On the road again

Spring came to most of the nation, even if some late unseasonable storms played havoc in portions of the country.  Nevertheless, as spring passes and summer approaches, the bikers across the states begin hitting the highways and byways and planning for the next road trip.

  

Here in the southwest, the Laughlin River Run informally marks the beginning of the serious riding season.  Of course, the area's prevalent weather encourages and permits year 'round riding.  The serious riding, however, comes late spring and into the summer and early fall.

For patriots and Vietnam veterans, the annual Run for the Wall in May is a must do, bucket list ride.

For the rest of us, thoughts of open, virtually traffic free roads dominate. 

Whether riding solo or two up, the annual road trip is singularly important.

Away from urban sprawl, perhaps along the coast line, or rolling along in valleys and over mountains, the real biker contemplates the open road.

As written of earlier, the experience actually indescribable to one who has never thrown a leg over a motorcycle.  Apart from the freedom accorded a rider, who is out in the elements.  This physical expression of independence is unlike anything else.  Yes, the so-called biker image may play into it for some.

And, to be honest, the looks one receives out on the road are uniquely satisfying, whether at the road side eatery, when stopped for gas, or while just resting between miles.  Young boys, eyes wide in amazement.  Adult males, middle-aged and older, with their woulda, coulda, shoulda envious stares.  Yep, those looks contribute to the experience.

But the best part for this old gray beard is simply rolling along the empty-to-near-empty road, with the sounds of the bike accompanying the basic pleasure of riding a motorcycle.  

   
I, for one, am narrowing down the when and have opened discussions with my lifelong buddy and fellow rider as to where.  The northwest?  Arizona, when it's cooler?  Who knows.  By June, however, the when and where will be set and serious planning underway.  Can't wait.

Summer road trip

Wahoo, we received rain overnight and it has been cold by San Diego standards.  Heck, around here, if it is in the 40s and 50s, people break out the parkas, gloves, and watch caps.  Might be wearing long johns too.  Having lived around the world, including areas suffering from snow and frigid temps, as well as cold rain, this really ain't that bad.  But as an old and wise biker, riding in the rain is something to be avoided.

Consequently, the Harley remained in the garage today.  Not a wasted day, because it was time to tackle the taxes.

But, all day, in the back of my mind were thoughts of the summer road trip.




My buddy and I have been talking about the options for this summer for the past several months.  

Due to a variety of factors, we weren't able to hit the road for anything by short day rides over the past year, when he and his bride were in the area.  So the need for a new adventure has been uppermost in our minds.

We've done Sturgis.

We've done Hollister.

We've done back roads in Oregon.

And we've done the PCH, including stopping at the ubiquitous Whale Watcher Inn.

At the dinner table, over a beer, with our brides listening, we last discussed doing some of the less traveled roads in Oregon.  That's a good destination for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being it is the state between the two of us.  I'm in the San Diego region and he is on the Washington coast.  Furthermore, we grew up together in Oregon and are partial to the terrain and natural beauty.

In years past, we have met in northern California to begin an adventure.  Doing the same this year, we could head up the PCH from Eureka to Newport and then head east on Route 20, maybe as far as Ontario.  Maybe hooking south at Bend on Route 97 to Klamath Falls, with a side trip to Crater Lake.  Unparalleled beauty.

 

Sitting here at the computer, it is very easy to envision rolling along those roads, side-by-side with my buddy of 60 years.  Two grey beards in the prime of their lives, enjoying the freedom and independence of the open road.

Ah, yes, the summer road trip.
 

A new bike

Why is this even a thought running through my head?  Ducati or Harley-Davidson?  (Listed alphabetically.)

As written about before, these two 2018 bikes are attractive, interesting, and on the short "if I had the money" list.  The Ducati Mutlistrada 1260 and the Harley-Davidson Heritage.  One Italian, the other American.  Each has a base MSRP of around $19K; the Heritage complete with saddlebags, while adding side cases on the Multistrada means opening the wallet wider and deeper.  The Multistrada seat height of 32.5 inches is higher than the Heritage's 26.3 inches.  A significant point for a 5'8" rider.  Then the Heritage weight of close to 700 pounds is quite a bit higher than the Multistrada's approximately 520 pounds.  If thinking horsepower, the Multistrada handily outclasses the Heritage.   The numbers provide advantages for both bikes.

