Explore some roads with one Bicycle

And thank you for an amazing year 2010

2010-12-30T20:06:00.000Z

2010 was a year to forget due to financial issue for sure, mine as well. these trips were done with extremely low budget but incredibly high in survival (just go give more emphasis to the story, actually well managed it can be very simple), and of course the lost count of friends made all over the way.

So this only proofs that there are great people all over the world and if you are discrete and simple, people will love You! So, try to turn off the TV and the news, bring music that you like and be surprise about the wonders you will find on your way!

And as promised here are the videos done in Switzerland...

... and with snow in Austria:

Oh yeah, the graphic of the highest altitude of this trip. Between Feldkirch and Innsbruck.

So my wishes for 2011 is a year full of great surprises, health, happiness and all your dreams come true.

Merry Merry!

And here are the final statistics of this Oktoberradfest

2010-11-30T21:41:00.001Z

Done    Time Mov.Tm Max Spd Avg Total Total Bike
KM    HH:MM HH:MM KM/H    KM/H KM KM
Dusseldorf (DE) - St Goarhausen (DE) 208,31 11:40 09:55 52,0 21,0 208,31 15539,4
Mainz (DE) - Strasbourg (FR) 202,94 10:51 09:23 49,0 21,6 411,25 15742,3
Strasbourg (FR) - Basel (CH) 136,61 08:57    07:06 28,0 19,3 547,86 15878,9
Delemont (CH) - Zurich (CH) 130,94 09:24    07:13 54,0 18,2 678,80 16010,2
Zurich (CH) - Feldkirch (AT)    140,12    09:36 07:59 58,0    17,5 818,92 16150,4
Feldkirch (AT) - Innsbruck (AT) 174,97    12:11    09:15 61,0 18,9 993,89 16325,3
Innsbruck (AT) - Munich (DE) 157,47    10:36    08:40 48,0 18,2 1151,36 16482,8
Munich (DE) - Regensburg (DE) 143,49 07:09    06:58 47,0 20,6 1294,85 16626,3
Regensburg (DE) - Pilsen (CZ) 161,66 08:28 07:21 65,0 22,0 1456,51 16788,0
Pilsen (CZ) - Prague (CZ) 112,17 06:15    05:55 51,0 18,9 1568,68 16900,2
Prague (CZ) - Dresden (DE) 159,85 09:54 08:15 53,0 19,4 1728,53 17060,0
Dresden (DE) - Cottbus (DE) 108,84 05:04 04:52    42,0 22,4 1837,37 17168,9
Cottbus (DE) - Berlin (DE) 145,96 07:45 07:04 30,0 20,7 1983,33 17314,9
Berlin City (DE) 96,72    XX:XX 05:06 XX,X 19,0 2080,05 17411,6

Total/Average    2080,05 117:50 105:02 XXXX XXXX
Maximum 208,31 12:11 09:55 65,0 22,4

And for the route, if You zoom out You will be able to see half of the Homer Simpson! It was just casual, but if You want to complete just go to Hamburg, Bremen, Enschede (NL) and Dusseldorf!

So, once again thank You for the great company. Specially my couchsurfing hosts, some of them are my great friends, also met some people who finally met after many year of chatting. To my facebook friends and "fans" for the motivation messages, also to facebook/vodafone for allowing to send free sms every time someone comments/sends me a message/add as friend. Now I just found out that I only pay 5 eurocent even in Roaming in the European Union. Even better! It was really really wonderful as You could all testify. So if You plan to do something similar, You can access all the photo archive by click on one photo, the photos while on pedal are GPS tagged (excluding the Euro-Russian trip as I had no internal GPS recorder). Just click on one photo, you will be redirected to the OVI page and on top You can browse the directories, same applies for google maps roads, and the statistics give you one idea in how far you can pedal in one day, already with obstacles included.
I made some videos of the trip but my tiny Asus EEE701 is quite small for video editing, but as soon I am able to edit on a PC with more space I'll link it over here.
So.. that's it! For future long distance trips only with full sponsorship or earning large amounts of funds in a short time, everyone tells me that I should go to China (I will one day for sure, there's time, no rush). I don't like to make big predictions for the future, as long I can breathe and have an healthy life, fine by me. Once again thanks for the wonderful company! Love You all!

