New Goal: California Highway 1 by Motorcycle

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

-Edgar Allan Poe, Baltimore, MD

Add one more goal to the life list: ride the entire length of California Highway 1 on a motorcycle – solo. Last year when I was in San Diego, a friend offered me the opportunity to ride bicycles from Monterey, CA back to San Diego, following Highway 1 all the way down. Being out of shape and out of work, I had to decline, but got excited at the thought of traveling the 1. I’ve heard driving it is quite an experience, but to be confined in a vehicle among 650 miles of some of the most beautiful coastline in the world just doesn’t seem right, and just a little too comfortable. On the other hand, riding a bicycle 650 miles up and down the mountainous windy terrain seems ludicrous. The happy medium here seems to be by motorcycle.

Could it be done in a day or two? Absolutely. But I want to take my time, relax, maybe do 100-150 miles a day, stopping to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. I want to absorb the sunrises, the sunsets, the mid-day fog, the Pacific breeze and the salty ocean air.

Now all I need is a bike.

~ by amercier on January 25, 2009.