The fisherman and the skeleton guard

Angel-be-Good · March 14th, 2009, 11:27 PM

The past week's weather has been just shy of flawless, the only absent trait being some semblance of summer warmth. Last Sunday, I took advantage of the clear skies and celebrated the shifting of the clocks an hour forward--the day that DST sets in is among my favorite of the year--with a quick ride to Alice's and Skywood Trading Post. Also delighting in the dwindling days of winter were countless other bikers swarming the Santa Cruz Mountains with me.

I optimistically planned an immediate sequel, another trip to Alice's though via new roads for the added thrill of discovery. The weather, sadly, proved less welcoming today, dipping to temperatures that I--a verifiable BCB*--deemed freezing. But despite chilled-stiff hands and even a few unimpressive drops from the sky, the trip into the mountains scratched my itch.

Having just run The Loop, I wanted to try something new and decided on testing Pescadero Creek Road, which branches off my favorite Highway 84 and would leave me to endure the torturous Stage Road to get back home.

Before I'd hit Pescadero, I wasted a good hour walking between the parking lots of Alice's and STP. Though today's bike turnout paled in comparison to last week's shining display, the lots weren't without some oddities. Notably, I saw a Bee Emm with a mountain bike strapped to the back, a Harley with a Budweiser tap for an oil drain, and once again spotted what I've dubbed the Death Rod, a matte black rat rod with an exposed engine, open headers, certainly-sub-legal light fixtures and a set of jaws on the front. If the thing looks scary in a parking lot, it's downright frightening as it barks down the wooded halls branching off the gravitational intersection of Highways 35 and 84.

Leaving the breathing bike show behind, I made for Pescadero Creek Road, which breaks southwest past La Honda. I didn't know what to expect of the road, and it delivered a bit of everything. At the start, it's a bit of 84 with less perfect pavement. But Pescadero soon turns narrower, turning tighter with more elevation change, and I instantly recalled the Panoramic Highway. Bits of Pescadero are very similar, with handsome views from mountaintops overlooking landscapes below, but the road quality's superior. And it doesn't last as long.

Curiously, Pescadero toggles between a few different ride styles, and the variety is welcome, though an abrupt road bump interrupted one of the faster sections and caught me off guard. The jump in the handlebars caused me to slightly torque the throttle, giving me a surprise jolt and a nice reminder that it's wise to ride with increased caution on unfamiliar paths.

And then Stage. I've only ridden it once before, but it left an impression. I love that road. My bike's not the best suited to the intensely textured surface, but the curves, the solitude and the scenery make it feel like home. I want to be there always. But until I can afford a dream home, photos will have to do.

Full-size photos and a route map on my blog.

GreezMunky · March 15th, 2009, 09:00 AM

I love the pictures and the ride you posted. It's like I'm getting to go out and ride with you instead of being stuck inside my house waiting for it to warm up.

Add-
I just went to your blog and your setup is awesome! That looks really sweet.

Angel-be-Good · March 15th, 2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreezMunky

I love the pictures and the ride you posted. It's like I'm getting to go out and ride with you instead of being stuck inside my house waiting for it to warm up.

It's too cold to ride in Texas!? Glad I could help.

noche_caliente · March 15th, 2009, 10:00 AM

sounds like a great day! thanks for sharing with us!

GreezMunky · March 15th, 2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Sallee

It's too cold to ride in Texas!? Glad I could help.

Yeah, it's 55 degrees where I'm at right now. It's been rainy and cold the last couple days. They were expecting things to freeze over again Wednesday or Thursday night.. Of course the week before that we were hitting mid to high 80's all the time and a few of those days we were peaking into the low and mid 90's. *sighs*

OldGuy · March 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM

Ryan - great pictures, great write-up. Thanks for letting us ride along on your journey.

BlueTyke · March 16th, 2009, 07:32 AM

Awsome report!! I miss STP and Alices and Skyline and and and... Ah sigh...