2010-10-28 Cottbus (DE) - Berlin (DE), Die Ankuft

2010-10-29T19:13:00.002+01:00

And for the last part of this tour (ended here due to new job functions, so not getting too much tired before another new first day at work), weather speaking, had mostly opposite wind, no rain, started to be clear while getting closer to Berlin on which arrived on sunset times.
This trip was also passed by swamp area and rivers, on which according to my host in Cottbus (thanks for the night in the art cafe), there is a city on which some houses are only reachable by boat (if I'm not mistaken it is located in Lübbenau), and a bit after that I got into a trail road full of Autumn leafs, yup, the Winter is arriving!
Despite this trip had more 15km than what was planned (was always like that), it really felt so great cycling in the middle of the forest and see some sun says sneaking between the trees. No rush, just enjoy and breathe!

Enjoy and breathe...

Still need to pedal a little more....

Almost....

And just did it!

The last path: 2010-10-28 Cottbus (DE) - Berlin (DE)

145,96 km in 07h45m Moving time: 07h04m Max speed: 30,0 km/h Average: 20,7km/h Radfest total: 1983,33 km Bike total: 17314,9 km

And the sound of the arrival (I still love You people!): Crystal Castles - Not In Love (ft. Robert Smith)

Soon all the statistics and the combined route.

2010-10-27 Dresden (DE) - Cottbus (DE)

2010-10-27T23:10:00.001+01:00

In short words, very simple, easy, mostly flat, lovely Autumn leafs, only done on the B97 on in half of the trip has no shoulders or bike lanes, but still very doable. Also this time the wind was a great friend of mine. Which made me have plenty of time to hangout with my host who brought me to an art gallery/bar.
And tomorrow... Berlin!

Love the Polish name of Mr Albert Einstein!

The route: 2010-10-27 Dresden (DE) - Cottbus (DE)

108,84km in 05h04m Moving time: 04h52m Max Speed: 42,0km/h Average: 22,4 km/h Radfest total: 1837,37 km Bike total: 17168,9 km

And the song: The c90s – Shine a Light

2010-10-26 Praha (CZ) - Dresden (DE)

2010-10-26T23:42:00.001+01:00

After explore and rest in the city of Prague on which I was invited many times and had no chance so far. I saw that the city is really more into tourists, however there are other places not so touristic that's worth to see or try. Just ask locals for that!
About the biking day, started with a nice sunny day, then after leaving Prague had only opposite wind until I arrive to the Elbe/Elmo river with landscapes very similar to the Rhine between Koblenz and Mainz, but in Czech version, when the sunset began, the wind was neutral, but had to climb mountains until near the German border. The last 30km were very easy to do and allowed to regain some time, however when inside Dresden, my GPS was guiding me in not so correct directions (was audio guided). The temperature was very near the Zero degrees. So not convenient to pedal without gloves. But at lest I had reached to my destination: Dresden

The Photos are still in Czech Republic and not in the Rhine! But very very similar! Even the train lines! There are in both sides as well

Route: 2010-10-26 Prague (CZ) - Dresden (DE)

159,85 km in 09h54m Moving time:08h15m Max Speed: 53,0 km/h Average: 19,4 km/h Radfest Total: 1728,53 km Bike Total: 17060,0 km

And to enjoy, a nice funny parody! Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand

2010-10-23 Plsen (CZ) - Praha (CZ)

2010-10-24T11:51:00.002+01:00

As this trip was the shortest one, I decided to have GPS all the time on. Despite it has the option to avoid non asphalt roads, it brought me to some 5km in the real wild. actually I loved it! Saw a group of deers crossing by, brown leafs and some rays of sun between trees.
Arriving to Prague was interesting how the GPS was taking me into a 360 degrees tour. For that choose a road on my own (I was only being audio guided). The important is that arrived safe to Prague. Now time for a little city tour.
I saw deers...

An old house...

A sign...

All you can eat sour apples from the tree! (Loved it)...

