Desert riding memories

The majority of my motorcycle riding experience has been of the off road variety. Living in the Coachella Valley for the past 8 years allowed for some epic desert riding. I quickly met several like minded desert rats. Most Sunday mornings we would gather at places with names like "The Shovel, Squid filter, and Long Canyon. In addition to the usual 30 mile local loop, we would often load up and head to Ocotillo Wells or Glamis. Traveling across the desert landscape with my riding buddies was never dull. We would take turns leading or find a fun track and start pounding out laps. The picture above was taken at S-22 portion of Ocotillo Wells. That particular day was simply outstanding. Our riding group was getting larger, probably 10 regular riders. One of the guys Dad came out and took some photos. We criss-crossed the off road park several times. Nothing compares to a full day riding under the warm desert sun. Right now I have dedicated myself to street riding, somehow I know my dirt days are not over.

Solo ride to the Desert

Every now and then I take a trip alone. I needed to meet with a client in the Coachella Valley today and decided to ride out on the bike. Southern California is still enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures, perfect for two wheel travel. With a fresh Michelin mounted on the rear wheel I rolled out of Pacific Beach at 8 a.m. After getting the freeway portion out of the way I headed East through Temecula. Fairly light traffic meant I was able to click off some fast miles on the 371. After a quick stop in Anza I was anticipating the ride down to Desert floor via Hwy. 74. This particular two lane is among the finest in So Cal for sport bikes. The pavement is uniform and twisties are abundant. With only a few cars to pass I enjoyed the road to myself.

Heading back I stopped at the Vista point to take in the view and chat with some fellow bikers. Absolutely stellar weather accompanied me throughout the day. I arrived home a bit stiff from 2 hours in the saddle. Closing the garage door, one word came to mind. Gratification.

On Sunday we ride

A strong Santa Ana condition created ideal weather for our regular ride to Palomar Mtn. I awoke at 5:30 am feeling well rested and anxious to hit the road. We headed for East County at 6:15. John set a spirited pace down the 52 east. I looked forward to getting to El Cajon and grabbing a cup of Joe while we wait for the usual suspects. On the dot at 7am with all who are going we head to Ramona for breakfast. Wildcat Canyon is the back route to Ramona and a good warm up ride. After my usual spinach omelet we are off to Palomar Mtn.

Feeling relaxed, warm and confident I enjoyed the first half of our trip. We arrive at the Cafe at the top around 9:30. Nick rode up from the desert and continued with our group to Crest, CA. I really love to ride with these guys. It is a no nonsense affair. They ride a a quick pace and I never get tired of watching the bikes in front of me tipping it into the corners.

Arriving back where we started around 1:00 pm just in time to watch the Chargers lose to Pittsburgh. 250 miles added to the odometer, another great Sunday ride.

You meet the nicest people on a Honda

I borrowed the title from an ad campaign Honda used back in the 70'S. Seemed like a fitting title to share a little about one of my riding buddies. A motorcycle journal would not be complete without talking about the people that I meet riding bikes.

The picture is my friend Nick taken on a summer ride up to Mt. Palomar. Nick rides a beautiful Honda CBR 1000. Motorcycles are a common denominator we share among other things. He knows a decreasing radius from a double apex, and to put it another way he is a gearhead just like me. He is no stranger to the sport bike world and his experience shows in his smooth riding style. Safety and riding heads up was evident from the first time I rode with him.

I remember going to a track day at Spring Mtn. with Socal track days with Nick. Being a nubbie to sport bikes he was helpful and shared a book about fundamentals written by Keith Code.I'll never forget Nicks unintentional stoppie on the front straight. Upon down shifting for turn one, Nick hit a false neutral. Grabbing a handful of front brake I witnessed the rear tire come off the ground 3 feet! He quickly got off the binders, set the rear end down, and downshifted in time to make the turn.

We have enjoyed jaunts up Ortega Hwy and Palomar Mtn. as well Track days. I value the camaraderie and good conversations over coffee or a bottle of water at a rest stop. The dialog never goes flat with Nick. I look forward to many more excursions together.

A racebike with blinkers

My current motorcycle is an amazing example of Japanese engineering. It was purchased new from a local dealership around my birthday in May 2008. After pouring over test articles in several magazines and websites I decided on a Yamaha R6. I was able to save $1880.00 by settling on the 2007 model. Other than minor motor changes the bike was virtually the same as the 08. Figuring out how to put the bike in my garage took some maneuvering on my part. The short version is I had to let another bike go. I decided to sell my 06 KTM 450sx. Knowing that I would be relocating from the Desert back to the coast I knew my dirt biking days would be few.

So after plopping down a healthy down payment I was handed the keys and I rode a shiny red rocket home.

Nothing compares to a fresh new bike. No mystery to when service was done, bolts and nuts aren't stripped. The downside is signing up for payments and don't even mention the interest.

Regardless I love this middleweight. It handles with knife-like precision and has amazing top end power.I spent the late spring and summer getting to know the machine. Breaking it in per manufacture recommendation and riding it everywhere.

This is the first street legal bike I have owned since 1981 when I bought a used CB550. So getting used to traffic and riding defensively was top priority. I have been fortunate to have ridden my 01 GSXR 600 at several track days so I felt confident on this bike. I will write more about the track experience another time.

I have a little over 4000 miles on my latest steed. Two oil changes and I need a rear tire.

The bike is stock for the most part. I put a fender eliminator kit on to clean up the back. ASV levers, and GYRT slip-on. Rear sets and braided brake lines are on the wish list along with having suspension dialed in for my weight and riding style.

I love gearing up, rolling the bike out, and hitting the road. It is always a deeply satisfying experience. My Moto-vation.

New Years Day 2009

Running a bit late I arrived at John's garage at 8:20. After a quick adjustment to my chain we were off to breakfast at Kono's. Traveling toward the beach we could see the marine layer was starting to burn off. It was going to be very favorable for ride in the backcountry.
We topped off our tanks and headed South on I-5. I lead the way til the 54East, keeping a mellow pace of low eighties. Otay Lakes Rd. was a new experience, smooth sweeping corners were drawing me in. We wound our way east on Honey Springs Rd. another new twisty two-lane for me.

Descanso was our half way mark, so we topped of again and took a break to stretch our legs.I snapped a quick shot of John's Ducati and my Yamaha. Deciding to take Old Hwy. 8 proved to be worthwhile as we enjoyed light traffic and lots of fast corners. The odometer read 157 miles when I pulled in at home. It was a terrific start of the New Year. I look forward to many more travels on two wheels this year.