Rode onto the Real McCoy ferry (from Rio Vista to Ryer Island). The Delta is really a unique place - all farmland and small towns - pretty much another world from the other side of the river I live on (Antioch) and Sacramento as well. Mostly, I don't like flat rides, which is probably why I don't ride here that often. But, the Delta, with the exception of some of the busy main highways, has a lot of low traffic back roads. The ferry operator remarked that I was cheating by taking the ferry ride. Thoughts of riding a water bike entered my mind.
I had a dog come after me on the SE side of Ryer Island and put a little scare into me. Good thing he wasn't vicious as he had a good opportunity to take a bite out of my leg. Took the J-Mac ferry (cable towed) on to Grand Island. I noticed that the steel cable had an orange, plastic coating - obviously to prevent corrosion.
I rode past a rather well kept old Victorian home and the Grand Island Mansion.
I hear barking behind me and in my mirror I see a tiny white dog and a mid to large sized lab chasing me. Boy they went a long way before they gave up. That little guy's legs were moving so fast they were a blur. I was doing about 15-17 mph and they were keeping a constant gap. Hope I wore them out and they would get lost finding home (though I doubt that).
Went across two steel decked bridges to get across the river to Courtland. I don't like these bridges much. They can be very slippery when wet (not today though), and your front tire seems to wander around some. I worry about the tire falling into a gap, but have never had that happen (yet). I wonder why they call this place Courtland - must be that building with the columns that looks like a court house...
Got to the Courtland Market and ordered up a turkey sandwich and used the facilities. They make good sandwiches. They used to be really cheap (especially for one with plain bread), but upped their prices a while ago so they are reasonably priced, but cheap no longer. Sat outside on the bench and ate before heading back. I remember on a past ride my buddy Bob joking this loud and funny oriental fellow in the store about raising his prices. It was funny.
My objective was to do a loop around Sutter Island. Unfortunately, Google Maps shows a road that is no longer there (the sign said "Not a through road"). The Delta has a lot of dirt roads and private roads too, which are shown on Google Maps as regular roads so you really have to have a Plan B if you're out exploring like I was.
Plan B: ride up to the North end of Ryer Island, cross the bridge, take the Hwy 84 around the West end of the island, and take the Real McCoy back to Rio Vista. The road is straight and a bit boring on this stretch to Ryer Island. There's no waterways to capture your attention - nothing but farm fields. There was another road (Waukeena) that I could have taken, but I'm glad I didn't because I found out when I got to the bridge, that somewhere along the way, it turns to dirt. Crossed the bridge and took a break. By now it was getting nice and warm, and I was a bit overdressed (long sleeved undershirt and knee warmers). While riding I felt comfortable, though.
This side of Ryer Island is a California numbered highway (Hwy 84), and the pavement is pretty good, including a several miles of fresh pavement up to the ferry. I had my eyes peeled for dogs, but saw none. Got on the ferry and had a nice, but short ride across. Got back downtown and drove back home.
Another nice day and a good ride. I thought the ride was going to be about 50 miles but it turned out to be about 39. I must have planned it out wrong in ridewithgps.com (highly recommended).
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