San Francisco-Fairfield

Finally we are on our way. The day started very early with a wake up call at 5:00 AM. After breakfast and loading luggage we were off at 7:00 AM. It was cool in the lowers 50’s with a strong wind out of the West. During the day it warmed up nicely reaching the mid 70’s.

Here's a pic of Rick Tangard, one of my roommates, and I before departure this morning.

My dear wife Pat saw me off at the hotel and then I saw her three more times along the route. She catches the red eye flight back to Richmond tonight.

The ride started with a steep climb of about a mile and then after after 17 miles we met at the Pacific Ocean for the traditional wheel dipping and group picture taking. The scenery on our way was awesome with the white caps on the Pacific, the Golden gate bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. We all Stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge for more scenery and pictures. We rode through Sausalito and other quaint towns along the way. We had two rest stops with fluids and snacks provided by the ride by ABB (America By Bike) during theday’s ride.

It was interesting how riders developed pace groups collaborating on navigation. I rode with various groups eventually riding the last 30 miles with Rick Tangard from Richmond. Interestingly Rick is a member of the same Richmond bicycle club I am, RABA. Rick and I stopped at a Pop Eyes for some real food and cold drinks and a much needed break from the bicycle seat about the 70 mile point. We finished the day at about 4:20 PM after pedaling 85 miles. That’s my longest one day ride.