My path: 2010-10-23 Pilsen (CZ) - Prague (CZ)

112,17 km in 06h15m Moving Time: 05h55m Max Speed: 51,0 km/h Average: 18,9 km/h Radfest Total: 1568,68 km Bike Total: 16900,2 km

And for Groove: Maximum Balloon - Groove Me (ft. Theophilus London)

2010-10-22 Regensburg (DE) - Plzeň (CZ)

2010-10-24T11:32:00.002+01:00

After being hosted by a great friend of mine who I hadn't seen in almost 2 years on the couchsurfing meeting and also we had been chatting almost all morning on, the departure was quite late.
Talking about the trip, the hills had just started, low way ups, quick way down, but the weather was very helpful! Clear sky, a bit cold but once moving on, you forget what cold is :)
About roads, was better to have GPS on on some places as it was not allowed to pedal on the B16 and B85 to Cham. On the Czech side started going up for a while. Plenty of casinos and then nice calm area and enjoy the sunset and full moon. Was a good help as the light of my bike failed. I had bought some LED and will adapt it to the bike. Let's see how long it lasts.
And so, this was my first time in Czech Republic:

Route: 2010-10-22 Regensburg (DE) - Pilsen (CZ)

161,66 km in 08h28m Moving Time: 07h21m Max Speed: 65,0 km/h Average: 22,0 km Radfest Total: 1456,51 km Bike Total: 16788,0 km

And for listen: Detachments – Holiday Romance

2010-10-21 Munich (DE) - Regensburg (DE)

2010-10-21T23:30:00.001+01:00

After 2 days of rest sightseeing and hanging out with some friends I have there, had to continue the journey. This one a short one on which departed a bit after lunch time and the weather friendly, cold but once start to pedal, the body temperature and the windproof jacket make things warm.
Just had a little farming area as I was going on the wrong way and as I don't turn back if there is a road available, just got delayed like half hour. Got to be more accurate with the main points for changing direction.
Had a nice sunset, together with a full moon. Was a nice arrival to Regensburg. However a note on which part of the road B16 is not allowed for bikes and when starts to be allowed and biking there, don't forget to pay attention to the heavy traffic. There were no bike roads beside and the shoulders are very narrow. So pay attention to that.

I really do love sunsets!

Route: 2010-10-21 Munich (DE) - Regensburg (DE)
And the stats: 161,66 km in 08h28m Moving Time: 07h21m Max Speed: 65,0 km/h Average: 22,0 km/h Radfest Total: 1456,51 km Bike Total: 16788,0 km

And the sound: Aeroplane – Caramellas

2010-10-18 Innsbruck (AT) - Munich (DE)

2010-10-21T23:22:00.002+01:00

And so, the last day of biking in the Alps. Got an early start, cloudy all day and chilly, and still always wonderful! Climbing from Jenbach to Achensee was quite a big challenge, but was only 3km uphill, and from thee only peace and tranquility in the lake on which was able to ride calmly for 14km.
Then on the arrival to Munich, I was following all the directions to Munich, till I found a forest and non asphalt road, when turned on the GPS, it seems that was making a circle. So, just more 30 minutes of delay.

And this is a simple and cheap way to make the bike waterpfoof, no need to purchase expensive cases.

More reasons to love Tirol!

And this was the route of the day: 2010-10-18 Innsbruck (AT) - Munich (DE)

157,47 km in 10h36m, Moving Time: 08h40m Max Speed: 48,0 km/h Average: 18,2 km
Radfest Total: 1151,36 km, Bike Total: 16482,8 km

Had listened this song in the Canadian mountains but marked more when leaving Innsbruck on the foggy morning and snow on the top of the mountains! Priceless and unique: James Yuill - Taller Song

2010-10-16 Feldkirch (AT) - Innsbruck (AT)

2010-10-17T23:06:00.003+01:00

Now this was the day I soo wanted to remake! First of all since my first visit to Austria in Innsbruck and Bludenz where I have good friends there which we met almost 10 years ago. Then for one new year eve spent in the Tyrolean mountains, one interrail made in 2004 on which I made a self promise to visit Austria next year on bike (promise fulfilled), but the extra that in the Summer 2005 damaging floods happened there right on the day of my arrival to Zürich. So in 2005 there were damaged roads, railway line, and some closed tunnels. However You can see the edition of 2005 from Zurich to Vienna HERE.
Now in 2010, started with light rain.

Passed by Bludenz, the Milka chocolate factory was closed (the only negative part of the day, another note is that if You arrive pr pass by train just open the door and let Yourself be inspired by the pure pleasure of breathing chocolate, the factory is just in front of the train station)

Then from Langen am Alberg started to snow (YAY!!!) even so I found a way to put my Canon 1000d rainproof for be able to take photos of the outstanding and foggy mountains.

