Silver Penguin
Silver Penguin
Any ride's a good ride, right? and if you can use the bike again it's even better. 
Facing a list of chores that didn't appeal to me in the least - I had to make a decision this morning. Should I clean the house? Start the term paper? Prepare for my parents' visit this afteroon? Decisions. Decisions.
The sun was shining. The temperature was just perfect for riding with decent gear on. Having completed the Streetmasters' workshop last weekend, I had things I wanted to try out. Just HAD to go for a ride.
It's been said over and again that the FJR is the best bike in the world to ride. It's fun, fast and pure joy to ride. My choice of twisty road is about 35 miles from home and those freeway miles were just gobbled up effortlessly. Of course, I stayed at a modest 65mph (yeah, right!)
Southern California's Ortega Highway is one of the best road but like many other fun playgrounds, it is shared by all kinds of other traffic. Just as the fun curves began, I glimpsed a cement truck in the distance. The SUV between us couldn't get past, and there was no safe way for me to pass them both. Ah well...... but then Mr Cement Truck used a turn out. Yes folks, it actually happened. A slow moving vehicle used a turn out.
From then onwards, the road was mine. Mr SUV took off in a hurry, using both sides of the road through the turns. How kind of him to clear my path! I set my own pace - not too fast nor too slow. My apexes were delayed. My throttle was smooth. My braking was minimal (until I had to ride at Ford Taurus speed for a while).
The sun broke through the clouds and lit the autumn leaves to perfection. The trees offered a rainbow of festive, fall hues as they waved in the gentle breeze. Everything was perfect!
I stopped for coffee in the town at the bottom of the hill, then rode all the way back again. Same thing with a large truck - I thought my destiny was to follow him for 40 miles but he pulled over to let me and my trailing posse of SUV's pass. The SUV caboose was easily detached as I flew through the curves. The road was mine, except for the R1 who passed me at warp speed.
All too soon, the curves got gentler, then straight roads appeared. Should I go back and do it again? Plenty of gas in the tank for another 80 miles. Conscience took over, and I headed home, consoled by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Instead of the freeway, I took Pacific Coast Highway and soaked up the awe-inspiring beauty of sun glinting off the ocean.
And people ask why we ride! May you all be blessed with the joy of an exhilarating ride and a safe return home afterwards.
Jill
Facing a list of chores that didn't appeal to me in the least - I had to make a decision this morning. Should I clean the house? Start the term paper? Prepare for my parents' visit this afteroon? Decisions. Decisions.
The sun was shining. The temperature was just perfect for riding with decent gear on. Having completed the Streetmasters' workshop last weekend, I had things I wanted to try out. Just HAD to go for a ride.
It's been said over and again that the FJR is the best bike in the world to ride. It's fun, fast and pure joy to ride. My choice of twisty road is about 35 miles from home and those freeway miles were just gobbled up effortlessly. Of course, I stayed at a modest 65mph (yeah, right!)
Southern California's Ortega Highway is one of the best road but like many other fun playgrounds, it is shared by all kinds of other traffic. Just as the fun curves began, I glimpsed a cement truck in the distance. The SUV between us couldn't get past, and there was no safe way for me to pass them both. Ah well...... but then Mr Cement Truck used a turn out. Yes folks, it actually happened. A slow moving vehicle used a turn out.
From then onwards, the road was mine. Mr SUV took off in a hurry, using both sides of the road through the turns. How kind of him to clear my path! I set my own pace - not too fast nor too slow. My apexes were delayed. My throttle was smooth. My braking was minimal (until I had to ride at Ford Taurus speed for a while).
The sun broke through the clouds and lit the autumn leaves to perfection. The trees offered a rainbow of festive, fall hues as they waved in the gentle breeze. Everything was perfect!
I stopped for coffee in the town at the bottom of the hill, then rode all the way back again. Same thing with a large truck - I thought my destiny was to follow him for 40 miles but he pulled over to let me and my trailing posse of SUV's pass. The SUV caboose was easily detached as I flew through the curves. The road was mine, except for the R1 who passed me at warp speed.
All too soon, the curves got gentler, then straight roads appeared. Should I go back and do it again? Plenty of gas in the tank for another 80 miles. Conscience took over, and I headed home, consoled by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Instead of the freeway, I took Pacific Coast Highway and soaked up the awe-inspiring beauty of sun glinting off the ocean.
And people ask why we ride! May you all be blessed with the joy of an exhilarating ride and a safe return home afterwards.
Jill
