I slept so well, a welcomed relief from the constant waking and readjustment within the tent. Mike and Diane had already been awake for a while by the time I rolled downstairs around 8AM. Mike fixed us breakfast (he's a terrific cook) and we chatted a bit before we both set off in the direction of Monterey, me to continue my trek, and they to watch a tournament at Pebble Beach.
I had a short day today, but it felt surpisingly difficult to ride. I was rounding Monterey Bay so the wind was no longer at my back and was frequently strong and head on. I stopped quite a few times along the way at the many beaches and fruit/vegetable markets that are along the bay. There are a lot of artichoke fields out here. In fact, I went through Castroville which is the artichoke capitol of the world. Bet you didn't know that shit.
Rolled into Monterey around three and toured the fisherman's wharf and a few miles of the 17 mile drive. Then I found a coffeeshop with a computer to catch up on "the world of events," take care of some banking, blogging and such, but most importantly to catch up on my caffeine intake. Sweet Christ, but do I LOVE coffee.
Headed up to Veteran's Memorial Park which is at the top of a steep mile long climb in the center of Monterey. I found a grocery store and grabbed my supper and treated myself to a Sunday paper as I was in town early enough to read before sleeping. I grabbed the San Francisco Chronicle which has two Sunday crosswords! But both were pretty easy and I finished them in about an hour. I miss you Will Shortz.
It was really quite cold that night at the park and I had to duck into my tent to finish reading and stay warm. Some fellow camper was blaring music from his car stereo until a loud automated horn played taps to indicate the start of quiet hours at 10PM.
For the day:
Rolling time: 3:56:53
Distance: 46.12 miles
Avg speed: 11.68 mph
03 September 2006
Day fourteen: San Francisco, CA to Capitola, CA
What a perfect day for riding. I got out of the motel by 9:15, after watching some cable news and drinking the motel coffee for an hour or so. The morning was foggy, but fair temperature wise, and I was afraid to deal with the hills that I had been walking on yesterday. So steep. I cut back up north to the bridge and went down the western side of the city, which had some hills, but nothing too bad, so that was a relief. And once I got out of the city, I only would have two pretty big hills for the rest of the day. One in Daly City, and then Devil's Slide. They were tough, but I felt rested and I swear the pancakes made a difference. I called my friend Joe to make plans and spoke with Kathy (I'm presuming it's with a "K," though I've never seen it spelled, I know you're reading it so you can let me know for sure) and made tentative plans to meet in Santa Cruz.
Once past the Devils Slide it flattened out, and good lord the tailwinds were amazing. I was cruising for most of the afternoon at over 20mph and it felt almost effortless. It was a long day, but just outside Davenport, I called Joe again and we planned to meet near Capitola (just on the other side of Santa Cruz, where my campsite would be). The plan was for me to set up camp, and then we'd head into town and grab dinner. Food is all I think about these days.
Got into Santa Cruz which is absolutely gorgeous. The natural bridges park along the coast is beautiful and I had to stop and watch the sun on the rocks and the water with pelicans floating in formation, held up by the wind which had driven me here. Then I followed West Cliff Drive for a long while to the boardwalk where they have an amusement park and endless attractions. I must come back and visit when I have more time. I got a little confused direction-wise around the harbor and some other cyclists gave me what must have been the scenic route around the harbor, but it added another 20 minutes to my trip to Capitola. Along the way, I got a call from Joe, suggesting that I not head straight to the campground, but instead meet him at the home of a friend who has a place in Capitola. Soon after, I was there, and it was such a welcomed surprise. Joe's friends Mike and Diane (though I think Mike prefers the Polish version of his name (and mine): Michal (imagine an oblique line through the "l") It's pronounced "MEE-how," and it's further proof that I need to respect my grandmother's wishes and find a good Polish girl who would sound like she's mewing like a cat everytime she speaks my name.
Mike designed and built his home in Capitola from scratch a number of years ago and there I was welcomed to Joe, Kathy, Diane, and Mike's cheering welcome. A hot shower later and I was treated to a fantastic meal. Turns out Joe caught them just in time at the store and they were able to prepare a meal for all of us. What a wonderful and totally unexpected treat. I hadn't had a homecooked meal in weeks. We chatted and caught up and had a wonderful time of it, followed by a walking tour of Capitola. There was a lot of activity in anticipation of the annual labor day bugonia festival, where people were creating floats for the next days parade. It smelled so wonderful.
It was great to see Joe and Kathy again, and I'm lucky to have caught them as they would be leaving shortly for a long sailing trip down the coast to Mexico. And Mike and Diane were so gracious as to put me up for the night. Many thanks to my terrific hosts.
For the day:
Rolling time: 6:52:08
Distance: 92.16 miles
Avg speed: 13.41 mph
Once past the Devils Slide it flattened out, and good lord the tailwinds were amazing. I was cruising for most of the afternoon at over 20mph and it felt almost effortless. It was a long day, but just outside Davenport, I called Joe again and we planned to meet near Capitola (just on the other side of Santa Cruz, where my campsite would be). The plan was for me to set up camp, and then we'd head into town and grab dinner. Food is all I think about these days.
Got into Santa Cruz which is absolutely gorgeous. The natural bridges park along the coast is beautiful and I had to stop and watch the sun on the rocks and the water with pelicans floating in formation, held up by the wind which had driven me here. Then I followed West Cliff Drive for a long while to the boardwalk where they have an amusement park and endless attractions. I must come back and visit when I have more time. I got a little confused direction-wise around the harbor and some other cyclists gave me what must have been the scenic route around the harbor, but it added another 20 minutes to my trip to Capitola. Along the way, I got a call from Joe, suggesting that I not head straight to the campground, but instead meet him at the home of a friend who has a place in Capitola. Soon after, I was there, and it was such a welcomed surprise. Joe's friends Mike and Diane (though I think Mike prefers the Polish version of his name (and mine): Michal (imagine an oblique line through the "l") It's pronounced "MEE-how," and it's further proof that I need to respect my grandmother's wishes and find a good Polish girl who would sound like she's mewing like a cat everytime she speaks my name.
Mike designed and built his home in Capitola from scratch a number of years ago and there I was welcomed to Joe, Kathy, Diane, and Mike's cheering welcome. A hot shower later and I was treated to a fantastic meal. Turns out Joe caught them just in time at the store and they were able to prepare a meal for all of us. What a wonderful and totally unexpected treat. I hadn't had a homecooked meal in weeks. We chatted and caught up and had a wonderful time of it, followed by a walking tour of Capitola. There was a lot of activity in anticipation of the annual labor day bugonia festival, where people were creating floats for the next days parade. It smelled so wonderful.
It was great to see Joe and Kathy again, and I'm lucky to have caught them as they would be leaving shortly for a long sailing trip down the coast to Mexico. And Mike and Diane were so gracious as to put me up for the night. Many thanks to my terrific hosts.
For the day:
Rolling time: 6:52:08
Distance: 92.16 miles
Avg speed: 13.41 mph
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