October 2011 Ride Cancelled Due to Illness

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and laryngitis, probably partly due to riding in the rain so much yesterday morning. It is pouring rain in Hollywood, so my options were to hang out at the hotel until tomorrow or call Ruth for a ride home. I chose the ride home, not knowing how long this illness will last.

Overall ride summary:
Day 1 was a comfortable ride through familiar territory. It is always fun to pass by the beautiful ocean views and quaint touristy coastal villages. I was a bit saddle sore when I reached San Clemente Beach campground after 70 miles.

Day 2 - it drizzled a bit as I broke camp, so I put the rain cover on my panniers and prepared for rain. The gentle rain came and went all morning. It was annoying when raining, but a nice ride in between.
When I got to Long Beach I discovered that my Google Maps directions were inadequate. I made my way inland and was fortunate to find the Los Angeles River Parkway where the going was easy. Unfortunately, the river split and I didn't notice and continued along the wrong fork.
When I discovered my error I left the river and tried to find my way back to my route. With help from Glen I made it to Hollywood before dark and checked in to the Hollywood Inn Express.

Overall the experience was good when it wasn't raining, and I'm looking forward to trying it again. But I'll get a better map of LA. Or maybe I'll just take a train through LA County and start on the other side.

Lost in Los Angeles

I took a wrong turn and went way out of the way.  A kind stranger helped me navigate and turned out to be Glenn Bailey who is the chairman of the Los Angeles bicycle advisory committee.  Now I'm relaxing at a hotel in Hollywood. 

12 inch Subway sandwich in Encinitas and a carrot spinach beet juice drink in Oceanside.

With 38 pounds of gear.

Time to hit the road and tour California on my bike.