Day 18 - Fri, June 20, 2008 - Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA to Mendocino, CA - 441.2 km/275.8 mi. Total 6647.5 km./4154.7 mi.

No temp report today since I lost my digital thermometer.

Rode up the coast, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and started on Hwy 101. Decided Hwy 1 may be a better choice on a bike, even though it's a longer ride, so doubled back to the north side of the bridge to catch 1. A great decision. The ride over the mountain is one switch-back followed by another. Virtually no place to pass. After you get to the coast this is over 250 km. of continually winding road with many 15 mph signs at corners. Very few places to pass cars that ignore the turnout signs asking them to pull over to the side in designated spots to let faster vehicles pass. Really enjoyed the ride as it's like 250 km. of Deals Gap with the longer straight stretches only occurring near the end of the day as I neared Mendocino and Joan (Ruth's cousin) & Paul's place. A few times my foot even touched the ground or reflectors on the road. This road mirrors the coastline in most places, explaining it's nature. Made sure that I purchased a tire back in L.A. area that would give good wear on the center section only to find myself on roads where I only used the center of the tire while transitioning from right to left side.

I once again experienced wide ranges in temperatures as I approached the coast or headed inland.

Stopped for lunch at Whale of a Deli at Point Reyes Station. Grabbed a sandwich and drink and went outside to meet Tom who was riding a K series BMW. Enjoyed his company over lunch and we talked mainly about bikes. He told me that on weekends there are lots of groups riding this road and the choice of bike for carving the turns is the XLR, KLR style of dual purpose bikes. He gave me his business card and I will email him my email address and blog site.

GPS got me to Joan & Paul's where I was greeted by Joan and Lucy (their dog). Paul had gone to San Fran on business so he was going to pick up Ruth in Santa Rosa on the way home. They arrived later and we sat down to a delicious meal that Joan prepared. Ruth crashed shortly after dinner.

Photos: My campsite before packing up in the morning; West Coast View.