Today was the epic climb to the coast, which was much talked about at dinner last night. It would be the highest part of the entire coastal climb (2500ft) and with rumored very steep grades.
Anxious to get ahead of the crowd and the traffic we left in record time at 8am. With only 2 miles to the foot of the climb and 40F temps – freezing!!! – We were not quite warmed up. However we found a steady rhythm and beautiful conditions as we weaved our way through the spruce trees to the summit.
The 10-mile decent was very fun as it was at a lesser grade and on smooth road with little traffic.
The next climb was of course the more difficult one that had the now cooled off leg burning. The decent brought right on to the stunning coast where we had to stop and take more than a few moments to take it all in.
We will wind along the coast for the next 3 weeks with this stunning road offering us numerous postcard views. We rode through Westport along with numerous other small communities before arriving at Mackerrier State Park by 11am. With the day far too glorious to end riding so soon we decided to push onto Fort Bragg via this stunning bicycle route right along the water before deciding to stop for lunch.
A wine (Pacific Star) and chocolate tour followed by the daily stop at Safeway ate up most the afternoon. We seem to eat up the time strolling down the aisles eyeing up the numerous offering eventually settling of the similar staples – baguette, cheese, fresh veggies and fruit (getting better in California), and breakfast cereal – that we enjoy.
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| Sunset @ Van Damme State Park |
Despite initial disappointment in a campground closure near the artsy little town of Mendocino we were pleased to find next stop at Van Damme campground more than met our needs. It was but a short walk to this stunning beach where lounged in the warm afternoon sun before taking in yet another stunning sunset. Eric and Laura arrived late and we enjoyed their company before calling it a night.
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