We started the morning with a revised cue sheet, an easier route to get us to the Golden Gate Bridge. Using several bike paths and bike lanes, we wandered into Sausalito before climbing up the Marin Headland to the bridge. It was surprisingly less crowded than other times that I have biked across, though this is the first time from North to South.
There were repairs on the west side walkway so we biked on the Bay side. Our views were definitely affected by smoke in the air. After crossing the Bridge, we wandered through the Presidio, Laurel Heights and into Golden Gate Park. Several riders got off course and missed the wonderful sag stop that Lorna had set up near the Windmill.
Then we were back on the coast, the Great Highway, US 35, past Ocean Beach and into Daly City. As we pedaled uphill past cookie-cutter single story, one car garage homes in many colors, we crested and came back downhill past two-story cookie-cutter homes. With the smoke and the climbing effort, I couldn’t get a good photo. Daly City also seems to be in the flight path for SFO airport.
At mile 30, we were suddenly back on US 1, though our cues took us off briefly onto a bike path with steep switchbacks, and then a mile long climb on US 1 with 7-8% grade and virtually no shoulder – I just keep my head down, pedal slow and steady, and try to keep a straight line as far right as possible.
Instead of a tunnel used by cars, we enjoyed the Devil’s Slide bike path with a gradual uphill followed by a 9% downhill, before rejoining US 1.
In Moss Beach around mile 36, I passed a lighthouse and related buildings, now a hostel. I stopped just as I entered Half Moon Bay for a cup of chowder at Sam’s Chowder House, a bit of a late lunch.
We are staying at the Coastside Inn, I have a single room – and the coast is a mile down the road??
The air is definitely cleaner and we enjoyed a breeze from the north for many miles this afternoon to push us to Half Moon Bay.
Garmin: 45.38 miles, 9.52 mph, 3244.7 ft ascent
Relive: https://www.relive.cc/view/1227518869
Photos when there is a better internet connection….