Back to Basics #1

I'm writing a rather unconventional travel blog in that I've failed to mention much, if any, of the stuff I'm DOING. While no one’s expressed complaint, I do feel that a mid-blog correction is necessary, and I hereby dedicate the next THREE – count ‘em, 3 – entries to my travel ventures. I cannot promise that these excursions will be dramatic, but they will be uniquely Mark.

At the encouragement of my friend, Albert, I decided to head into San Francisco and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Once upon a time, when I was a young, virile man, I cycled religiously. I’d like to attribute this activity to my deep love for the sport, but this was primarily due to my lack of a motor vehicle. However, after I obtained said vehicle, I continued to ride the trails. Especially if they were flat, paved, and easy to access. I admit it: I was a fair weather cyclist.

But I didn’t find biking loathsome. If nothing else, it was a good workout! (Did I mention that I’m exceedingly practical?) For example, other sports, like basketball, only provide a workout. Cycling, however, provides a workout AND moves the rider from Point A to Point B!

Anyway, after a little research, I found a bike shop in North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy. The location was smaller and slightly farther from the other bicycle rentals, but it was CHEAPER! (Did I also mention that I love a bargain?) Even though I saved five dollars on the rental, I failed to consider where I would park my car. Since I couldn’t park on the side streets for more than two hours, I ended up paying ten dollars for admission to a parking lot. So much for my brilliant scheming…

The staff at Bike ‘N Roll were friendly and super-helpful. My only complaint, however, is with the name of their shop. The only time I connect “biking” with “rolling” is WHEN I ROLL OFF MY BIKE AND FALL ON MY FACE. And that, Dear Reader, is NOT a pleasant association. (I would make an amazing business consultant.)

Regardless of their questionable business name, Bike ‘N Roll quickly allayed my fears of biking eight miles, and I was off. No sooner had I hopped on my bike, I was sold on the experience. San Francisco is a beautiful city, and biking to Sausalito allowed me to pass numerous landmarks. En route, I passed the Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, Crissy Field, and the Presidio. My practical, aka cheapskate, side was pleased that the bike tour provided me with so much “bang for my buck.”

I wish I could brag about my athleticism and skills as an experienced cyclist, but the ride is mostly flat and very easy. There were a few inclines, but they were mercifully brief.

When I reached the entrance to the Golden Gate, I couldn’t pass my bike through the throngs of tourists, so I actually walked my bike for a third of the bridge length. Once the crowds thinned, I cycled the remainder of the trip.

Sausalito was, in a word, idyllic. One of the Bike ‘N Roll employees said it was nice, but a bit “yuppie.” I did not mention that I was raised in Orange County, and “yuppie” is my middle name. And, having visited Sausalito several times, I would say that it’s infinitely more charming than any OC subdivision.