Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

At our third destination of San Francisco, I was determined to do something a little more touristy. We hadn't seen the Golden Gate Bridge yet, well except at a great distance. I wanted to do some more cliche types of sightseeing, and I knew that one of the most typical things of all was biking riding across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Riding a bike around is a great way to view the city, and absorb the sights, while trying to not get hit by cars and fall off, and panic due to not having ridden a bike in so many years.

The first step is finding a place to rent a bike, we headed over to Columbus Street, near Fishermans Wharf to a bike rental place we had found online that looked good. They had a sign that said they had gone to lunch. Great. We decided lunch was a great idea and did the same. We returned about half an hour later, walked inside and were greeted with "Sorry we are closing now." At 2pm. -_-

This guy sent us down the street to another recommended place.  They set us up with a bike each and little kit. Helmets were optional but I opted for them. Nothing spoils a vacation like a head injury.

The cost of renting our bikes was $25 for the day. But they took a $300 deposit! Luckily we had a bit of spare money at that point, so it was alright. Except I find out later that using my travel card for deposits like that, where they refund the cash, was a terrible idea. So I am now home from my holiday, and can see that $300 pending.. which is about $400 in Australian dollars.

Anyway we started on our journey. Josh riding up ahead, me following, clutching the handlebars for dear life, having a panic attack. Shouting at Josh to slow down from his already walking pace.
"You wanted to do this!" He shouted back.

While you don't forget how to ride a bike, you become a hell of a lot less confident.
We biked from Columbus Street to our start at Fisherman's Wharf. Where the journey and bike track would begin.

The trail starts there, goes right along the waterfront and across the bridge, all the way to Sausalito, a cute waterfront town, and you finish off by catching the ferry back across to Fisherman's' Wharf.

The ride is 15km, or about 10 miles. For someone who is unfit, doesn't exercise and hasn't ridden a bicycle in years this is a long long way. We were advised that the journey was "mostly" flat, and once you went across the bridge the ride to Sausalito was "mostly" downhill.
There were multiple incidents where I walked my bike up gentle slopes as the elderly rode past me. I'm not ashamed. I'm just unfit.

It was a long long ride. There are many great places to stop along the way to have a look, grab a bite to eat or take photos of the amazing view. Which we did many of.

Riding across the actual bridge was weirdly difficult, just because of how windy it was. Even though the bridge was flat it required a lot of effort to pedal across.

Even though it was February, and Winter, I was perfectly fine in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Though I did pack a sweater which I needed occasionally while we were stopped due to the breeze.

Finally and incredibly exhausted we arrived in Sausalito, and chained up our bikes to have an explore. What a lovely town! Gorgeous, beach front and expensive, filled with boutiques and art galleries.

We went to the best little ice creamery called Lappert's. There were so many flavours to choose from, and they let you try them all! I went with Cookie Dough, (my favourite!) just because there are chunks of cookie dough inside the ice cream which is what makes it amazing.

Me loving the cookie dough.

We purchased our ferry tickets home, which were $11 each continued exploring because there was still around an hour before the next ferry arrived. Make sure you line up in the side that says "People with Bikes here!" Because all those people who thought they were first in line with bikes were now actually last in line because they were holding up the exit and bikeless people line.

The day we biked the Golden Gate Bridge was super exhausting, but one of the best days on my vacation! I loved it! Definitely recommend, even if you're unfit, you'll be alright. If I can do it, so can you!

This day has only further made me want to fulfil one of my New Years Resolutions, of buying a bicycle to ride around the city. When I finally get my deposit back I should totally do that!

Cya ! xx