Day 59: Patrick's Place, CA Elevation: ~74.37

Miles:  57.48
Average Speed:  10.07
Max Speed:  31.21
Total Miles:  2,216

Had a Mexican breakfast across the parking lot from the hotel and enjoyed conversation with an engaging host about cycling and studenting.  We had our escape route from Stockton meticulously mapped out but were foiled in our attempt because Stockton police & CHP had the whole route cordoned off as a crime scene.  The cop at the tape line said the most obvious way around wasn't safe so we struck out on dead reckoning and got out of Stockton unscathed.  Heading west across the southern delta area we could see Mount Diablo in the distance.  Road was intermittently good and horrible - no shoulder - but traffic was fairly light and few trucks.  Stopped for second breakfast at Discovery Bay about 23 miles west.  We're not quite sure the people we saw around Discovery Bay were human beings.  Leaving the delta we climbed about 900 ft up the north flank of Mount Diablo then down into Clayton and finally Walnut Creek.  It was 3 pm by then so we stopped for a snack and refreshment which included a 64 oz margarita which obviated the possibility of riding on to Orinda.  I had earlier vetoed the ride over Grizzly Peak - too tired - Patrick suggested we get up at 6 am tomorrow and ride the hills before going to the beach - I vetoed that as well.  So here we are at Patrick's Place in Oakland looking forward to Day 60.

Across the delta Mount Diablo looms

El Camino Diablo

Mount Diablo still about 15 miles off

Grizzly Peak beyond Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek in the valley

Gastroileal reflex kicks in without regard to time or place

Tomorrow to Ocean Beach.  Friends Wayne, Kristin and Ted may meet us at the Embarcadero and ride the peninsula all together, stopping for second breakfast, of course, along the way.