What Could Possibly Go Wrong TdWinter Bay Area
01-02-19, 12:08 PM
#26
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Well, right now only the one. Perhaps I need to store another in your Mastic Beach garage to simplify the annual TdFFD...
It's really quite simple. If you have the time and means, get out of freezing winter for a trip sometime. Flights after Christmas and before New Years can be had for cheap if you book early. You have to be willing to take the chance that it'll be raining and cold in the Bay Area then. Alternatively, go to SoCal, where the odds are much better that it'll be dry and clear. Pick out a 2-4 day ride, if you're in winter shape, make the rides short, and be a tourist.
It's really quite simple. If you have the time and means, get out of freezing winter for a trip sometime. Flights after Christmas and before New Years can be had for cheap if you book early. You have to be willing to take the chance that it'll be raining and cold in the Bay Area then. Alternatively, go to SoCal, where the odds are much better that it'll be dry and clear. Pick out a 2-4 day ride, if you're in winter shape, make the rides short, and be a tourist.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 02-21-19 at 04:57 AM.
01-02-19, 12:20 PM
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The side you ride on over the GG Bridge depends on what time and day of the week you're crossing. I can never remember, I just follow the signs when I cross. I prefer the west (Pacific) side, since there are no walking tourists. Then all you have to worry about is the hoards of tourists on bicycles. The scariest parts are the towers - I know that there'll be a huge whirlwind when you go around the corner, but the tourists do not. Most just stop and look confused for a couple of minutes, then walk around. Either that or they crash. It's the Yogi Berra line - nobody rides the Golden Gate bridge anymore, it's too crowded.
If that car repair shop next to the Cayucas pier ever goes on sale, you, me and @nlerner need to be ready to go in together and scoop it up.
Bridge used to be all bikes all the time on west side. I don’t recall ever seeing more than a handful of bikes any given day all the way across BITD, early 90’s. In my young buck days I never gave the wind much thought but a recent visit with a walk out onto the bridge makes me think I’d be white knuckling around those stanchions.
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01-02-19, 04:01 PM
#28
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Nothing to see here,.....move along.........
01-02-19, 04:49 PM
#29
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The only part I didn't like was popping up out of the BART at 16th and Mission. I would have taken a picture, but I was afraid my iPhone would get stolen...
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
01-02-19, 05:24 PM
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16th and Mission just happens to be one.... Sort of a crossroads of humanity of different kinds.... lots of different kinds in this case. If you look closely, there's actually a balance of people. Actually, mostly "regular" people, commuting through the area, plus a good share of "eccentrics", mostly harmless, depending on the weather). Just like in other cities, you just put on your street smarts and you will survive and learn to enjoy these places. Just within a block of that intersection are actually some of the nicest places to eat. Not fancy/expensive, but real good food from all corners of the world. I actually meet up with a lot of friends regularly at that Bart station to have dinner, after work.
01-02-19, 05:33 PM
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Just like most other big cities, there would be a grungier looking side to each place.
16th and Mission just happens to be one.... Sort of a crossroads of humanity of different kinds.... lots of different kinds in this case. If you look closely, there's actually a balance of people. Actually, mostly "regular" people, commuting through the area, plus a good share of "eccentrics", mostly harmless, depending on the weather). Just like in other cities, you just put on your street smarts and you will survive and learn to enjoy these places. Just within a block of that intersection are actually some of the nicest places to eat. Not fancy/expensive, but real good food from all corners of the world. I actually meet up with a lot of friends regularly at that Bart station to have dinner, after work.
16th and Mission just happens to be one.... Sort of a crossroads of humanity of different kinds.... lots of different kinds in this case. If you look closely, there's actually a balance of people. Actually, mostly "regular" people, commuting through the area, plus a good share of "eccentrics", mostly harmless, depending on the weather). Just like in other cities, you just put on your street smarts and you will survive and learn to enjoy these places. Just within a block of that intersection are actually some of the nicest places to eat. Not fancy/expensive, but real good food from all corners of the world. I actually meet up with a lot of friends regularly at that Bart station to have dinner, after work.
If I remember right, there are (were) some pretty good taquerias around there.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-02-19, 05:43 PM
#33
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Shoot, had a chance to hook up! I'd ridden a lot on the Sawyer Camp Trail with my kids when they were little, I knew they were connected. The dam road work made me get off of it after just a few miles - trailhead entrances were closed, at least that day. I had to cut down Crystal Springs Road and then climb back up Polhemus to Ralston, then take the connector trail/bridge over 280 to Canada Rd. I didn't need any maps, I'd done that section more than once a while ago.
I'd stopped at the Bike Hut for the first time at least a decade ago. It's pretty much the same as I remembered it. Interestingly enough, there's something similar on the Old Railroad Grade Trail up Mt. Tam - a house that backs up against the train (there's a paved road in front of the house). The owner installed a water fountain on the back and a small alcove with tools, a pump, spare tubes, and a first aid kit.
Yeah that dam work has been going on for years. I haven't ridden Sawyer in a few years though. They close Canada Road every Sunday for bikers and runners/walkers so if you're ever in the area again and on a Sunday, check it out.
01-02-19, 05:58 PM
#34
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Just like most other big cities, there would be a grungier looking side to each place.
