Rolling into San Francisco

So, I've arrived, I've made it. 3 weeks from the coast outta Portland to San Francisco City.

While the last few days were tiring (my legs were getting pretty sick of pedaling), the glee and sense of satisfaction as I saw San Francisco and the wonderful Golden Gate Bridge approach was worth it all.

So to back track a bit, concerning the actual ride, I must say that the southern section of the coastal ride on Highway 1 was pretty tough. Perhaps if I was in better shape it wouldn't have hit me so hard, but as it was, after doing some big hills in Humboldt State Park, once I hit Highway 1 on the coast the endless winding, and steep (but short) uphills and downhills really took its toll. All I wanted was to have a stretch of a few miles to get a pace set, but all I got was never-ending gear shifting as I went up and down along the coast (which was a very impressive coast- I have to admit).

Its also pretty narrow (re. sometimes non-existent shoulders of the road to ride on) but its a well known bike-riding route so many people are patient with you and give you the space to ride. I got a lot smiles and waves as I made my way up a particularly steep section of the route on Sunday arvo as people drove past, on their way home to San Francisco (I was within a day's drive at this stage) which was lovely. There's nothing quite like a smile or a thumb's up to give you the push to keep on going. So if you see a bike-tourer give them a wave- they'll probably appreciate the encouragement!

The scenery was surprisingly familiar, what with the dry scrubland and gum trees that line the coast- if it weren't the direction of car travel, I could've sworn I was in country Australia at times. And there was also a little agriculture I was surprised to see. I didn't hit wine valleys, but there's definitely that gourmet element that is now a part of central California.

So as I mentioned, I was pretty tired in those last few days, on account of such a big trip with so little exercise in preparation, but I now feel it was a good warm up, along with this week off now (between arriving in San Fran and getting to Ushuaia) and feel ready for what's ahead. I'm also keeping in mind that I'll have a much more relaxed schedule for South America, and can thus stop and start as I please, which I like the sound of!

This trip has definitely given me a taste for more bike-touring, and I hope that I can recruit a couple of friends or family for my next outing- it really does lighten the load when you are with others. Though, having said that, I have found it very manageable touring solo. I don't have an excess amount of stuff to carry, so its possible to carry all the essentials on your own (I do only have one set of rear panniers after all). I hope to head off on a couple of multi-day or week-long rides back in and around Melbourne when I return. Its such a nice way to travel.

Before I go, I want to thank all those I've met along the Oregon and Californian coast. So many friendly people who have shown kindness, generosity and friendliness that made this ride so enjoyable, and of course, all those other cyclists who are travelling on their own adventure and have been able to share advice, conversation and good will- they really are a good breed!

Muchas gracias!

(And apologies for the lack of photos in this entry, they are to come very soon, unfortunately this computer doesn't want to read my camera.)

P.S. Only one puncture this whole trip- courtesy of the bike mechanic over-inflating my tyres when I had a tune-up in Arcata! I feel rather happy about that! I don't believe the same will be said of those gravel-roads in South America. And on that note, I'm heading out to buy some tougher tyres...