15379: Starting Mileage

Day 1:

The best part about riding a motorcycle for me is how close you get to the environment around you.  A car is very protected from the elements.  4 wheels, cushy suspension, climate control, and UV protective glass.  On a bike your awareness is kicked up a few notches, partially because it feels like most drivers are out to kill you.  But more so because you no longer have luxury or protection.  On a bike you feel every bump in the road or change in riding surface.  You notice each car around you and what the drivers are doing in them.  A gust of wind can knock you a lane, and going from shade to sun can be the difference of 10 degrees.

Today I wrapped my last day of real life for a little while.  Tied up all the loose ends at work, and was able to get out of San Francisco around 3:30pm.  I started with a very modest ride home to my Parent’s house in Winters.  83miles.  I decided that starting the trip over the Golden Gate would be a nice exit from San Francisco, so took the Northern route through Marin.  Getting near Winters was HOT.  It will be interesting to see what Vegas will be like mid July.  The bike does get hot when I push it in the heat, so I’ll have to take my time when riding in infernos like this.

This is the first time I’ve ridden with so much gear, so still getting used to the bike.  I’m fairly sure I’ve forgotten some vital gear, but there is only one way to find out.  Luckily I anticipate a lot of Walmarts in the country I’ll be covering, so regearing/freakshow viewing locations should be plentiful.