June/July cannot come quickly enough!

camaroz1985 · March 16th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Love the pictures especially the one in the mirror. Looks like a relaxing place to be.

March 14th, 2009, 11:27 PM	#1
Angel-be-Good ninjette.org guru Name: Ryan Location: San Francisco Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '11 Street Triple R Posts: 337	The fisherman and the skeleton guard The past week's weather has been just shy of flawless, the only absent trait being some semblance of summer warmth. Last Sunday, I took advantage of the clear skies and celebrated the shifting of the clocks an hour forward--the day that DST sets in is among my favorite of the year--with a quick ride to Alice's and Skywood Trading Post. Also delighting in the dwindling days of winter were countless other bikers swarming the Santa Cruz Mountains with me. I optimistically planned an immediate sequel, another trip to Alice's though via new roads for the added thrill of discovery. The weather, sadly, proved less welcoming today, dipping to temperatures that I--a verifiable BCB--deemed freezing. But despite chilled-stiff hands and even a few unimpressive drops from the sky, the trip into the mountains scratched my itch. Having just run The Loop, I wanted to try something new and decided on testing Pescadero Creek Road, which branches off my favorite Highway 84 and would leave me to endure the torturous Stage Road to get back home. Before I'd hit Pescadero, I wasted a good hour walking between the parking lots of Alice's and STP. Though today's bike turnout paled in comparison to last week's shining display, the lots weren't without some oddities. Notably, I saw a Bee Emm with a mountain bike strapped to the back, a Harley with a Budweiser tap for an oil drain, and once again spotted what I've dubbed the Death Rod, a matte black rat rod with an exposed engine, open headers, certainly-sub-legal light fixtures and a set of jaws on the front. If the thing looks scary in a parking lot, it's downright frightening as it barks down the wooded halls branching off the gravitational intersection of Highways 35 and 84. Leaving the breathing bike show behind, I made for Pescadero Creek Road, which breaks southwest past La Honda. I didn't know what to expect of the road, and it delivered a bit of everything. At the start, it's a bit of 84 with less perfect pavement. But Pescadero soon turns narrower, turning tighter with more elevation change, and I instantly recalled the Panoramic Highway. Bits of Pescadero are very similar, with handsome views from mountaintops overlooking landscapes below, but the road quality's superior. And it doesn't last as long. Curiously, Pescadero toggles between a few different ride styles, and the variety is welcome, though an abrupt road bump interrupted one of the faster sections and caught me off guard. The jump in the handlebars caused me to slightly torque the throttle, giving me a surprise jolt and a nice reminder that it's wise to ride with increased caution on unfamiliar paths. And then Stage. I've only ridden it once before, but it left an impression. I love that road. My bike's not the best suited to the intensely textured surface, but the curves, the solitude and the scenery make it feel like home. I want to be there always. But until I can afford a dream home, photos will have to do. Full-size photos and a route map on my blog.* __________________________________________________ The Sunday Best \| Current mileage: 50,000

March 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM	#6
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Ryan - great pictures, great write-up. Thanks for letting us ride along on your journey. __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

March 16th, 2009, 07:32 AM	#7
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Awsome report!! I miss STP and Alices and Skyline and and and... Ah sigh... June/July cannot come quickly enough! __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

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March 15th, 2009, 09:00 AM	#2
GreezMunky ninjette.org guru Name: Tor Location: TX Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 250r (sold), 2010 Daytona 675 Posts: 301	I love the pictures and the ride you posted. It's like I'm getting to go out and ride with you instead of being stuck inside my house waiting for it to warm up. Add- I just went to your blog and your setup is awesome! That looks really sweet.

March 15th, 2009, 10:00 AM	#4
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	sounds like a great day! thanks for sharing with us!

March 16th, 2009, 10:21 AM	#8
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Love the pictures especially the one in the mirror. Looks like a relaxing place to be.