Comparing the rides means comparing the intended riding.  Short and long touring must figure in, from 250-300 miles per day for a weekend overnight run, to 400-500 miles per day over a two week extended road trip.  In between, riding several times per week, with a nice outing on the weekends, solo or with friends.  So extended saddle time must be considered.  And the configuration of the bike to carry all the wherewithal taken on an extended road trip.  For this consideration, in my view the Heritage (with optional sissy bar, pad, and sissy bar pack for about $425) has a distinct edge over the Multistrada with side and top cases (roughly $1,590 [plastic] to $2,900 [metal]).

There is one notable feature unique to the Ducati.  The computer select able riding modes: touring, enduro, sport, urban. 

Next, the type of riding figures in greatly.  It is canyon carving on technical roads, thrilling at maintaining speed at the edge, or taking the curves and corners more sedately, as part of the journey, rather than the trill of leaning into the road?  What is that picture in your mind of riding the new bike?  

I see portions of the Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon and California, plus Spearfish Canyon Highway in South Dakota, as well as stretches of I-15 south of Provo, Utah and I-80 west of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  I also see Route 3 between Yreka and Weaverville in northern California.  And Route 22 in Oregon.  (The vision definitely does not include congested traffic on I-5 in Los Angeles during rush hour.)  And the ride  on Routes 28, 89, and 50 around Lake Tahoe in the summer is absolutely compelling. 

Touring.  Cruising.  Just riding.  Comfortably rolling along solo or with a buddy.  These are the types I enjoy the most.  If one accepts the various first ride impressions and other reports available online, either bike will take the rider comfortably over the above roads.  Yes, one riding position sits noticeably higher than the other.  But the other provides foot forward controls.  Again, depending on how you personally weigh the various factors cited earlier, it might be a toss up. 

In the end, there are the intangibles.  The essentially personal decisions meaning so much to a biker.  After all, being a biker is just about the ultimate expression of freedom, so choosing a new bike is an extension of that expression.  It is at this point that Harley-Davidson steps ahead of Ducati for me.

Yes, the unique rumble from that V-twin Milwaukee 8 is part of it.  But it more than the sound.  When attending biker or biker related events at which veterans are prominent, the H-D brand dominates the staging points.  Perhaps it is because the bikes are American made.  Perhaps it is the marketing.  Perhaps it is the image created over the decades, from post WWII through high school years, to Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder.  

Whatever it is,  the intangible scorecard goes to Harley-Davidson.  If I had the money for one bike, it would be the Heritage.  (Of course, if I had the money for two bikes, the Multistrada would be parked next to it.)



   

It is liberating

The phrase "it is liberating" most certainly captures the unique freedom experienced on the open road while piloting a motorcycle.  This experience is heightened when the open road is far from crowded urban areas.  

Rolling along, astride the motorcycle, through magnificent scenery liberates the soul.  The rushing air and sound of the rumbling motor peel off the concerns of daily life.  At one with machine and the environment.  It is liberating, but this not about which I write today.

Even more liberating, and not requiring a bike, is a self-imposed news blackout.

It came to be that reading and watching so-called news were simply sources of aggravation.  Journalism has been overcome by thinly -- if ever -- disguised opinion drivel.  Conservative or liberal, it does not matter.  News has been replaced by largely unfounded expressions of personal views.  And, much like elected officials seeking fame and fortune, the purveyors of these opinions seek not to enlighten, but to receive clicks, calls, tweets, posts, and the other currency of an opinion crazy, narcissistic social media driven society.

The more inflammatory, the better.  The more rabid and outrageous, the better.  That this phenomenon occurs without integrity or principal matters not.

It finally dawned that by reading and watching these opinion hucksters, I was giving credence to their offerings.  I was part of the problem, and in the process I was allowing myself to get riled up, day after day.  Enough!  Why go thorough the day  upset by some opinion piece masquerading as journalism?  The solution is the self-imposed "news" blackout.

Now several weeks into this approach, I am much happier.  So not to mislead, let me explain.  I scan on-line headlines from conservative and liberal sources, gaining an appreciation for the stories of the day.  But I do not read them.  There are some topics motivating further examination, such as military and veteran stories.  Sadly, however, I am finding all too many of these infected with the opinion bug, leading to reducing the number of pieces I read on these topics.  I also read pieces about sports events, primarily to learn the results, not the off field goings on by the over paid professional athletes.  And lots of motorcycle pieces.  Finally, I watch NO televised news.  ZERO.  NONE.  

It is truly liberating.

Apart from saving lots of time, I avoid the aggravating, ignorance-based, opinion driven drivel passing for journalism.  The day starts and ends on a much more positive note.  

