Day 42 – San Diego/Mexican Border. 40 km
We left the hostel after breakfast for our last ride of this long journey, to the border. However, finding our way out of the city and onto a bike-friendly route south for our last 40 km ride was a challenge. For such a placid, unhurried, uncrowded place, San Diego is complicated. Or at least its road system is.
When we found ourselves still consulting maps and Google outside of Aunt Emma’s Pancake House at 11:00 I suddenly realized how hungry I was, and how perfect a lunch of pancakes would be. But as we dawdled with maps, etc. I watched a stream of customers going into the place and discovered we’d have to wait 20 minutes for a table. I swallowed hard and we decided to bike on.
For the next 30 km I scanned every strip mall we passed for any sign of a pancake place. I was absolutely fixed on the idea. Tacos, hamburgers, Subway sandwiches – all were readily available, but I wanted something sweet. Specifically pancakes.
On arriving in San Ysidro – the US town bordering Mexico – I was hopeful. The place was like a massive shopping mall featuring every conceivable US franchise, except for a pancake house. By this time I was hypoglycemic and getting irrational. Sophie suggested alternatives, but I couldn’t accept eating anything savoury. We found there was a Starbucks at the end of a long line of fashion stores and I allowed that I might be able to stomach coffee and a muffin. As we rode the short distance toward the Starbucks I looked across the massive mall parking lot and, like a miracle, a god-send, an epiphany, I saw the magic word on the side of a building in the distance. Pancakes. International House of. If I were a religious person, I might say something like my prayers were answered – but, by IHOP? Needless to say the meal barely lived up to expectations. But what a moment.
We had a similarly underwhelming experience at the “border.” We didn’t actually get anywhere near to the border. You can’t do that without committing to crossing it. We didn’t want to take the time, so we settled on having our photo taken by a passing security guard with a gigantic Mexican flag flapping in the wind over the border, in the distance behind us.
And thus ended our epic bicycle journey. We slung our bikes into an SD Metro trolley and returned to the city like regular people, no pedalling involved.
Both Sophie and I find ourselves swept by a mix of feelings at reaching the end. I want to give some time to reflecting on those before my next post.
Hearty congrats. I’ve so enjoyed your journey, your writing, your perspective. Full of admiration for your quest and accomplishment. Bubbly on your return when we four rendezvous?
Bubbly id indeed in order! Thanks for all your kind comments, Rebecca. It always pleased me to see them. Looking forward now to coming home!
Wow. That’s all I can say. You 2 have been on the most amazing journey and your blogs–incredibly entertaining! Congrats on reaching your goal! I can’t wait to see you both in person and celebrate your amazing (didn’t I use that word already?!) quest. I suspect this will be an experience you’ll never forget and talk about often!
Thanks Sandy. Look forward to seeing you and David sometime soon. kn
Congratulations!!! What an epic journey. I have so enjoyed following along through your blog. Had a good laugh at the pancake quest. As I was reading, I kept thinking, “Surely there’s an IHOP there!?”
Would love to read a post about the impact of your trip on your relationship with Sophie. Did it change your dynamic at all? Reinforce it?
I’m sure it’s been an experience of a lifetime! Looking forward to catching up when you’re back.
Congrats Kevin and Sophie! Thanks again for your blog!
Thanks Jacques. We now have similar stories to share.
btw… I will be returning your book. Although at times it was not altogether accurate (it’s 14 years out of date) most days, especially in CA, we treated it like our bible.
See you soon.
Hello Kevin, Sophie, Congratulations are in order as you both have completed an amazing journey. Sophie,,enjoy Mexico city, and Kevin, have a safe trip back home. Take care. Peter Muringer.
Thanks Peter. Much love to you Miho and the girls.
Hey Kevin and Sophie – Congratulations on completing your amazing journey. We’ve really enjoyed reading your posts and following your progress (from the safety of a sofa). I’m looking forward to hearing much more in person. Time to indulge in more creature comforts now? Love Lisa and Don
Thanks Lisa / Don. Coming back to Vancouver and reality, including the usual creature comforts and routines, sounds pretty appealing right now.
WWAAAAAAAAAAAA!! (that’s just the sound of me crying). Holy crap, it has been an emotional journey for ME reading and imagining your every move. Guys. YOU ARE AMAZING. I love you!! xoxoxo