Biking across Golden Gate Bridge (GGB)

Breathtaking experience!!!!!!!!! I was petrified at the idea of doing this alone, but I DID IT!!!  The logistics are quite simple.  There are several companies that rent out bicycles on a daily or hourly basis and the one I chose is located at 501 Bay St.  From this point, one rides out to the waterfront area of Fisherman’s Wharf and then heads out on a bike path towards the GGB. Unfortunately, I lost the map of the paths towards the end of the run, but basically one rides along Mason Dr which later becomes Marina Dr.  This path travels along the beach of San Francisco and on a beautiful day, as was yesterday, there were so many people riding their bikes, walking and just taking in the scenery.  I stopped at the beach to ask directions from a biker who was taking a break and when I told him I was looking for the path which had no incline he realized I did not know what I was talking about.  He commented that he has been doing this ride for five years and there was indeed an incline.  In fact, when I hit the hill, I simply got off my bike and proceeded to walk the bike up the hill.  It felt a little better as three young ladies in front of me were doing the same.  After a winding path overlooking the bay with upclose views of the bridge, I reached the final parking lot before the final path to the bridge.

After checking out the area, I rode to the bottom of the last hill, which had two paths and I did not know which one to take.  I was just sitting there staring and wondering which way to go when as if something was calling me, I looked far to the right.  Surprise!!! The biker I had spoken to one hour earlier was sitting right there and just pointed me to the right path with a smile.  Have you ever felt a guardian angel just showed you the way? Well, that is what it felt like.

The ride along the bridge offers incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline.  After riding along the  bridge, I chose to ride all the way down to Sausalito, where I could hop on a ferry and return to San Francisco.  So, I rode down this gorgeous way to this quaint little town on the sea.   I rode my bike back to the rental shop and then decided I would work my way back to Market St. to catch the BART(underground).  As it was getting dark, the city was bustling as it was now rush hour.  I went through Little Italy and Chinatown and then reached Union Square which was all lit up with  Christmas lights. What a day!!!