On Sunday, June 14th my sister, 3 friends, and I got up super early and drove up to San Francisco’s Presidio area to participate in the inaugural Mermaid Series Tour de San Francisco bike ride. I was so excited to take part in this ride because I’ve participated in Mermaid Series events a few times in the past, and appreciated how organized and fun they are. Plus, I love riding my bike, and who better to do it with than my sister and my 3 BFFs? Not to mention, I’ve never ridden my bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, so that would be exciting, too.
We’d signed up for the 7-mile ride, choosing the more conservative mileage since this was our first attempt. I kept thinking we should’ve signed up for the 13-miler, but once I saw the hills involved in that leg of the ride, I’m so glad we stuck with the shorter distance.
Since it was 6:30am when we left my house, the ride up to the City was smooth and easy. Hardly any other crazies on the road at that time of the morning on a Sunday. We even found a primo parking area, which made the start of the race really nice.
Of course we had to stop and take some pre-race photos to capture the moment.
Geared up and ready to ride!
It was a foggy morning, which is usual at Crissy Field in the morning, but it was the perfect temperature for the bike ride. As we made our approach to the Golden Gate Bridge, we all took photos to capture the beauty all around us.
As we turned that corner, we realized what they meant by a “medium-sized hill.” I guess the Mermaid Series is all about the art of understatement, because the hill was quite steep. I rode it almost all the way to the top, but eventually had to get off my bike and walk. One of my goals for next year’s ride (because my friends and I all plan on doing this ride again next year) is to make it up the hill all the way without getting off to walk.
Once we hit a really scenic area right before we’d get on the Bridge, we all stopped to take photos again.
I love this pic of my sister and me and our “dueling” bikes.
Now it was time to get on the Bridge and ride. The wind was blowing, the fog was rolling, the cars were speeding by, and other bikers kept saying, “on your left,” but despite these obstacles, I was truly awed at the fact that I was riding my bike on this magnificent bridge. There really is nothing else like it anywhere.
The journey toward Sausalito was tough – my legs were pumping and we were fighting the elements, including that brutal wind, which offered a ton of resistance. There was also a very steady incline the entire time. All of this didn’t phase me, though, because if I have one thing going for me with these big thighs it’s that they’re strong and powerful.
We made it to the Sausalito side and found another opportunity to take a water break and snap a few more photos.
My sis and I
When one of your friends is 6 feet tall and you’re only 5’3″, taking a selfie is tough business.
Luckily, we found two nice sisters who were willing to take a proper group photo for us. I love this photo so much, and have made it my cover photo on FB.
Inspired that we’d made it halfway across the Bridge, we knew heading back to the end would be much easier. Not only was the wind on our side this way, but we also had a steady decline on the way back, too. I had my bike on the highest gear and my had on the break almost the entire way back. The only harrowing part was the cross traffic of bikers, and the “expert” riders who were also trying to pass in a very narrow space. Since this wasn’t a race, but just a ride, I’m not sure what the need was to pass with so little room. Not to mention that most of these people weren’t even taking part in the ride. I guess people like speed. I’m not one to talk – I’m highly competitive and prefer going as fast as possible, most of the time.
I got away from most of the “traffic” so that I could take a few more action shots and a quick video.
The entire time I was riding to the finish line, I just kept thinking about how happy I was to share this experience with these awesome ladies. And about how far I’d come – at my heaviest weight I might have been able to make the 7-miles, but I know I would’ve been so much slower and very sore for days afterward. And I would have been ultra concerned with how my big butt looked on that cruiser. I can honestly say this thought didn’t even cross my mind once during the ride. I know I still have a big booty, but I’m proud of it, and all of my curves. Doing these kinds of events always solidifies for me how much I’ve accomplished in my weight loss and fitness goals.
Once we hit the finish line, which we crossed as a 5-pack, we triumphed over our achievement. You can’t miss those huge smiles on our faces at a job well done.
I cannot say enough about what a great time we had on this ride. It was scenic, challenging, and so much fun. If you have the chance to do a Mermaid Series race, ride, or swim, I highly recommend it. My sister, friends, and I all said we’re looking forward to making this an annual adventure. Can’t wait!
Bella on the Beach 