Day 1: Alpine, CA

Day 1

May 17, 2015

Miles: 41.6

San Diego, CA to Alpine, CA

Target destination for tomorrow - Jacumba Hot Springs

We had an early start this morning.  I guess it was the excitement of starting our tour. That and jet lag, which had me up at 4:40a.  Steve slept for one more hour at most.  We decided to start our day with a visit to Snooze.  A great breakfast place recommended by Steve's physical therapist.  We both had blueberry pancakes.  Mine without gluten and Steve's with.

Steve eating his pancakes.

Me leaving Snooze after filling up water bottles.

This is one of the bike paths that we traveled today.  We enjoyed the easy riding knowing what was ahead.  It also got us off the roads for a short time.

The terrain became more difficult as we continued our ride.  We climbed 3200ft today.  Made it to Alpine after riding for 6 hours and 41 miles straight through.  We only got lost a couple times.  We added 4 extra miles and one unnecessary hill.  I couldn't believe it when Steve said he wished we had the Garmin :)   It's true!

We decided to stay overnight in Alpine and to tackle Pine Valley the next morning.  It would have been another 2000ft to climb and the weather at the top was windy and cold. Given the elevation and the distance we estimated another four hours, so we decided to play it safe.  Before we left the Mom's told us to be careful, and of course, we always listen to our Moms :-)

We checked into the Ayres Lodge.  Luckily they had rooms available.  Although we were fully prepared to stay at a campground otherwise.  Whew! We dodged that bullet :).  I know the time will come when we will be pitching the tent; I am very happy it isn't tonight!

Steve is sure glad that we stayed in Alpine too.  He said we made the right call to stay overnight.  And the free homemade chocolate chips cookies complimentary of the lodge is living proof!  And since the lodge offers HBO, we will be enjoying the Game of Thrones on this Sunday night!