San Francisco 15 Mile Ride

The troop concluded the next step of the Cycling Merit Badge with a 15 mile ride in historic San Francisco.  The ride was supposed to start at the USS San Francisco Memorial at Land's End, go across the Golden Gate Bridge, return across the bridge and then through the Presidio back to Land's End with stops at some of the historic sites in the area.

The day started well (if cold) with the only unfortunate events being three boys calling in sick with that nasty cold/flu that is going around.  The drive down was uneventful and the group got on the trail in good time.

The ride down to the bridge went well and included a stop at Battery Chamberlain to examine the 5" retractable defense gun  that has been restored in the battery there. The group made it to the bridge and rode to the other side and then back across the historic span.

On returning to the San Francisco side of the bridge, the boys were in for a surprise!  Mr. Keelty gave the troop a tour of the bridge maintenance bay and the maintenance vehicle under construction. The group was able to use the staff lunch room for their break which was a good thing as the weather had turned and it had begun to sprinkle.

After lunch, the group rode down to the shore only to determine that the construction on the Doyle Overcrossing had closed the route the group was to take through the Presidio.  With the sprinkles turning into rain, the decision was made to simply turn around and head back the way the group had come.  This was the most difficult part of the trip as it was mostly uphill and became progressively more wet.  By the end the group was walking their bikes up the last hills.

The troop survived though and felt that they had accomplished something by the time they returned damp but happy to Santa Rosa.

Participants:  Brian, Owen, Payton, Devon, Marcus, Bryce

Leaders:  Mr. Polkinghorn, Mr. Brisgel, Mr. Bell, Uncle John

Lessons Learned:  The Doyle construction has cut off access to the shore from the Presidio.