Bike-Ride to Australia-and-Beyond 19th-May-2012

Garry McGivern’s bike-ride to Australia-and-beyond Saturday, 19th-May-2012. San Francisco to Stockton. 78 miles. I had a bit of a nightmare getting out of San Francisco. I went over the Golden Gate bridge to start with, as it was the only cyclable route I could find out of the city. But it would mean a forty-mile detour to get on my route.

Man on bike
On the Golden Gates Bridge

After cycling across the Golden Gates, I talked to a man who was walking across the bridge. He suggested that I use the Bart, San Francisco’s underground. Apparently, bikes are allowed on it. After asking the man to take my photo, I thought I’d head back into the city and try the underground. I didn’t think he was lying, but I was a little sceptical! And if it saved me a forty-mile detour, it’s got to be worth it.

I found the right Bart station, and sure enough, I was allowed to take my bike on it. It did feel strange, though, but who cares as long as it got me out of San Francisco. I still had a nightmare once I was back on the bike in Oakland. And I’m not on the road I wanted to be, but where I am is good enough.

I Hope Things Improve

Going on today’s effort and looking at the map, it’s not going to be that straightforward getting to New York! But it felt great to be cycling again today. And even better to be cycling without that stupid helmet. I left that in Australia. Great choice of places to eat tonight, McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and Jack in The Box. All fine gourmet restaurants!

Don’t forget the main reason behind my ride. I want to raise as much money for cancer research charities as possible. After my wife, Josie, died of breast cancer in 2007, aged only 42. Even the smallest donation helps. You can donate to Cancer Research UK or the Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation. Click on either one to donate. Every little bit helps to rid the world of this cruel disease.

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