My little sister, in town from Seattle, wanted to spend a day down on the coast in Newport / Balboa Island. Based on what little familiarity I have with the area, and it being the height of the summer season, I was dreading the drive over. The thought of bringing the bikes, driving only part way, and then finishing up by taking the Santa Ana River Trail flashed through my mind, but would have limited our time. I'm not too sure about riding the SART at 10:00 at night, so we drive the whole way. That was alright, until we got to the Island. I know it is a tourist destination, so the traffic is to be expected but, I don't know how residents deal with all that mess - the long lines of slowly creeping cars wending their way along narrow streets, the spreading fumes. How about some off site parking? Tourists can ride bikes onto the Island, or take a shuttle.
If you are a fan of the beach cruiser, featured below are a few photos of the preferred Island-mode of transportation (how many of them are cruisers?):
Once we were there it was pretty fun, walking around, sightseeing and all, but the time was all too short before we had to get back to the car, wait in another long line for the ferry, at the other side of the Island, to take us to the peninsula, and another lengthy search for parking there. People in good health, could avoid much of the car time, but for someone like, my dad, who doesn't get around so good anymore, the alternatives are severely limited. Don't let my grumbling stop you from going, there is a lot to see and do, but if you do, plan it out so that you can do most of your moving around by foot or bike. That part, for most of us, is easy and, makes moving from place to place, fun as well.
The final tally, spending time with sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, moms and dads, pricelesss. Spending time in cars, priceless? Not so much!
Not a bike helmet in sight!
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