For our anniversary/birthday weekend, Jose and I decided to ride down the Delta to the Ryde Hotel--an old speakeasy from the thirties. We had gone for their famous Sunday buffet brunch about 6 or 7 years ago on Christmas. We had ridden down that morning to meet my parents, who had been staying there for the past few days. We gorged, napped, then ride back. It was awesome and we were looking forward to a repeat.
Sadly, it wasn't to be. We dumped...I mean, dropped...the kiddos off with my folks and started our ride around 11am. The route through south Sacrameto was trafficy but doable. However, once we got onto the levee roads, we lost any whisper of a shoulder and the speed limit was posted at 50 mph! The narrow, curvy roads were dotted with white crosses the entire way. It was exhausting! I tried taking the lane, I tried riding the shoulder, nothing helped slow these drivers down. There were only a couple of drivers who passed too close and/or honked, one giant truck belched black smoke on purpose as he sped by. It was enough to wear me down and lose faith in all of humanity.
We had planned to camp at Brannan Island, about 45 miles south, and had packed up our gear in the Mundo. The other bike we took was Oscar, my light touring bike. It was funny to switch bikes because of the contrast between them. At a stoplight, Jose on the Mundo slammed on his brakes because of a short red light. I had just picked up speed on Oscar and smashed into the back of the Mundo. He barely moved while Oscar almost flew over my head. I was lucky to have gotten my feet on the ground before the bike stopped moving. It made for some very shocked drivers in the nearby lanes. We switched bikes back and forth--the biggest bonus for marrying Jose who rides the same size bike.
Anyway, after 37 miles of riding rough roads in heavy traffic, we reached the Ryde and decided to call it a day. We were able to park the bikes inside which was nice. One of the staff saw us arriving all sweaty and weary and mentioned that they had a swimming pool. I was so excited until I saw that the pool was a foamy green color and closed.
We thought about backtracking to Walnut Creek, 3 miles, to have dinner but the thought of getting back on the road in even heavier traffic convinced us to stay at the hotel for an over-priced, less delicious meal. At least the drinks were strong.
Sadly, it wasn't to be. We dumped...I mean, dropped...the kiddos off with my folks and started our ride around 11am. The route through south Sacrameto was trafficy but doable. However, once we got onto the levee roads, we lost any whisper of a shoulder and the speed limit was posted at 50 mph! The narrow, curvy roads were dotted with white crosses the entire way. It was exhausting! I tried taking the lane, I tried riding the shoulder, nothing helped slow these drivers down. There were only a couple of drivers who passed too close and/or honked, one giant truck belched black smoke on purpose as he sped by. It was enough to wear me down and lose faith in all of humanity.
We had planned to camp at Brannan Island, about 45 miles south, and had packed up our gear in the Mundo. The other bike we took was Oscar, my light touring bike. It was funny to switch bikes because of the contrast between them. At a stoplight, Jose on the Mundo slammed on his brakes because of a short red light. I had just picked up speed on Oscar and smashed into the back of the Mundo. He barely moved while Oscar almost flew over my head. I was lucky to have gotten my feet on the ground before the bike stopped moving. It made for some very shocked drivers in the nearby lanes. We switched bikes back and forth--the biggest bonus for marrying Jose who rides the same size bike.
Anyway, after 37 miles of riding rough roads in heavy traffic, we reached the Ryde and decided to call it a day. We were able to park the bikes inside which was nice. One of the staff saw us arriving all sweaty and weary and mentioned that they had a swimming pool. I was so excited until I saw that the pool was a foamy green color and closed.
We thought about backtracking to Walnut Creek, 3 miles, to have dinner but the thought of getting back on the road in even heavier traffic convinced us to stay at the hotel for an over-priced, less delicious meal. At least the drinks were strong.
Stopping to a quick break in a little patch of shade along the narrow road.
Oncoming traffic.
There were pretty bridges to cross.
The best part of the trip was this amazing taco truck. Yum!!!
The Ryde!
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