Even if it was cold I was just wearing 2 t-shirts, one long sleeve shirt and the rain/windproof jacket, no need to use gloves while riding up even at 1,3ºC! (Photo taken in the Albergpass)

And here is the highest point of this Oktoberradfest:

From Albergpass was down down down and just didn't cycled faster because mainly for the snow into the eyes (like sand), and second to admire the view! from Sant Anton was just cloudy day.

If You are afraid of highs don't look down!

This is also a good way to create bike roads without wasting millions as well: Using the farming roads (don't forget to give priority to any motor vehicle)

Or could be used on some emergency roads beside the railroads.

This was a day with the lowest average, because this day was really to enjoy the most, it's impossible to not like the mountains, even if You have to go up.
Don't forget that what's goes up, must go down!

174,97 km in 12h11m Moving Time: 09h15m Max Speed: 61,0 km/h (I was faster riding down inside the Albergpass tunnel, but was not recorded on the GPS) Average: 18,9 km/h Radfest Total: 993,89 km Bike Total: 16325,3 km
Route: 2010-10-17 Feldkirch (AT) - Innsbruck (AT)

And this song was all day in my head: Groove Armada - Paper Romance

And a note... It really looks like that there nothing happened, like the floods never happened! Great job! Also that if it wasn't my other night arrival I would continue the trip between Landeck and Innsbruck on the bike roads. However any road in Austria (Except freeways and S roads) is cyclable.

(And I will upload the photo with the records of the altitude, for better view of this path)

2010-10-15 Zurich (CH) - Feldkirch (AT)

2010-10-15T22:57:00.001+01:00

Now this is one of the reasons why I love mountains, trains, green, and chocolate!
(This little extra is located in the Zurich main train station. On the meeting point You can make some 3D drawings, very few people know about this)

Right a few kilometers after Zurich on the road 3, started to smell chocolate, once got closer to a big building the "perfume" was stronger, and then it was nothing more, nothing less but the Lindt chocolate factory. I got hypnotized and bought some for the trip and share with my hosts and friends.

As You can see, chocolate is a great source of energy:

A bit after passing Lindt chocolate factory picked up some nuts from a tree located on the right side of the road.
Cycling around lake Zurich was ok, big traffic but very cyclable, then when reaching Naefels, the road started to climb the mountain from altitude around 500 meters until the near 900 meters according to the GPS, even with some foggy weather the view was still outstanding! I just simply stopped and enjoyed all the possible views! (I was biking with the Canon 1000d all the time, on this day made more than 100 photos, so the best is click on any of these photos and then just browse in the OVI website)

Mülehorn and lake Walen (Walensee):

Then arriving to Sargans, followed by the bike signs and actually was a good road, and passing Liechtenstein in the night.

But at least passed by the capital, Vaduz. Even at night it is possible to see many lights up in the mountains. Arriving to Feldkirch and crossing the border, there were still some border control who just randomly asked for passports, didn't happened to me. Go ahead, moving on.

Route: 2010-10-15 Zurich (CH) - Feldkirch (AT)

140,12 km in 09h36m Moving time:07h59m Max Speed: 58,0 km/h Average: 17,5 km/h Radfest Total: 818,92 km Bike Total: 16150,4 km

This is also good to listen in the mountains: Kisses - Kisses

2010-10-14 Delémont (CH) - Zürich (CH)

2010-10-15T00:22:00.003+01:00

What a wonderful day! Mountains, the fresh breeze, the meadow, the fresh cut grass, really adorable!

Even more pleasure from here! I made a short video here, but is better to compile with other ones I made

Is never too much to repeat sentences like this:

This time this place was not GPS guided, just followed some signs, despite is not the best for touring, it deserves a passage!

So adorable that my arrival to Zürich was quite late, but hey, that's Switzerland! The mountains, the chocolate, the cheese, the clocks, the cows, and of course their punctuality!(And no, I did not used the train)

But also there are parts of the trip with very flat roads even having plenty of mountains beside, so it is very easy to cycle in Switzerland.

