Monday January 24th

Fresh off a Steeler victory earning them another trip to the Superbowl, the adrenalin was still flowing.  And then the best news…After a rather long recovery period, Judy was feeling well enough for us to hit the road on the bikes…and not the knee crunching and wedgie inducing kind…I mean on the Harley’s.

After breakfast we walked to the storage area in the RV park and opened up the trailer.  After almost three weeks of being lashed down in place, the Springer and the Hooterscooter were released.  Minutes later they were rumbling and warming up for a long overdue ride.

About a quarter mile from the entrance to our park is the on-ramp to the 101 Freeway (notice how I said The 101).  About a mile north on the 101 is the exit for California Highway 1, which comprises a major portion of the Pacific Coast Highway; a highway that stretches nearly 10,000 miles from Canada to Chile.  The most famous portion of this roadway is the California segment referred to as “The PCH”.

Riding the PCH is a treat for the eyes.  Heading north your view to the left is rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, surfers, multi-million dollar beach homes, surf side parks and seaside communities.  To your right are sections of the 101, passing Pacific Surfliner Amtrak trains, and steep mountains.

Several sections of the PCH merge with the 101 changing the road from a scenic seaside ride to congested 75 MPH highway.  Even at that speed, the view to the west is still spectacular, just harder to look at for an extended period. 

After about 30 more miles we pulled into the city of Santa Barbara.  Following the signs directing us to the harbor area, we began to follow the “Scenic Coastal Route” signs.  The road led us along the harbor and marina with parks, restaurants and shops.  Continually gaining in altitude we found ourselves in the mountain coastal community of Hope Ranch.  Here, the road started to get a bit twisty.  Not much, but enough to make the ride interesting and get your attention.

On the other side of the mountain, we took a break at the Java Connection.  An iced coffee at an outdoor table is always oddly exciting to this easterner, when it can be done in mid January.  Heading back the way we came, gave us a completely different view of the same things.

Almost 100 miles in the saddle felt very good indeed.  Good to ride, but most of all, good to look in my mirror and see Judy on her trike.