Five years ago, in a final Tour Divide run-down, myself and three others embarked on a 3 day bikepacking trip from Carmel By The Sea to Ft. Hunter Liggett and beyond. Our best laid plans went awry and we ended up exhausted, without any real food or plans and relying on the kindness of strangers while camped out at the Mission San Antonio de Padua. One of the original Spanish Missions, it was established in 1745. To me it became a special place that would forever symbolize the history of the region, the rugged beauty of California’s central valley, and the generosity of strangers.
Ever since then I’ve wanted to go back there. For years now it’s been on the back of my mind, and I’ve told countless people about the Mission San Antonio de Padua. As my riding has become less and less about the cycling and more and more about the photography, the Mission came to the forefront of my thoughts. When the crew at Huckleberry Bikes and I started throwing around ideas for a bikepacking trip it was a golden opportunity to finally get back there. One of my top priorities, however, was avoiding the “We’re out of food and there is nowhere to get a damn thing†experience the gang and I had back in 2011. In that vein, Zack Stender agreed to come in a support vehicle to bring along food supplies, while Johnny Galvan and I rode to the Mission and back.
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On Friday morning, after the usual frantic last minute packing, I was finally ready to go. Zack and Johnny picked me up, a bit late (they were doing their own last minute packing), and we headed down to Carmel By The Sea. Everything was the same as it was in the wayback machine of 2011. Same music store, same Subway, same pizza joint, same grocery store across the street. I half expected Errin to drive up with his big ‘ol pickup and start unloading his Salsa Fargo. Alas, this time he wasn’t coming along. After inhaling a breakfast sandwich, some coffee, OJ and taking the obligatory “it started out so clean!†bike photos we rolled out at 10:30am.
The next 40 miles proved more difficult than I’d remembered. In retrospect it made sense. Back in 2011 I was in Tour Divide shape riding a singlespeed Salsa Fargo and we’d ridden the trip in the spring. Now, in 2016, I was FAR removed from my Tour Divide fitness, 15lbs heavier, riding a fully built with gears Salsa Marrakesh (which is also, honestly, probably 10lbs heavier than my SS Fargo) and the summer heat was working us over. By the time we’d gotten to the Arroyo Seco campground at 2:30pm I was feeling it. To make matters worse I’d grabbed some water from a hose and not taken the time to flush it out for a few minutes first. As a result whatever was residing in said water had hit my gut like a small bomb. I wasn’t taking in solid food very well at all. It was a rookie mistake, dumb, and I was paying the price.
After some discussion, Johnny and I decided that we’d take pavement to Ft. Hunter Liggett instead of the abandoned Indians Road through the Ventana Wilderness. The paved route had been our original route back. Now, come Sunday, when we came back we’d take Indians Road instead in the morning while we were still fresh. This proved to be a really solid decision. The ride to King City was generally pleasant and Jolon Road towards Ft. Hunter Liggett was easy enough. Until Johnny turned to me and said, “You know there’s still one big climb coming up, right? I rode this on last year’s AIDS Life Cycle. It’s pretty hard,†he wasn’t wrong. The final climb was a right bastard. To add insult to injury, Sulphur Springs Road on the other side was closed for Army night live fire training. Instead of a quick 6 mile direct ride to the Mission, we now had a 15 mile trip around the base.
After 94 miles, we reached the Mission and Zack. It was a blessedly quick drive to the Ponderosa Campground. We were really beat but also really happy. It’d been a long, damn good day in the saddle. I vaguely remember some sausages, maybe half a beer and a sip of whisky before passing out in my sleeping bag under the stars but not much else.
Day 2 – Ponderosa Campground to Mission San Antonio de Padua and other random points
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Saturday morning Zack and I slept in until a bit after sunrise, and Johnny slept in well after that. We sipped coffee, ate eggs and pancakes, talked and generally lazed around the campsite. My legs weren’t nearly as bad off as I was expecting them to be. My stomach, on the other hand, was still feeling the effects of the bad water from day 1. My body was demanding food. My gut was giving me mixed messages, “Yes. Oh, wait, no. OK, hold on, maybe, but be ready to make a run for that pit toilet over yonder. Just sayin’!â€
We finally rolled at a leisurely pace towards the Mission itself. On the way we stopped to check out a tiny fake village, made of adobe covered shipping containers and junked cars, that the Army uses for training. Slightly wary of rattlesnakes we walked into the “buildingsâ€, found loads of spent blank shells from M16’s and other bullets. There are dozens, probably hundreds, of setups like that in Ft. Hunter Liggett lands. Some were small and others much larger complete with surrounding walls and over a dozen “buildings†inside. We saw multiple mini convoys of trucks with fully laden troops inside, heading to and from training exercises, over the course of of the day.
