepared our bikes for flights to the States. This requires removing pedals, removing and turning handlebars, removing back wheel, removing quick release lever. We managed to squeeze the bikes into boxes without taking the back wheels off, always a bonus.  Wrapped all sensitive  parts in bubble wrap and good to go.  The bikes are treated as luggage, so this will be our hold bags and our panniers will be hand luggage.  We will dispose of the boxes in San Francisco.  This time I will be sharing tools so this helps with weight.  Just need a change of cycling clothes and a couple of tops and shorts for off bike. Toiletries can be bulky so again sharing helps but is is chargers for kindle, mobile, camera and GoPro that takes up space. Anyway, I think we are organised, oh must remember maps and oops passport. Yes, I'm sure we are sorted !!!!!!

Fantastic Cycling Maps

San Fransisco to Santa Barbara Section -  383.5 miles

Moterey/Carmel Section

Part Elevation

To plot our route we will be using the fantastic Adventure Cycling Association Maps. They are waterproofed and fold into small sections of 25 to 40 miles and are very easy to follow. The maps are designed to be used in either direction,  the changes in road names are marked by a star, distance travelled is recorded. North is not necessarily 'up' but changes orientation from panel to panel.  They inform you of riding conditions, elevation, bike shops, emergency numbers, lodgings, libraries, service stops, history of area, in fact everything you need to know.  The Adventure Cycling Association, as well as organising cycling tours all over America, compile these maps for cycling travellers,  they are invaluable. We need two maps for our trip. San Francisco to Santa Barbara then Santa Barbara to San Diego. Sorted, I hope.

Spike gets a Spit and Polish

Spike

Taking 'Spike the Bike' with me to California so thought he needed a bit of a spruce up. He was looking a bit neglected as I have been using my road bike over the summer. I need to take a sturdier bike like Spike to carry my panniers. Now he is looking gleaming, washed, rinsed and lubed.  Wish I could say the same for myself.

San Francisco to San Diego - 600 miles

Janice Cycling South on Bute

On Weds 4th September 2013 I leave once again for America.  Another cycling trip but this time with husband, Murray, in tow.  In fact this trip is Murray's idea,  I was looking forward to a normal, relaxing
holiday but Murray suggested a bike journey so what could I say !!!  We head for San Francisco and cycle 600 miles south, down the Californian Pacific Coast to San Diego.  We are doing this on our own, no support team or guides.  Having cycled across America last year I am very familiar with reading the fabulous Adventure Cycling Association Maps which cover all bike routes in America. The maps give more than directions they suggest places to stay, campsites, places of interest, shops, in fact a whole travel guide.  We will be away 19 days which is ample time to complete the trip, we plan to stop off anywhere that catches our eye. I have booked accommodation for the first two days and last two days and will wing it the rest of the time. As usual it is the logistics of the trip that require some planning, we will take the bikes as hold luggage in bike boxes and bin the boxes once bikes are assembled. Our panniers will be our hand luggage, you travel very light on a trip like this.
In San Diego we will book our bikes into a cycle shop to be boxed up for return trip.  San Diego is where, last year, I started my cycle trip across America. Then, I was very anxious about the trip, this time it will be different.