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Leaving San Francisco meant I less than two weeks of pedalling left in the USA. After 9 days of rest and very little exercise I was desperate to get going, if also a little apprehensive regarding my tempermental left knee. Luckily, any worries were soon swept aside by the time I reached Half Moon Bay for my first night back on the saddle. And what a night - this was the spot. A relaxing short day of riding brought me onto a delightful cycle path along the ocean, which in turn fed me straight into the campsite. The Hiker/Biker spot was a patch of earth literally feet from the beach. As the first person there, I set up under a gnarled tree and walked the few steps onto sand. A few more brought me over the slight crest and onto a perfect location for watching the ocean (or napping.) I set up camp, and rode my unloaded bike the half mile to the gas station on the highway. This evening required a cold beer to be complete. Returning to my tent, I took the beverage and a book and lay in the sun, feeling incredibly thankful for such a wonderful evening - for the sun, the sand, the sea and the beer. For an evening alone by the shore, I couldn't ask for any more.

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California came on a bit strong, to be honest. As soon as I'd crossed the state border I was faced with a huge climb into the belly of the Redwoods. Luckily, it was beautiful and I admit falling in love almost instantly. It was unfortunate that my infatuation caused me to get distracted from the task at hand, and I was to be punished for ignoring my warm ups and warm downs. Constant pedalling up steep grades was taking it toll on my body, and while I felt fine about it, my left knee decided it wasn't quite so happy. It began with a slight ache, but each hill and subsequent day without rest inevitably aggravated the problem.

Again I've fallen behind with my blogging! Let me quickly fill you in - since my last post from Oregon I cycled south through Northern California, arriving a week later in San Francisco. I'd been having problems with one of my knees, so an extended rest was needed. 8 days of recuperation left me raring to go, and I have now pedaled from the Bay Area down to Los Angeles, arriving today exhausted and smelly. But it doesn't finish there! Not any more. Being so close to the border with Mexico I've decided to bike further south to the end of the USA and cross into Tijuana. I had wanted to spend more time in Mexico, but taking so long off in San Francisco put paid to those plans.

Anyway within the next few days I will upload the blogs and photos for the Crescent City to San Francisco section and the most recent leg to LA. There'll also be a blog due for the final segment to my North American journey - from here to Mexico, but I have to actually ride it first...

Anyway, blogs, photos, info, maps and updates on the fast approaching jump to New Zealand soon. Thanks for checking up on the site!