Caring not a whit about the goings on by self-appointed celebrities, with ego maniacal internal views, why provide them entry into my life?  Out, out damn fools I say.

Now I can spend time planning the next family gathering or next motorcycle outing, playing tennis with my bride, cycling, and riding the Harley.  I rest more comfortably and enjoy time with friends without discussing the latest "crisis" some idiot had proclaimed.

It is so liberating.         

Saturday morning breakfast

Saturday morning in San Diego County, under overcast skies, with cool temperatures.  With my bride at an all day event, it was a perfect opportunity to head out for an early breakfast.

Can't say enough about the cooler weather, after fairly recent triple digit days.  This was near perfect riding weather.

Thinking about where to head, a favorite -- Descanso Junction -- came to mind.

As can be guessed, it is a place with a decidedly western theme.  But that's only one of the many reasons to head there.  More on that later.

So I slurped down a cup of coffee for the road, then geared up.  Having washed and polished the bike earlier in the week, it was fully fueled and ready for some fresh air on the open roads of San Diego's east county.  After getting on Route 94, turned on to Honey Springs Road, then Lyon Valley Road, and finally connected with Japatul Valley Road.  Once crossing under Interstate 8, it was a short distance on Route 79 to the restaurant.  It can definitely be described as off the beaten path, at least for those not in the know.

Seeking a restaurant on road trips has taught me to look for pick-up trucks or motorcycles.  Seeing a parking lot filled with either virtually guarantees finding good food at decent prices.  To clarify, this rule of thumb applies to looking for a restaurant, not a biker bar or hang out.  (If you need to ask the difference, you won't understand.)  At the Descanso Junction, the rule of thumb applies.  

Early this Saturday morning, motorcycles of various makes and types shared available parking with a good number of pick-ups.  Candidly, it was a bit of a surprise to see such a number of bikes early on Saturday morning.  After entering, I noted the gray beard bikers, like yours truly, were in the majority from the two wheel set.  Maybe it is because "more experienced" folks tend to rise earlier than the younger crowd.

          

Riding solo this morning, I opted for a chair at the diner style bar.  (Check out the horse shoes hanging under the bar.)  Just the right amount of chatter, laughter, and bantering with the waitstaff mixed in with subtle country and oldies music.  Near immediately I was told, "You look like you need a cup of coffee and a menu."  No argument, as I accepted both from the server Mary.

On the ride up, I knew it was going to be a choice between hotcakes and French toast.  This morning I decided on the French toast, with scrambled eggs and hash browns, for $7.  With coffee and tax, it was just over $10.  Can't beat it.

If wanting to dash in, choke down a meal, and dash out, don't go to places like Descanso Junction.  If wanting to enjoy well cooked and plentiful food, friendly conversation, and relaxation, mark this as a place to put your kick stand down.  To say it is biker friendly would be an understatement.  Good folks.  Good food.  Good service.  Good value.  Exactly right on this Saturday morning.

With a full belly a comfortable time later, I paid the bill, left a generous tip, and headed to the bike.  As I and another couple of older bikers were preparing to pull out, four riders of the younger persuasion were pulling in.  Brought to mind a changing of the guard, so to speak.  The early risers, mostly solo riders, were heading out as younger riders, many two up, were arriving.

Regardless of age or bike ridden, they all had one thing in common.  Breakfast at Descanso Junction this Saturday morning.      

American values on two wheels

OK, you might wonder about the lead, "American values on two wheels."  It isn't that mystical, however.

The MoCo, the Motor Company, aka Harley-Davidson, introduced its 2018 softail line of bikes.  Gone are the Dynas, sort of.  Actually, the Dynas have more or less been incorporated into the new softails.

As the MoCo seeks new generations of riders, while remaining loyal to the usual Harley touring bike riders, it made a bold statement with the Fat Bob 114.

And the Fat Boy 114.

Muscular.  Aggressive.  Powerful.  Unique.  Independent.

Those adjectives can also be used to describe traditional American values.  

With these two (and other) updated models, the MoCo stakes a claim in the biker market, dramatically declaring to the world that it represents American values.  And by representing American values, it speaks to the ultimate freedom offered by riding a motorcycle.

Not a 50cc little around-town-putter, but a pavement tearing ride appearing to be in motion even while resting on its kickstand.

Appealing to the X-Games crowd and, as one Harley-Davidson dealership co-owner described it, seeking out the younger dirt bike rider, older dirt bike rider who realizes he doesn't bounce as well as he once did, and BMX rider looking to hop on a motor, MoCo is laying a bold, indisputably American value based claim on the market.

