Day 58: Stockton, CA Elevation: 14

Miles:  47.07
Average Speed:  12.15
Max Speed:  30.64
Total Miles:  2,158


I was wrong about tedium.  The ride to Stockton was quite pleasant.  Made good time losing the last elevation, then fair roads, little wind and not too hot - arrived in Stockton around noon.  We passed through the lower foothills and on into the valley past vineyard after vineyard, then orchard after orchard.  Stopped for second breakfast, after 23 miles today, at one of the many fresh fruit and vegetable stands.  Coming into Stockton I started quizzing Patrick about the city about which he professed ignorance and said he'd never been here which for some reason surprised me and Patrick said, "Why would I visit the worst city in America?"  Asking a few people where we might stay they were unanimous in not being able to come up with a safe option.  City cop directed us to a Howard Johnson right across street from police HQ.  Unemployment very high here, no one has any money and everything is inexpensive.  Plan to watch Helen Mirren emote at the early show.

Passing lower foothills

On into the valley and wine on the vine

Fresh fruit break under the olive tree

Tomorrow we'll ride Marsh Creek Rd. past Mount Diablo into Walnut Creek then Orinda at which time we'll decide in the moment whether to climb Grizzly Peak or BART into Oakland.