Lunch today in Lower Lake.

[Papa-Ken]

Yes, we took a ride today. It was on the cool side with a wind-chill factor that made it seem colder than the 50 degrees showing on Griffs Goldwing.

I know that I am asking for grief from all you Eskimos in the colder states, but when we have been experiencing weather in the mid 70s up to yesterday and then stupid me decided to leave the thermals at home well what can I say.

One thing I will say is that the winds blew away any remaining smog or disturbance in the air and you could see for-ever.







The landscape is green and the mountains looked so majestic and near due to the clear view.

Had a new rider with us today from the Pashnit family Steve (cohassetsteve) from up above Chico got in touch with me earlier this week and made arrangements to connect for breakfast and a ride.





Our ride today covered about 250 miles so that really made for a long day for Steve as he had about 200 or so additional miles commuting from above Chico and back. A nice guy just recently retired and a long history of riding bikes.

Charlie took us west past Davis on 80 to catch 113 over and intersect with 16 to ride past Esparto, Brooks, Guinda, Rumsey to latch onto highway 20 to travel west towards Clear Lake.

Before reaching that big body of water, we turn south on state route 53 to eat lunch in Lower Lake at a nice little place located alongside the road just north of town.

















This also gave us a chance to warm our bodies and we were reluctant to mount the bikes and head out again but better minds prevailed as we saw the dark clouds moving in from the ocean and flirting with threats of rain off and on all day.






















We stopped in Lower Lake and fueled the bikes before heading southwest on main that turns into Morgan Valley road. This is the road that turns goat and crosses several low water bridges and all but 4 had water crossing them today.

They had the road closed the last time we went that way and that was when the water was so high in the glory hole at Berryessa.

This road eventually brings us on to 128 around Lake Berryessa and down through Winters before reaching Davis and then 80 home.

Much of the ride today was virgin territory for Steve so it was nice to see him enjoy a new experience. I imagine we will connect with him again when the days get longer and we start riding up around Bucks Lake and he can meet us somewhere along the way to shorten his day a few miles.

As I like to say "Another day in paradise for the Oldfarts".........Ken

[Special Ed]

AWWWW bummer! I drove up and around Clearlake yesterday in my car. If I had saw that a group was gonna ride up, I would have loved to have joined ya. The Clearlake area is a rider's dream!

Great pics!!

Ed
Orland, CA

[demenshea]

I am so glad that you posted a ride report as I have seriously been missing them since i can't see most photostories. Welcome back to the road trip and pics section, Ken!!!! woohoo.

You guys look very cold in most of your pix, but you certainly couldn't tell the cold by the sky! What a beautiful day. I considered a ride myself today, but after taking Julian to school this morning in 36 degree temps, i went back home put on my fleece and snuggled in, having the day off.

Lola has also convinced me to get her new front brake pads and a front tire, so we are home bound until those arrive tomorrow.

Glad you guys got out and also got to meet Steve. Sounds like you had a good ride and saw lots of pretty country! I have yet to get up that way...maybe over the weekend.

Thanks Ken!
donna

[Eifelrider]

Nice pics, Ken! The clouds in some of those shots look awesome.

[smitty]

Ken; Another outstanding ride report. Since it is winter in Michigan I always look forward to your reports. What always amazes me is the lack of traffic on your rides. It looks like you really get to some remote areas, but are always able to fine a roadside park somewhere. Today in MI. woke up to 30 degrees and snow with a forecast of freezing rain and sleet throughout the day. Needless to say my bike will be in the garage under wraps for awhile

Ride safe. Smitty..

[Backmarker]

Wonderful report Ken. I slowly scrolled thru each photo just drinking each one in. The green, the clouds, all the scenery. Just lovely.

Thank you for posting in the 'traditional' section. I like the photo stories, but it's easier to relish NorCal picture by picture. And I miss it so much!

[z_bassman]

Great stuff PK, as always.

[Papa-Ken]

Thank you Ed, Donna, Daniel,Smitty, Renee and Sean for your appreciated replies. It is nice to know that your efforts are viewed and enjoyed by others like this group.........Ken

[Mike Benzon]

Darn! Papa Ken, I can't wait to ride with you guys. I have less than two years before retirement. You guys look like you have so much fun and you're doing it the right way.

[Papa-Ken]

Originally Posted by Mike Benzon

Darn! Papa Ken, I can't wait to ride with you guys. I have less than two years before retirement. You guys look like you have so much fun and you're doing it the right way.

It comes around quicker than you think Mike. We just might get up your way before long. Been a while since I spent time in Beiber and Nubeiber.....Ken