I left Gold Beach yesterday after a big breakfast at about 9:30. I knew the next leg to Brookings was going to be the hilliest of my trip so I fueled up with a big meal. That 50km was the coldest I've been so far. There was a thick fog, and it was cool. The climbs were long, and then I'd work up a sweat, and then fly down the other side and completely freeze. This routine happened about 8 times throughout the morning. I also achieved my highest elevations so far, and passed about 15 lookouts, but with the thick fog, I couldn't see anything past 20 feet. I'm sure the views would have been stellar, but I'd just have to imagine, and unfortunately, no pictures :(
I arrived in Brookings at about 12:30 and stopped for lunch. This was my intended destination for my whole tour. For some reason, while it was nice to achieve my goal, I all of a sudden felt deflated a bit, realizing I had nothing else much planned beyond that, and well... now what?
About as quickly as I arrived in Brookings, I left and headed for Crescent City, about another 50km away, and in California. So close, might as well be able to say I cycled to Cali.
I had no California map, and totally expected to hit an information booth just beyond the border, but it didn't happen. I cycled on, and saw Pacific Coast Cycling signs directing me off the highway. I have always followed the suggested cycling tour route, so I followed it again as usual. It took me through some very rural roads, right through typical Abbotsford style farms. It was inland, and got much warmer really quickly. It was kinda weird how the scenery and climate changed so much in such a short distance.
I cycled through these windy small roads for quite some time, and felt a little bit vulnerable, because I had absolutely no maps, and didn't really know where I was at all. If I missed a sign, I could be in no mans land. Thankfully, every so often, I'd come along a cycling sign, letting me know I was still in track.
I arrived in Crescent City at about 4:30 and 94km. I thought about what I was going to do next, and thought I'd probably just go home from here. I found a tourism office, who had NO cycling maps at all. Other than a hand drawn photocopy of a copy. I didn't feel too comfortable. I need a day to think about this. If I carry on, it's gotta be San Francisco, or just end it here. There's nothing in between.
I booked a room at the Best Western for 2 nights. I splurged with this room, with pool, hot tub, breakfast, laundry, and all that. My final 2 days in comfort. Right next door is a spa, so I booked a massage for this morning. I needed one!
Last night for dinner, I sat at the local lounge for my usual meal and drinks. Just before retiring for the night, my neighbor started chatting me up. Local former fisherman named Dennis, who told me the best scenery is yet to come further south of here. He couldn't believe I'd come this far, and not see the rest of the coast.
Funny thing is, every cyclist I came across on this trip, has San Fran as their destination. I never gave it much thought, but now that I'm here, it doesn't feel right to end here. I'm just starting to get my stride. My legs are strong, It took me 4 days just to condition myself for this. I gotta keep going.
So today I had a well deserved day of rest. I had my massage, did all my laundry with a real washer and dryer, and just chilled for the day. I'm going to go see a movie later. I feel awesome, and ready for another 6 or so days making it down to San Francisco!!!! A new goal, I feel complete again. Just need some new tunes soon. :)
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