The Not Death Valley Ride - Feb. 12-14, 2009

[TylerR]

Well, given the forecast for the trip to/from Death Valley this past weekend, we bailed on that particular direction but a few of the hardy had acquired the time off and still had the need for a 2-wheeled getaway. So after much scrambling, cancelling reservations, figuring out a new route/direction, new hotel reservation, and a flurry of emails, four of us headed out on Thursday for San Luis Obispo. All the photos here (http://fancyfeettr.smugmug.com/gallery/7384259_iBtVT#475562849_dumAC).

Dorothy, Dona, and Geoff – my traveling companions for the trip
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The sky was cloudy but the sun was making a valiant effort to peak through
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We geared up in ATGATT plus rain gear… kinda feel like that little brother in “A Christmas Story”… I can’t put my arms down!!
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Riding in the elements is so exhilarating… makes you feel so alive! It was cold but nary a raindrop the entire day and with all that gear on, I was quite comfy the whole day. We headed for the coast and were rewarded with stellar views and excellent road conditions (as well as very little traffic which is such a treat on the PCH!).
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The clouds threw shadows on the churning ocean making for amazing variations in color and shading.
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Our reward for braving the weather
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We lunched in Cambria at a fun place called Moustache Pete’s before journeying past Morro Bay and on up 41 which had a couple of really nice sweeper sections.
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I always love to look in my mirror and see the symmetry of bikes behind me, evenly spaced, all leaning, and knowing the big smiles that are happening behind those visors.
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[TylerR]

Finally, I brought our merry little band to one of the Holy Grail roads for motorcyclists – 229 (aka Rossi’s Driveway)
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It’s difficult to photograph this road and really give the feeling of the buttery ribbon of perfect pavement weaving it’s way through the hills… plus the day’s lighting made it difficult as well but hopefully you can get the idea.
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But alas, all good things must come to an end…
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Or do they? I asked the kids if they wanted to go back and do it again… barely finished the sentence before they were off again!
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Dorothy and Geoff swapped bikes and she got a taste of the Tuono… which she really, really liked… we almost had to wrestle her off the bike!
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I stayed put and just enjoyed the solitude of the moment… it was so peaceful and quiet… no vehicles, no noise whatsoever other than the chirping of birds and the sound of the whispering breeze through the trees… a zen moment.
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[TylerR]

We finally arrived at our destination for the next two evenings… the famed Madonna Inn which I’d heard of many times and had always been curious about. They boast themed rooms of all kinds and it’s a hoot… kind of a cross between a cathouse and Disney!
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Dona and I shared the Captain’s Bridge… it was very, um, BLUE! This pic does it no justice but you can check it out on their website along with the other choices.
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Dorothy was our next door neighbor in the Cuervaca room.
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Her bathroom was quite, um, bright!
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Geoff had the Sir Walter Raleigh room… lol
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[TylerR]

After freshening up, we headed for the Steakhouse Restaurant on site. It was over the top decorations for Valentine’s Day and I had to curb my desire to set fire to all those hearts hanging everywhere.
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Poor Geoff had to endure all weekend sharing squire duties with the three of us. He didn’t complain… much.
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After dinner (and a visit to the men’s room to check out the “urinal” there!), it was time for a soak in the hot tub and a swim in the pool, which was very warm!
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I wish I had a picture of Geoff in his pool attire… pink bathrobe with motorcycle boots… guess you’ll just have to use your imagination!
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The next morning dawned wet and dreary so we had a relaxed morning and breakfast at the Copper Café.
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We wandered around the property and found a tribute statue to Alex Madonna, creator of the Madonna Inn.
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[TylerR]

The skies cleared in the afternoon so Geoff rousted us out of the comfiness of our rooms and head to downtown San Luis Obispo, a whole two miles away. Our first stop was Bubble Gum Alley, which I’d read about and thought would be a one of a kind sort of thing to see… I was right! Yes, what you are seeing is gum… all over the walls…
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Some got more creative with their contributions
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But we were all entertained by the spectacle
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Then it was a jaunt along the quaint downtown area for a little sightseeing…
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A little sugar fix…
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You could find just about anything you could think of… and even things that you wouldn’t think of!
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This was Geoff’s favorite window display
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There was a craft store full of these head pieces which of course I had to go in and try on…
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Guess what they sold in this store?
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Geoff kept this guy on the edge of his seat with his witty repartee
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Back to the Inn for another great dinner at the Steakhouse and to celebrate Ms. Dorothy’s Birth Day!
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There was a great band playing Big Band era music and Geoff graciously took Dorothy out for a spin on the dance floor.
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[ridingAK]

:yahoo: Great report and I know there's more to come! Thanks for a welcome stolen moment from work!

[TylerR]

After the dinner festivities and making a spectacle of ourselves, we headed back to our rooms where we watched a movie before heading for slumberland. The next morning dawned crisp, cool, and blue skies abounded! Time to ride some of my favorites in the Paso Robles area… and share them with my riding compatriots!
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Peachy Canyon
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I think we wore poor Dorothy out the night before…
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But she rallied to the challenge of the curves!
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I think they liked it!
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Adelaida Rd.
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Chimney Rock Rd.
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Geoff let it be known that he really, really liked this road
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A break at the Bee Rock Store for an impromptu picnic
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Another fun little known road – Lockwood-San Lucas Rd.
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[TylerR]

Into King City to gas up, then on to Lonoak Rd.
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And then onto another Holy Grail moto-road – Hwy. 25. I sent the others off in front of me so it was just me, the bike, and the road… solitude with my steed and the world around me. The velvet landscapes rolled by as the tires caressed the pavement, beckoning me to lean, weave, turn, and roll over the undulating curves as they unfolded before me.
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Followed by the seemingly endless straights, urgently whispering… ride me… harder, faster… and the throttle hand obliged.
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We stopped one more time in Tres Pinos before heading for home, managing to dodge the rain until we got home. I tucked the Trophy away in its spot in the garage, gave it a little pat and thanks to the moto gods for good friends, great roads, and a safe return.
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Don’t get much better than that. Hope you enjoyed today’s pictures. J
FIN

[jfike]

:smiley: :thumbup:

[ageekgirl]

Wow, thank you! :thumbsup:

[sweptwingnut]

:wootrock: Great ride indeed! Glad to see you got out some. :cheers:

[jfike]

thanks for fixing my smilie nut!

[KansasKawboy]

It may not have been the trip you planned but it looks like you had a good time and thats all that matters. Great RR and nice roads, good friends, and nice digs. :thumbsup:

[Luna Tique]

:clapping:Great pictures TylerR.
Thank you very much for sharing your trip with us. :thumbup:

[Astir]

:wootrock:

[Inky]

I love your road reports! Looks like a great time to be had!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you , thank you!

[KCDakar]

Thank you for posting up your RR. I always look forward to reading them. :thumbup: