We had been looking forward to today for a long time and finally it was here. We almost cancelled due to extreme heat, but this morning seemed a little cooler so it was a GO. Today was the day we would bike the Bayshore! "The Bayshore is a delightful 25-mile ride with no significant hills. Most of it runs along bike lanes or separated bike paths. The scenery is rich and varied".
We arrived downtown and started on our way at 7:50. Of course, it would have been better if we had left earlier, but what the heck, we were on the ride at last and the morning air was still somewhat fresh.
I may have looked a little dorky cycling along with a map in my hand along with written directions, but we didn't know if the route was well marked so dorky or not we headed off. The first part of the ride was an eye opener as we rode past rubby after rubby (Canadian for homeless). Some were still tucked in while other were foraging about. Before we knew it we were in an industrial district. This was the least interesting part of the ride and I am glad that it was at the beginning, but having said that there was still lots to look at. We wound through this area, under the Coronado bridge and before long, ended up at a very nice area called Bayfront Park (J Street). Next time this is where we will stop for a snack and rest room break. (We did not stop this time and I regretted it later). The park was on the shore and there was a welcome refreshing breeze.
We managed to find our way, only checking the directions when there was a question about where to go which was not too often. At one point we rode past the entrance to the bike route, but quickly realized and did not waste much time going the wrong way. This was marked on the directions as "poorly marked" so we should have been aware.
Somehow in Imperial Beach we ended up cycling a lot of the way on busy Main Street. This was the first time I felt I really had to be paying attention to cars. It turns out that when we hit the strand we merged with a bike path that we probably should have been following. This path would have taken us through this area without being on the street. I will re-check that later.
The Strand is the Strand! There were many happy cyclists along with skaters, runners and mom's pushing babies along the path. Everyone was very courteously sharing the space. After all, this is such a lovely spot that one could not expect to have it to ones self. Once again the breeze from the water was welcome. We cycled past Glorietta Bay Park , which also looked like a good spot to snack, stretch and use the facilities. Once in Coronado we followed along the route past the golf course and under the bridge. At last across the water the skyline of the City of San Diego was in our sight.
We arrived at the San Diego Bay Ferry dock at 10:20. The ride took us exactly 2-1/2 hours as indicated on the route directions. Just as we were about to look for a bite of breakfast or at least an iced something the ferry arrived and we hopped aboard. Cost was $3.50 each including bike. We were among about 20 other bikers as well as several other families that were on this sailing. I must say this part of the route was the icing on the cake. It made us love our city even more. Where in the world can you have such a wonderful bike ride and finish it off with a ferry ride? Only in America's Finest City.
We arrived downtown and started on our way at 7:50. Of course, it would have been better if we had left earlier, but what the heck, we were on the ride at last and the morning air was still somewhat fresh.
I may have looked a little dorky cycling along with a map in my hand along with written directions, but we didn't know if the route was well marked so dorky or not we headed off. The first part of the ride was an eye opener as we rode past rubby after rubby (Canadian for homeless). Some were still tucked in while other were foraging about. Before we knew it we were in an industrial district. This was the least interesting part of the ride and I am glad that it was at the beginning, but having said that there was still lots to look at. We wound through this area, under the Coronado bridge and before long, ended up at a very nice area called Bayfront Park (J Street). Next time this is where we will stop for a snack and rest room break. (We did not stop this time and I regretted it later). The park was on the shore and there was a welcome refreshing breeze.
We managed to find our way, only checking the directions when there was a question about where to go which was not too often. At one point we rode past the entrance to the bike route, but quickly realized and did not waste much time going the wrong way. This was marked on the directions as "poorly marked" so we should have been aware.
Somehow in Imperial Beach we ended up cycling a lot of the way on busy Main Street. This was the first time I felt I really had to be paying attention to cars. It turns out that when we hit the strand we merged with a bike path that we probably should have been following. This path would have taken us through this area without being on the street. I will re-check that later.
The Strand is the Strand! There were many happy cyclists along with skaters, runners and mom's pushing babies along the path. Everyone was very courteously sharing the space. After all, this is such a lovely spot that one could not expect to have it to ones self. Once again the breeze from the water was welcome. We cycled past Glorietta Bay Park , which also looked like a good spot to snack, stretch and use the facilities. Once in Coronado we followed along the route past the golf course and under the bridge. At last across the water the skyline of the City of San Diego was in our sight.
We arrived at the San Diego Bay Ferry dock at 10:20. The ride took us exactly 2-1/2 hours as indicated on the route directions. Just as we were about to look for a bite of breakfast or at least an iced something the ferry arrived and we hopped aboard. Cost was $3.50 each including bike. We were among about 20 other bikers as well as several other families that were on this sailing. I must say this part of the route was the icing on the cake. It made us love our city even more. Where in the world can you have such a wonderful bike ride and finish it off with a ferry ride? Only in America's Finest City.
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