Our local weather is routinely terrific-to-spectacular, making the
area a motorcyclist’s nirvana. You may
be unaware that we motorcyclists hold a distinct advantage over those who
routinely travel in an automobile. Traveling by motorcycle maximizes, particularly
outside of the major urban areas, this advantage we motorcyclists so
passionately enjoy. For those who don't ride, let me explain.
First, there is the exhilaration of freedom born from the wind in the
face while rolling along. Whether it is the warmth of spring sunshine,
heat of summer, the coolness of autumn, or the occasional cold during our mild
winters, stipulating our winters are nothing like the Midwest, Northeast, or
Northwest. No weeks on end of rain; no
snow; no freezing conditions. But we do enjoy
some variations in weather, no matter how small. And these variations are definitely
experienced more by the motorcyclist.
Rolling along with the weather in your face provides the very real sense
of freedom. From this freedom comes exhilaration,
visceral and intense.
At this juncture, let me focus for the reader the type of motorcyclist
to those of us who ride the cruiser type bikes.
Neither the go-faster-than-hell sports bikes (referred to by some as
crotch rockets), nor the can-barely-get-up-to-speed little scooters I’m seeing
way too many of on the freeways. I’m
talking the Harley Davidson, Indian, Victory, (yikes) BMW, and similar cruising
motorcycles that are made for riding distances in comfort.
And before you start shouting and yelling about “bad ass bikers” who
lane split (legal in California) or those with exhausts that can shatter
windows at 100 meters, I’m talking about the average rider of a cruiser style
motorcycle. One who obeys the rules of
the road and simply enjoys riding, of being free in the sun and weather.
Associated with this physical phenomenon is the requirement to pay greater
attention to the overall environment, much more than most drivers of
cars. With a decidedly smaller footprint and vertical presentation (square
feet) than the average car (maybe larger than the Smart car), the motorcyclist
must be ever aware of his surroundings, primarily for his safety. To ride
safely, the smart motorcyclist observes more of his surroundings: the frenetic
activity of his fellow citizens traveling by car, truck, semi, etc.: natural
beauty of the countryside, including mountains, valleys, hills, and flora; weather,
including the expected and unexpected; road conditions, like pot holes; and the
general pace of life. With the wind in your face and attention to the
surroundings, travel by motorcycle is far more interesting. I've seen
sights that those in cars undoubtedly missed.
Second, by avoiding the largest and most congested of the freeways and
taking alternate routes whenever possible, the surroundings are far more
enjoyable. I plan to avoid traffic -- at
least to the greatest degree possible. Being in heavy traffic is
decidedly no fun on a motorcycle, especially if it is stop-and-go. When riding a motorcycle, all four appendages
work controls used to operate the bike: both hands – steering; right hand –
throttle, right turn signal, and front break; left hand – clutch and left turn
signal; both feet – balance when stopped; right foot – rear brake; and left
foot – shifter. Since the two-wheel
motorcycle requires balance, unable to stand freely, either moderate forward
motion or feet down when stopped is required.
In stop-and-go, operating the clutch while adding throttle to get
forward motion, then having to pull in the clutch, engage the brakes, and
preparing to put feet down are constant.
Totally different that for the driver of the car with an automatic
transmission, who sits and merely touches the gas or brake pedal. Plainly stated, operating the motorcycle in
stop-and-go traffic is strenuous physical activity. So, whenever and wherever possible,
motorcyclists want to avoid congested traffic.
By doing so, a whole new experience is enjoyed.
Based in San Diego, going north is inevitable and transiting Los
Angeles is a pain; no matter what route one chooses, there will most likely be
traffic congestion. After years of experience and planning, I have
learned routes to avoid the most significant areas of trouble. Like Route 73, the toll road also known as
the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, which lets me avoid the
I-5/I-405 junction in Orange County. It is a rather picturesque road,
rolling through a succession of hills.
At the north end, the rider comes out in Orange County. Persevering, the motorcyclist must simply gut
it out on I-405 until either I-10 or Route 101, at which he can turn west and
eventually follow the coast. With
Ventura finally in the rear view mirrors, the motorcyclist undertakes a ride that
becomes very pleasant and enjoyable. Route 101 to Santa Barbara, with the
Pacific Ocean on my left, is one of my favorite sections of a trip north. Santa Barbara provides a good opportunity to
stop, refuel, eat, and stretch the legs a bit as well.
Leaving Santa Barbara and continuing north on Route 101, the road
winds inland and away from the ocean views.
Depending on the time of the year, heading up to the inland area can
also result in the temperatures increasing.
I may have started out wearing a heavy leather jacket to provide warmth,
as well as protection in the event of an incident. But if, having turned inland, the
temperatures climb too high, I will likely take the opportunity to stop and
remove the jacket. After packing the
jacket securely on the bike, I also apply a fresh dose of sunscreen. (A word about sunscreen: it also serves as an
adhesive for the dust, dirt, and other crud flowing in the air as I ride
along. At the end of a ride, hot water,
soap, and a soon-to-be filthy washcloth are definitely needed.) Taking a gulp or two or three of water,
because riding in the environment is dehydrating and there isn’t a safe way to
drink water while riding a motorcycle, I remount my iron horse (another term
for a motorcycle) and aim north.
