We took backroads to Crystal River, Florida. It is the last place we would stay until we arrived in Sarasota. Crystal River became a destination when we planned our next rails-to-trails ride in Florida: the Withlacoochee Trail.
Continue reading Stop number 12 Tallahassee, Florida to Crystal River, Florida: 3421 Miles
Fortunately for me, it was a relatively short trip to Tallahassee. Our plan was to ride the Tallahassee-St. Marks trail.
Continue reading Stop number 11: Destin, Florida to Tallahassee, Florida: 3247 Miles
Ok, how do we get to Destin, either back through Mississippi or through Alabama? We decided to go through Alabama and stop for breakfast in downtown Birmingham.
Continue reading Stop Number 10: Oxford, Mississippi to Destin, Florida 3081 miles
Why on earth would we drive to Mississippi? We planned to ride another famous bike trail: the Longleaf Trace. It was an exciting to have the time to just go there.
As we found out, Sunday is definitely not the day to drive into Mississippi. Basically, it closes on that day. The entire state basically shuts down with nothing to do except find the hotel and see which McDonalds or Hooter’s is open so we could get something to eat. We did find every fast food or pseudo fast food restaurant that exists is in Hattiesburg. We also found a couple of local gems along the way.
Continue reading Stop number 8: Covington, Louisiana to Hattiesburg, Mississippi 2639 miles
Wednesday May 2, 2012
Tuesday May 1, 2012, 32 miles (51 km)
Total so far: 499 miles (803 km)
Today’s ride takes us from the little village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, to Monterey, including part of the famed 17 Mile Drive. Cars pay a fee of $9.75 for the privilege of cruising this scenic route, but on bicycles we roll in for free!
Sunday April 29, 2012
Today is a turning point of sorts. Today, we pack up the car and we head south from Mendocino. For this first time on this trip, we are turning back the way we came. Away from the new and unknown and toward home. Away from the spirit of adventure and romance, and back toward reality.
Continue reading Day 23 & 24: Mendocino to Carmel to Palo Alto and Then Back to Carmel
Saturday April 28, 2012, 22 miles (35 km)
Total so far: 467 miles (752 km)
Today’s plan is to ride the old logging haul road that run parallel to the Big River for about 8 miles from the beach in Mendocino. It’s only a mile or so from our hotel, so we head out right after breakfast.On the way to the beach we make a quick stop at a turnout on Highway 1 that affords a great view of the beach and the surrounding coastline.
Friday April 27, 2012, 5 miles (8 km)
Total so far: 445 miles (716 km)
Today was a fascinating drive. We follow CA Route 128 north and west for almost 70 miles from Cloverdale, a few miles north of Healdsburg, through the Alexander Valley to the Navarro River headlands on the Mendocino Coast. The road twists, turns and winds its way past tiny villages, farms and vineyards. I am extremely glad I am not cycling this route. The posted speed limit is 55 MPH. It’s only 2 lanes, there is no shoulder to speak of, and it is filled with blind corners and rolling hills. We do see a few brave cyclists, but I don’t think I would ride this road.
Thursday April 26, 2012, 22 miles (35 km)
Total so far: 440 miles (708 km)
After the usual huge bed and breakfast meal, Nancy and I get ready to ride in Sonoma. Today’s plan is to make our way on surface streets to The West County & Joe Rodota Trails. This is a local rail-trail built along land that was once the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, a line that linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville. The trails total fourteen miles long. The trails are paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. An unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail. Designated as a Community Millennium Trail by Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, the trail offers beautiful views of farms, vineyards, and other agricultural lands.
