One of the best things about living in downtown San Diego is the fact that there are some really great streets and paths with incredible scenery for bike riding. This is one of the most bike-friendly cities I’ve ever had the chance to pedal through, and I’m thankful that I get to ride here every day. One of my favorite urban rides is along the embarcadero that runs from downtown San Diego over to Shelter Island and Point Loma. It’s a 10 mile ride out and back, with hardly any elevation gain. Not much of a challenge for seasoned road riders, but great for anyone looking for an easy and relaxing ride from central San Diego.
This morning I brought my camera along for a early morning ride along the embarcadero on my yellow Trek 7000, and these pictures represent what a typical ride is like:
Since I can’t go back to sleep, I might as well go for a bike ride. Time to get up…
This is my 2000 Trek 7000 mountain bike. It’s old…and dirty. Nothing fancy.
*yawn*. Out the door…
Yes, it’s dark. And it looks cold, but it’s not. Currently about 60 degrees. But will it rain?
A few minutes later, and it’s getting brighter. That’s the USS Midway (now a museum) up ahead.
There are a lot of neat old ships docked here (now tourist attractions). That’s a submarine in the background.
Riding along the path on my way to Point Loma. I’m about 1.5 miles from home now.
The path goes right by San Diego International Airport. It’s looking like rain again…
I turned around a took a picture of San Diego. But I’m headed the other way.
Past the airport now, and about half way to Point Loma.
Alllllmost there! Only 1 mile to go. I turned my bike around to take this shot, but I’m headed the other way.
Welcome to Point Loma! These are all the sport fishing charter boats, but fishing season is still a few months away.
Time to go home. But wait! What’s this?? Is that…the sun??
Yes it is! It looks like I got lucky, and it will not rain this morning.
It’s turning into a beautiful morning.
About half way home now. San Diego is definitely one of the more “bike friendly” cities in the US.
Getting hungry now. Can’t wait for breakfast.
Coming back into downtown San Diego.
Some of the fishing boats lined up at the pier near my apartment (G Street Pier).
Home at last! This is my apartment building.
Riding between the buildings…going to the back entrance. I live in the building on the right.
Well, that’s it! Time for breakfast. And sleep. 🙂
As mentioned above, riding along the embarcadero is a super-chill and laid back ride. The amount of pedestrian traffic (especially around the cruise ship terminal) ensures that you’ll be riding at a low average speed for the entire length, but that’s not such a bad thing due to the beautiful scenery of San Diego all around.
I’d also like to point out that a mountain bike or cross bike is the ideal choice for this ride, as there are curbs and patches of grass and sand you’ll need to navigate along the way. Dedicated road bikes will be more difficult to handle in those situations.
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