Riding across the Golden Gate.

I rise early at my campsite and jump back on Highway 1. The thick coastal fog looms overhead. At one point near Jenner, CA, I drop into a valley on an amazing stretch of road and punch through the foggy ceiling.
 

[early morning ride under the fog]

[foggy morning on Highway 1]

I stop at the Jenner Inn for a very picturesque and delicious breakfast. The hot coffee tastes excellent after a morning of breathing cold fog.

[breakfast at the Jenner Inn]

After breakfast, the highway leads me inland to more dry farmland. I can see the fog looming over the coast in the distance.

[fog in the distance]

[Valley Ford, CA resident]

The scenery changes yet again as I wind my way through the woods hugging the edge of Tomales Bay.

[wooded road along Tomales Bay]

I stop for a delicious lunch of raw oysters at the roadside Marshall Store. The oysters don’t get any fresher than this. They are being pulled out of the beds right in front of the bay-front bar.

[The Marshall Store]

[raw oyster lunch]

The scenery along Highway 1 for the rest of the afternoon is gorgeous. The views overlooking the beaches and coastline are spectacular.

[Highway 1 cut into the mountain]

[Stinson Beach]

[Highway 1 headed for San Francisco]

My ride over the Golden Gate Bridge is pretty incredible. It is such a great way to see the bridge. Being able to look up while crossing it makes for a much different experience than being in a car.

[crossing the Golden Gate Bridge]

I have a great time riding around the city. The sky eventually clears and a bright blue sky makes for a beautifully saturated backdrop.

[riding the hills]

[Post Street near Union Square]

[Ferry Building]

After I make a few laps around the city to take in the sights, I decide to find a place to stay for the evening. I didn’t realize that tomorrow is the marathon, making finding a hotel nearly impossible.

I eventually find a place that has two rooms left on Lombard Street. I check-in and head out to explore the neighborhood. I end up meeting a hilarious group of strangers who are out on the town for the evening. They are locals and happily act as my tour guides for the rest of the night. Everyone gets a lot of laughs inspired by the antics of a guy named Mitch, who could easily be a stand-up comedian. It’s a fun Saturday night out in San Francisco.