Better geographic explanation than this only on the route recorded on GPS: 2010-10-14 Delémont (CH) - Zürich (CH)

130,94 km in 09h24m Moving time: 07h13m Max Speed: 54,0km/h Average: 18,2 km/h Radfest Total: 678,80 km Bike Total: 16010,2 km

And to listen: Shit Robot - Tuff Enuff

2010-10-13 Strasbourg (FR) - Basel (CH)

2010-10-15T00:17:00.001+01:00

This day was a very very flat day, despite hadn't seen much of the Rhine river, but You can also see the big corn meadows, the farming area, some industrial parts when being closer to Basel, and even the road seems flat you are actually going way uphill! So a very calm day, no rush, just breathe and enjoy the music on a nice light foggy day: The Bewitched Hands On The Top Of Our Heads - Hard To Cry

And as You can see there is no need to waste millions on roads just for bikes. Just a little wide shoulder is enough! And actually I prefer the green routes in stead of the red ones:

And entering Switzerland (Basel):

Route: 2010-10-13 Strasbourg (FR) - Basel (CH)

And stats: 136,61km in 08h57m Moving time:07h06m Max Speed: 28,0 km/h Average: 19,3 km/h Radfest total: 547,86 km Bike Total: 15878,9 km

I was hosted in Delémont so for that and as it was getting dark, I got a train (no need to mention that Switzerland is very bike friendly, despite the train fare was a bit pricey).

2010-10-12 Mainz (DE) - Strasbourg (FR)

2010-10-13T00:15:00.002+01:00

What a wonderful day! Sunny, warm, night not that cold, good grape juice with some alcohol, Pizza flambé (all you can eat), good wind and mostly flat roads.
Talking about flat, I had choose the roads quite near Rhein river (despite had not seen it today), as the roads are purely flat, no ups and downs like the biking until Worms (pronounced "Vorms").

Then in the border area there were some very new wine selling and You can still taste the juice of the grapes, with or without alcohol! Any of this beat any energy drink! And much cheaper per liter! As you can see here!

Arriving to Strasbourg was very easy just follow the D468 all the time, no detours, just straight ahead! And again arriving at night!

And also to mention that You can have Pizza Flambé "volonté" (all You can eat, specialité d'Alsace) with almost a liter of beer for 12 euro (was a very perfect refill. Thanks Ricardo)! Good price as France is typically pricey.

Route: Route: 2010-10-12 Mainz (DE) - Strasbourg (FR)

And stats: 202,94km in 10h51m Moving time: 09:23 Max Speed: 49,0km/h Average:21,6 km/h Radfest Total: 411,25km Bike Total: 15742,3km

So, tomorrow... Basel (Switzerland) a much shorter ride)
And for listen (despite I had none): Detachments – Holiday Romance

2010-10-11 Dusseldorf (DE) - St Goarhausen (DE) ----- Mainz

2010-10-11T23:47:00.002+01:00

So the day has began, great weather, quite chilly morning, but still decided to ride in shorts.
Talking about the ride... well, has 2 parts of it. the before Remagen and after Remagen.
Before Remagen, nice, fast, all directions correct, the expected kilometers as well. very good. But after Remagen, that's another story. First of all the trip was expected to be 219km, the tip today was done in 20:44, so even if I ride, the arrival would be after midnight. The average was doing well, but the thing is the distance between Remagen and Koblenz is around 35km (was counting to arrive at 16:30), However the sings were completely messed up, then was in dead ends, having to come back and see where I was in the GPS which has no bike option, so leading to roads only allowed by cars.Arrived to Koblenz after 6PM. Then the rest was ok despite it was already dark night.
I hate to cheat but had no other choice!

And finally the photos! Ovi is not very friendly concerning uploading photos, but at least there is no storage limit!

One similar on another similar departure of last year (Dusseldorf):

Cologne:

Koblenz:

Kamp-Bornhofen:

The stats of this first day: 208,31km in 11h40m Moving time: 09h55m Max Speed: 52,0km/h Average speed: 21,0km/h Radfest total:208,31km Bike total: 15539,4km

Route: 2010-10-11 Dusseldorf (DE) - St Goarhausen (DE)

As the song, despite there was no moon: Underworld - Moon in Water

After Americas.. back to Europe. Now with a small trip called Oktoberradfest

2010-10-10T23:32:00.000+01:00

Some of You already know by my facebook, however this post is to inform that starting from October 11 and till the end of the month and as I have some job free time, what better way to spend the time?

So this trip is expected to be something like this:

This trip will be quite like 2500km... but doable as always!

