First Road Trip

Today was the biggest challenge yet -- a trip across Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, a hilly area just across the bridge that is popular with hikers, cyclers, hawks, and other bikers.

I would not have braved the bridge (yet) without Don, a more experienced biker who has a wonderful blend of caution, confidence, and zest for adventure. He also has a spectacular and rare bike (the Aprilia Shiver) that dazzles everyone we encounter, including the two Harley riders we met at the first scenic lookout point.

The round trip was only 21 miles (for me), but it felt like traveling to another world. There were many spectacular views of the city, but the most dramatic scene/moment was heading down Hawk Hill, a steep one-way road that led down to Fort Barry and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Along the way, Don was flagged down by a cyclist who had a flat tire and needed to convey a message to his friend at the bottom of the hill who had a bike pump. I'm not sure how they could spot the Good Samaritan behind the full-face helmet, but he obliged.

There were so many new experiences during this ride: merging with freeway traffic, going through a toll booth (not easy to fish for money with gloved hands and armored jacket), waiting our turn at a one-lane tunnel that changes directions every 5 minutes, but the best part was being part of a "gang" -- knowing that someone else is experiencing the same sights, smells, crosswinds, views, and dealing in their own way with the same gravel, potholes, speed bumps, stalled buses, and oblivious golf carts that suddenly pull into the road.

We celebrated with lunch at Angelina's, which I now consider my "biker hangout," and started plotting the next ride.

Leader of the pack

First bridge crossing!