So , finally done. Cycle computer shows 2471 miles, back in Carlsbad now. Spent a few days up in the mountains, great but isolated and very hot.
Some good day rides and great climbs but a little frustrating after being on the move for so long. Decided to head back to coast and for a night before heading through San Diego to San Ysidro on the Mexican Border.
Awoke to cool morning but welcome after heat of mountains . The ride to the border passes through variety of SD neighbourhoods,Torrey Pines upmarket La Jolla, Mission Beach, Birdrock, through downtown area, past huge naval base and docks and out to Chula Vista. Reasonably easy to negotiate and lots of bike lanes. Felt pretty good to be riding out early morning past surfers and joggers, iPod on , knowing that ride would soon be complete. Did the oblig carb and coffee stop at great little cafe near the uni, (Vanilla roast, banana nut muffin). Eventually arrive at San Ysidro around 5pm, soon decided not a great idea to hang around for too long, lots of money changers and cheap stores, typical border town, atmosphere prob made worse by the fatal shooting of a mexican by US border guards yesterday (for throwing stones at them, go figure) Huge swathes of people passing across the border, v easy to get into Mexico, much slower getting back into USA so didn't want to get caught in the crowd and spend a couple of hours getting back into USA( had made decision a while ago not to go into Tijuana, too much bad press). Couple of oblig photos (looking miserable I note) and then turn around and start cycling North, need to find some accomo for the night so keen to leave before light fades. Eventually find great little b&b with friendly Filipino owners who are convinced that I must be in some sort of race and keep asking if I will be in the Olympics. Easier to smile and nod tbh. Had planned great celebration but settled for dominos pizza and couple of bottles of Sam Adams watching Batman Returns. Felt good.
So thats it. Back in hotel in Carlsbad, first non riding day since SF, Julia out next week. Time to put feet up. Thanks for all the messages of encouragement, hope you've enjoyed the blog. As they say out here 'what a trip'.
That's all folks ......
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