A Fall Ride through Northern California- pics

[pashnit]

We normally don't see any ride reports around here (fact I'm not even sure where to put this), but I'd thought I'd break the mold a little and share a little trip up through Northern California did the other day. Temps are starting to drop, Fall is here and a great time to go out riding in NorCal!!

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Fall Ride through Northern California</span>
<span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'>A Pashnit Designed Motorcycle Ride</span>

You've probably heard me say this if you've hung around the pashnit realm long enough, but I've often regarded taking a motorcycle journey akin to stepping into another world. One separate from our own day to day routine of work, kids, spouses, the usual sorts of things we both take for granted and come to appreciate over time.

But it's that moment you fire up the motorcycle all packed, at 5 am in the morning, then roll out onto the road to head off for the horizon that you get to step into that netherworld of motorcycle travel. A world where passing motorcyclists wave to one another and smile to themselves. A world inbetween actual reality- one where you get to escape all that. Just you, the motorcycle, and a good road. What more could you ever want?

Great folks, good times, great roads!!

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[pashnit]

While my last Pashnit Motorcycle Ride of the Sierra Nevada Mountains was dominated by Harley Davidson motorycles- this one was all about sport-bikes. No ryhme or reason, just how it goes. Riders were as varied as always.

Eric is a web designer who is responsible for the pashnittours.com website. About 3 years ago, Eric contacted me & asked if I ever need any web design help, to let him know. Seems he and I have been working together for 3 years now, and this was the first time we'd actually met in person.

Eric's Honda CBR 1000. Likey? Me too! Eric had just added a Jardine carbon fiber slip-on can. Sounded great when he fired that thing up. Undertail exhausts are very cool!!

 

[pashnit]

Mark was the IT guy from Davis that works with maps, websites, and all manner of IT goodies. He came to Davis to go to school, then never left. Mark also has a cruiser in the stable. Two bikes are always better than one. He'd used the Pashnit site to explore in all directions around his home. Plus following our tour, he had planned an additional several days of riding. This was sort of like his kick-off to his motorcycle vacation!

Mark's ZZR

 

[pashnit]

Ayumi has come a long way, from Japan, and has been riding for over 10 years with several different motorcycles, both in Japan and here in the states. She's a registered nurse by trade, but when riding her brand new GSXR 1000, you'd never guess. When you look at this bike, you'd never know it was a 1000. It looked like a 600, and was tiny. Ayumi mentioned that when she was out bike shopping, it was smaller than the 600 & 750 oddly enough.

 

[pashnit]

David hails from the California Foothills, and has been riding for well over 30 years. He came on the ever-popular SV650, which has developed such a devout following. Of all the interesting jobs riders have had that I've ridden with, David's is a cartographer, as in map maker. Seems he has a rather storied job history, and at one time his only job was as a chain installer (think snowing and mountain passes). Dave is also a Vietnam vet and served in combat during a tour in Vietnam from '69-'70.

David along Highway 1

 

[pashnit]

Stephen rolled on down from Oregon to join the tour, and added even more credence to the adage that you can tour on anything. His ride was an '82 Yamaha Seca 650, (same bike used in the Cycle World $1000/1000 Mile Tour in April) leaving his Ducati 900SS at home for this particular ride. The one thing that surprised me was how fast he was on this 20+ year old bike. Don't get sucked in by the thought that you need a fast bike to go fast. Not neccesarily.

Stephen's general philosophy on life.

His Yamaha Seca 650

 

[pashnit]

Hugh also rode along with us on Saturday. Our local rider there in Fortuna, Hugh came on his Harley. He just needed an excuse to go riding, and we happened to be in the neighborhood. And riding right past his house. Don't need any better excuse than that.

Your Pashnit Tour Guide Okay, now that you've met everyone- let's ride !!!

 

[pashnit]

You might say my morning didn't exactly go as planned this time around- at least not at first. Seems I didn't even make the first 100 miles before this came along. My first flat in the last 10 years of riding. The first time, I was able to limp home. This time, thankfully, I was able to pull off the freeway at the first exit.

 

[pashnit]

I attempted to re-fill the tire, but it went flat again in about 15 seconds. Not good.

She still looks good, even with a flat. So then off to the local dealer...

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[pashnit]

They also had the new Road Trip Magazine, which has a feature article about Yours Truly. The tour participants inadvertantly got autographed copies!!

Here's a link to the article in case you'd like to read it. You can find Road Trip Mag at your local moto-retailer. For now they're free for the first issue.

Linky --> Pashnit Road Trip Linky <-- Linky

 

[pashnit]

Finally, the Hayabusa was ready and we made off for the always wondrous Skaggs Spring - Stewarts Point Rd.

What really makes my day. I think this fella just hangs out here.

 

[pashnit]

Oh well. Whaddya gonna do.

Did I mention the food? Mmm good! Oceansong Restaruant in Gaulala took care of that. Tasty!

Riders at Oceansong Restaurant

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[pashnit]

Neat thing about the California Coastline is the history. It's everywhere dating to the 1800's.

The California Pacific Coastline was as beautiful as always and we got a chance to stop by the Point Arena Lighthouse. A must do if you are in the vicinity.

Kinda looks like a postcard, eh?

 

[pashnit]

Road to the Point Arena Lighthouse

California Pacific Coastline

The scene along Highway 1

 

[pashnit]

While the sun had been warm and the temperatures perfect, you really have to appreciate the microclimates of California. Approaching Fort Bragg, it began to get really misty, than foggy, then it was just plain raining.

Ayumi decided that the handwarmers on Steve's bike were a good place to be. Once you get some electric handwarmers on the bike - you'll wonder why you didn't do something like this years ago!

Ready to head inland. Hopefully some sunshine?

 

[pashnit]

After the twisty section of Hwy 1 inland to Legget in a misty rain, it was time to dry off the gloves. Not fun in the rain.

First time we've hit any sort of moisture in last 2 yrs.

Ayumi's Suzuki GSXR 1000

 

[pashnit]

Same spot, but Mark's Kawasaki ZZR600 & the Hayabusa

Curves ahead!!

 

[pashnit]

The following day dawned foggy and cold along the Pacific Coast. Time to head inland along the always dreamy . The more I ride this road over the years, the more I've come to think it's probably the best motorcycle road in the state of California.

140 Miles of Absolute Bliss.

Unmatched in length, variety, scenic views, and don't forget the non-stop sweeping curves, downhill curves, uphill curves, hairpin curves, mountain curves. Just a lotta curves.

Pashnit aboard the Hayabusa (You can make out the & the outstanding RKA Saddlebags I use all the time.)




Ayumi ready to ride...

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[pashnit]

I spent a lot more time shooting pics of the bikes this time around too. Check this out...

Ayumi's GSXR1000 along - views like this are common place!!

---> Linky ---> Btw- article I wrote about Hwy 36 for

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[pashnit]

David's Suzuki SV650- interesting thing about his bike, is every owner I meet lauds praises on this bike.

The SV650 & Highway 36