[FREE.] Insane Bike Trip Finale.

Photo by Alvin Lee

The rest of this trip was a wild ride. I had adrenaline pumping through my veins as we went downhill, uphill, and downhill again in what seemed like a neverending cycle. There were a few close calls when the downhills would curve and we would go into that curve with a ton of speed. In several turns there were times where we came as close as a foot away from hitting an oncoming car. In exchange for such an adrenaline rush, we were rewarded with some of the most breathtaking scenery I've encountered in my life. There were roads and paths with tall trees evenly spaced on both sides, making it feel like you're riding directly inside of a tropical forest. And because we were so high up, when there weren't any trees all we would see is an overhead view of Oakland.

We got lost in somewhere along the road and had doubts about whether or not to keep going or turn back to try and go back from where we came. We decided against going back because of the hike we would have to endure once again so we kept going. I could feel civilization near as I saw more and more houses and at that point I was just wanted to get out. I had enough of the thrill of an adventure and just wanted to be someplace familiar.

As we approached a downhill, I saw the words 'STOP' on the road and knew that a stop sign was going to be at the end of the downhiill. I realized that I was going to fast to come to a controllable speed and began to panic a little. There were cars in front of me, so the possibility of crashing into one of them was high. Going further down the hill I realized that I was about to ride right in the middle of the intersection. I couldn't stop. I had no choice but to keep going, so I rushed right in the middle of the intersection and made a hard left into the closest street I could find. I finally got to a stop and looked up to realize where I was. Oakland Zoo! Alvin and Sandy got through the downhill safely and were waiting for me on the other side of the street.

We regrouped after from the jungle of our adventure and took familiar streets in Oakland to find our way back to Alameda. The only word I could use to describe this adventure would be insane.

[FREE.] Insane Bike Trip Pt II.

Photo Credit: Alvin Lee

After what seemed like an eternity, the inclines were slowly starting to disappear and it became possible for us to get back on our bikes and start riding comfortably. I can safely say that we shared a wave of relief. It didn't feel like we were supposed to ride on the streets but while we were hiking up, we saw a bunch of cyclists speeding downhill, so that was kind of a nice reassurance that we weren't riding someplace we're not supposed to be.

The hike didn't seem all that bad now. Especially since we got to see some gorgeous scenery. I was actually surprised to see houses up there. Some of the houses looked really luxurious too. The fanciest ones had a gate, fountain, and a huge balcony. It was one of the last things I would expect from an area such as that. You can get an idea of what the view and some of the urban houses looked like, just look at that picture!

The ride was sort of choppy from here on out, we came to points where it'd be another uphill but the momentum from a downhill made it a lot easier to climb. Half the time I felt like I was in a forest participating in some major race like the Tour De France because all I could see around me were vivid green trees and surrounding foliage.

These downhills got me crazy speed and I already had enough trouble putting adequate pressure on my pedals just so I could slow down enough to a speed I could control. Then I got a sudden realization. This is where the real fun is about to begin.

[FREE.] Insane Bike Trip Pt I.

Photo Credit: Alvin Lee

I've been to so many places on my bike I could practically say that I've been just about everywhere. I'm always looking for new places to go, craving that adventure and trying to immerse myself in a new environment just so I could slowly figure out my surroundings. Sometimes, I don't know where I'll end up and I'll get scared, but part of that experience is conquering the fear of the unknown. I journey to become lost and make it my quest to find my way back. I found that experience during the summer--a trip I'll never forget. Enter Joaquin Miller Park.

Sandy, Alvin, and I. I suppose you could call us thrill seekers that day. We planned to go to someplace far, someplace unfamiliar. Joaquin Miller Park. I wasn't a complete stranger to those parts, I went on occasional field trips in elementary school to do some environmental stuff but I really couldn't remember much about that area. The way there was a good build up of excitement. I've never biked down Fruitvale before and it was an uneasy experience to begin with. The drivers in Oakland aren't exactly the most friendly people on Earth, let alone that whole Fruitvale area, but we got through it without much trouble. We reached a checkpoint and took a break to gather ourselves for the rest of the way ahead.

This part of the trip was absolute hell. The inclines were steep that none of us could bike up. Mind you I'm on a fixed gear with a high ratio while both Alvin and Sandy had not-so perfect gears. Most of this essentially became a hike. Constant breaks and what seemed like an endless set of inclines made it really hard on us. We were completely unprepared for what we were about to encounter..