04 May, 2006 (Thursday) San Francisco

Trying to cycle
Mike and Scott have a pair of mountain bikes up at the condo. For our second day in town we thought we'd give them a go and join the cycling masses. Big mistake. I soon realised that getting back on the bike can mean different things for different people. While Sean was on and riding in minutes, I suddenly recalled that I'd never had much time for bicycle riding as a youngster and proceeded to cycle in haphazard S's down the sidewalk. I collected two cars and had bruises down my inner thigh before we got to Golden Gate park.(Picture: Sean can cycle)

By the time we got to the beach side of town I was doing somewhat better, although starting again on the steep hills was hazardous, for me and pedestrians. The views from the Cliff and Sutra Baths was worth the effort though, the wash of the ocean bringing back memories of home.(Picture: San Fran beachfront)

At 4:30pm I gave up, my bruised legs had had enough, so I left Sean and made my way back to the condo. Except I hadn't realised how far we had traveled. It took me an hour and a half to walk the 45 blocks back. It was another quiet night.(Picture: Feel the serenity)