16th and Mission just happens to be one.... Sort of a crossroads of humanity of different kinds.... lots of different kinds in this case. If you look closely, there's actually a balance of people. Actually, mostly "regular" people, commuting through the area, plus a good share of "eccentrics", mostly harmless, depending on the weather). Just like in other cities, you just put on your street smarts and you will survive and learn to enjoy these places. Just within a block of that intersection are actually some of the nicest places to eat. Not fancy/expensive, but real good food from all corners of the world. I actually meet up with a lot of friends regularly at that Bart station to have dinner, after work.
16th and Mission just happens to be one.... Sort of a crossroads of humanity of different kinds.... lots of different kinds in this case. If you look closely, there's actually a balance of people. Actually, mostly "regular" people, commuting through the area, plus a good share of "eccentrics", mostly harmless, depending on the weather). Just like in other cities, you just put on your street smarts and you will survive and learn to enjoy these places. Just within a block of that intersection are actually some of the nicest places to eat. Not fancy/expensive, but real good food from all corners of the world. I actually meet up with a lot of friends regularly at that Bart station to have dinner, after work.
Oh, yeah. Some of the best burritos on the planet, several places within walking distance. Jim G. had that as an option for dinner, but we had the additional requirement of proper hydration. Mexican beers are fine when it's hot out, but why waste the carb calories on that?
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
01-02-19, 05:58 PM
#35
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The peeps that run Bike Hut are on BF.
Bill and Christine, thank you so much for putting this together! I've stopped at the Bike Hut many times over the years!
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
01-02-19, 07:39 PM
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@gugie,
So. Cal. has some amazing riding. But the Central Coast, from Ventura/Santa Barbara to Monterey, is great for cyclists, lots of open roads, good climbing and great vistas.
I don’t like riding in SF proper, except the area in and around the Presidio. Marin County has some fantastic riding areas. So does Napa and Sonoma counties.
It is nice to live in a state where the weather is so cooperative.
So. Cal. has some amazing riding. But the Central Coast, from Ventura/Santa Barbara to Monterey, is great for cyclists, lots of open roads, good climbing and great vistas.
I don’t like riding in SF proper, except the area in and around the Presidio. Marin County has some fantastic riding areas. So does Napa and Sonoma counties.
It is nice to live in a state where the weather is so cooperative.
01-03-19, 12:27 AM
#37
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@gugie,
So. Cal. has some amazing riding. But the Central Coast, from Ventura/Santa Barbara to Monterey, is great for cyclists, lots of open roads, good climbing and great vistas.
I don’t like riding in SF proper, except the area in and around the Presidio. Marin County has some fantastic riding areas. So does Napa and Sonoma counties.
It is nice to live in a state where the weather is so cooperative.
So. Cal. has some amazing riding. But the Central Coast, from Ventura/Santa Barbara to Monterey, is great for cyclists, lots of open roads, good climbing and great vistas.
I don’t like riding in SF proper, except the area in and around the Presidio. Marin County has some fantastic riding areas. So does Napa and Sonoma counties.
It is nice to live in a state where the weather is so cooperative.
For those considering flying in for a short or long tour, it's easier to fly into SD, LA, or the Bay Area. Or one could fly into LA, take a train north and ride back. Or a million or so other ideas.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
01-05-19, 12:07 AM
#38
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Sorry to be late to this thread! And sorry I missed you while you were in the area. It would have been nice to meet up and ride a little. Unfortunately, while you were enjoying the beautiful bay area scenery, I was out of commission visiting in-laws, then having follow-up surgery on my leg (removing some screws - yesterday was actually my first time back on a bike in about 3 weeks).
Your photo-log is great! I know most of these roads & places pretty well. You're right about the "loose gravel" which wasn't an issue at all on 27mm tires. And I know I have a pic of that Bike Hut somewhere. That Tunitas Creek Rd. climb is fun, but a beast--especially after several hard days of riding. Glad you had a triumphant return to your old stompin' grounds. Hope to catch you next time.
Your photo-log is great! I know most of these roads & places pretty well. You're right about the "loose gravel" which wasn't an issue at all on 27mm tires. And I know I have a pic of that Bike Hut somewhere. That Tunitas Creek Rd. climb is fun, but a beast--especially after several hard days of riding. Glad you had a triumphant return to your old stompin' grounds. Hope to catch you next time.
01-05-19, 01:26 PM
#39
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Great riding. Makes me want to re-visit Pasadena for a few days riding in & around. Been a few years since we were back and the weather is (almost) always great. Had a lot of family living there back in the 50's, all now gone or way South in Fallbrook, but So. California is still beautiful. Don
01-05-19, 04:53 PM
#40
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Sorry to be late to this thread! And sorry I missed you while you were in the area. It would have been nice to meet up and ride a little. Unfortunately, while you were enjoying the beautiful bay area scenery, I was out of commission visiting in-laws, then having follow-up surgery on my leg (removing some screws - yesterday was actually my first time back on a bike in about 3 weeks).
Your photo-log is great! I know most of these roads & places pretty well. You're right about the "loose gravel" which wasn't an issue at all on 27mm tires. And I know I have a pic of that Bike Hut somewhere. That Tunitas Creek Rd. climb is fun, but a beast--especially after several hard days of riding. Glad you had a triumphant return to your old stompin' grounds. Hope to catch you next time.
Your photo-log is great! I know most of these roads & places pretty well. You're right about the "loose gravel" which wasn't an issue at all on 27mm tires. And I know I have a pic of that Bike Hut somewhere. That Tunitas Creek Rd. climb is fun, but a beast--especially after several hard days of riding. Glad you had a triumphant return to your old stompin' grounds. Hope to catch you next time.
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