Day 1 - San Francisco to Vallejo

Wow, one day done! It was a fun and challenging day. We actually started in Burlingame and rode northwest to reach the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. This part of the world is definitely not flat! Although we started at sea level and ended in Vallejo at just 12 ft above sea level, we climbed around 3600 ft today. It was kind of fun riding up and down the streets of San Francisco but definitely a challenge.

Instead of 73 miles today, I got three bonus miles and rode 76. That happens when you stray off course either intentionally or not. My extra three miles included a nice stiff climb which was greatly appreciated! Hahaha.

But I feel good and my legs still feel strong! Tomorrow we ride to Sacramento. Slightly less miles and a lot less climbing so looking forward to that and accomplishing another day's riding!

A brief bit about the other riders - we have a rider from Germany, two from the UK, a couple from Norway. The rest of the riders are from around the US - two from Florida, two from Texas, one from New Jersey, Chicago, North Carolina, California, and elsewhere. There are 16 men, 4 women. Ages range from 19 - 70 so we are a pretty diverse group. 

So I'll try and attach a few photos and we'll call it a night!

At the hotel before we started this morning.

Approaching Golden Gate

They do have a pedestrian and bike crossing so we did not have to cross in traffic.

It's a different view as we head inland towards Vallejo. This was along Highway 37.