The Mission itself is just one of those places you have to visit to appreciate. It isn’t flashy. The courtyard garden is simple, with roses and a few small statues. The church itself is even more simple. The current chapel is the 3rd to be built, and went up in 1810. The walls are plain. If you’re looking for Romanesque frescoes, this isn’t the church. The Mission San Antonio de Padua instead has, for me, a timeless sort of honesty about it. People have been coming to this place, living here, working here, worshipping here, dying here, since 1741 before the colonists declared independence from England. I’m not a religious person, but I love the history of the Mission as well as it’s straightforward adherence to its founder’s beliefs and mission. There is no pretense at the Mission San Antonia de Padua, no gilt nor gold. Just you and, if it that’s what you seek, God. No more. No less.
We ended the day watching Zack fly fish in a big pond where the bald eagles hang out while the sun set, and then ate carne asada tacos at camp. It was a perfectly quiet ending to a perfectly quiet day.
Photos & Words by Erik Mathey
This article originally appeared in BikePacker.com
Erik is raising money for his upcoming Brian's Ride, Follow along and donate !
We had a Surly Pugsley on the stand this morning, the lighting was good and donuts a-plenty!
Your best bet for uninterrupted viewing is to live stream coverage. If you love commercials and competing coverage with other events here is your television coverage and station schedule:Â http://www.nbcolympics.com/live-stream-schedule
Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m. PT, NBC: Men’s road race.
Saturday, August 6, 10:30 a.m. PT, NBC: Men’s road race, part 2. One to watch!
Sunday, August 7, 10 a.m. PT, NBC: Women’s road race, part 1.
Sunday, August 7, 12 a.m. PT, NBC: Women’s road race, part 2. One to watch!
Wednesday, August 10, 4:30 and 6 a.m. PT, NBCSN:Â Time trial men's and women's.
Wednesday, August 10, 3:45 p.m. PT, NBC:Â The time trial recap.
Thursday, August 11, 2 p.m. PT, CNBC: Track events kick off with the men’s team sprint races as well as qualifiers for men’s and women’s team pursuit. U.S. women’s team pursuit squad are gold medal favorites! One to watch!
Friday, August 12, 2 p.m. PT, CNBC: Men’s sprint, women’s team sprint, and men’s team pursuit races, including the medal rounds for the latter two. One to watch!
Saturday, August 13, 3 p.m. PT, NBCSN: More track with women’s keirin, men’s sprint, and women’s team pursuit, including the medal rounds in that event. One to watch!
Monday, August 15, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT, NBCSN: Women’s sprint, and the men’s and women’s omnium. The men’s omnium is the medal round. One to watch!
Tuesday, August 16, 9 a.m. on NBCSN and 2 p.m. PT on CNBC: The last day of track racing will be the medal rounds of women’s omnium and sprint, as well as men’s keirin. One to watch!
Wednesday, August 17, 11 a.m. PT, NBCSN: Seeding runs for men and women.
Thursday, August 18, 2 p.m. PT on NBC: Men’s quarterfinals.
Friday, August 19, 2 p.m. PT on NBC: BMX action.
Saturday, August 20, 11 a.m. PT on NBCSN: The women’s cross-country race. One to watch!
Sunday, August 21, 8:30 a.m. PT on USA: Men’s cross-country. One to watch!
We’re teaming up with Handsome Cycles to see what motivates you to get out and kick pedals. The person who posts the "Handsomest" bicycle inspired photo wins a Fredward 1s Bike!
~ July 29th through August 8th ~
1. To enter follow @HandsomeCycles & @HuckBikes on instagram. 2. Post a photo with the tag ‪#handsomehuck‬ in the caption. 3. Top 3 photos win a prize.
First Prize: Fredward 1s. Second Prize: Copper Fenders. Third Prize: Huck T and Cycling Cap.
Good luck!!
The idea was simple, ride from the coast to Mission San Antonio De Padua, explore Indians Road and take photographs of the experience.
The Day 1 route was set to Mission San Antonio de Padua with a short lunch break in Arroyo Seco. What started off in Carmel with a cold overcast, we didn't anticipate the heat once we reached the bottom of the Carmel Valley. It quickly turned into a 90+ degree ride with short punchy climbs. After the last dreadful miles into the Campground we met up with Zack (support), we took a few moments to collect ourselves and cool off in the river.
Johnny Rides a Cannondale Slate
Erik is outfitted with a Salsa Marrakesh
Our next leg of the ride us though the central valley. The temperatures dropped and the terrain flattened out. We took our time to enjoy the scenery. We rolled through small vineyards, industrial farm land and slowly rolled into King City.
