From Amsterdam to Baja California

The beginning

It’s hard to start writing again. A picture with a short text no problem but writing is different. Takes effort or it doesn’t and it just comes. Having that said, it takes a lot of time to translate as well so if there are any mistakes in my writing, let me know. I tend to just write and post instead of reading it first for a couple of times. Either way, the beginning is made and the first impression of the cycling journey so far cannot be captured in just a few key words. That’s because the bye bye party in Amsterdam was overwhelming and because I have had stops in London and La Jolla San Diego.

Amsterdam

Before I forget, regarding the goodbye party in Amsterdam. There is a wize lesson in there that I take with me which is that no matter how alone on this trip, I will never be truly lonely because of the friends and family I have. Thanks everybody. Nuff of the sweet talk, this ain’t no high tea. There is some serious cycling going on!

I try to keep it short but since it’s been a few weeks already I’ll make it a proper update. I’m still looking for the best options social media wise but through Tumblr and Instagram there are short updates that are easy for me to post with my phone. You might wanna check that out too.

Belgium

Cycling through Belgium is lovely. Especially with my mum, dad and brother Johnny who wnet with me on the first stage. After saying goodbye, which wasn’t an easy one it was Antwerp and Brugge. Brugge drank the local beer with a friend and I was leeping like a rose (A Dutch, or at least family saying meaning Ive slept well!).

Dunquerke

Going to England I took a ferry to from Dunquerke in France. In Dunquerke danced with a Polish salsaqueen after a couple of drinks. If you cycle to Rio they all want to dance with you. Didn’t know that huh? Spending the night in the harbour without my tent wasn’t such a good idea. It was safe but it was too cold and windy.

Londen – Los Angeles

From Dover to London I did by train. Good choice since there was work to be done on the website and I had to prepare for the trip to Los Angeles (wrapping the bicycle into a box). As far as London is concerned? Really cool place but a bit over my budget. One way by metro was 5 pounds. That’s 2 meals here in Mexico. Fortunately I was treated like a King in London though. Leo, a friend of mine from Brazil took me in his supercool house, fed me and indulged me in beautiful red wine. Thx Leo!

Sweaty armpits

Flying to the US? That’s trouble? Yes. Didn’t have a ticket out which basically means you can’t fly. So I had to buy one at the spot. ” It says in the terms and conditions.” So the lady said. Didn’t even argue. Well I did but not too long. So booked a ticket at the spot from New York to Guadelupe on the 16th of December. Interested? All yours. Afterwards trouble with my luggage so it was stress, no coffee, lots of running and finally made it to the flight. Yes!

Los Angeles – La Jolla

Video was made cycling to La Jolla San Diego.

Cycled through Inglewood and Compton. No reason to be scared just keep on cycling and skip the stereotyping. From L.A. I went south to La Jolla San Diego to a friend of mine. You too Laura, thanks it was great!

Cycling over the Pacific Coast Highway is definitely a cool thing to do. So if you ever go there.. Was a big contrast by the way. Going from Compton to Bently’s and big villa suburbia. Also in that respect a special route. At night sleeping in some park by the pacific mr park ranger woke me up and told I had to go to the free campsite just a half a mile away. Maybe I should start reading about the destinations I will visit..

La Jolla – Tijuana

To Tijuana and crossing the border went smoth. No tequila, sex and marihuana. But Mexico! Yeah here I come!

La Jolla Baja California

Tijuana – Rosario

Doing pretty good speed wise. Also my ability to forget the who, what, where and when. So I have to write stuff down to remember things. Because when cycling you experience too much, can’t remember all. Not even what day of the week it is.

Impression so far of Mexico? Very kind, helpfull people greeting me all along the road, got a place to stay offered and the food is brilliant. Definitely a great place so far. Mainly because of the people.

Cycling is going well too. Kinda busy on the road in the first part of Baja California and a bit dangerous every now and then but that’s part of the deal. The more south I go the less traffic there will be I hope..

Along the road could be that there are whales so I might check that out. But first, where I am now, Rosario which is the last stop before I go and cycle into the desert. Have to get water here and some proper food. If there is a nowhere in Baja California then I will be in the middle of it. I like the idea.

Baja California

Rosario – La Paz

Beautiful route with millions of cactusses or cacti or who knows the plural of a cactus. Was great to camp in the desert too. Silent and stunning sunsets. I’ve met many people including a group of cyclists that took me along with them. It was the Baja Mil group and it was really cool to spend time with these people. They have treated me well, fed me and took me in their hotels. Awesome!