A distinct advantage

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.