And here are the final statistics of the North America path

2010-08-27T06:33:00.003+01:00

Day	ROUTE	M TIME	DIST.	MAX	AVG	DIST.
		(H:MM)	(KM)	(KPH)	(KPH)	(MILE)
	Washington DC (City)		37,82	42,0		23,50
1	Washington DC - Wilmington DE	08:36	188,94	52,0	22,0	117,40
2	Philadelphia PA - Brooklyn NY	07:44	168,37	42,0	21,8	104,62
	New York City		30,71	25,0		19,08
3	Brooklyn NY - East Stroudsburg PA	09:33	178,47	67,0	18,7	110,90
4	East Stroudsburg PA - Binghamton NY	08:47	185,97	61,0	21,2	115,56
5	Binghamton NY - Geneva NY	08:57	184,30	49,0	20,8	114,52
6	Geneva NY - Buffalo NY	09:36	174,41	50,0	18,2	108,37
7	Buffalo NY USA - Burlington ON CANADA	06:55	139,93	59,0	20,3	86,95
8	Burlington ON - Toronto ON	05:39	91,06	36,0	16,1	56,58
9	Toronto ON - Barry ON	05:23	104,72	55,0	19,4	65,07
10	Barry ON -****- Parry Sound ON	03:43	88,54	47,0	23,8	55,01
11	Parry Sound ON - Sudbury ON	07:38	189,49	48,0	24,9	117,74
12	Sudbury ON - Iron Bridge ON	09:09	194,01	40,0	21,2	120,55
13	Thessalon ON - Sault St Marie ON	06:03	104,12	37,0	17,2	64,70
14	Sault St Marie ON - Wawa ON	10:19	224,96	58,0	21,9	139,78
15	Wawa ON - Marathon ON	09:32	194,29	54,0	20,4	120,73
16	Marathon ON - Cavers ON (rear wheel broke)	07:59	142,38	68,0	17,9	88,47
17	Thunder Bay ON CANADA - Lutsen MN USA	08:41	182,81	44,0	21,0	113,59
18	Lutsen MN - Duluth MN	06:58	153,56	50,0	22,0	95,42
19	Duluth MN - Grand Rapids MN	06:03	132,69	39,0	21,9	82,45
20	Grand Rapids MN - Alida MN	07:03	144,16	39,0	20,4	89,58
21	Alida MN - Grand Forks ND	07:30	178,78	42,0	24,4	111,09
22	Grand Forks ND - Minot ND	14:09	345,36	41,0	24,7	214,60
23	Minot ND - Williston ND	11:10	205,55	46,0	18,1	127,72
24	Williston ND - Glasgow MT (new back tire)	10:53	238,87	52,0	22,0	148,43
25	Glasgow MT - Havre MT	09:41	258,23	51,0	26,7	160,46
26	Havre MT - Shelby MT	08:13	175,17	43,0	21,4	108,85
27	Shelby MT - Bigfork MT	11:22	267,22	60,0	23,9	166,04
28	Bigfork MT - Troy MT	09:17	212,13	48,0	22,8	131,81
29	Troy MT - Sandpoint ID	04:58	107,76	50,0	21,7	66,96
30	Sandpoint ID - Colville WA	07:13	152,78	58,0	21,2	94,93
31	Colville WA - Wauconda WA	07:14	121,82	62,0	16,8	75,70
32	Wauconda WA USA - Copper Mountain BC CANADA	10:49	214,45	70,0	19,8	133,25
33	Copper Mountain BC - Vancouver BC	14:15	273,18	61,0	19,8	169,75
	Vancouver BC		36,54	43,0		22,70
34	Vancouver BC CANADA - Bellingham WA USA	04:22	96,09	57,0	22,0	59,71
35	Bellingham WA - Seattle WA	06:16	144,08	53,0	23,0	89,53
36	Seattle WA - Olympia WA	06:04	136,86	59,0	22,6	85,04
37	Olympia WA - Portland OR	09:20	221,43	53,0	23,7	137,59
	Portland City		26,87	35,0	15,5	16,70
38	Portland OR - Newport OR	08:11	182,38	62,0	22,3	113,33
39	Newport OR - Winchester Bay OR	05:47	121,62	58,0	21,1	75,57
40	Coos Bay OR - Brookings OR	08:12	176,05	66,0	21,5	109,39
41	Crescent City CA - Eureka CA	07:06	136,76	49,0	19,3	84,98
42	Eureka CA - Wilits CA	09:46	213,26	59,0	21,9	132,51
43	Willits CA - San Francisco CA	12:59	283,90	56,0	22,9	176,41

