Cycling the Golden Gate Bridge; Day 7

The first time I came to San Francisco, I drove over the Golden Gate twice, and never saw it, as the fog was obscuring everything but a few feet in front. 

When we were here last year with the girls, we drove in to SF at night, and we're lucky enough to have a clear morning and a great view. 

This trip we've had amazing weather. Today we'd planned to hire bikes and ride across the bridge. It was another brilliant blue day, even hotter than the past few. 

We decided to hire from a place across from our hotel on Jones Street, 'The Basically Free Bike Hire'. Intrigued, the salesman explained that if we stopped at their sister store at Crissy Field, we could 'buy' goods to the value of our hire receipt. Sounds great. 

The bikes were very comfortable and in good condition, with locks and pouches for valuables. We set off down to Fishermans Wharf, two blocks away, and then joined the bike path to the bridge. It was mostly easy going, apart from two hills - one near Fort Mason and the other as you approach the bridge. The bike and walking paths were well set up, but being used by people of varying skill levels and from different countries meant it wasn't so seamless an arrangement as it should have been. 

There were quite a lot of people doing the same thing we were, despite it being a normal weekday. We rode along the foreshore, and missed the bike shop (ah ha!) that was on the inland path. 

The bridge is a spectacular piece of engineering. It was excellent to see it up close. I only went a short way along and then returned by myself as I had an an awful cold. I hadn't wanted to miss the opportunity to ride on the bridge, though. 

As I turned back the path became busier with cyclists and walkers, and the fine lane on the bridge became an exercise in technical riding. 

Dom and the girls continued on to Sausalito where they stopped for a snack at a cool Spanish cafe. I'd found the bike shop by this stage, so they elected to ride all the way back rather than catch the ferry - impressive effort! They stopped at the shop and traded their receipt for some excellent gear - well worth it! Thanks 'Basically Free Bike Hire'!

I caught a taxi into town for a look at the shops, and wandered about mid town a little. 

We were lucky enough that our travel plans coincided with my lovely friends Chryss and Dave returning to SF from Burning Man. We'd arranged to meet at LoLos, an agave bar on Valencia Street. The margaritas were tasty and the company excellent. 

Chryss had booked us a table at Commonwealth, where we ordered the degustation menu and matching wine flight. Dinner was a delicate and considered mix of flavours, and the staff were knowledgable.