My trip started out with a evening flight to San Francisco. The flight was late and the traffic was crazy trying to get in and out of San Francisco. My bike was in Antioch, ca at a friends place. It was sitting there froma previous TD trip two months ago. The battery was dead and it would not hold a charge.
My buddy gave me a ride to the bike shop where I was able to get a new battery. Back at his home, we were able to get the bike going and I was on my way. On my way to the MotoGP! By the evening I registered for cornerworking at the MotoGP and had my tent set up. The three days were filled with early morning meetings, working turn 10 of the race track, exploring everywhere I could possibly go on the race track, and meeting some very interesting people. With my cornerworking gear and pass I could go ANYWHERE. I will let the pictures do the talking for this. If I can do this next year I will be 100% in, it was amazing!!!
On my second part of my trip I worked my way north with Adam and met up with the JV ride heading back home. I spent the first day navigating up the california interstates. At Windsor we stopped for lunch and I split off to ride on my own. I was sure glad to take this detour. I was treated with the most twisty and techincal roads I have ever been on. I have a link to the route I took through google maps. Zoom in on the road between Fort Bragg, ca and Leggit, ca. Why they would even build a road here is beyond me but I am glad they did!!! Ear to ear smiles the whole 30 miles and I was EXHAUSTED after it.
[url]http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Watsonville,+CA,+USA&daddr=windsor,+ca+to:+fort+bragg,+ca+to:+fortuna,+ca&sll=39.783213,-123.167725&sspn=2.127517,4.44397&ie=UTF8&ll=38.814031,-122.991943&spn=4.31407,8.887939&z=7&om=1[/url]
The next day I recruited Trish to explore highways 36 and 299. This was by far the best day of riding I have ever done. The day started out on technical and twisty roads (20mph average). It then turned into faster, mountain roads. Near the end of highway 36 it was stomach churning and suspension ride. On of the curves ended with a small, steep hill that made my rear tire want to let go. We stopped for a quick break in Cottonwood, ca for gas and food. Then it was through Redding, ca and back onto the 299. This highways started out with perfectly cambered, twisty, mountain roads. At the top of the this road we were greeted by a unresponsive member of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Things might have been difference if we were in a car! We carried on in the 45 degree heat and decided enough was enough! We found a small creek to cool off in. The rest of the 299 was just as enjoyable as the 36 (maybe a bit more enjoyable). Feeling quite fatigued from these highways we had a long haul up the 101. We stopped several times at the breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast and a sunset. By 1000pm (and 800kms) we arrived at our destination physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. What a great day!
[url]http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Fortuna,+CA,+USA&daddr=Bowman+Rd%2FCR-A5+%4040.330150,+-122.408040+to:redding,+ca+to:Trinidad,+ca+to:bandon,+or&sll=41.288126,-123.612671&sspn=1.040144,2.221985&ie=UTF8&ll=41.656497,-123.310547&spn=4.136825,8.887939&z=7&om=1[/url]
The third part of my trip was spent with my girlfriend. We put the bike in the back of her truck and explored the Oregon Coast. It was her first time seeing the coast and I made sure she saw all the great areas. We went for Dune Buggy ride through the sand dunes piloted by Bob. Bob compared the angle of the sand dunes to a Nascar track and you could tell sand flowed through his veins! Further north we stopped at the Sea Lion Caves, Pacific City (two hour hike through breathtaking coastal scenery), tilamook cheese factory, and Cannon Beach. The last part of the trip we visited Mt. St. Helens for some more roads built for motorcycling!!! Before we hit the border for home we stopped for some outlet mall shopping. The high canadian dollar sure makes things cheaper!
Mt St Helens Riding Map
[url]http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=NF-51,+Stevenson,+WA+98648,+USA&daddr=NF-99+%4046.250170,+-122.135970+to:+randle,+wa&sll=46.403776,-122.01004&sspn=0.477279,1.110992&ie=UTF8&z=9&om=1[/url]
After all of this I am tired and relaxed all at the same time. Next year I am 100% in! Who’s with me?
[IMG]http://www.bcsportbikes.com/photopost/data/500/12568DSC00646.JPG[/IMG]
