On the road in Santa Cruz

Howdy. First couple days were rough, but I've spent a nice day in Santa Cruz consisting of a couch to sleep on, cafes, beers, and naps on the beach.I'm heading back out on the road today to Monterey and then to Big Sur.

Solo touring offers challenges and rewards and I've experienced both, and had plenty of time to think about it all.

Well~ I'm off. I'll probably be outside for the next four days and then back to San Francisco.

North Beach Shot

Ride To Half Moon Bay

We decided to take the old hwy to Half Moon Bay avoiding Devils Slide. It's a fun ride with no traffic (it's closed to cars), but it is much higher and longer, and it has a lot of loose gravel in patches. Due to the gravel and pot holes in the old road the down hill portion was ruined and the ride took much longer than planned. I would not recomend taking this route with road bikes.

Here is the route~

Lombard Street

Ocean Beach Party

Sunset from Mt. Davidson

DP Bike

Only the Peaceful May Pass

Sleeping Fat Guy

Segway on Market Street.

I'm not sure if I should hate or love this guy.

Marin Headlands Trip ~ Veiw from the hill behind the hostel

Looking South~ish From Mt. Davidson

Marin Headlands Hostel

I freaking love this hostel. It has a nice big kitchen with friendly staff, but most of all I absolutely love the giant front room. It is absolutely the largest and most comfy room in any hostel I've ever been to. It has 6 giant tables and a grip of plush couches, High ceiling and more picture travel books than you could shake a stick at. Something about hanging out in this room made me incredibly happy. All of this just few miles out of San Francisco and for 21 bucks! I'm so happy I found this place I'm going to make it a regular weekend get away.

Website -----> http://www.norcalhostels.org/marin/

Mike parking his bike in front of the hostel


Mike chilling outside the hostel






Hanging out in the main room



Mike made a mean breakfast. It sucked hauling all this food on out bikes, but it was well worth it.

Some Kid Playing on the Beach

SFBC Ride

Marin Headlands Trip ~ Getting there

The Marin Headlands ride is a fun and easy way to get out of the city. Because it is close to San Francisco I think people don't give the ride the credit it deserves. There is a lot to see and explore in the area and I like to take my time and enjoy the ride. I also recommend staying at the Marin Headlands hostel. For only 20 bucks a night this was one of the cheapest and easiest vacations I've ever been on. It's only 11 miles out of the city, but it's far enough away completely relax and forget about all your worries.

Route~



1. Golden Gate Bridge
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Please enjoy the view and don't haul ass across the bridge. It's a narrow path with frequent crosswinds. There is plenty of opportunities on this trip to go fast, please take the bridge slow. (yeah, I'm talking to you, jackass with bright red spandex)


2. Parking Lot
On the other side of the bridge go through the parking lot and turn left up onto Conzelman road. It's about an 800 ft. ride to the top, but it's not a very steep incline.



3. Hawk Hill
Good job! you made it up the hill. Take a minute to rest and enjoy the views of the city. Get ready for one of my favorite descents in the area :D










4. Right into Field Road
After taking the turn just stay on the road until the tunnel.









5. Tunnel
This is a one way tunnel so you'll have to wait for traffic to come through the other side. There is a button to push that will warn traffic of bikes in the tunnel. Remember to take off your sunglasses and be wary of the occasional wet patch. After the tunnel take a right back to point number two and head back across the bridge.