The single word dominating their advertising -- freedom -- captures that statement of American value.  

At the invite of a local Harley-Davidson dealer, I will be taking the Fat Bob 114 for a test ride this week.  Can't wait to explore more freedom, American style.

On the open, road, drop into a corner, point my chin where I want to go, and grab some throttle.  That captures the American definition of the American value of freedom.   

  

   

California dreamin'

Spinning off from the 1960s song that spoke of dreaming of California weather when the "leaves are brown," this California dreamin' is about that next ride.  The next motorcycle.

Dreamin' about the next road trip, riding along with my buddy of more than 50 years, as we roll on to new adventures.  Riding Harley-Davidson soft tails for the past ten years, it is now time to move up to a touring bike.  The challenge is making it happen.

As another riding buddy said, buying the next ride can be afforded, but can it be justified?

But once justified and the new ride parked in the garage, then the fun really begins.  Planning for the next road trip.  There are so many options here on the west coast, event and non-event centered: Hollister Rally, Lighthouse Run, Why We Ride Quail Run, and Routes 1/101 up the California and Oregon coast lines.  Or maybe it's time to head back to Sturgis?

Dreamin' again.  Open roads.  The harmonic sounds coming from the exhausts of two bikes rolling along together.  Small towns.  Mom and Pop eateries.  Sights previously unseen.  New acquaintances we haven't yet met.  The ultimate expression of American freedom.  Encountering the unexpected, from the quaint to the sublime.  That first cold beer after a long day in the saddle.  Dreamin' again.

The Open Road

I've taken to avoiding the news, or what passes for it these days.  To be more accurate, after scanning headlines, I very rarely read full articles, unless they deal with military or veteran matters.  And I have ceased watching televised so-called news programs all together.  Why?  Fake is confused by some with truth.  Opinion masquerades as legitimate reporting.  Screamers and zealots dominate virtually every possible format.  Inflammatory rhetoric meant to incite, incivil commentary, and preposterous allegations and assertions abound.  So taking all into consideration, it's best just to essentially ignore it.    

Instead, I think of two main elements in my life.  Family first and then the open road.  Love and freedom respectively.  In this post, the open road is the topic.

In thinking of the open road, I envision some of the most beautiful parts of the country it has been my privilege and pleasure to see from the saddle of a motorcycle.  Back roads and highways have taken me over majestic mountains.  I have rolled along through narrow valleys and across rolling hills.  Through deserts and forests.  Under blue skies and in rain.  In triple digit heat and frigid temperatures.

I have traveled highways on the Oregon coast and the plains in the Dakotas.

Cruising along on a motorcycle in these open spaces, accompanied by the sounds of the bike and rush of the wind, is nirvana, defined as "a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world." 

Should I encounter a fellow motorcyclist heading in the opposite direction, we acknowledge each other with a salute of sorts.

    
We are, at that moment, sharing this form of nirvana.  
In this "state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world," the fools who falsely present themselves as journalists and their opinions, incessant negativity, haranguing, misrepresentation, blatant lies, pandering, craven commentary, unreasonable dictums, and selfcenteredness do not exist.    

What does exist is the freedom for which this nation was created.  Freedom for which I served in the Marine Corps.  Freedom that we all seek.  Freedom, pure and simple.  Most importantly, freedom from the crud taking the place of journalism.  

What does exist is one big smile.

Avoiding what passes for news today and focusing on family first, then the open road, isn't such a bad approach. 

Care to join in?   

Rolling into summer

 

Summer is officially here, so every self-respecting biker is planning the annual road trip.  Solo.  With friends.  To a rally.  New roads.  Old destinations.  It really doesn't matter, as long as the biker rolls into summer.

Depending on the route and destination, weather will be a consideration.  For example, the current heat wave in the southwest or the rains near the Gulf.  But that is all part of the adventure.

After thousands and thousands of miles over the years, I have learned that less is more when it comes to packing.  Yes, take into account the weather (rain suit, leathers, cold weather fleece, etc.), but don't over pack.  For example, one pair of jeans to wear when riding and one pair for heading out to a meal after checking into the nightly accommodations.  (For those advocating camping, by all means, have at it.  For me, after 30 years in the Marine Corps, camping has lost its allure.)  Skivvies, socks, long sleeve Ts, and the like in small quantities.  If the road trip is going to be over an extended period, pack some laundry detergent packs and plan on washing clothes periodically.