At San Luis Obispo, the rider makes a decision on whether to turn back
to the coast and follow the ruggedly beautiful section of Route 1 to Monterey
or continue on Route 101. On this trip,
the plan is to stop for the night at Paso Robles. So Route 101 it is. Away from the urban areas and major cities,
this route is terrific for the motorcyclist.
Cruising along, I feel at one with the environment. Included in this environment are the drivers
of the automobiles and trucks taking this way north. It may be imagination, but just as I am more
relaxed, so they also seem to be. The
aggressive, screw you, cut-you-off, every man for himself drivers all to
frequently encountered on the San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles
freeways must have stayed on those thoroughfares, because it just seems to be a
more sane group of motorists with whom I am sharing the road. Avoiding the most heavily trafficked roadways
has been fantastic.
Third, traveling solo by motorcycle has been the source of wonderful
interactions with my fellow countrymen and -women. On my trips, I always meet
several nice folks. When away from the hustle and bustle of major cities
and urban areas, while avoiding the major service areas on I-5, I find the
folks warm and friendly. Like the guy I encountered coming out of a
restaurant where I'd stopped for breakfast. He was parked next to me and
commented on the Marine Corps license plate frame and the appearance of the
bike. For a couple of moments, after shaking hands, we just
chatted. No obligation. Neither seeking anything from the other. Neither in an inexplicable hurry. Ends up
he is a long haul trucker and knows lots of young Marines who have entered that
profession after leaving active duty. He's not a vet, but admires
Marines. Just two guys exchanging some words and smiles. Had I been
driving a car, we never would have shared a few minutes together. I’ve
met countless truly nice folks while on these motorcycle road trips; people
from all across the country. Young and
old. Individuals and families. Average people just going about their
days. The motorcycle inevitably draws attention,
with some just looking at it admiringly, and others making comment. I always smile and thank them, often times
engaging in short conversations. Frankly,
many of the men convey a sense of envy, looking as if they want to be sharing
the open road on a bike. Most of the
encounters occur as I am walking into or out of a “mom and pop” eatery. Speaking of eateries, I want to highlight
another aspect of riding solo across our country. Food.
I make it a point not to stop at any of the national chains -- another
reason to avoid the major highways. (Actually, my son has taught me to
avoid the fast food chains.) Since riding a motorcycle is as much about
the trip as it is about the destination, I take the time to hunt out the
"mom and pop" places. Normally the food is much better, service
superb, and prices reasonable. A good sign a place meets these
requirements is a lot of pick-up trucks in the parking lot. If you're
whizzing along the major interstates, it's unlikely you'll take the time to
enjoy one of these places, since they are off the beaten path. And at these places you meet some wonderful
people, like the young server who explained she was taking her mother to Las
Vegas for her first tattoo. Go Mom!
Anyway, back to the road trip. I was spending the night in
Paso Robles and riding into town, the sign, “Big Bubba’s Bad to the Bone BBQ”
caught my attention. My mouth immediately started watering, so after
checking into the motel, that was where I headed for a couple of beers and a
meal. It was late afternoon and the waitress
was the only one serving a large area, adroitly managing it all with a smile. I had a terrific meal of BBQ chicken,
coleslaw, corn on the cob, and a couple of Buds, all the while listening to country/western
music, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere she helped create. If we take
the time to enjoy life, it provides plenty of smiles and memories like
these. Like the gent and ladies above, there are countless others out
there, who make the road trips real adventures.
Traveling by bike provides the opportunity to take in the feel of the
country...to interact with average folks who like to smile and share a bit of
conversation and a laugh...to enjoy the real, instead of the conjured up,
corporate, rush-though-the-day life others would have us think is the norm and
important. It also provides
opportunities to see some real natural beauty.
For example, Route 46 East from Paso Robles as the sun was rising.
Rolling through the open countryside, distinctly agricultural, as the sun
colored the terrain in a golden glow. Just gorgeous! Post card
perfect examples of why some call California the Golden State. With
sparse traffic, cool temperatures, and a comfortable bike, rides like this are utterly
serene and most enjoyable.
So, even when riding in the cold, or getting sunburnt, or swallowing a
bug, travels by motorcycle are vastly superior to riding in a car.
There's no climate control. No 500-watt, eight speaker stereo. No twelve way adjustable seat. No aim
it and go. No windshield wipers.
No lumbar support. Enjoying the
freedom unique to riding a motorcycle out in the environment, particularly when
away from the urban congestion and crowded freeways. A motorcyclist is far more in tune with his
trip, aware of his conveyance, and sensitive to the environment. Along
the way will be some great meals. And
you have the great fortune of interacting with the average, everyday folks that
make this country fantastic.
That's why a
motorcyclist has the distinct advantage.
