Mid-Week Rides: Six ride north

February 28, 2012

Major WWWobble writes:

Six MidWeek Riders (Dave E., ZunkelMan, John G., the Captain, Joe S, and WWWobble riding a BMW, BMW, BMW, BMW, a Honda cruiser and the YellowBeater) met for breakfast at the Seal Rock Inn near the Cliff House for a good, and inexpensive breakfast. Departed for the GGB via Geary, left past the Legion of Honor Museum, thru a non-descript housing addition featuring ocean views, then thru the exPresidio grounds to and over the bridge. Up the 101 to Lucas Valley Rd.

West on Lucas Valley to Nicasio and then perfect West Marin roads eventually landing in “Not a Bank” Tomales where Joe S., the Captain, and our official MugWhump Photographer fired away with digital abandon. No film expense means many pix – one or two pretty good ones too, sometimes…

“Let’s take Middle Road” shouts the Captain, who is also the leader so maybe he was shouting to himself. I’ve personally never figured out what it’s the middle of, although I do try to ride in the middle of Middle Road because it’s a bumpy little piece and it seems smoother in the middle. So there your are, and eventually it winds up back on Hwy 1 somewhere, like a little south of Bodega Bay. Fuel stop in Bodega for those with small tanks (hi Joe) or those who believe fuel will cost another quarter per gallon by afternoon, so get it now.

So far there has been no traffic. Partly overcast, good chance of beating the rain, but on the cool side. Those with electric seats, grips, and vests stay warm. Those without pretend they do. The Coast along Salmon Creek Beach, Arched Rock Beach, Portuguese Beach, Wright’s Beach, Shell Beach, and Goat Rock Beach is beautiful. Thru Jenner and onto Meyers Grade Rd.

What WWWobble calls “Meyers Grade Rd” is actually several. It begins with Meyers Grade, then turns into Fort Ross Rd, then Seaview Rd, then Hauser Bridge Rd featuring Hauser Bridge, a bridge where it is NOT a good idea to take the key out of the ignition because should you drop it, it will be gone forever. Once over the bridge, we turn onto King Ridge where the group spreads out a bit, some to stroll, enjoy the spectacular views and take pix, some to challenge limited skills on a delightful California Goat Path.

WWWobble arrives at Cazadero General store and investigates a nearly empty cooler where the deli sandwiches usually stay. Seems the deli that CazStore purchases these delights from had the misfortune of having a tree fall thru the roof. This interrupts sandwich making, and will interrupt it for several more days, but should be back in biz by next week. This is what I’m told, so WWWobble sits on the porch and considers this as ZunkelMan and Dave E pass by with a wave. Guess they are passing on lunch. The rest of the group arrives and gathers. The Captain considers this new information and implements Plan B.

We leave Cazadero for Occidental which used to be called Howard but now only the cafe is called Howard’s which is where we enjoy lunch. A big meal, actually, well served and nice. Good place to eat. More than enough. So with full stomachs we begin the homebound trek over Occidental Rd to 116, Sebastopol, and the freeway with continued light traffic.

Good ride, a touch on the cool side for spoiled West Coasters, excellent otherwise. And in the evening, the rain came down. Perfect!