Next stop - San Francisco (pausing in Gualala and Bodega Dunes)

Ryan and Israel rode all the way to San Francisco on their last bike tour two years ago, so it is understandable that they have been trying a bit to recreate some of their last adventure, but it hasn't been easy to do. The Peg House show the last tour was packed, and although the venue had built a new outdoor stage, the crowd was much smaller. In Gualala on the last tour, they weren't planning on playing a show, just getting groceries, when the cashier asked them if they were playing at the hotel across the street. They went over and ended up with free rooms (for them and the two German bike tourers they had befriended) in exchange for a set at the Gualala Hotel. Things have changed in Gualala, CA and the manager wasn't too keen on giving them too much in exchange for playing to a very small Monday night crowd.

Not discouraged, the band went across the street to Bone's Roadhouse restaurant to try to rustle up a crowd to come to their show. Ryan had contacted the owner of Bone's Roadhouse before the trip to try to set up a show, but it was never confirmed, so when they walked in they suggested they just play there for the late dinner crowd. They were all miked up, which was great for Israel, as he was on the verge of losing his voice after straining it a bit in Mendocino.

We camped that night amongst beautifully smelling eucalyptus trees and some very aggressive raccoons. They luckily left us alone and Buzz is slowly regaining her feeling of well being while in the tent.

The next day's ride was beautiful. Highway 1 hugs the rugged coastine, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. We spent some time along a turnout feeling like we were on top of the world. We ended the day in Bodega Dunes and for the first time it was obvious that we have left the more renegade counties in Northern California and had reached the weekend hangouts for rich Bay Area folk. Campsites at the state park were $25 a night, the priciest so far, but we were treated to a walk by visit by a badger. Ah, wildlife.

The band today made the 65-mile push into San Francisco look like a walk in the park. They did the first 30 miles without stopping, passing the other touring bicyclers that we have met along the way.

Yesterday was the first day of fall, and our two month anniversary of being on the road. Hopefully we'll be able to enjoy some down time/alone time in the Bay Area to go out to dinner and celebrate and reflect on what a wild ride it's been.