Geek Adventures

Finally after 3 years inthe US, I was re-united to my 1st love - motorcycle. 

The sweet feeling of the wind in the face, the wild thrill and squinted eyes (only a Dog hanging his face out of the car window can truly understand what it feels like)

Years of dreaming, months of research and weeks of planning finally come together to get me saddled up again. I researched a lot and have set my eyes on the V-Strom (planning to buy this one soon, so wanted to give it a try). Comfortable, sports touring, upright, low-cost bike with plenty of room for pillion rider. Rented the bike from Dubbelju (like ‘W’) Motorcycle rentals in San Francisco (only place that rents a V-Strom around here). 

Thanks to a friend, who gifted away all his gears to me a week before the ride. Set the date (4th July weekend 2011). 

Here’s how it went…

Day 1

Starting around 11am on Saturday morning and making pit stops for breakfast we finally hit the highway at around 12:30 pm. Reaching the pacific coast from Palo Alto was almost an 1hr drive (weekend traffic).

On hitting the Pacific Coast we make out first stop at a fresh fruit stall an half-an-hour north of Monterey. (Fruits felt like Ambrosia!)

The real fun begins when we hit the Coast Line. The temperature suddenly dropped about 10 degree. Monterey was a bit crowded so decided not to make a stop. However, it was interesting to tackel the traffic and drive between the cars (it kinda feels like showing them a finger). 

The highway keeps getting better as you hit Big Sur. Crossing over the famous Rocky Creek and Bixby Bridge. 

Next Pit-stop was for a late-lunch cum Dinner at the Nepenthe Cliff top restaurant, sitting over the edge viewing the magnificent pacific ocean meeting the slopes. No matter how much someone teel you about it, the experience cannot be explained in words. 

After the mouth-watering dinner at the place overseeing the “heaven on earth”, we jump on the saddle to out final destination for the day. However, couple of minds towards the destination, we had to make a stop to view the most beautiful waterfall on the beach, at the McWay Canyon Creek. 

Now, since all the camping grounds were booked months in advance, I could not make a reservation in time. However, it turn out to be a blessing, considering that I had to opt for the Prewitt Ridge Campground (a primitive off-road camping site). The blessing being, the campsite is situated 10-12 miles off the hwy 1. You need to take a 7 mile road to the top of the mountain and 3-4 miles off-road to the top of the cliff overseeing the pacific. It cannot get better than this. But due toe 4th of July weekend, some of the most beautiful site were occupied before we reached there . However, we still managed a beautiful campsite al to our-selves on the top of a small hill. (Be sure to carry enough insect repellent though)

Day 2

Waking up to a beautiful early sunrise, we were all packed and ready to leave by 8:30 am. 

Going off-road and down the hill (cannot ask for a better start to the day) we hit hwy1 again. This time going straight to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Beach. The ride to hear is the most beautiful stretch of the hwy1 with twists and turns. 

Next to the seal beach is the Hearst Castle. We had lunch at the castle, but due to the long wait decided to skip the tour. 

Next we hit the US 101 and finally merge back to Pacific Coast Hwy at the Pismo Beach. Its here that we ride with other Motorcycle through the heavy traffic. 

A couple of miles south of the Pismo Beach, we discover a beach which allowed vehicles onto the beach. Now this is something I cannot miss. A chance to ride a Motorcycle on the beach Sand…what can go wrong…

It was superawesome to drive the Motorcycle over the slippery dry and stick wet sands dunes. Feels like an achievement to have been there, done that.

After this point the ride on Hwy1 gets real boring. No costal roads, no green slopes, but all dry and arid industrial area. However, after about an hour drive (felt like infinity) we finally merge back into US101. The 101 turns out to be an better alternative for this patch and we ride straight to Malibu through the beautiful 101 riding along the Amtrak (and racing with it) and the beautiful coast line.

We call it the end of the day with a dip in the sea at Malibu. 

Day 3

No riding 

Day 4

On Day 4 we were to return to Palo Alto from Glendale California. I decided to not take the I-5 and stick on to the US101 all through out the day. (400 Miles). Starting at 10:15am. 

Well it was not as bad as you might think, the 101 is beautiful for a few hundred miles till you reach the Pismo Beach. Ahead of the Pismo (~200 miles into the journey) we grab lunch at San Luis Obispo. 

Now the next 100 miles were the most difficult ones. Warm weather and stuffed stomach, literally was forcing me to sleep. Still this stretch is the fastest 100 miles (touching 100+ MPH couple of times and avg speed of 85MPH). However, we finally make it to Palo Alto at 6:30pm.

Thats sums up ~6hrs of riding. 

Well, how do I feel? Feels like it time to invest in one soon! :)

Already missing the thrill :(

Happy Riding Everyone!