Day Two: SF to Santa Rosa

Our first day saw the four of us riding north on Highway 1, along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California - known by some as the SlowCoast. From Santa Cruz we pedaled north towards San Francisco. We rode to the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive before leaving town, saying our last goodbyes and taking pictures as a group before our first leg.  Mile 3 Jack hit glass and sustained a flat, great start to our 80 mile day to the city! Headwind and fog stayed with us to Half Moon Bay where we stopped at the last New Leaf Market for a few months, hot food bar and carrot juice to keep us going. As we moved out of the Slowcoast and up Devil's Slide, things started to speed up. Soon the hustle and bustle of San Francisco rush hour surrounded us. Still calibrating to our loaded up bikes, negotiating narrow paths between cars and riding the city topography was tough on tired legs. Dinner, friends, and relaxation rounded out a good first day of Portland to Portland.

Day two was more eventful than expected. We started in misty/rain/fog and were soaked through by the Golden Gate Bridge. We made our way north toward Santa Rosa where we planned to camp just up past the city at Bothe-Napa State Park. Things took a 'turn' when blazing down Nicasio Valley Rd toward Petaluma, winding our way through redwood forest and out into stretches of oak-woodland, Gabriel hit a big pot hole on the shoulder and paid a visit to dust town. Scraped, bleeding, and a little disoriented, Gabriel's crash took us off our planned course for the day. We slowly pedaled into Petaluma and attempted to find a place to stay for the night. Searching warmshowers and asking local bike shops we finally made contact with a man Donn in Santa Rosa. He is president of the Santa Rosa Cycling Club and a big biker like ourselves. On short notice he let us into his home, bought us pizza and beer, and shared some stories from the road. Back in the 80s, Donn toured across the state on the Bicentennial Northern Route before Adventure Cycling was called by that name. He gave us a few tips for tomorrows ride to Sacramento. Thanks for all the support Donn!

Tomorrow 96 miles to Sacramento, past Lake Berryessa, where our fifth rider Lorenzo awaits. Keep cruzin.