Our plan for today was to go to San Francisco by way of the ferry from Vallejo. When I checked the schedule this morning, I found that because of the Corona Virus, they only run twice in the morning and twice in the evening. It is first come, first serve. We have been unable to find out if bikes are allowed on the ferry and if so how much they cost. The tickets are available only at the ferry. The ticket office doesn’t answer their phone. We decide to go to Vallejo and ask the questions for tomorrow and then I will ride from Vallejo to Vacaville so we can at least get some of the riding done between here and Folsom.
So much for plans. My Bryton computer is not only providing no directions but has frozen up and I can’t get help from the Bryton app or their customer service number. My whole trip planning is based on my maps on my cycling computer. I have had nothing but trouble with the Bryton. I call local bike shops only to find there is only one open because of the virus. They will meet me outside the shop by their side door. I decide to purchase a Garmin 530. I have been told by several people that they are the most user -friendly. I planned a route in “Ride With GPS” between Vallejo and Vacaville. I will use my phone for today’s ride. I met the bike shop and purchased the Garmin on the sidewalk outside their shop. Because of racial rioting and fires in the big cities last night, the looters decided that Vacaville would be an unprotected target. Many of the businesses had been looted badly. Best Buy had been attacked with a crane and wrecker ball and a gun shop had over 70 guns stolen. Everyone seems a little nervous. We did some shopping at Target on the way to Vallejo.
When we got to Vallejo, we found the ferry ticket office completely closed. We decide we will have to be really early in the morning for our trip to San Francisco. We took some pictures and then Kathie returned to the RV Park and I rode the short 45 miles back to the trailer.
Using the phone in my pocket for navigation turned out to be anything but convenient. “Ride with GPS” changes routes every few streets. I found as I rode, several fires from what I think is from rioting/looting and the National Guard has moved into the cities I am riding through. I found myself backtracking several times to get back on route. Homeless people have taken over the bike paths I am directed through. I didn’t take my headlight because I was planning on being home so much sooner than dark. Meanwhile back at the RV Park: Kathie is worried why I’m not back and has started to look for me. She waited on in intersection until it was dark and then walked back, still no Mark. I got so lost trying to get back. I finally got home by asking directions after dark. A curfew is in place. It turned out to be a quiet night.
I stayed up late programming the Garmin.
ThruUSA2 