Day 1

San Diego, CA to Alpine, CA - 38 Miles

A beautiful day to be back on the bike. Yesterday afternoon's flight into San Diego turned into an evening flight after over an hour delay out of Minneapolis.  After arrival, I proceeded directly to my host's house where my bike waited to be assembled.  I worked late into the evening getting everything ready.  A few things had been jostled around and needed tweaking, but I've dealt with these things before.  My heavy bike tools did the job.

Started off the cool morning by heading to the ocean and jumping on the San Diego River bike path.  Went about 7 miles before having breakfast.  I faced a mandatory detour due to construction on a bike path within the first few miles.  Hopefully not a sign of things to come.

The decision to bike through much of San Diego on a Sunday morning paid dividends as traffic was minimal.  #protip

The remainder of the day could be characterized by the uphill battle one faces heading east from San Diego.  The substantial elevation gain put the endurance to the test right away.  I think tomorrow will be harder.  Could shape up to be the toughest of the trip.  Will probably be another shorter mileage day, but a downhill and flatter journey awaits after.

Staying in Alpine tonight. Will be topping off water and supplies as desert desolation fills much of the upcoming landscape after the mountains tomorrow.