In the spring of 2012 I decided to take a solo, self-contained cycling tour up The Pacific Coast on my recumbent trike. This was something that I needed to do for a lot of reasons. I had dreamed about doing a really big bike tour for many years. The dream kept getting deferred – because life got in the way. But in March-April, all the parts came together – I had the time, the money and the physical well-being to make it happen.
As you’ll see, the trip didn’t turn out exactly as planned. But in many ways it turned out better. This trip, and the experiences Nancy and I shared together, is partly the genesis for The Recumbent Gourmet. It’s a great way to get to know us and the adventures we strive to enjoy and share with you.
Note: These posting are reprints (with significant judicious editing) of the journal that I kept of this ride at Crazy Guy On A Bike
I've decided it is time for a bike tour! I'm going to ride up the Pacific Coast. I've gone on bike tours a few time in the past - and it has always helped to clear my head and get me focused on what is to come next in ...
I have been to the REI store in Tustin a half-dozen times over the last week or two. It's an easy ride from my house - just a mile or so off the Peters Canyon Trail - so I can stop by when I am out for a relaxing ride. ...
Saturday March 10, 2012 Went out for a 60 mile training ride with a group of local trikers today. During a 30 MPH descent down the Santiago Canyon, I start to hear a strange "Thwick","Thwick","Thwick" sound with every revolution of my right front wheel. That can't be good ...
Tuesday March 13, 2012 Today I set out early to do a real test of the my ability on the trike. I rode the trike, loaded with about 35 pounds, over a course that included all the largest hills in the local area ...
Tuesday March 20, 2012 Today is the Spring Equinox. The first official day of Spring. The beginning of the end to long, cold, dark winter! This being Southern California, the long winter is not much different from the long Summer, but still the equinox marks a beginning of sorts. And ...
Saturday March 24, 2012 I recently ran a report to see how much riding I have done. Wow! Over 1800 miles this year so far. I knew I had ridden a lot - but that is as much as I usually do in 8-10 months! Here is a summary by ...
Sunday March 25, 2012 Well, it's getting very close to the time when I am going to head out. Up till now its all been daydreams. For years I've thought about getting out on a long ride. I spent most of the last two months consumed by getting ...
Saturday April 7, 2012 31 miles (50 km) - Total so far: 31 miles (50 km) I'm officially on the way! I rode from home to the Bonita Creek Park. Nancy met me there, along with Glenn, Kevin, Derek and Jim from the Trike Squadron. We all yakked for a while ...
Sunday April 8, 2012 65 miles (105 km) - Total so far: 146 miles (235 km) A night in a fancy hotel with Nancy. What a nice way to start the tour! I had locked the bike in the hotel employee parking lot right next to the security office. In retrospect, ...
Monday April 9, 2012 50 miles (80 km) - Total so far: 146 miles (235 km) I woke early and ready to get on the road for day 3 of the trike adventure. The PCH was very quiet early on Monday morning. I was concerned there might be rush hour traffic, ...
