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Welcome Home
9 April 2021

I try to do this ride at least once each season, usually for the home opener and/or the play-offs. Of course, the Giants don't get into the play-offs too often these days, so I shouldn't skip the first game of the season. That's especially true after no fans were allowed into the stadium last season, and I didn't get to McCovey Cove at all in 2020.

This season a limited number of fans can attend games, but first they need to provide proof of a recent negative Covid test or full vaccination. Consequently, for the home opener today the ball yard was surrounded by a crowd smaller than usual but perhaps even happier than usual.

In any event, after missing out last year, today I was all about pedaling from the Golden Gate Bridge to the ball yard to kick off the baseball season.

PS: Afterwards, I had to kick myself. I was almost all the way back to the bridge when I realized I should have pedaled just a few blocks farther south to have a look at the fancy new Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors NBA basketball team. Next time for sure.

PPS: I note it was four years ago today when the Mad Marauders terrorized San Francisco on much the same route.


I can't pedal across the Golden Gate without pausing to snap a photo.


Likewise, I brake for mirrors.


From the left, that's Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the East Bay hills in the distance.


The land of chocolate.


Back before the big bridges laced together the Bay Area, ferries carried rail cars across the Bay.

That's the restored WWII Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien in the background.


Heading toward the ball yard. Stopped to eat a sandwich with this view of the western span of the Bay Bridge. Yerba Buena Island and the East Bay in the background.

As usual, plenty of other bikes on the move this morning.


Made it to the ball yard.

On the left, that's the entrance to the valet bicycle parking under the rightfield bleachers.

On the right, that's McCovey Cove. During games, kayakers with big nets hang out in case a homerun comes flying over the rightfield wall and into the water. That doesn't happen as often since Barry Bonds retired.


Juan Marichal.

The crowd isn't as thick as usual for the home opener, because only about 8000 fans are allowed in due to Covid precautions. But, after no fans at all last season, everyone is in a boisterous mood.

Red's and the Hi Dive bars were both doing a booming business. That might have contributed to the festive mood.


Willie Mays.

The theme is "Welcome Home" to all the fans.

After hanging out awhile and riding a couple of loops around the stadium, I headed back to the bridge. As usual, my voodoo juju mojo bicycle magic brought the Giants a victory.

As noted, I failed to ride a little farther south to the new home of the Warriors. My bad. They lost.



Summary

Date: 9 April 2021
Time: 11:30 - 2:00
Weather: 55-60° F, sunny, windy
Route: Golden Gate Bridge - McCovey Cove - and back
Distance: 19 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.

~ 110 ~



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Bill Stone

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