Day 1 Knights Ferry

Day 1 Knights Ferry
Stats:
Daily mileage: 85 Ride Time: 6hr 35
Avg speed: 12.93mph Total miles: 85

I slept very badly and was conscience of the rain spattering against the window. I was up at 6.20am and was feeling quite nervous about what lies ahead. I packed my bags and started loading up my bike. The front panniers went on fine but the rear ones did not. In my haste of leaving the UK, I somehow brought two rear left bags instead of a complete set. It was an easy mistake as Alison and I have the exact same bags and I have obviously picked up a mixed set. It is kind of like trying to wear two left shoes - it just wont work! I sat on the step and laughed at my stupidity and thought about the title of the trip again - “Unplanned and Unprepared”.
After removing several clips and putting them on upside down I got the pannier bag attached to the rack. However, I wish to make a prediction. The followers of the “Road to Istanbul” may recall we had a nightmare with these bags and had to fix them using beer tops as washers. I guarantee this will happen again as the other screws are now taking the weight of the bag.
That’s enough of my fortune telling. I decided last night that I will have to get the train out off the city and over the bay so I said goodbye to my lovely hosts and tried to ride my bike in a straight line. I went back to the “Mission” district to board the train and was surprised that there were no prostitutes around. I assumed they were having a lie in after their hard nights work!

I hated getting on the train, I really felt as though I was cheating. Although the alternative meant over a 100 mile detour. Once I was off the train, the adrenalin started pumping and it felt good to be back on the road. I had an awesome tail wind but I soon found myself asking for direction. I inevitably got ask the question “where am I going” and once I reply with Florida they look at me as if I am from another planet and then pity me. This pity is what I am counting on at the end of the day when I am looking for free accommodation.

10 miles down and my ass is already in pieces. My legs are burning and my neck feels as though it needs a brace. I stop for a quick bite to eat and reassure myself this trip will be worth the pain. Besides the last time I have ridden a bike was over 2 months ago so what did I expect!
I stopped several times more but at the 60 mile mark I had a burger king that makes me feel sick. I had no choice as I was starving and very thirsty. I set of again and make a decision not to go to a campsite 10miles in the wrong direction but instead, hope I will find something in my direction.

I made it to Knights Ferry and spoke to a man weeding his garden. I was asking about wild camping and one thing led to another and he invited me to stay in his out house. I assured him I would not trash the place and went for a walk along the rivers edge whilst watching the sun set.
My bum is already asking me not to get on the bike tomorrow and I keep reminding it that “pain is temporary, quitting is forever!”