28 September 1997 (sunny; warm; mileage = 14.7; San Francisco) -- X - We
had a busy day today. 1st HP and I walked up to Speedway and got some
breakfast (granola cereal). We came back and ate. Then we went out by bike
and dropped off their film. Next we rode to several bike shops. I bought a
green Vista light and we got 2 boxes for the Swiss. I carried one and HP
the other through the park (closed to cars today!). Then we went back to
the bike shops for some stuff. We then hit 2 camping stores. We got a new
pole section for their tent. Then we parked the bikes and went to the
Folsom Street Fair (*Sticker/Picture). Wow! What a freak show. It was a gay
event where mostly (95%) guys showed off themselves and their tattoos and
piercings. There were half-naked guys everywhere, some doing quite
lascivious things. Lots of guys wearing just leather straps and boots.
After that, we headed for the map store. Oh ya, before the fair, we just
came across a North Face outlet store. I bought my cup and the Swiss spent
a lot. And before the map store, we ate at Subway (the Swiss were curious).
We had a horrible service experience which cured them (and maybe me) for
life. They were glad to have me along to negotiate their sandwich
ingredients with the rude clerks. We had a nice ride through downtown. At
Columbus and Broadway, HP and I climbed the hill for fun. HP wanted a
picture, so he urged Susan to climb. She didn't get far before wiping out.
Ouch. She handled it well and it turns out, her largest cog had bent under
the tension. There were some nuts missing from her free wheel. I tried
several things to fix it, but no good. So Susan's bike couldn't coast,
since her gear was tied up in the spokes. She did a great job of getting
that bike back to the apartment. We stopped for ice cream on the way. We
made it back. I now have my green Vista light and a good cup. We ordered
pizza (1st time for the Swiss) and that was good. Garlic is a good topping.
We chatted with our hosts. Later, I chatted with the Swiss about the scene
at the fair, etc.
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