You guys are making me feel like a real slacker, great job on everyone's rides and nice pictures too. Congratulations on number 24 Dennis.
I did manage to get out on Sunday for # 17 and thought I better write it up before it expires. I haven't been very motivated lately but reading everyone's stories has given me a little push to get out. So Sunday I did a late start ( 3:00 o'clock) and had no idea where to go. I decided that running some errands sounded pretty exciting and after the thrill of getting gas, going to the ATM machine at my bank, then paying my internet bill wore off I was left wondering what could possibly top this? That told me I NEEDED a ride and the best I could come up with was to let the front wheel and handle bars be my compass or guide. Now being armed with a "plan", I headed off for Nirvana or Valhalla, or Middle Earth, and it didn't really matter and I was moving. I seem to gravitate to Ortega Hwy when I'm short on time or daylight and wouldn't you know it, that's where I went! I did have half baked plans for a longer ride but being the slacker that I am, that wasn't going to happen, plus I didn't want to deal with the freeway traffic to make that a reality and I didn't feel like even taking pictures.
Being in the bummer mood I was in, I figured that this would be a head clearing session. I grabbed my thermos full of coffee and went straight for the rest area/trail head at the top of the mountian. I really do enjoy the sanctuary inside my helmet with the sound of the wind and hum of the motor playing in my ears, it refreshes me to my core. That and just watching things like the moon rising over the mountian in full daylight, or the flock of Turkey Vultures combing the hills for dinner, it doesn't get much better than that. There is a selfish part of me that wants to keep all of this to myself which is probably why I really enjoy solo riding so much, while on the other hand I want to share it too, weird huh. Come to think of it, this is why we ride. Some people will never understand it, but I think you guys just might get it.
Enough of that philosophical stuff, how about a few stats and very few pics?
Ride # 17. 72 miles/ 116 kms
Start temp. 77°f/25°c
Mid trip. 63°f/17°c
Home. 73°f/°23°c