Junk food rest stop
The ride was extended due to road closures into FHL. We later found out there was live fire testing on the base. We finally met up with Zack and rolled into our campsite. After the long day on the saddle we unwound with whiskey and and got some much needed rest.
Zack joined us on the ride into San Antonio de Padua. We took our time to enjoy the wildlife, dried grassland scenery and birding along the way. The Mission located just outside of the military barracks preserved its tranquility and history.
Johnny's hammock set up for the weekend.
We stumbled upon one of the Tactical Training Facility on Fort Hunter Liggett.
The Mission was founded July 14, 1771. largely restored by W.R. Hearst and the Franciscans between 1948 and 1952. The extensive restoration and unspoiled setting makes makes this one of the most picturesque missions in California.
Zack shows off his hand made 7'6", 3-weight, carbon bike-packing fly rod with custom hardwood handle. Newton Golden River silk line. Low-end Powell reel.
We took the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
We started early to avoid the heat climbing into Indians Road. The first part of the morning was easy enough, low temps and flat roads. As soon as we exited the FHL lands the heat picked up and the climbs started.
The road has been unused for over 10 years due to multiple rockslides. The plants and cacti were overgrown and made it difficult to ride through in some areas. We reached the top of Indians Road and were rewarded with amazing downhill single track.
We had to stop and carry our bikes over the mess of rocks.
Just like the first day, the route itself was not incredibly difficult but the heat made every climb so much more demanding. The temps were in the mid 90's as we made it back to the Arroyo Seco. Zack was waiting for us with food and water in hand. We took a few moments to collect ourselves, rehydrate and unpack our gear. Once we settled down, we took the afternoon to enjoy ourselves in the river. The cold water was the best book end to our hot ride.
 Photos by Johnny Galvan & Erik Mathey
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This is going to be a BIG One! There will be plenty of peel off points to make it easy for all who join us. You should bring 2 bottles, some food, and your climbing legs. There will be a stop at Pelican depending on timing/group desire when we pass that point. Coffee & Pastries will be provided by Viva La Tarte CX
Meet up at Huckleberry Bicycles (1073 Market)Â
July 16th - 8:00am
(Berkeley Ramble Coming Soon!)
It's the end of the year friends, and that means it is time to close it out with sales on 2014 bike models. We still have a bunch of sweet bikes for you to ride home on. But now they are extra sweet because we want them outta here! We always have a list of our closeout models on our website, but I really want to re-emphasize how many sweet bargains we have right now. And as you know, I like to put the "O" in SEO! I also like to add a little color to the list by giving you a few images to go gaga over, like that Cannondale EVO Hi-Mod with Dura Ace pictured above. It was $5000, now it is $4395. Best bike ever? We have one left.
How about this Hi-Mod Synapse? Was $5500, now $4895. One left, size 54!
Ladies, we still have two sweet women's carbon Synapses. Were $2100, now $1799.
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It's pink and you can do anything on it! The Surly Straggler.[/caption]
One more 2014 Surly Straggler, 42cm, waiting to hit the pavement. Was $1775, now $1495.
Want to a bike that can do it all? The Giant Revolt is your bike. The Giant Revolt 1 marked down from $1380 to $1149. And the more-affordable Revolt 2 is down from $1025 to $849. Great deals on some great bikes.
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The Giant Revolt is a do-everything cross bike. Great for any adventure![/caption]
There are many more lonely bikes here looking for a new home. Check our close-out list for a complete look at our close-out inventory and send us an e-mail or a call at 415-484-6575. We would love to put you on your new bike!
It's electric! (Boogie woogie woogie)
Last month, I had the pleasure of hanging out with this guy for two weeks while his mom and dad were on vacation. We got along swimmingly, Simon always excited to greet me on my return home from the shop. I had only one issue. My commute started in beautiful mid-Market and ended near the Sutro Baths. A seven-plus mile jaunt that, although quite enjoyable on my everyday steed, required quite a bit of time. I love my commuter bike. I have a front rack for portaging, and ample gearing for those long ascents. That one issue? My bike is no spry beast. When carrying even a modest load, she can tip the scales at 50 lbs plus. After a few days of the commute my legs felt stronger and my chosen route was flatter, but I still wished I could return home a bit earlier in the night to make sure Simon and his feline companion Amos were doing OK.
And then I rode a Faraday. I have always been a believer in electric bikes - that is, in theory. Electric bikes are great for the right people. Maybe you have a particularly long or hilly commute, or maybe you have a cargo bike that doubles as your car. Cyclotourists that desire to cover more ground are perfect electric bike candidates.
