This morning my wife, almost immediately after getting out of bed, suggested that I go for a ride. She must have been reading my mind. That was my first thought this morning as well. It was a typical California summer morning. The sky was blue, truly lacking in clouds, and here on the peninsula it was already a balmy 58 at 8 O'clock. So, taking my wife's advice, I grabbed my jacket and helmet and slipped out the door.
Now I had no real idea which direction I wanted to go. My first thought was south on Hwy 1 through Big Sur. Eh, it was still a little chilly and I had removed my windshield. North and east then toward warmer weather. But where and which roads? I sorta didn't decide until I stopped to fill up and take a leak in Hollister. One part of me wanted to head off on Hwy152 east toward Los Banos. The other part of me was crying for new territory. The later won.
I swung onto my seat, thumbed the starter, and cruised south out of Hollister on Hwy 25. I'd been on bits of this road before. Twice as far down as the junction with J1 (Panoche Pass) and once to Tres Pinos. So, in essence, it was a new road for me. Leaving Hollister behind I noted a sign in Tres Pinos reading last service for 76 miles. I smiled. Exactly what I was looking for.
As I settled into the road I felt about a months worth of stress melting away. I was alone flying down this beautiful piece of California two-lane. At times it was bumpy. There were a few surprise turns thrown in. But in all, it was a great ride. Twisty enough that I did pass a few rocketeers out having a blast. As stated, I was pretty much alone on the road. Maybe saw 20 other vehicles total.
The entire time that I was riding down Hwy 25 I could get over the feelings of De Ja Vu. Something about this road felt so familiar. And then it hit me. This road was so similar to the back roads of Pennsylvania that, had there been more green along the way, I could easily have thought I had been transported there. The road, Hwy 25, runs along a narrow bit of valley which is alot more like a long shallow canyon. The road heaved and twisted its way over, around, and through the gently rolling hills. I zipped past almost all types of farm that I could imagine. There was a stretch that had me staring at the vast fields of grape vine before plunging me back into a labyrinth of twists and turns. I was so enthralled with the ride that I didn't want to stop and take pictures. Not that there was anything like a shoulder to pull off on anyway.
Whereas this was a new-to-me road, I had looked at it longingly in the past on various maps. I knew that somewhere along the way, south of Pinnacles National Monument, there was a road that cut off west toward King City. When I saw the sign for King City, I didn't hesitate. I turned off and kept smiling. I don't recall the name of the road that leads from Hwy 25 to King City. It's really not important. What is important is that it too was a load of fun with lovely views.
I whipped into King City knowing vaguely that Hwy 101 passed by it somewhere. I didn't know where. This lead to an interesting tour of the housing communities of the town. Nice place. Passed three or four large parks where kids were playing soccer. Almost stopped to watch a game, then caught sight of the highway.
Pulling onto to the highway I was greeted with a full on gale force blast of wind. Not having a windshield, and riding 75mph into a strong headwind was not my idea of a good time. Ten miles north I pulled off Hwy101 and found my way to G17 (River Road) and headed home. It was a great ride. I felt a bit sore in the wrists and back but completely at peace. There is just nothing as therapeutic as riding a bike.
Anyhow, till next time...
