Brad celebrated his birthday on the beach in California. Approximately 2,940 miles in 5 ½ days.
But I get ahead of myself.
The day started with a good breakfast. As we had been on the road so much yesterday we moved slowly. We also knew we could make the birthday party on time without rushing.
We took US 58 out of Bakersfield, heading west towards Highway 1. The route changed from the plan because of the heat and our location. We did not need to ride hard and take the shortest route and when we told Brad we would take Highway 1 along the coast we got a big ‘alright’. Turns out US 58 were a great motorcycle road. For 70 miles we had the bikes leaning from one side to another. The support vehicle got a work out just trying to keep up. We arrived in San Lois Obispo with big smiles and empty fuel tanks.
I will use Brad’s words to describe Highway 1, “the most beautiful road I have ever seen”. It truly is special as it runs along the coast of California. Sometimes you are at sea level, other times you are high on the side of the cliff. The smell of the sea is fantastic. It was also 70 degrees and if you have been following this blog you know how we felt about such a cool temperature. We stopped for lunch at the Whale Watchers Café in Big Sur. We had only 80 miles to go so Pete and I had an Anchor Steam and some calamari. Now we were on vacation.
We arrived in Sunset Beach State Park around 5:00 PM. Liz, Chris, Philip and Christy were waiting with more food and drink than we had seen for a week. We even had a tablecloth! We all walked to the beach – Eric went for a swim. I think it was a sense of relief and pride that we had achieved our objective that caused all of us to laugh and laugh.Dinner was BBQ hamburgers, a glass of wine and more laughter. Liz, Christy and the boys left and the four of us sat around a camp fire and completed Brad’s birthday wish: “To be on the beach, with a fire, in California”.
Slowly we all faded into our tents knowing we had a rest day the next day.
5 comments:
I agree with Brad, Hwy 1 is a most beautiful ride! I'm so glad the choices he made last fall came to be.....except that I notice you didn't mention any short girls with bikini's (edited for the others that might ready this - Brad, you know what I mean!!!). Oh well, tell Brad that we'll have some cans of whipped cream on hand for our Welcome Home party on July 28th! Can't guarantee that there will be short girls here either but one can wish!!!!!
Ride safe/drive safe on the return trip..........
Love you all,
Cathy
Another post......THANK YOU LIZ for all that you have done to make the guys 'rest days' memorable. I was told today that they arrived last night to a "FEAST" and this morning their breakfast was equally as wonderful! The wives/mothers back home really appreciate all that you have done. It's a lot of work (don't they eat a LOT???!!) and we really are thankful for the hours you put in creating the menu and doing the shopping! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Guys - PLEASE enjoy Liz's efforts - can't say we'll measure up to that! But...can't wait to see you all home again. We'll try to live up to the standards Liz has set for us but no guarantees!
Again, ride safe....
Cathy and Tammy (TN - took the liberty to speak for you - hope I did alright!)
I'm SOOO glad to hear you all made it to the beach for Brad's birthday, safe and sound. It's sounds like you had some amazing things awaiting you at your arrival. I know you all are all having the time of your life, can't wait to see all the pictures, so we can enjoy the experince with you (at least visually). Again the blog reading has been great and it is fun to be able to follow along with your journey!
Have fun and stay safe!
What a neat way to spend your B`day Brad. I am really envious. Be safe on the way home and I wish everyone a very enjoyable trip home. Pete I wish I could have joined you guys and ridden a BMW out there with you. Sounds like you and everyone else have had a memorable trip. --- Grandpa Jones
We Loved the picture!
Have Fun!
Dad and Mom Schraufnagel
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