California .. knows how to party...

hey there, so we are trying to figure out how to get photos up.. looks like it will happen at the next stop... so here are the words for now...

Day 4-6 Ashland to California Coast (Mendocino County)

So we hesitantly departed Ashland – sigh. Oh Ashland you were so good to us. So many great new friends; David, Daniel, Bike Tramp, Tobin, Shea, Nathan, Jaykub. The nut butter jokes are non-stop. Imagine boxes of chocolates and boxes of nut butter, yes we are doing just fine. Everything with nut butter. `

Monday August 20th ~ So Monday we set off from southern Oregon bound for the northern California Coast. It was a day to cover some distance and get to the ocean. First stop, the Red Wood Forest for a short hike in the trees. Onward ho… we hit the coast! Gorgeous ocean, massive waves, the colour of the sea, cliffs, some of you know it. A stop in Arcata brought us to a delicious vegetarian restaurant, then back in the van, pushing on south. After too many hours in the van and one missed exit, we arrived at Mac Kerricher State Park just north of Fort Bragg into the wee hours.

Tuesday August 21st ~ Mac Kerricher Park is so beautiful. Situated on the coast, the 9 Clettes and 1 Bini made camp and amazed other campers with our 7 tents and 9 bikes. Tuesday we saddled up and head off on an adventure by bike. There is an old washed out road (no cars) running from the camp ground south to Fort Bragg. A stunning ride along the coastal trail. After some side routes to blackberry bushes and cliff views, we came across Jug Handle Park – yeah jug handles! A quiet beach (almost) all to ourselves, where we swam, body surfed in the waves, hiked around, sun-tanned nude and played Frisbee. It was a perfect bike adventure day. Back at camp, we made yummy curry on the fire, eat some marshmallows and made Smores (a first for some). Bini and Cara spent the night sleeping under the stars on beach, crashing waves lulling us to sleep. More bike rides, more beach walks, and we are off.

Wednesday August 23rd ~ Now the Velo:City Tour is in the van, southern bound to Davis California. Windy twisty roads, lined with vineyards and orchards, baked in sun. Yes folks we are havin


g a great time. Tonight we perform 2 shows! First show early evening at the Davis Farmer’s Market and then after that at the Bicycle Church. Yee haw!

- Fish , aka Cara



Wednesday Aug 22 DAVIS
Pop 67400
We rolled into Davis after a long and windy 128 route all the way from Madecino county. Immediately we noticed WHY Davis is known as a bike progressive city: traffic lights just for bikes, lanes on every street, packed full bike racks, AND car-free routes throughout campus. Keeping with our “just in time” schedule we rolled up to Farmers Market (only market in state of California to have covered dome) Picnic in the Park event… wow! After an introduction from our host, Rev Ted B from the Bike Church, we dazzled the 300 (!?) family-filled crowd. We had a great show and the city of Davis generously filled the boot! After hanging around, we rounded up a crew and cycled with a bunch of people to the Church for more festivities including a very hot tough and shiny night show at the Domes. Chicken spectators and all. The night ended fabulous with a “Half-moon Ride” – either half of the people were naked or all of the people were half naked – it ended up being a bit of both. The hour long ride, 40 strong, rolled through the city, including 14 round-abouts and a parking garage bomb no less.

Quick facts on Davis.... we stayed at UCD - the biggest of 10 campuses of Uni Calif. Whew! The Domes have been here since the 70's and are collectively run. LOTS & LOTS of Bikers.

more soon...