There were a few major issues that thwarted my adoption of the electric bicycle. First, most of them are ugly. Looks aren't everything, but if just looking at a bike repulses me, I will not want to ride it. Second, a lot of electric bike manufacturers know nothing about bikes. I am a bike mechanic and have seen lots of e-bikes. Pretty much all of them are dreadful to work on. The bikes are not spec'd correctly, frame design is poor and, as a result, performance is severely lacking. And, finally, they are tanks. A lot of commuters have to travel up and down stairs and do not have secure ground floor parking for our bikes. Try lugging a hulking electric bike up three flights to your apartment every night.
Now we return to the Faraday. The Porteur, the flagship model, has a steel frame and twenty-six inch wheels with mechanical disc brakes. The whisper-quiet drive train includes a Gates carbon belt driving an eight speed Shimano Alfine hub. The steel frame does an incredible job of sucking up road vibrations and bumps, while the smaller wheels with slick tires accelerate quickly. The Shimano mechanical disc brakes work as Shimano brakes do. That is, very well. The eight-speed hub provides ample gearing- surely enough to climb any reasonable hill in SF.
Unlike other electric bikes that can propel the rider at the touch of a button, the Porteur has a pedal assist system. This means that if the rider is not pedaling, the motor does nothing. The motor is located in the front hub, differentiating it from other e-bike designs. The operator can choose between keeping the motor off, running it in normal e-assist mode, or up the power to boost mode.
My first night with the Faraday was special. I do not want this to seem overly fanboyish or non-critical. I went into the ride overly critical. I've ridden e-bikes that were poor excuses for bikes before and I prepared myself mentally for the same experience. I set my seat height, and powered up my new ride. With the touch of a button, front and rear lights kicked on and I was ready to ride. The fit was great. Although the brand new Brooks saddle wasn't doing it for me, the swept-back handlebar and upright geometry put me in a great position to see the road.
The bike is not overly relaxed, the rider can stand and pedal if needed. I started heading west on Market Street with the bike in boost mode. Pedaling effortlessly in my highest gear (which I never see on my own Alfine equipped commuter), I breezed past every cyclist and many cars on my way to Golden Gate Park. Once I entered the park, the front light (literally) shined. It illuminated the pitch black road better than most battery powered lights I have used in the past. I rode down JFK, bypassing more direct routes home. This was too much fun. Why would I want to get home and stop riding? My seven mile commute quickly turned into about fifteen. Hills I would normally avoid like the plague were tackled with ease, the nearly silent motor helping me with every turn of the crank. The feeling was memorable and invigorating. I smile often when I ride a bike - usually as the result of a spectacular view or heart-racing descent - but I can say with certainty that this bike made me smile like no other.
No design is perfect. The Faraday has normal and boost modes for the motor. I never touched the normal mode. What is the point when you can boost the whole way? I would omit the normal mode - it's  useless. I would also love if the motor didn't kick off at twenty miles per hour. There were definitely moments that I wished I could go just a bit faster. Maybe it's a legal issue, but I would recommend more power! The front wheel drive worked great, but there are drawbacks. When spinning at a lighter gear going up a very steep hill, I had a few experiences of the front wheel spinning out. The torque was so high that the front end could lift up and lose traction. It was never a serious problem, in fact it was kind of cool, but it is an issue inherent in the design. I have two complaints about accessories. The bike comes with a small leather pouch affixed to the double top tube. I don't get it. I couldn't fit my tools in there, nor my small portable bluetooth speaker. I don't like add-ons that carry zero utility and the pouch fits that profile. Lastly, this bike beckons for a bell. A slick color-matched bell is the perfect accessory. Every commuter bike should be stocked with a bell, and a bike that is built to be a super commuter requires it.
The Faraday is amazing. The young company has designed something truly excellent that can only be improved upon in the future. It's a delight to ride, namely because it actually feels like you are a riding bicycle. It doesn't look  or feel like some foreign bike-like contraption. At only 40 pounds, it is light and maneuverable enough for apartment dwelling San Franciscans. I implore everyone to check out the Faraday, give it a spin and experience the joy of the pedal assist motor.
It was a hot day in Golden Gate Park. [/caption]
But it will hardly strictly be shorts weather for long. Any day now we're going to get a dose of reality in the form of some cooler weather. Don't worry, there will always be more Grateful Dead cover-bands to spin your devil-sticks to. That sort of activity can be maintained year round.
To prepare for your looming epiphany that it's almost Halloween, we stocked up on some fresh apparel at the shop.
We're no Halloween store, so if you're looking for another banana costume you can forget it. But we do have all the newest styles from Levi's Commuter, Chrome, and Giro New Road.