	Totals	359h05m	7762,85km			4823,61mi
	Averages	08h21m	165,17km		21,1	102,63mi
	Maximums	14h15km	345,36km	70,0	26,7	214,60mi

The final map (it will ask to save the US-CAN route 2010.bmp file), each color is a biking day, includes also the rides (some were forced cheating, had no other choice)

And all the details in GPS (allow some time to load the 3MB KML file to te map): Washington DC - Toronto ON - Vancouver BC - San Francisco CA

San Francisco

2010-08-24T23:31:00.000+01:00

So... A great week to rest, recover some weight and explore the city. Hadn't explorer the nightlife but the day has a lot to show. And unfortunately while I was copying the photos to the PC, I lost on the card and was not transferred to the PC. I'll try to recover them at home.

With more time I'll make this post more pretty! Now let's see when I will return to Europe. See Ya!

2010-08-16 Willits CA - San Francisco CA (THE arrival!)

2010-08-20T10:25:00.001+01:00

So... what to say about this day? Pure happiness and some anger at same time in some parts of the road.
As my host had to work early, I departed from Willits at around 7:30, so.. as the distance is very doable like measured 250km, if I made the trip at an average of 22km/h would be quite like almost consecutive 12 hours on pedal and still have some time for stops. But let's divide in 3 parts:
The first one from Willits till Geyserville, which was mostly done as 4 lane freeway and on this part it's allowed to cycle. I was making a very good average, the road was mostly downhill, despite had some bits of opposite wind, at 12:00 I had done more than 100km, so if the trip remains like this I would arrive to San Francisco at around 7-8pm

but...
The second part, that was the most hated one as it was not allowed to ride the bike on the freeway due to much heavier traffic, had to go to inner cities, but the worse is that they are only connected by freeway! By normal road You have to make longer rides and on one case going uphill:

and downhill:

And then more detours who made me arrive late to Sausalito and up to the Golden Gate.
Which that was the 3rd part and of course the happiness of finally had arrived, despited I would like to arrive there on a sunset. However the bridge had the pedestrian/bike door closed as I arrived there at around 10PM, but no worries! Just hit a button and someone will open the door for You (Only pedestrians cannot cross the bridge after 9PM, bikes are 24 hours).
Crossing the bridge despite being very windy and foggy has still great views even if You only can see nothing more than 300 meters.

(GPS info has one hour delay, as soon OVI be more picture friendly I'll reupload these pictures with the correct location)
And so arrived to San francisco at my host place as they live very close to SFO airport, so more 90 minutes and arrive at midnight.
And so.. that's it, there is still to show the city, so this trip is not yet closed! Only the long distance biking, as the bike is quite rusty and needs a decent cleanup, on which I'll do as soon I arrive to Europe. I need pedals too.

so here is the final route (pay attention on my path when leaving the US101 till the Golden gate entry): 2010-08-16 Willits CA - San Francisco CA

Which made me have this time: 15h41m, Distance 283,90km/176,41mi Moving time: 12h59m, Max Speed: 56km/h, Average: 22,9km/h Total: 7762,85km/4823,61mi Bike total since March 2009: 15142,6km

And a great song for the arrival and "finale": Chemical brothers - Dissolve

See Ya!

2010-08-15 Eureka CA - Willits CA

2010-08-20T09:35:00.001+01:00

This day was quite long, mostly going uphill and with amazing landscapes on the Avenue of the Giants, which is a 50km detour of the freeway/highway US101, and only has positive and recomended passing by. Let's see: the road is mostly flat, so less tiring while going up and downhill, then the trees are still giant (above 100meters high) which means spectacular landscape, this time beside the Elk river, then mostly shadow which means less heat, and for sure in case of rain it would protect You from extra humidity! So a complete must!
Another note is about cycling on the freeway parts of the US101 which is completely bike friendly with white shoulders and does not forbid bikes. When using a search engine it avoids this road, but actually for the west coast bikers You can ride it without any problem and has many exits for food points for example.
Ah, I also must thank Ms Ilda (a nice lady of 80 years old) for the 5 dollar offer while I was eating the dollar pies in front of the fast food in Fortuna. I really love those apple pies! But actually had them because is hot food and also because I love sweets!

