Day 13 & 14: Fort Bragg-Bodega Bay-San Francisco

Tuesday's Ride: 108 miles from Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay
Weather: 70's and Sunny
Wind: Strong...and out of the North (thankfully!)

Wednesday's Ride: 75 miles from Bodega Bay to San Francisco
Weather: low 80's.....it was a scorcher compared to what we've had the last two weeks!!
Wind: Out of the North

TOP SPEED OF THE LAST TWO DAYS: Tom--46 mph Stephen--47 mph

Key Item to Note for these last two days: We had no van support. My parents took our luggage to the hotel we booked in San Fran, and then they flew back to Wisconsin. We carried a spare change of clothes in our camelbacks and made our way to Bodego Bay, and then to San Fran.

The happening of the day (Tuesday) that made MMRR livid: A Lexas drove by us on the PCH and literally layed the horn on for 7 or 8 seconds. That was frustrating. Most driver's are, for the most part, very courteous and friendly. Not so the case with this yahoo.

The Streak that ended today: I got a flat tire. Yes, I had gone OVER 1000 MILES WITHOUT A FLAT. That's crazy, by the way.
Absolutely insane. Especially considering the fact that I don't even have "touring" tires on my bike.

The Latest Hunger Ride nightly tradition:Getting ICE CREAM! I'm not sure that we've missed a night in the last week.

Best Quote of the last two days: "I can't even imagine where you guys have muscles."
-the comment that a construction flagman, about 55 years old, made to us as we rode by on our bicycles.
-the thought that I had in my head after he said that, "Thank goodness you're not trying to imagine!"

Best "California Scene" of the last two days: As we rode through a small coastal town, I noticed a woman, about 40 or so, sitting outside of her 1989 Ford Bronco with a boombox. She had pulled off the road on one of those slow vehicle turn-outs. There she sat....her hat was on backwards, and she had a "Grateful Dead" tie-dye t-shirt on. Best of all, she had George Thoroughgood's, "Born to be Wild" blasting on her boombox.
I tell you what....that was cool. She was cool. I'm so glad that I saw that. It made me think of my two older sister's and all of their great 80's music that I was introduced to growing up.

Songs Stuck in My Head: "San Francisco" (Bring some flowers for your hair) -Scott McKenzie
"World's Apart" -Jars of Clay

HOW DO I SUM UP THE LAST TWO DAYS???......
Man, that's a great question MMRR.....how do I sum up the last two days of riding? We've seen so much....and we've ridden so many miles! (Over 180)
The riding itself has certainly become much more difficult. The razor-sharp, hairpin turns, as well as the short, steep climbs of Hwy 1 have really taken their toll on us. In cycling, it's always about the grade of the road. And we've hit some steep grades. In addition, the heat has definitely become a factor. We were noticeably fatigued by the latter part of this morning from the higher temps.
But as I've stated before, the scenery is breathtaking. I haven't seen many things like the Pacific Coast. And those pics just don't do justice. I'm constantly amazed at what our Great God has created in this part of the country. And again, I am convinced that their is no better way to see and experience this than on a bike.

BIG CITY RIDING.....
I'm definitely not a fan of. Adventure Cycling did put us on some great roads to bike on as we entered the urban area, and we did see more bikers today than we've seen the entire trip. However, it was still tough to navigate through all of the stop-n-go traffic of the city. It was also hard to fully take in the GG Bridge as we rode over it today because we were constantly dodging tourists with their camera's, as well as other bikers and pedestrians. I'll enjoy the bridge tomorrow though for sure.....from a boat.

THE HUNGER RIDE SAYS GOODBYE TO........
Roger and Rose Rand, my wonderful parents. It was quite lonely riding these last two days without our SuperSagwagoneers!
Stephen and I were truly blessed to have them for 7 days of the ride. The are constantly encouraging, continually uplifting, and they are pretty funny as well as fun to be around too.

SHOUT OUT'S......
Jan Misch, GM of the Best Western Tuscan Inn. Thanks for the room, the drinks, and the free 30 minute massage!