Over the Golden Gate.. and back again

It’s been a while since I last rode a bicycle. I must have been in fourth grade when I last did it. But, I figured that you never forget how so I decided to go on a biking trip from San Francisco’s Pier 39 to Sausalito. The trip is approximately 8 miles with some of it uphill. I think it was of moderate difficulty but as I am not that fit it was a little challenging for me (I had to drag the bike on almost all the uphill parts. My legs just failed me.). It was a trip worth taking though despite the aches (My quads!!!) – biking was fun (especially downhill), biking over the Golden Gate and along Embarcadero was a unique experience and Sausalito was charming. I went over the Golden Gate and back again to the city (via ferry – I was tired!).

Pier 39 street performers A little way after Pier 39 - that is Alcatraz behind me This is the top of the first uphill climb... I almost made it all the way... almost At the foot of the Golden Gate There are some things that pictures cannot capture. One of the most striking parts of the trip for me was approaching the foot of the Golden Gate. You had the bay on your right and the Golden gate looming ahead of you. Beyond your immediate space, everything is covered in mist - a sea of white. The horns from invisible ships blaring in the distance (or just ahead of me for all I know) make the scene surreal - like it is possible for a ghost ship to just suddenly part the mist and show itself.

On the Golden Gate The other bad part on an otherwise beautiful day - helmet hair!

Welcome to Sausalito

My other favorite moment was biking downhill on a highway with the mountain to your left and a fantastic view of the bay to your right. You know that Sausalito is ahead but you don’t see it yet and then suddenly after turning on a slight left curve, it shows itself… a (former) fishing town on a hill with charming houses and quaint little shops.
On the way back to Pier 1

To end the day, we rode the ferry on the way back to the city. We had to go to Pier 1 as we missed the last ferry to Pier 39. But, even that was fun as we had a leisurely bike trip along Embarcadero.