We started our day dipping our wheels in the Pacific Ocean at Dillon Beach, CA. Only one wheel as we are only going 1/2 way across the country, and we didn't want to lug the bike all the way from the parking lot to the sea. We had a short but steep climb from the beach to Tomales. First stop (after 4 miles) was BREAKFAST. Then through gorgeous rolling hills over rolling roads amongst dairy cows. Through the lovely old homes of Petaluma and narrow, no shoulder, fast traffic towards Sonoma. After a lunch stop we headed up Trinity Drive/Oakville Grade. Several friends had suggested alternate route to Napa. What they should have said was DON'T RIDE THE GRADE UNLESS YOU THINK YOU ARE LANCE ARMSTRONG!!! It was straight up for 5 miles, no shoulder, lots of hairpin turns, no water and it was the dumbest thing we have ever done! Then straight down, no shoulder, lots of hairpin turns and no water and it was the dumbest thing we have ever done. The last 20 miles were much nicer but we were so exhausted we couldn't appreciate it. We arrived safely at our destination 69.64 miles later. Day Two was more climbing but a piece of cake compared to day one and through the lovely Berryessa hills covered with old oak trees and vineyards down into the Sacramento Valley and total flats to our desination in Davis were friends took fabulous care of us. After 55 miles and 94 degrees temps we were greated with tri-tip steak, grilled shrimp, pasta salad and a welcome glass of wine. Yummy. Kansas seems a looong way away. But we'll take it one pedal stroke at a time. Tomorrow we tackle the heat of the Sacramento Valley up to Placerville. Stay tuned for more.
Kit and Martha,
ReplyDeleteWe have been thinking of you alot but unable to communicate as I left your address on my big computer. I just began searching thru my emails today and found your blog. What an adventure. I can only imagine what it was like to ride in a sandstorm. We hiked 2 and 1/2 miles yesterday at the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan. We thought of Camels as we plowed our way through sand. Not even worth mentioning compared to your adventure. We have enjoyed our time in N. MI very much and have golfed about 7 times. I think I am hooked for sure. Has Bill had the opportunity to golf much or fish? Alan has been wondering. We arrive back in NM on Sat and we will be glad to be home. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Please be careful and give each other a hug from us.
Love, Sandy and Alan