The coast was overcast this morning. The temperature started in the low 60’s but it felt cold. I guess I’m already getting used to the warmer weather. Traveling east on Hwy 58, the temperature increased and in Taft, I recall seeing temperatures in the low 80’s. The clouds returned as I climbed into the Los Padres National Forest and the temperature dropped below 50, briefly, … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 9

The coastal pattern of overcast skies in the morning continued today. The clouds didn’t break until I was south of Big Sur. Temperatures along my route ranged from the mid-50’s to the mid-60’s. Day’s distance: 173 miles Total trip distance: 1382 miles I left the house about 9am this morning. I rode down Hwy 1 through Watsonville, Monterey, and was well into Big Sur before … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 8

This morning was overcast and chilly, with temperatures in the mid 50’s. The overcast burned off eventually and the temperatures rose to the mid 60’s. The wind picked up in the afternoon, making it chilly to be sitting outside. I mostly rested today. I did make it to Tacos Moreno for lunch. This was one of my regularly visited taquerias when I lived in Santa … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 7

It was another warm and sunny day in Santa Cruz. The temperature was in the 70’s most of the day. The winds were light. Day’s distance: 0 miles Total trip distance: 1,209 miles Today began with breakfast at Zachary’s in Santa Cruz. I was joined by four friends. The five of us were housemates in 1991. We all resided at the very house I’m staying … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 6

Today was sunny and warm, with temperatures starting in the mid-60’s and reaching the mid-80’s. Day’s distance: 104 miles Total trip distance: 1,209 miles Today started with a latte from the Haight Street Market, which is steps away from my host’s apartment. The motorcycle was parked two blocks away during the night, and all three hard cases were brought up to the apartment so they … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 5

Today was sunny and warm. The temperatures started in the high 50’s and peaked in the low 80’s inland. Winds were light. This Seattle resident gets an early summer again!! Day’s distance: 213 miles Total trip distance: 1,105 miles It is common at the motels I use on these trips to offer a free continental breakfast, served in the lobby or a room adjacent to … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 4

The weather started in the low 40’s but was in the mid 60’s by the time I reached the California border. It dropped backed down into the high 50’s as I approached the coast on Hwy 1. The sky was partly cloudy with a lot of sunshine compared to prior days. Strong crosswinds in the afternoon were challenging. Day’s distance: 365 miles Total trip distance: … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 3