Shave kit, charger(s) for the electronics, sun block, chapstick, meds, zip lock bags to keep the important stuff dry, extra boot laces, camera (unless the smartphone is all you need), spare pair of glasses, and ID tags or a RoadID wristband (just in case - also an emergency contact card in the wallet).  Of course, the biker necessities: tools, spare spark plugs, zip ties, spare fuses, maybe a quart of oil, and cleaning gear.  With proper planning, the load can be pretty small. 

Working from a check list developed in advance can prevent arriving at that first fuel stop and discovering you left the credit card on the dresser.  Use the checklist when packing the day prior to departing can make it a breeze.

With the route and destination planned, packing complete, bike clean and serviced, and proper hydration and eating, you're ready for the next adventure.

Keep rolling America. 

As 2016 draws to a close

As 2016 draws to a close, family was always number one, including getting together and visits for  Christmas, birthdays, and vacations.  Kids, kids of kids, mother, brother, in-laws, and all. 

But life on two wheels was another major element in the year, providing excitement, riding with fellow veterans, and the annual road trip with my best friend Nick.  This year we road to the Hollister Independence Day Rally.

Some of the time in the saddle was spent supporting our active duty military and veterans with the Patriot Guard Riders.  Riding with fellow veterans, we are determined that our men and women in uniform and veterans will not be forgotten.

Some missions provided honors for either the fallen or a veteran.

 

Other missions joined the joyous celebrations in welcoming home Marines and sailors from deployments. 

On some days it was just the joy of being out on the bike, enjoying the quintessential American biker lifestyle, made easier by living in southern California with its great weather.  But whatever the reason for throwing a leg over the saddle, uppermost is the pride of being an American...an American veteran...a Marine.
 

Looking forward to more miles and smiles in 2017.

 

Veterans from different eras

Military veterans from different eras have and are pursuing a virtually identical past time - motorcycling.

The warriors who came home from World War II, purchased bikes, and grouped together are not a lot different from those from the nation's recent wars who have followed suit.

They prefer to associate with those who share similar experiences, as well as unbounded patriotism.

The wording on t-shirt worn by one young vet captures it well.  "If my patriotism offends you, your lack of a spine offends me." 

The camaraderie they learned and depended upon while in uniform is found in their biker clubs of today.  

Along with the aforementioned camaraderie and patriotism, like their forefathers they believe in integrity, honesty, hard work, earning your way through life, straight talk, the Second Amendment, brotherhood, directness, freedom, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, standing for the National Anthem, saluting the American flag, honoring the fallen, and having a good time together.

Even though from different generations decades apart, the two groups of veterans are amazingly alike.  And we certainly need more of them. 

Quintessentially American

Nothing better conveys the image of American independence better than the motorcycle.  

Whether it is the solo rider on the open road.

A group ride.

The iconic imagery of the American biker is linked to independence, freedom, patriotism, and, perhaps, a bit of rebellion.

Today our young veterans are gravitating to the biker lifestyle, just as their forefathers did at the end of World War II.  What began in Hollister in 1947 continues today in locales like Sturgis.

More and more clubs are being organized by the veterans and active duty military, in which they share common values and the love of the open road.  

Seen at rallies and events across the nation, their leathers and vests are adorned with American flags, military insignia, service ribbons, combat action ribbons, rank insignia, and patriotic statements.

Multiple generations of warriors, from Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, roll alongside one another.  

The quintessential expression of American independence. 

Hollister Independence Day Rally 2016

Over the years, one of our favorite road trip destinations was the Hollister Independence Day Rally.  Then reports came out telling of several years of challenges and difficulties, so it was crossed off our list of favorites.  Lately, reports indicated the Rally was back, due to the determined efforts of a small group.  Based on this good news, we chose Hollister and the Independence Day Rally as the destination for this summer's road trip.

As the above picture illustrates, the Rally is indeed back.

Seen above, the iconic watering hole Johnny's was lively and crowded throughout.  Though crowded, everyone was upbeat and biker camaraderie was the norm.

  
Just up the road is the Corbin factory, where the interested biker could get a seat custom made while waiting, as shown in the above.

One fun activity was checking out the personalized license plates, like the above pair.  Can you guess which belongs to a female biker?

And there were custom bike shows, like this one in front of the Veterans Memorial Building.

The weather cooperated, crowds were large, and    Americana was at its best, with the biker life prominently and proudly on display.

If already looking towards a road trip in 2017, recommend putting Hollister on your list of destinations.