Day 202: Touring Around San Francisco

The weather was pretty dreary today. It was hazy and cold in a wet kind of way, and the winds were also blowing from the north. I wasn’t very enthusiastic about doing another ride during these inhospitable conditions. At least it wasn’t raining today.

I thought that it would be fun to ride into San Francisco in order to visit a friend that has an artist’s studio in the Mission. Some people think that I’m nuts to ride my Colnago through the Mission district, but I don’t. I’d be very surprised if I were the victim of a “bike jacking.” I guess that it could happen, but I refuse to live in that sort of fear.

On my way to the Mission district today, I rode through the Castro. I was riding in cycling gear (tights), and on my sunflower covered Colnago, so I wasn’t too surprised when I received my first “wolf call” in decades. I didn’t look to see precisely who it was that was whistling at me, and given that I’m quite comfortable in my heterosexuality, I was flattered nonetheless. ;-) I did ride a bit faster after that… The gay culture in the city is fun, and I've been exposed to it since I was a teenager, so I have no issues with someone belting out a wolf call on my behalf.

I rode down 18th St. on my way to Bryant, and along the way I remembered that “N” had lived on Shotwell St. when she had first moved to San Francisco. I rode by the apartment that she had shown me years ago. She shared it with several other women during the mid 90’s. She had a very odd relationship with the people with whom she lived, and I guess that it eventually backfired on her in the end. I also rode past the bar that used to be called “Two Thieves.” It was started by two of “N’s” friends who she had met during her days of working at Fulton Street and the Crowbar. It’s now called “Shotwell’s” and they no longer allow smoking in the bar. I wonder what happened to “N’s” friends.

By the time that I had reached my friend’s studio I was deeply engrossed in renewing my city savvy. I’ve been living outside the city for ten years now, so today was fun for me to ride around many of the city’s neighborhoods. I’m happy to live in Marin, but I do miss the urban scene, and I hope to be more proactive in staying connected to the city in the future. It's so close, so I should take advantage of it's merits.

I rode back home via 3rd Street where I stopped to take in the Cirque du Soleil tents. It brought back many fond memories, recent and old, and also the memory of knowing that my nephew asked his wife to marry him on the way to the Cirque two years ago. I love those two.

As I rode back along the embarcadero, I was once again reminded that I’ve missed so many changes that have taken place in San Francisco. I noticed a huge sculpture that I’d never seen before. It’s an elaborate installation right by the Bay Bridge. Is that Cupid's bow? That's the Bay Bridge nestled to the right of the photograph. If it weren't for traffic, I would have taken a better shot that included the whole bridge.

I was happy to ride back to Marin where I've been warmed up by Tugboat, and have reflected on my ride through San Francisco. I’m reminded that urban living is both fun and difficult. Today I looked at cars that had "boots" on them, tow-away zones that have specific hours, street cleaning, etc., etc. On the flipside, it was fun to feel the energy and diversity that the city provides. I'm close enough to enjoy the city, without the hassle of living there.

As I passed by the Pier 23 Bar and Restaurant I saw their paper mache applied bicycle. It was fun to look at, albeit briefly, since it was cold out and I wanted to get home where it was warm. I like that there’s an urban resurgence surrounding cycling. Today I noticed dozens of urban bicycles that are from many different genres. It’s all good in my opinion. It’s one less car, right?

Distance: 33.59 miles
Calories burned: 2,127
Time: 2:23:39 hours
Elevation gain: 1,342 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21892912