Well that was an epic scouting ride (checking out some new parts of the Bay Area for potential group rides). I won’t spoil the surprise yet by posting a map or details, since parts of this will probably work their way into a “mystery group ride” coming in the next few months.
But in a few teaser photos:
Of course, I only noticed this sign after passing through:
Pavement art:
A first: biking up an on-ramp onto a freeway. Technically legal at this particular entrance (the standard “PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS, MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLES PROHIBITED” sign had the “BICYCLISTS” part whited out), but it still felt wrong… and the freeway shoulder riding was a bit sketchy, especially when there was an abandoned couch in the way. Not something I’d make part of a group ride…
Marked as closed on my paper map, but passable (and avoids a larger detour):
Not a lie– I heard the bleats and saw a goat:
A bar with friendly regulars, pool, pinball, and many images of 19th century San Francisco scoundrel (and Brannan St namesake) Sam Brannan:
Not shown: asking a guard about access to a road beyond a gate, and being told the area was taken over by Homeland Security years ago, and there were “guys running around with guns back there” so we shouldn’t try to sneak in. Okay.
Score one for “escape the ordinary”.