Pedaling South

L'expédition en vélo de l'Alaska à l'Argentine de Lucie et Torrey

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California – Paradise Found

November 30th, 2009 · 5 Comments

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It had to happen eventually. Yes, we’ve finally arrived in Paradise. The Three Signs have manifested themselves. For the first time in three months, Lucie and I finished both of our water bottles in a single day. Why? Because it was hot outside and we were trying to keep up with a group ride. A what, now? Yes, a group of cyclists who voluntarily decided to head out for a scenic and challenging loop along the coast in late November. No special equipment required – it was about 20 or 25 Celsius. These factors combined led to the third and most spectacular Sign: Lucie took off her tuque and put on a cycling cap. For the first time. Since Anchorage.

Oh yeah – we had a wicked tailwind too.

So, to our readers in Montreal and beyond now caught in a slow, inexorable descent into the snapping jaws of a wintery Hell, we say “who’s laughing now” or something. Yes, I admit, we were pretty hardcore back there riding through blizzards in the Yukon. There’s nothing particularly arduous or epic about riding through California, though, which is perhaps why it’s a major cycling destination. Let us have this moment.

Just a quick note to those unable to decipher Lucie’s last post: Gary, an amazing guy we met in Anacortes, Washington, who’s been following our journey, used up some of his travel points to cover a motel room for us in Fort Bragg, CA. We planned our rest day (our first since Portland) around the monumental event. We were finally able to clean out the bottoms of our panniers and fully recover from the weather that had thrashed us good further up the coast. We left there feeling blessed and refreshed.

We’ll be crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco around noon today, Monday, November 30.

Thanks for reading! Check back soon.

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Tags: Californie · Countries

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Tasha // Nov 30, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Please tell me that’s not mayonnaise next to the pancakes. Eewww!

    Enjoy the Goldilocks weather (not to hot, not too cold?)!

  • 2 Sylvia Hallgren // Nov 30, 2009 at 11:03 pm

    Hi Torrey and Lucie,
    So glad you are in warm weather I have been following daily since we got home. I am so sorry we missed seeing you. Thank you for the email! I wish you blue skies and warm sun with comfortable hotel rooms from time to time! I will be with you all the way.
    Love Aunty Sylvia

  • 3 Vincent // Nov 30, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    If you’re going to San Francisco
    Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
    If you’re going to San Francisco
    You’re gonna meet some gentle people there

    For those who come to San Francisco
    Summertime will be a love-in there
    In the streets of San Francisco
    Gentle people with flowers in their hair

    ———

    I get this song in my head because of you! Enjoy your trip! Peace!

  • 4 Riccardo Fiorentino // Dec 1, 2009 at 3:07 am

    Hello, from the group ride–shook your hands on the coast after our Highway 1 “throwdown”… and saw you again this morning in Fairfax. You two are cycling giants! Welcome to the Bay Area and honored to have crossed paths.

  • 5 Eric B. // Dec 1, 2009 at 7:51 am

    Hello à vous deux, content de voir que tout va bien et que vous êtes deja rendu en Californie :)

    Bonne continuation et enjoy your trip

    :D

    Ryks

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