Pismo to Cambria
I decided to get up early in an attempt to beat the wind. As it turned out, I didn’t leave as earlier as I had planned.
I headed north on Highway 1. Somehow I missed a critical turn and rode on a dead-end road leading up the coast. It led to quite a nice bay, but wasn’t necessary. When I got back to the highway the wind had started to pick-up. It was hitting me at about an angle of 9 o’clock.
Rattlesnake
At one point I noticed a snake on the road ahead of me. I was not the first snake I had seen on this ride. However, unlike the others, this one was certainly alive. I cut across to other side of the road, putting several metres and passing trucks and cars, between me and the snake. Check the Flickr pictures, I am pretty sure it is Rattlesnake. I suspect that, unlike Australian Tiger snakes, these snakes will only attack when threatened.
I stopped for lunch at a Mexican Diner in Morro Bay. I am not a huge fan of Mexican food. When it is cheap, you definitely get what you paid for.
Extreme Wind
I continued north from Morro Bay. I was forced to be in the lowest gear for the whole 35 plus klms to Cambria. I suspect the winds was well over 30 kph with gust well in excess of that. The wind was blowing directly into my face.
I pulled into Cambria and decided that was enough. I found a motel and checked in. As I moved the bike into the room, I noted that the left side of the pannier rack was not attached to the frame. I was too tired to even look at it.
I headed off the Ale House for a craft beer and a meal at a restaurant next door. Both the beer and the meal were excellent.
The Bartender in the Ale House told me he was a cyclist and had decided not to ride on this day because of the wind. He told me that it “was not usual to be this windy”.
Small Town Garage Most Useful
In the morning I discover the small bolt holding the pannier on left side of the bike was broken. The remaining piece was stuck in the thread on the rack. It appeared impossible to remove.
I took the rack to a garage down the street. The mechanic managed to extract the bolt with a small drill. As in Australia, you can rely on mechanics in small towns to fix anything.
I have decided not to travel far today. I will probably stay in San Simeon.
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
billrider2013 