Normally at this time of year I'm taking off to hither and yon with Backroads, a Berkeley-based outfit that runs active travel trips around the world. You're biking your butt off by day, then putting it right back on with delicious food at night and staying in lovely Conde Nast-worthy accommodations. I've logged seven trips with Backroads to date, and frankly can't imagine traveling with any other company since they do such an amazing job. The guides really know the local areas and make sure everyone has unforgettable experience -- from the Type A's who have to make it to the hotel first each day, to those who meander along stopping for every photo opp and tchotchke shop, to everyone in between. I'll leave it to you to guess which one I am...
Backroads trips cost a decent chunk of change and unfortunately my car was in the shop several times this year -- literally robbing me of my annual adventure. But I decided that since you could do much worse than vacationing in San Francisco, I'd take a little mini-Backroads vacation right here at home today.
I strapped on my helmet and Camelbak and pedaled out toward the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge for a 30-mile spin. Who needs international travel? I've got International Orange!
Just like on Backroads, there was local wildlife...
...beautiful vistas like this view from the bridge on my return....
...and a yummy dinner. Rebecca, Rob and I dined at the Sundance Kabuki Kitchen (before seeing the fantastic flick "Juno"). First there was Mac and Cheese -- no you're not seeing a reflection Rebecca and I both had the skillet of gooey, cheesy, breadcrumb-topped goodness.
Then Churros con Chocolate and Pumpkin Bread Pudding which the three of us devoured before I could photograph the evidence.
All in all, a great vacation day that if I'm lucky I'll be able to repeat often.
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