Day 1: Hunting Hollow to Pacheco Camp, Henry Coe State Park
For the first time, I start a Henry Coe bicycle-camping trip by getting a ride to the Park entrance. The boy leaves me at the Hunting Hollow entrance and I "ride" to Pacheco Camp, meaning that I drag the bike up some long hills.
Remember, almost nothing at Henry Coe State Park is flat! About 2000 feet of elevation gain and 14.4 bicycle miles today.
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Date: August 31, 2008, 13h41
Size: 26 items
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The boy drops me off at the Hunting Hollow entrance to Henry Coe and we bid each other goodbye for a week
A couple of cars sit in the otherwise empty parking lot with a few people who seem to have finished their hiking or biking for the day. It is a rather warm day, in the mid 80s, but still comfortable.
Date: August 31, 2008, 13h41
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I pedal slowly down the road from Hunting Hollow and make my first stop at Fern Spring, after a quarter mile
This is the closest spring to the Hunting Hollow parking lot, which has no water available. However, I've brought enough water to last me most of the day, so I don't need to filter any of the brackish water here.
Date: August 31, 2008, 14h00
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The mostly flat road through Hunting Hollow
I'm still warming up and getting used to the heavily loaded bike, so it's nice that the first three miles in Hunting Hollow are mostly flat and relaxing. The road crosses a dry (in summer) creek several times.
Date: August 31, 2008, 14h18
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At the end of the three flat miles in Hunting Hollow, Henry Coe reality sets in as I begin the climb up Wagon Road
The climb starts out quite steep and whips me into shape. I drag the bike up a few feet at a time, keeping the brakes on to prevent the bike from slipping back, and pay attention to my footing so that I don't slip while holding the bike in place.
Date: August 31, 2008, 14h51
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The views back down to Hunting Hollow below are already inspiring, and I've not risen much yet
The hard work of hiking or mountain-biking a steep landscape like Henry Coe usually provides instant gratification in the form of excellent views. Not everyone likes hard work, but everyone likes instant gratification.
Date: August 31, 2008, 14h51
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The climb up Wagon Road becomes more moderate after the initial steep section out of Hunting Hollow
The really steep hill down below took a lot out of me, but I'm warming up and doing better now. I remind myself to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Date: August 31, 2008, 15h20
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I see that Wagon Road has another steep hill ahead for me
So I'm enjoying this short, flat part of the road, and the little bit of shade that's available here.
Date: August 31, 2008, 15h38
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I've reached the first summit of Wagon Road and will now descend into the gulch and begin the climb to the second summit
I've climbed about 800 feet during the last 1.5 miles, so the short downhill ahead of me will be a welcome respite! The next steep uphill on Wagon Road is visible ahead. The slight breeze up here pressing against my sweaty skin feels good.
Date: August 31, 2008, 15h52
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Climbing up toward the second summit of Wagon Road
It's a lot of work getting up this hill, but still quite not as tough as I thought it might be (I remember hiking up it a year ago).
Date: August 31, 2008, 16h07
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I stop here to pump up my rear tire; Willson Camp, my next stop, is visible at the far left
I guess I have a flat tire, but my "slime"-filled tube has been repairing the flat as I roll along and slowly lose air. Willson Camp, my next stop, is visible at the far left.
Date: August 31, 2008, 16h32
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I filter some cold water from the spring behind Willson Camp
The water that I'm carrying has gotten quite warm, so the cold water here is a welcome refreshment. The shade here is nice break from the hot sun, and the layer of bay leaves on the ground exudes a comforting aroma.
Date: August 31, 2008, 16h58
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The old cabin at Willson Camp, Henry Coe State Park
The modern metal windows contrast sharply with the traditional board-and-batten wood siding.
Date: August 31, 2008, 17h10
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