The weather seemed to hold this morning, so we took off after raiding the motel’s breakfast buffet. My intended target was Santa Cruz. As soon as we started, my front wheel began making some clicking noises. Nothing was obstructing its motion, so it most definitely had to be the bearings, which was a bad sign. Ken suggested it was best to get to a bike shop as I could damage the wheel. I wanted to stop by a cycle shop anyway because my rear tire thread had been considerably consumed due to the weight I am carrying.
After about 5 km the drizzle, which had just started, turned into rain. I couldn’t decide what was worse: the climb after Pacifica or the being drenched again. My shoes had only dried an hour earlier – they were getting squishy.
We made it to Half Moon Bay and stopped for a coffee in order to get out of the rain and reassess our position. Ken decided to stay in Half Moon Bay, I half agreed to the same given that I had to service the bike anyway.
We pinpointed Bike Works located in a converted two-storey house on Kelly Ave. One of the guys (Matt) took a look at the wheel and confirmed it was the bearings. He also said that because of being understaffed and overworked, the job would have to be done on Monday. Sensing my despair he offered to swap my tires around and reassured me that I could make it to LA without fixing the bearings sans considerable damage to the wheel.
Turned out I needed a new rear tire as mine had also developed a tear. I had a slightly thicker one with deeper threads fitted. During the procedure I chatted with Matt and got a sense of his dedication to his job. I worked my magic mentioning the highlights of my trip, how great cycling in Europe was etc. With glazed eyes, Matt went ahead and began working on the bearings.
The sun was shining when we left Bike Works and both Ken and I were feeling positive again. I’d like to think that I convinced him to proceed towards Santa Cruz, but it was the $114 room he was offered which made him change his mind.
We reached the lighthouse at Pigeon Point and noticed it was also a hostel. I wanted to press on, so we went ahead but soon stopped at Gazos Grill for a late lunch / early dinner. The waitress said the hostel was great and mentioned its hot tub overlooking the point. Ken’s eyes glazed over and I lost him to the temptress. At least the lemon merangue pie was delicious.
After about 5 km the drizzle, which had just started, turned into rain. I couldn’t decide what was worse: the climb after Pacifica or the being drenched again. My shoes had only dried an hour earlier – they were getting squishy.
We made it to Half Moon Bay and stopped for a coffee in order to get out of the rain and reassess our position. Ken decided to stay in Half Moon Bay, I half agreed to the same given that I had to service the bike anyway.
We pinpointed Bike Works located in a converted two-storey house on Kelly Ave. One of the guys (Matt) took a look at the wheel and confirmed it was the bearings. He also said that because of being understaffed and overworked, the job would have to be done on Monday. Sensing my despair he offered to swap my tires around and reassured me that I could make it to LA without fixing the bearings sans considerable damage to the wheel.
Turned out I needed a new rear tire as mine had also developed a tear. I had a slightly thicker one with deeper threads fitted. During the procedure I chatted with Matt and got a sense of his dedication to his job. I worked my magic mentioning the highlights of my trip, how great cycling in Europe was etc. With glazed eyes, Matt went ahead and began working on the bearings.
The sun was shining when we left Bike Works and both Ken and I were feeling positive again. I’d like to think that I convinced him to proceed towards Santa Cruz, but it was the $114 room he was offered which made him change his mind.
We reached the lighthouse at Pigeon Point and noticed it was also a hostel. I wanted to press on, so we went ahead but soon stopped at Gazos Grill for a late lunch / early dinner. The waitress said the hostel was great and mentioned its hot tub overlooking the point. Ken’s eyes glazed over and I lost him to the temptress. At least the lemon merangue pie was delicious.
Guido,
ReplyDeleteGreat ride today. Got picked up from my wife Sarah at the hotel about a mile south where we left off. It turns out that my quad burn was partly due to a broken spoke causing my back wheel to rub on the brakes. Back to the shop!! I'll make sure to change shops so I don't get hit $50 for a wheel tune. Good luck on your journey!! Think of the next meal and the beers on Venice Beach with your brother!
Hey Guido?
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see you made it safe to Santa Barbara?