coast trip (wordy)

[Rev. Chuck]

Just came back from a three-day trip to the coast and back, what a ride! We left Antelope Saturday morning around nine, arrived at Bodega Bay at three. This ride generally takes two hours, but this time I charted the trip to avoid freeways and big highways. We found some of the most beautiful landscape we have ever seen. The farmlands around Woodland are peaceful and cool in the morning sun. Lake Berryesa was as clear and calm as any reflection pool. The hills surrounding the Napa valley, both east and west, were asking for the KLR to straighten the roads, and I accommodated them. As we were leaving St. Helena, we were directed by a "some-day" rider to take Spring Mountain road over to Santa Rosa: "you will love it on that" pointing to the bike. We did. We were the only traffic for the 50 mile stretch, for good reason: the road was as twisted as wild raspberry vines, inclines reaching 20% (I'm sure) and a surface that would put any suspension to the test. Awesome! Sunday we started north on Highway One towards Point Arena, where we wanted to visit the lighthouse. On the way I fulfilled a wish I have had for many years. At Bridge Haven, on the Russian River, a road starts into the hills; I have ridden my mountain bike a few miles back, but have never gone to the end. Sunday we did. Willow Mountain road starts at sea level, on Highway One and ends many, many feet higher (a thousand maybe?) 15 miles into the coastal range. The road was an excellent challenge for both me and the bike, top speed: ~20 mph due to the ruts, mud holes, switchbacks, steep inclines, loose gravel, etc. you know the good stuff. We got back on Highway One after coming back down and headed off to our original destination. The ride back to Bodega Bay was good, hooked up with a group of BMW DS'ers looked like R1150 GS's but could have been 850's, regardless, these bikes were dressed to the max! I'm talking about dual 8" driving lights mounted on the brush guards, every hard bag BWM makes, as much electronic gear as NORAD. BIG bucks. Needless to say the KLR never flinched under the pressure, we just did fine :^). Surprising how those big (overloaded) boys can corner, I hit the left peg on one corner as I was pushing pretty hard, looked in the mirror and there they were, single file, cloning each others motions, all hitting it as hard as I was (well maybe not AS hard...). Monday was the trip home, 2 hours on the freeway, wife sleeping most of the way against the way cool backrest. This was a good test for the Joe Rocket Ballistic jackets and pants we just bought, they did great for the cost, warm in the cool morning air on the coast and cool in the valley's heat. All seams held together, nothing fell off, so they pass my first round of testing. I will be posting some pic's on my web site soon. --- Rev. Chuck :^)>+ A13 http://klr650.50megs.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Get your FREE Email at http://mailcity.lycos.com Get your PERSONALIZED START PAGE at http://my.lycos.com