California Love: It’s Time to Hit the Road
If there were roosters in San Fancisco, I’m sure I would’ve woke them up while making my morning coffee. I was up long before the sun rubbed the sleep out of it’s eyes. By the time blondie finally came to and began his usual morning scratch, I’d already put the room’s Keurig machine through it’s paces, read dozens of blog posts and chewed what was left of my fingernails. The breakfast of champions.
We had the hotel front desk call a cab for us and soon after were on our way to pick up our rental bikes. I must’ve had some residual tension about the inability to get a cab the day before. We weren’t a 1/4 of a mile away from the hotel when “why’s it so freakin’ hard to get a cab in this town,” swan-dived from my lips. The daggers in the rearview mirror didn’t go unnoticed, but I could tell that the driver did his best to be pleasant and conversational about it. The answer, by the way… there isn’t one.
When we pulled up to Dubbelju we found our two Tiger 1050’s ready and waiting for us. All we had to do is cross a few T’s and dot a few I’s. Then we were free to drop our stuff into their Givi boxes.
I’d opted for only a top box and a tank bag on my Tiger. Kenny went for a set of side boxes and a tank bag. This decision would prove to be a Godsend a week later.
By 11:00am we set off for 7 days of riding aboard the 2 orange Triumphs.
The first few miles after pulling away felt tremendous. There was a palpable feeling that it was the beginning, the start of something great – it filled me up with a sense of infinite possibility. Do you know that feeling?
When you leave on a strange bike, there is a period of adjustment as you get to know each other. You learn about it’s power delivery, the feel of its suspension, the clamp of it’s brakes. It’s all new and adds to the excitement of a trip.
I’m glad to say that the Tiger and I got along famously right out of the gate. The familiar whirrr of the 1050 triple made me feel right at home.
Now, it was time to get the party started!
Sounds like you are having a blast – I envy you and can’t wait to read more!
I love that feeling of the start of an adventure. It is always fun to learn a new bike too. Keep going I can’t wait to see and read more!
I always start with that huge reservoir of anticipation and it starts depleting as I get closer and closer to the end of the adventure.
Our recent trip to Sturgis was an exception, as every day was a new destination…Sturgis, Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands… kept the fuel and excitement tanks refilled every morning.
Hope you have a blast! Love your blog.
I hear that. i try to keep my head in the sand about going home when we’re away. I never want that feeling of being “free” to fade.
Aren’t the Badlands spectacular?