i was amazed that at least 25 people were at golden gate park for the start of this all-day ride! not everyone could stay all day, tho, and people split off all afternoon. despite the questionable quality of the maps handed out (umm, by me), fun was had and a ride was ridden.

sunny clear (hot!) weather all day. first stop twin peaks, good to get that outta the way, then down down down to dolores park and up up up dolores street (some folks sensibly detoured over to flat valencia). out ceasar chavez to the waterfront, where we chose illinois street over the offically-marked interstate 280. up to the bike hut at pier 40 and another rest stop. wandered thru downtown, to japantown, back to union sq (where one anonymous rider did an unassisted self-takedown, poor guy, but he's ok). then it was up the ridiculousness of california street and nob hill. my 3-speed schwinn was good til about ¾ the way up, then it was pushing time.... back down, thru chinatown (missed a turn so saw some xtra sights), n.beach, ft. mason, and another scenic rest stop at the wave organ behind the yacht club.

on thru the presidio, up up that long nasty hill to the palace of legion of honor, down down to the cliff house, ocean beach, lake merced, around the lake and back up sunset ave to the park, once around stow lake and you're done! 7 riders arrived at back at the conservatory of flowers at 6:45 pm. a warm beer never tasted more refreshing. whereabouts of the long-since-broken-away breakaway pack not known, up to 5 there may have finished. only one flat tire too, pretty amazing.

what i learned: the 49 Mile Drive is a flexible thing - the route signs aren't always where the map says the route is. and different maps have slightly different routes. crooked lombard st. and coit tower aren't even on the route! must be too many tourists driving there anyway, so why encourage more. would've detoured to both those locales if time and energy permitted. a worthwhile if tiring endeavour!

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