California Diaries Day 11: December 30th

Having spent half the night mapping out a final ‘feel good’ ride of the trip I knew the day would begin well with the crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’d seen it from a distance and the aura that it emits on the skyline is simply incredible. Get up close and it’s even more impressive than you may otherwise imagine. A blanket of fog delicately nestling at road level only complementing the view as I stood motionless for minutes just absorbing the moment.

Having crossed the bridge and feeling suitably at ease with the world I started to gain elevation via Panoramic HWY. There’s absolutely no guessing how this road got its name with views of Muir Woods State Monument and Mt Tamalpais State Park. With the gradient being kind it’s really possible to appreciate the scenery all the way before your attention is turned to the Seven Sisters on Bolinas Ridge Road.

By now the early morning chill was all but forgotten, replaced by a very welcome and surprisingly warm December sun. Cresting Mt Tam and knowing that Fairfax Bolinas Road was closed (to bikes as well) only made the descent to Alpine Lake all the more enjoyable. Hey, I don’t deliberately set out to break the rules but when the opportunity is there to ride a road that you know will have nothing on it then you shouldn’t need to think twice (so I didn’t).

Although I had a pretty good idea of the route I was going to follow, today I didn’t want the rigidity of knowing exactly what I was doing in advance and was happy to see how I felt as to the route I’d ultimately take. Dropping down into Fairfax and rolling along Sir Frances Drake Boulevard my initial thought was to ride to Point Reyes Station before tracking my way along the coast on Shoreline HWY. The route so far had been spectacular with the images of the Golden Gate Bridge leaving a lasting impression in my mind. I just didn’t feel like winding my way along the flatlands of the coast back to San Francisco to bring this trip to a close, so I decided to try and put together my own little “Golden Gate Bridge” course profile which would be much more fitting to the day.

After looping out to Point Reyes, where I was met with the most satisfying smell of ground coffee, I then started to retrace my steps. First to Fairfax, a final glance at Alpine Lake and onto my closed road. It was so peaceful, not a sound except the occasional twig fracturing under my wheels as I picked my way up the debris strewn climb. In this direction the 'Seven Sisters' is now referred to as the 'Seven Bitches', although I didn’t realise their severity for trying to keep my eyes on the road as opposed to gazing longingly at parkland views and the golden bay of Stinson Beach.

I was now up against my favourite race of all. Head to head against the sun. I knew if I could make it to the outskirts of town, with the final glossy rays slowly and quietly ending the day, I’d be sure to witness something very special. Head down, time trialing in vain to beat the clock it was the perfect way to finish off the ride.

As I rolled up to the hotel everything felt complete. It was now time to relax, take some chill time over a great meal and put the bike to bed in its box, ready for its next adventure.

Thank you California. You've given me snow, ice, rain but most of all warm sun, blue skies, phenomenal roads and a spectrum of lifelong happy memories. It may be the end for now, but I’ve got a sneaky feeling I’ll be back one day.

Ride stats: 2,735m elevation/105miles

For Day 11 GPS info click here (Part A). For Part B click here

A special thank you to Jess & Judy from City Bicycle Works (Sacramento's premier bicycle store), Rich & Sandy (Napa Valley) and Larry & Denise (Portola Valley) for keeping the legs carbo filled and the Lycra fresh. And, not forgetting, Meg & Riley for their unparalleled dirt track knowledge.

Final 'Tour de California' Stats: 25,965m elevation, 991miles, 68.5hours chamois time.

Until the next time, peace out.

MC