Saturday beach ride
- Ernesto Martinez-Ordaz
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Riding in San Carlos is a blast. Road or gravel? Sure, they have their place. But for my money, taking a fat bike over a full-suspension rig is the way to go. Those massive tires just own the terrain. Since I’m not in the racing circuit anymore, I’m out here for two things: fitness and fun. Mostly the fun.
The Gear List
Before hitting the sand, I had to dial in the setup:
PSI Science: I rode out at 20 PSI for the pavement. Once I hit the beach, I dropped the Presta valves to about 5 PSI by doing a slow count to 20 seconds. Just like riding on Chicago snow, you need that wide footprint for sand flotation. When I’m back on hard ground, out comes the rechargeable electric pump to go back to 20 PSI. An electric pump is waaaay better than an old school hand pump. Technology. Believe me, trying to pedal home on 5 PSI is a slog you don't want to experience.
Hydration: A 2022 Camelbak M U L E loaded with ice-cold water and a separate bottle of Gatorade. In the desert, electrolytes aren't a suggestion; they're a requirement.
And yes, it can get worse before it gets worse. I was there most of 2024 through 2025. More on that later.
The Footwear: Chaco sandals. Believe it or not, this is only my second pair in 31 years. I picked up my first pair in Boulder back in '95 and wore them into the ground. I tried a few competitors, but they were blister-city. In early 2024, I went back to Chaco. I've learned to just wear my toes over the straps for maximum comfort.
Why Chacos? I didn't want to soak my Helly Hansen shoes which I wear when I ride away from the sea. Chacos are the ultimate beach-biking hack and I've worn the Z/2 Classic. The model with the toe strap, which I really don't like (the toe strap) because with every step, it always tightens, turning my toes purple. As much as I would loosen them, it was to no avail. My remedy? Don't use that strap. Finagle the sandals and just step on the toe strap. Now they're as classic as ever.
I got them two years ago, and I have been wearing these sandals most of 2025 since I moved here. They're more useful and practical here than just wearing them in Chicago's urban jungle. I wear these daily because I take Kuma to the beach every morning, and my feet always get wet. Also, a spot where we go to is covered in barnacles and these Chacos provide great grip on the rough rocky surface.
Between the salt water and the intense Sonoran sun, they hold up rather well. I make sure to rinse them daily to get the salt and sand out out of the straps. Also, while riding and a wave rolls up during a ride, my feet and the straps dry off in minutes. Pair them with some grippy platform pedals and my feet agree.
I got my first pair of Chacos in '95 when I lived for a year in Boulder, CO. Back then they were made in Colorado and they could be sent back to the factory to get resoled because they were made with replaceable Vibram soles. I wore mine if I didn't have to wear regular shoes. And yes, I had, and still have the "Z" tanline. They were meant for whitewater rafting/river trips. The Chaco guys didn't expect their sandals to go places other than river trips.
Head & Eyes: A Kali mountain bike helmet with a visor. I’ve had it since 2018 but finally broke it out for the red visor—though I think I’ll spray-paint the underside black to kill the glare. For shades, I’m rocking my Oakley Gascans from 2012. These frames have seen three lens changes over the years, but they’re still the most reliable gear I own.
Protection: Neutrogena SPF 50. The sun out here doesn't play around.
The Ride
The route was a solid trek—clocking in at over 11 miles total. I rode from the house across the entire length of Playa San Francisco, from Charly's Rock all the way to the point at Estero Del Soldado and back. It was a slow, intentional ride; my average was just 6 MPH. I wasn’t chasing speed; I was chasing the view.
I ran into a giant sea slug—a California black sea hare (Aplysia vaccaria). They’re harmless and actually quite cool swimmers.
They look like giant turds when they’re beached. The waves are just stronger than they are. This one had already died - suffocated under its own weight out of the water. Foot for scale.
I turned back toward town, riding right along the surf.
It’s a long stretch of beach, and while I couldn't get the camera out fast enough, I saw a pod of dolphins cruising past a sailboat anchored nearby. One of these days, I’ll get a paddleboard and get out there with the cetaceans.
Further down, I saw a shimmer on the sand. A baby puffer fish had been washed up. I quickly scooped the little guy up and put him back in the water. I didn't want to toss him because the seagulls around here are vicious—they’ll snatch anything mid-air. He was a slow swimmer, and the tide had just outmatched him.
After what seemed like a low 5PSI ride, I pumped up the tires once I got to solid ground, and pedaled home. Daydreamed about a lukewarm shower, dinner with my parents, and a long sleep.
More later :)
