Ride Report: Coronado
 

Got in a sweet 25 miler today, round Coronado "island" and then down the Silver Strand and back. A funny thing -- on the way back up the Strand I was fighting a 13 mph headwind. I kept pushing onward, telling myself I could always stop at one of the bus stops they had every so often, but when I would get there, I'd keep going.

Only AFTER I had turned away from the wind did I realize I was riding on the big ring up front! I thought I was in the middle and I didn't want to go to the small ring (too much pride or something). So I pedaled 9 miles into that headwind with too high a gear!

Here's some pics:

My starting point, and you can see the San Diego skyline across the water...

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...926/medium.jpg

One of the homes (probably owned by a retired admiral) along the Pacific Coast side of the island:

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...977/medium.jpg

The bike path down the Silver Strand:

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...016/medium.jpg

The end of the bike path, down in Imperial Beach, looking back from where I'd come:

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...083/medium.jpg

Stopping at the 12 mile mark for OJ and PIE!

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...111/medium.jpg

A hobby that's more expensive than cycling:

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...134/medium.jpg

And the Coronado Bridge, which I had to drive over to do this ride:

http://www.pbase.com/digitalgee/imag...155/medium.jpg

Fantastic shots, Gary!
That Silver Strand looks like a beauty of a ride. I'd love to try it.
Nice little climb on that bridge, too. Good on ya!
And you said you did 25, eh? :beer:
Now you see how easy they really are. Nothing to be afraid of, at all.

I did 25 myself, today
And I can appreciate that headwind thing, too

Ain't these new roadies fun? You and I... we're the 25 Mile Brothers. Ride on, Bro

No more "DG"....from now on, it's "BR". Sweet pics of what must have been a sweet ride. But where's the Roubaix leaning up against a palm tree or surf shop or taco stand or some other San Diego icon. Or, maybe leaning up against a beach babe?

FWIW the same breeze was beating through the Great Valley out of the NorthWest. A little grit in your eye but the sky was crystal clear and the air bright. Same tomorrow.

Thanks, Deeg, for your visual proof that pie are square. Or at least rectangular.

I gotta remember that Hostess trick...
Three 25+ mile Saturday rides in a row and not a piece o' pie to be had.

Now I know I'm coming west to do some riding. I just finished reading SKT's ride report with the beautiful pictures and now yours. I can't take much more of these ride reports with all this gorgeous scenery:eek:

Good idea, Beverly. I've ridden in Death Valley (in March). What an experience! And if you go west, don't forget Washington and Oregon are also spectacular. But here's something that might surprise you. I've travelled all over Europe, Canada, and the USA, and I think there is a very special charm to the midwest that one doesn't find anywhere else in the world.

You are absolutely right Jet Travis about the midwest, and if my son wasn't living down here in Texas, I don't think I would be either.

Oops, I forgot, that does look like a pretty place to ride Gary, and it looks like you're really liking the new bike.

I can't really complain about the scenery around here. I just happen to love the ocean:) Here are a couple pictures taken along the river trail I ride most Monday evenings. I also love to travel to new places to ride.

I like the ocean, too.
I guess that's why I've never lived anywhere else but here.
54 years. That's a long time in one place.

But, more, I just like water... and trees... I could happily ride where your pictures are.

Most of the beaches I have seen are in Georgia and Florida. While they have their appeal, I have never had a desire to live near them because they are so flat and I love hills and curves (I'm talking about roads, but come to think of it :D ).
The Pacific coast looks a whole lot more appealing.

Bluesdawg.......If you have the nerve to ride on 2 lane Hwy 1 (south of Monterrey immortalized by "Play Misty for Me" and a stage of the Amgen earlier this year, then you can have hills, curves, the Pacific......and guys swerving around in Travel America rental rv's. Anyway, a bit back from the coastline-- from Mendocino down to Big Sur and south-- there are narrow mountain roads in the hills back from the coast where you ca ride, smell the wild mint and eucalyptus and pines...and feel and sniff the sea breeze. Take several summers to explore it all. Sometimes the pleasure of such beauties and the frustration of not having the time to ride it all is almost bittersweet.

I'm a transplanted Clevelander. I remember all the wonderful roads through the metropolitan park system that rings the city. And I've heard it's even bigger and better than ever before. You have some wonderful scenery over there. Ever been to Nelson's Ledges?

You have a ride as good as this and you don't do it every Day? so the Roubaix (In White) looks as though it is going to earn its keep. Don't forget to keep feeding it titbits every now and then- like oil for the chain, and adjustments to the cables. Got the red Bottle cages yet?

You've GOT to be kidding!

I thought a Roubaix was self-maintaining. You mean I have to lube it myself?

And yes, I have the red bottle cage. Just one so far. :D

Thanks Bev for keeping us in the running of "spectacular landscapes" here in Ohio with your photos.That Gary can be a tough act to follow with his Dee-Cam and beach photos.The guy,s all over the west coast now.
Do you think Gary noticed that you had the whole 50miles of trail to yourself which is very typical around here?:)

Congrats and great ride. I love Coronado and the ride on the strand...Hurray, we got an ocean ride report. Great pics...my wife and I have scheduled a week next year to ride San Diego and Orange County and redo many of the rides we used to do when we lived in SD. Next, we need pics along PCH from La Jolla to Carlsbad.:)