Route: 2010-08-15 Eureka CA - Willits CA

Time: 11h43m, Distance 213,26km/132,51mi Moving time: 09h46m, Max Speed: 59km/h, Average: 21,9km/h Total: 7478,95km/4647,20mi

Another Summer sound: Cut Copy - Where I'm Going

2010-08-14 Crescent City CA - Eureka CA

2010-08-15T07:16:00.001+01:00

This day was a complete day full of wonders!
As a start my host Jessica (welcome to couchsurfing!) Offered me a ride between Brookings and Crescent City, her workplace which made me save around one hour on the bike. Second as is an early job, means there is no big rush to reach my destination, so there is some time to explore.
The day was mostly with lost's of fog, specially on the top of mountains and by the sea, but what was really wonderful to see were the big trees in the Redwood Park, on many of them are above 100 meters high and 6 meters diameter. And the trees have at least 2000 years old! With the fog has it's magic! It was similar to Pandora (from the movie Avatar, but with the real gravity, no floating rocks). Outstanding green area and full of hiking/biking trails, on this trip just made the scenic alternative route.
Then back to the Pacific Ocean on this last day who will I see very close from the road, which turned into a very bike friendly freeway on the entire US101 till Eureka.

Photos will be uploaded as soon as possible

Route: 2010-08-14 Crescent City CA - Eureka CA

Time: 09h31m, Distance 136,76km/84,98mi Moving time: 07h06m, Max Speed: 49km/h, Average: 19,3km/h Total: 7265,69km/4514,69mi

And of the Summer sounds: Gypsy and the Cat - Jona Vark (Wax Stag Remix)

2010-08-12 Coos Bay OR - Brookings OR

2010-08-14T11:17:00.000+01:00

Well... these photos will tell how was my biking day :)
But make sure You listen this song before: The Cars - Drive

From the highest bridge in Oregon (345ft/105meters):

The route: 2010-08-12 Coos Bay OR - Brookings OR

and stats: Time: 10h07m, Distance 176,05km/109,39mi Moving time: 8h12m, Max Speed: 66km/h, Average: 21,5km/h Total: 7128,93km/4429,71mi

2010-08-11 Newport OR - Winchester Bay OR

2010-08-12T08:57:00.000+01:00

And this one was really an amazing trip, landscape speaking. Big waves, some sea fog, beaches, uphills and view from some capes, but the wind... this one mostly from the west making steering not so steady and have to decrease speed when going down for example. This time I should arrive to Coos Bay, but considering the weather was cold all the time (15 degrees celsius), and the most important of the biking was done (Washington DC to Vancouver BC) any help to arrive to San Francisco (my final stop of this journey) is always accepted. So I have to thank Danielle (my host in coos Bay) for the offer and for the ride!

2010-08-10 Portland OR - Newport OR

2010-08-12T08:52:00.000+01:00

This day started to be a cloudy day and soon I get closer to the Pacific and more windy. But the amazing was really yo feel the waves of the Pacific ocean! Reminds me a bit of Portugal! Sunset on the west side (unfortunately cloudy), another flat on the back wheel right in Lincoln City and consequent arrival at night. But a nice journey!

Once again photos and stats will be updated as soon I have a resting day.
uploading photos now can only be uploaded in groups of 10 so will take longer than usual.

2010-08-07 Olympia WA - Portland OR

2010-08-09T07:43:00.001+01:00

And another rainy day on pedal, which actually (as I had said before) was easy to pedal, even the trip being longer than 200km.
However the note of the day was having 2 flat tires in one consecutive day! And even worse it was less than 3 miles distance! The first one was in Longview, right before leaving Washington state due to a little metal blade and the second one was right after entering Oregon due to a very tiny steel wire. Also to mention that both flats happened very close to the Shell gas stations. Anothe round of coincidences! So in order to recover some time, the last 80km were done quite in a hurry till arrive to Portland and then heading a bit more South to my hosts place.
Also have to thank my host from Olympia for taking me to a bike party back to Seattle, a really great party for independent bicycle lovers!

Route: 2010-08-07 Olympia WA - Portland OR

Time: 11h45m, Distance 221,43km/137,59mi Moving time: 9h20m, Max Speed: 53km/h, Average: 23,7km/h Total: 6622,01km/4114,73mi

And the song: Kisses - People can do the most amazing things