At the Benanders

11/15 & 11/16

I had a couple of good rest days with the Benanders. I'd lost 15 pounds in three weeks, and was determined to put it all back in, in two days. Doug and Betty treated me to excellent food and a low key relaxing time. I needed it. I explored Chico a little each day, seeing more bikes per capita than anywhere else I've been in the US. It's a cute college town, just at the foot of the mountains. I was referred by one bike shop to another when I asked for directions. There I received a number of hand-drawn maps from Mike "Rand McNally" Peavy, detailing the route from Chico to San Francisco, by way of Sacramento. He was a great resource, and put me on back roads much of the way. My week ended with pizza, beer, and BSG Friday night, excellent denoument for my rest days. It was familiar, in many ways. Thanks Benanders.