Sailboat to Bikepacking: Riding South

Mike & Rebecca on bikepacking Timberlines

I figured a $2 shake at Bonsall McD's would "juice" me up some. Add to that a 40mg laced GU, which quickly dropped to the bottom of the cup, a banana and a stretch out, I was half-good to go now as I peddled westward on H. 76. Viewing the Old Bonsall Bridge, I noticed two loaded up bikepackers grinding up Old River Road. Doing a loop-around after passing thru the intersection, I patiently waited as they approached. This should be good.

After the normal "hi, where you going?" stuff, I was more interested in their twin bikes. Timberline?, steel, straight fork, Schmidt dyno hubs, Rohlf rear hubs, rear racks, bags, bags and more frame bags. Couldn't have been a few weeks old. Maxxis 3" tubeless tires and plenty of stainless water bottles.

Kelly & Mike on the San Luis Rey Bike Path

Seems their cellphone app had them going straight ahead to Vista Way and some nice climbing. Mike& Rebecca wanted no part of any climbing today. I was heading to the coast, so how about a flat detour from the planned route? Hurrah! Good Idea. We were off to the San Luis Rey Bike Trail.

M & R left her sisters house in Perris several days ago and were getting their land legs in shape by cycling to Peru and points south. They had been on the ocean for the last 7 years, boating around, crewing to meet expenses, thru the canal, Caribbean and all that. Custom ordered their bikes and were now seeking a new adventure on land. Their full story is on their informational web site: zerotocruising

Kelly & Rebecca at Oceanside Pier

Mike's knee was bothering him some as we slowly did the bike path, chatting as we went. I had to find out all about the bikes, how they were financing this journey and their motivation. Of course, I handed them a rando card and right on cue, Rebecca did send me an email the next day from San Diego. After a few days rest, they were following the Tour de Baja bikepacking route thru Mexico. I was slightly familiar with that Tour since the ride out from San Diego in January.

After a few pictures at the Oceanside Pier, I continued my route south and later on to San Marcos.

Interesting day on the road, meeting this couple and their sense of adventure.
Kind of makes you wonder what you're doing in life?


- randorides