Levi's released some fresh colors in their 511 Commuter Trouser.
We also have the 511 Commuter Slim Fit denim in all sizes. We also have good stock of their regular fit Commuter 504 denim. That's right, all the same Commuter features but not so slim. Great for if you have massive thighs, or if you're just a regular person who prefers a regular fit.
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Levi's Commuter City Shirt. [/caption]
Need something to wear with your pants? We have the Levi's Commuter City Shirt in stock.
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Levi's Commuter Trucker Jacket. So hot right now.[/caption]
We also have a fresh batch of Trucker Jackets. If you're into Levi's we can deck you out from head to toe.
Chrome Industries keeps stoking the fire. They have just released a fresh batch of outerwear.
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Chrome Base Pasha Hoodie. Style and Function, for her.[/caption]
We have the Pasha and the Cobra hoodies. These staples of any commuter's wardrobe come in Merino, or more affordable Cotton.
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It's warm. It's a Vest. It's reversible. Well, well.[/caption]
Chrome also just launched a couple of new pieces. The Warm Vest and the Warm Workshirt are both true to their name. Super-cozy, insulated, and reversible. Yes, that's right, you get two garments in one.
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Chrome Warm Workshirt. You'll be ready for Winter.[/caption]
Giro New Road continues to impress us with their highly-technical-yet-still-stylish-and-wearable assortment of men's AND women's cycling apparel. If you're looking for apparel that will deliver on technical performance without making you look like a tool, Giro New Road is the way to go.
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Giro Women's Wind Guard Fullzip, with their Ride Leggings. They'll keep you nice and toasty.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4854" align="alignleft" width="600"]
Giro's Insulated Vest. Already one of our favorites for men, now available for women. [/caption]
That's a pretty good taste of what's in store. Lots of great new styles, and lots of newly-discounted items on our closeout racks. Hope to see you in the store soon! You'll hardly strictly regret it.
Our 2014 Summer Sale commences this Wednesday, August 6th! I'm pretty sure that you don't want to miss this, unless you hate great music, great Nintendo games, O! and saving a ton of money on a new bike!
Truly there were many of you who couldn't wait to get your hands on a new bike earlier in the year while the daylight was young and growing. And that was understandable. But now that the daylight is starting to show signs of skin spots, many of you will be rewarded for you patience, especially if you missed our Spring Fling Sale. Doh! The World's Smoothest Cannondale and Giant dealer (and Pinarello and Salsa and Swobo and Surly and Handsome and Brompton and Dahon and Spot) has you covered right here in San Francisco at our annual Summer Sale.
This week is shaping up to be one of our busiest weeks ever. On Wednesday, August 6th, our the sale starts. Don't wait 'til the last day. Wednesday is going to be the best day for you to have your chance at one of the last bikes of 2014 on sale!
On August 7th, we are having our first of three events during the sale: Preparing your bike for the Playa. Boombotix and MonkeyLectric will be here selling the sickest lights and speakers for you bike, and proceeds will go to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. On August 9th, the second leg of Swobo's "Battle of the Bay" bike rides leaves from our shop at 6:00pm. But the party starts a bit earlier at 5:00pm. And on August 10th, Iladora and Bike Pretty are hosting a Style Ride from the shop that leaves at 4:00pm. This is going to be an epic week.
Now back to the details of our Summer Sale... Everything is on sale at this San Francisco Summer Sale of bicycles. (If you are San Francisco wondering why I keep Summer Sale saying the words Summer Sale and San Francisco, it is because I want all of those SEO marketing people that e-mail me to know that I am trying!) Bike are on sale. Clothes are on sale. Helmets are on sale. Shoes are on sale. Pedals are on sale. Bags and panniers are on sale. It is time to move out our 2014 bike models and get you all riding in style. We are going to have some amazing deals on bikes from Cannondale, Giant, Pinarello, Handsome, Surly, Swobo, Salsa, Brompton, and so many more! In the words of one great salesman, you'd be losing money if you didn't buy something on sale--like these gems:
Our only Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod with SRAM Red (54cm) is on sale. Was $5500 now $4895.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod 56cm with Dura Ace. Only one. Was $5000 now $4395.
These sweet duds are all on sale. Levi's Commuter Shorts!
These colorful leathery Brooks England saddles and bags are on sale.
Custom ordered Bromptons are on sale! That never happens. Get one now!
Everything. Is. On. Sale.
And if you stop in, you'll also get to hear some of our new favorite records such as Dangerous by the Bar-Kays, featuring this song, which is guaranteed to make you believe in this sale.
We are your Huckleberries!
