9:00 pm 21Apr17 I’m doing this editing offline in my tent. When it shows up on the site, I will have already left the Pinnacles.
I felt much better today. Google showed the Pinnacles, my destination for the day, as being 58 miles away. A little further than planned, but all right. There was no coffeemaker in the room, but there was a microwave, so I made some nescafe that I had brought along. I filled my water jug. 8 extra pounds of weight, but at least I wouldn’t run out. I also wrapped up the sleeping bag and tent like a package in the tarp, hoping that would help them not to slip out as I rode. Learning from experience.
I left the motel at maybe 8:30, had a gas station breakfast (an outrageous $2 for a danish), and while sitting at the table, met Walter from Santa Clara County services. He and his colleague Paul (? I think) run a mobile medical van that does needle exchanges and screenings. These were the first cards I handed out on the road.
The first priority in Hollister was to get replacement bike tubes. Google pointed me to Off the Chain bike shop. Robin, the super-friendly owner, came out to welcome me. She and her husband Brian Lucas own the shop. I spent time chatting with them, and Brian told me about how he had ridden in the desert when he was younger. They each took a gallon of water, but rode at like 4:30 in the morning, found shade at mid-day, then resumed in late afternoon. Brian lent me his shoes so I could walk to the nearby Lucky, where I got 3 bananas, 6 bagels, and a full size dry salami. I also got a replacement emergency meal at the Big 5 next door.
Back at the bike shop where I had left my bike, I peeled one of the bananas, It was crushed and brown inside, but I ate it anyway.
The last few miles before the downhill into the Pinnacles were daunting. I had to unclip, and stop on the hill to rest. Something I didn’t do even once on the TransAmerica trail when young. In fact, I never even used the granny gear until Hoosier Pass. But now I know why they call it a granny. Because I’m a senior citizen, and need it.
It’s now 9:30 pm, my teeth are brushed, and I’m going to turn in. 78 miles to San Miguel tomorrow, no services.
Miles: 57.0
That first picture looks hot… and those food rations look skimpy…
I’ve been to Pinnacles maybe three times now, all before it became a National Park. The last time was back in 2011, just after Fukushima, when dear daughter was home on break and we went down there to hike. The hills were all green, and in the park (at that time I think it was a National Monument) we kept splashing over (or through) little creek-like rivulets. It was a lovely day, perfect weather for hiking, and the rain didn’t start up again until we were driving home.
I keep meaning to go back there, but now we’re getting into allergy season…
It wasn’t too hot, as there was a light breeze. The killer was the hills. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to hike around Pinnacles. Just camped for the night, and left the next day out of necessity (only had enough food to last another day).
should have brought a sheet of coupons. glad you’re running into helpful people.
Nah, I had the 2-cheeseburger special for $4, which needs no coupon. Came with fries and a [bottomless] drink.