15 September 1997 (nice and sunny; mileage = 20.7; San Francisco) -- X - I
got up at a reasonable time and had oatmeal and toast to use up good
leftovers. I then went to the UPS agent to mail April's wheels. After
hearing about how badly I had packaged them, I just gave him enough money
to take care of it. Then I got ready for an expedition into the city by
bike. I started by heading towards a Euro-bookstore. On the way, I had to
climb some outrageous hills just for fun. I couldn't resist. I spent a lot
of time picking out my grammar book there. Next, I headed to a sporting
goods store. It was like a S.F. version of All About Sports. I looked at
packs there, but wasn't tempted at this stage. From there I went to where
Alex used to live. I climbed a nice hill that was north of Broadway. I
parked the bike and explored on foot. I walked up to the Transamerica
building. I then found a decent (but expensive) taco shop. My next mission
was to find a safety supply store on 6th Street, but 6th turned into a
freeway and my address seemed impossible. I rode around quite a bit. I rode
through the (apparently most) gay section which was interesting. There are
a lot of "rainbow" flags everywhere which Alex tells me is the official
"gay" emblem. There were some good climbs here, too. On the descent, a
parallel-parked Toyota pulled out in front of me. Since this has happened
to me before (exactly), I knew that he was about to U-turn. Yup. I had
already locked the back wheel (amazing!) and was riding sideways. No
problem, but he looked pretty shaken. Maybe he'll drive with his brain on
for a while. I came back to Alex's and rounded up the Goodwill stuff that
they wanted me to take (I offered). I lugged that to the drop off at
Safeway then went inside the grocery store for some food. Back at the
apartment, I chatted with Alex, who had a bad time with his eyes today.
While talking to him, I packed and organized till I was ready. Now, I think
I am. I also remounted my rear tube. After 200 miles of riding, and in the
dark, I didn't do a very good job of it the first time.
![[Bike]](./only2500b.gif)
