We’d completed most of the mileage this week already, so this was supposed to be a simple loop around San Francisco, with an early stop at the Greens restaurant “to-go” counter. We slept in, and left about an hour later (waiting until Greens opens at 9am). We got there at 9:30 and the doors were locked — there was a note on the website that brunch was starting later today. Janeen was super disappointed, and kept talking about how much she’d been looking forward to this. But we headed on. Instead of doing the full SF loop, though, I figured we could double back when we hit half way.
The sun was out as we rode up to the Presido, and Janeen’s legs were clearly not interested in doing much more cycling this week. Surprisingly, my legs felt strong today, so I did a couple of all-out sprints up the two short bumps on the route.
From the Great Highway (along Ocean beach) we turned left into the Golden Gate park, and wound our way through. Part way along, we stopped into the Polo Fields bike track and did a couple of laps, before continuing on.
Then we cut back over to the Presidio, and went right back to Greens: To-go counter closed today and tomorrow 🙁 Luckily the farmer’s market was on, and we got a very tasty Falafel plate to share. I’d been planning to get a coffee, also, but the line was out the door at Equator. I made an espresso when we got home. #festive500 completed!
This has been a difficult year both personally for many of our friends and family, and politically. Riding our bikes has given me some time to reflect on the year, to try to put some of the losses into perspective, and to be thankful, also, for the good fortune I’ve had in life. Next year, I’d like to focus on doing something positive. Maybe we will ride and fund raise for AIDS/Lifecycle again. Maybe we’ll travel to visit our friends and family more. And hopefully we’ll get to ride our bikes just as much.
Happy New Year!
