It's been a while.

I moved.  I didn't take the bed with me.  I bought the worlds most uncomfortable futon from Wally World instead.  A lot has happened since I updated last.  I was hired and fired from a job (I'm looking if you need help), I have a new girlfriend.  Allyson is awesome.  She amazes me everyday. 

So to the rides...

If you haven't been to Hell's Kitchen (http://www.hellskitchen-ca.com/) you really need to go.  Tucked away in the mountains on the 74, it is a bikers dream.  The ride up the 74 is amazing, topped off by awesome views of Lake Elisnore.  Parking at Hells Kitchen is for bikes in front and cars off to the side.  Be aware, CHP likes to sit at the ranger station just up the hill.  But that is no concern for us is it?  We ALWAYS obey the law.

I spent last weekend at Pala with the Legacy Vets / Vietnam Veterans motorcycle club (http://www.vnvmc-cai.com/) great rally, great cause. 

I am always looking for new rides.  If you know of one, let me know. 

Moving

So tomorrow I move.  Moving a California King sized bed on a motorcycle is going to be tricky.  Anyway, we're going bikepacking out to the Salton Sea on Sunday.  I'll update as things work out.

Hells Kitchen 6/12/2011

Norita, Iggy and I headed out yesterday about noon.  We made a quick stop at WalMart then at Cycle Gear Escondido.  Iggy needed to pick up a tank bag for his ride to Phoenix today.  We headed up the old 395 toward Lake Elsinore following the 15.  At Rainbow we hopped on to the Interstate because our navaguesser (me) couldn't remember how to get to Temecula on the back roads.  We got of the 15 at Murrietta Hot Springs and took that to Jefferson.  Another mistake by me.  We should have taken the 15 to Clinton Keith Road.  Jefferson does curve around and eventually we made Clinton Keith.  So, down Clinton Keith to Grand,  Grand to the 74.  On the way a made sure to reassure my Virago at the corner where my V-Star broke down last year.  Off to the 74.  The ride up from the lake is amazing.  The views from the road of Lake Elsinore are beautiful.  So, on up the 74 to Hell's Kitchen.  Seated on the back patio, we discussed where we were going next.  Should we head back the way we came?  Should we take the 74 to the 5?  We were interrupted by the waitress.  I tried to order the inferno wing they offer, but Norita protested, and we settled on the sinner wings.  I also ordered the chilli- cheese burger.  Norita had a Philly cheese steak and Iggy had a burger.  After a very satisfying meal, we decided to head to the 5.  So down the twisties to the interstate.  We stopped for gas once we were on the 76.  Then 76 to Escondido, and sushi for dinner.  Very satisfying ride 

79 loop

Sunday, 5/30/2011.  Cold and windy.  That's what the Weather Channel said.  They forgot the rain part.  Norita, Parke and I decided to head out about 10 anyway.  We rode from Escondido to the Ramona Cafe.  Breakfast there was great and not too expensive.  During breakfast, we debated going to the Jacumba Sulfur Springs or the Hideaway.  We decided on the Hideaway.  Leaving the Ramona Cafe, we headed to the 79.  We made it as far as the Santa Ysabel Casino before the cold got to us.  If you have never been to the Santa Ysabel Casino, I say make the trip.  It is small but very nice.  After coffee and a couple dollars fed to the one armed bandit, we decided to head back by taking the 79 to the 8.  The trip through Julian and down the 79 was cold.  We stopped in at the Cuyamaca Restaurant and Store for more coffee and soup and pie.  The pie was good but the cream of potato soup was the best I've ever had.  If you have never had it, you are missing a part of your life.  After life changing soup, we made a final dash for Viejas.  Parke left us at the Willows road exit, and Norita and I spent about 45 minutes in the casino.  For being mind numbingly cold, it was a great ride.