San Francisco's Little Italy to The Embarcadero and Pier 39

It seems most, if not all of San Francisco's historic buildings are in Little Italy or Chinatown, and like New York they are next door to each other. The Cable Car along California street is probably one of the steepest routes. At the top of the last 2 photos you'll see the hill up towards the Financial area from the Bart Embarcadero.

A walk from Jack Kerouac Alley along Columbus Avenue in Little Italy to Pier 39.



Jack Kerouac Alley named after the writer 

He lived above the book store.

Sidewalk Cafes on Columbus Avenue 

Saint Paul and saint Peter's Church 

Pier 39's best attraction. The best Sumo wrestling matches outside of Japan   

The crowd appreciates the action

Antique electric trolley

The California Line Cable Cars. It's one of the steepest streets.

Country Roads

What a beautiful Saturday. Rode 4 miles to meet the SBRA group at the Riverhead Water Front. The good weather certainly accounted for the large group. Interestingly though can it also be the reason for so many polite drivers stopping at intersections to allow us to pass, and pleasent wait staff at the deli stop. Some SBRA ride leader named their ride a de-stress ride. After a week of rain and work stress this ride certainly qualifies. With a leisurely C pace, a timely stop for lunch and the company of SBRA members it was icing on the cake. However it was not 100% stress free, at least for one person. Halfway into the ride that member experienced a 'Wardrobe Malfunction', as their bicycling shorts decided to split apart exposing a full moon before lunch. I'm no bike snob but I'm one who believes in security and a new pair of shorts every season.

Florence Bicycle Club

Nothing exciting this weekend so I dug this up from my travel archives. We were hiking through Tuscany at the time and it was early Sunday morning in Florence. We stopped for breakfast in the cafe across from this bicycle shop. As we sat down with some espresso and rolls this group of bicyclists came in gulped some espresso smoked 2 cigaretts and left. They appeared ready for their century fueled with cafeine and nicotine. No sissy carb loading for these guys.