The California dew coated my sleeping bag as I came to this morning atop Abelin’s outdoor bed. There was a lot of dew. My sleeping bag, backpack, and everything else I had left free overnight was wet to the touch. I sucked it up and packed things up in this state. I didn’t have time to wait for the sun to help me.
I headed back into town and searched around for a breakfast joint. Aside from a warm meal, I needed some time to answer texts, charge up a bit, and compile the previous day’s writings. I was very tempted by the Denny’s I had seen on my way in yesterday, but I reminded myself I’d only be in Fort Bragg maybe a few times in my life, so best try something local.
Egghead’s Restaurant was a neat spot. It was jam packed with tables which staff and clientele had to dance around. I felt like I was in the heart of a dense city. I enjoyed my French toast and took care of the business I needed to. But before I could hit the road again I needed to find a new strap.
I slipped past some road work signage to get to the one motorcycle gear shop in town. Despite the posted hours, nobody was home. I looked up if there was anything else. A motorcycle repair shop showed up, so I headed that way.
They had nothing that I could use, but were very engaged with my situation and wanted to help me out. The nice lady at the counter suggested I try the bicycle shop down the main road, and a mechanic came by to show me the directions on his phone. I thanked them and off I went.
The bike shop also had nothing I could use. But again, the owner was engaged and gave me multiple options to try. One was the hardware store right across the street. I made my way inside and sure enough they had a 24” bungee cord that fit perfectly. I was ready to continue down highway 1.
The riding here was spectacular. From Mendocino down to Bodega Bay, there is very little other than coast and road. It’s an amazing stretch of winding curves that seems to go on forever.
I thought I was moving quickly, but a pair of bikers on sport bikes passed by me on a straightaway. I did my best to keep with them, channeling my inner Les as my foot pegs kissed the ground. It really felt I was pushing my engine and brakes to their limit. This is what they were designed for. Eventually they outpaced me anyway and I returned to my comfortable riding style.
I took this road all the way down until it terminated at the familiar 101. I had arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco was here.
I stood up on my foot pegs and exclaimed within my helmet as I cruised across the bridge in the fast lane. “I made it! Woooo!”
There’s something different about getting somewhere beautiful when there’s more time and effort that goes into it. When I’ve flown here in the past, it’s been a pretty thing to see out the window. On the bike, this felt like a promised land. I can only imagine how stunning the Oregon coast must’ve looked to pioneers 200 years ago.
People here in the Bay Area are a lot more shy. The couple I offered to take a picture of at the golden gate overlook seemed almost surprised that I asked, and a little unsure how to handle themselves. In fact, everyone at the lookout was just taking pictures of themselves or their significant other. Nobody seemed to just be enjoying the view or talking to each other. I had selfishly wanted a picture up here too, but in protest of what I was seeing decided to just look and enjoy the sun setting over the bay.
The bikers are also shy. I pulled up next to a scooter at a red light and looked over for the classic head nod. He stayed focused on the red light ahead, perhaps thinking about the delivery logistics for the door dash order in his bag.
I was talking to Jordan about this. We think it’s probably just too much to say hi to everyone you see. Out on highway 1, you see a couple bikers an hour, and most everyone’s out to have a good time. Of course you’ll wave. Here, there’s people everywhere. It’s not a special occasion to see someone, even another rider.
It’s also crazy how fast I’ve gotten accustomed to it. All it took was a few bikers to not wave back for me to stop waving at any of them. Just like that, I’m now another rat in this urban jungle.
But it’s an urban jungle I’m exited to explore. I have finally made it into the loving arms of Rishi and Jordan’s apartment. I will be taking some time to cruise around the area and check things out on day trips and relax in the city. I may elect to consolidate multiple days into one post, so do not be alarmed if nothing shows up for a bit. I appreciate all the great feedback and commentary on this blog. It will be back soon!
Miles Today: 208
Total Miles: 1,584
Camp: Rishi and Jordan’s Place, San Francisco, CA