A totally delightful day in the saddle making our way south along the edge of Monterey Bay. The sun was blazing early so the scenery was crisp and blue. We were only on a busy road for a few miles--winding through agricultural fields and the dedicated bike paths. We could have gone on and on.
Alan had a memory of the same 2 railroad trestles from his first ride south. Somethings are built to last!
The route was through strawberry fields and the air was heavy with their scent. Rolling hills and rows and rows of plants. We watched as migrant workers were hard at work and reflected on their contribution to our wellbeing with diverse, fresh and organic crops.
Then it was a short stint on Highway 1 south through Moss Landing, a working harbor complete with harbor seals basking in the sun. We stopped at Phil's Restaurant for lunch based on recommendation from Arlene & Les. Seafood straight from the boat -- I had the sliders: 1 each of shrimp, scallops, salmon, and calamari. Alan enjoyed the ahi tuna. So delicious!
Back on the road -- a bit farther and then on bike paths for 20+ miles all the way into Monterey. A new path has been opened through Fort Ord (now decommissioned). Even with a bit of a head wind, the ride was easy, the views stunning, and the miles clicked off.
Alas, the campground is at the TOP of a long hill with the worst grades we were to see: 10-11%. We both walked a short stretch as our legs were done by then.
We walked back down to the wharf after getting set up; got salads at Trader Joe's and fell asleep early. We spent the night listening to the sea lions from the harbor!
What gear did we use for this trip?
Alan rides a Bianchi carbon bike -- he had that completely refurbished with lower gears, new brake and shift cables, brake pads, rear derailer, chain, tires and seat. I suppose after 7,000 miles some routine service is in order! As he has a carbon frame, he can not mount racks and carry the panniers often associated with bike touring. So he found a BOB trailer (Beast of Burden) on Craig's List and towed that! The BOB connects to his rear wheel axle and has a single 18 inch wheel. There is a waterproof bag and it weights 35 or so pounds. He carries our sleeping gear, cooking gear, pump and spares, and food.
I ride my Cannondale with rear rack and double panniers. My load is probably 25 pounds including our tent, clothes, toiletries, a book each and flashlights.
We each have 2 sets of cycling clothes, arms/legs/gloves, vest and reflective top, 1 set of street clothes, and a full set of long underwear, hats. We would have to add rain jackets in most other areas.
We had cycling odometers to help monitor our riding. We each carried multiple water bottles. Oh yeah, and a small cable lock that would not discourage anyone from stealing the bikes but made us feel prudent!
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| Strawberry Fields Forever |
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| A River |
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| Harbor Seals rule in Moss Landing |
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| Bike Path on to Monterey |
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| Bike Path near Fort Ord |
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| On to Monterey |
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