James' Birthday Tour
This year for my birthday, I decided to go on a short tour. I've done this a few years and I really enjoy being in my thoughts to reflect on the year.
This year, I rode up to Gualala then back to Monte Rio taking the most scenic route I could over 3 days.
I started in Richmond, taking the bridge to San Rafael. My partner Grace dropped me off and wished me well.
The bridge isn't the most pleasant place to ride but I had a sweet send-off so I was feeling good. --
An hour later, I was on this wooded stretch of path. It was a nice reprieve from the busy road.--
I rode west to reach Point Reyes Station then north on Highway 1. I got coal rolled on a short climb after Point Reyes Station by a big white truck. The stretch of Highway 1 that passes Tomales Bay is breathtaking from a bike, so my anger faded quickly.
A camera malfunction or user error caused this double self portrait.
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My favorite road of that day, Middle Road. --
I made it to my first camp spot near Monte Rio at dusk and set up camp in the dark. I had half of the sandwich I ate for lunch before bed.
phone pic of the trees through my mesh tent the next morning at dawn
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The second day, I rode North through Cazadero via Old Cazadero Road and King Ridge Road. King Ridge Road is a stunning but grueling climb. There are hardly any cars, and on this day, no other cyclists. The last time I rode it, it was probably 90 degrees. This time it was 60 degrees with a breeze and refreshing.
I rode up the hill and back down to try to catch the self timer. Close.
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King Ridge Road summit at about 3pm.--
Self portrait on the bike before getting on Highway 1 at Stewart's Point at about 6pm. --
When I got onto Highway 1, the weather was terrible. I rushed to Gualala, fighting a rough headwind and light rain for 12 miles. When I got to the campsite at Gualala at 7pm, the rain had let up but the campsite was under a dense tree canopy so everything was soaked.
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A passerby said, "You must be happy to be here, you had a huge grin on your face coming down that last hill!" It was a huge relief to be at camp after the most difficult day.
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I took a $2 hot shower before I set up camp and sat on the soggy picnic table to enjoy my dinner of beans and salami.
July 4th, around 8:30pm. No fireworks--
The next morning was my birthday and everything was wet. My tent and sleeping bag were soaked through but I was miraculously warm and dry. It was really hard to get up and face the day but I knew I was meeting Grace and our dog Blue at a motel near the Russian River.
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I had a breakfast of salami and instant coffee then hit the road.
Grant recommended I ride through Sea Ranch. The roads were calm compared to riding the shoulder of Highway 1. The break only lasted about 30 minutes before I had to be back.
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On the highway, I passed a few PCH bicycle tourists. I didn't envy their multi-week ride on the busy road. I peeled off to ride Khruse Ranch Road which was easily my favorite road of the trip. It was a 5 mile climb where I didn't see another soul.
The start of Khruse Ranch Road. My camera lens was fogged up from the night before. --
Even though this was my third/final day of riding and most of my stuff was soaked, my legs felt the freshest and I was in high spirits.
Fort Ross Road around 1pm
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The descent into Cazadero was the most blissful I've felt on a bike in a long time. I was shouting for joy and yelling 'yipee!' through the winding turns. The only people I saw were PG&E workers who rooted me on. I stopped to take a picture of this big rock.
Fort Ross Road around 2:30PM--
I got into Cazadero and decided to ride a little extra because I was feeling so good. I wanted to ride Old Cazadero Road in the opposite direction in which I rode it the day before.
The last photo I took on the tour. Old Cazadero Road at about 3pm--
Just around the bend, I was descending loose gravel on slick tires. My front tire hit a soft spot, washed out, and I hit the ground. I bloodied both elbows and one knee so I decided to give up on the extra bit.
I turned around and took the flat 30 minute route to meet Grace and Blue at the motel. On the ride back, I saw a fawn hopping through tall grass and a family of quails run accross the road. Seeing that turned my mood aroung and I was suddenly feeling really good even though I was bruised and dusted.
Grace and Blue greeted me with open arms/paws, though Grace had a slightly pitied look on her face. She helped clean me up and Blue tried to lick my wounds. We ate Mexican food by the water and took things really slowly. Grace surprised me by making a Tres Leches cake that I had requested for my birthday 2 years ago.
Blue and I playing Fetch by the Russian River at around 4pm by Grace
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Overall, I had a great time on my tour. Riding alone for that long is really enjoyable for me. There was plenty of time to be introspective and take in the sights. The crash felt trivial after the whole experience.
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A solo tour is my favorite type of ride.