Wrapping Up the PCH

DETAILS
When — June 19th - June 22nd
Where — Oxnard, CA - San Diego, CA - Phoenix, AZ
Mileage — 550 miles

Compliments on my motorcycle - 3

The Golden coast, motorcycle maintenance, and THE USS midway

Let me start with an apology about the lack of blogging. I have had a very busy few days wrapping up the PCH and dealing with some logistical issues. As I am writing this I am at my cousins home in Peoria, AZ. Bob and Melissa’s home is truly an oasis here in the heat of the West, I am lucky have some family that can take me in for a few days, so that I can rest and relax and work out a game plan. Let me review the last few days.

Wrapping up the PCH on the Golden Coast: After finishing the Big Sur I spent the night In Oxnard, CA. Have to admit that my attitude was rather poor, but Steph wisely used some of my own words on me. Make the plan; work the plan. These are FirstEnergy words and reminded me of the importance resilience. She reminded me that plan has been working, adjust for these minor issues, and work the plan. Our little talk helped me get the day started with a big thumbs up!

After the Big Sur I had a lot of traffic in my future as the PCH skirted Los Angelos and then moved though all of the famous beaches; Long Beach Malibu, Huntington, Newport, Crystal Cove, and Laguna. It was sunny and in the low 80’s. Traffic was stop and go. Other motorcycles were lane splitting, which is legal in California, and moving to the head of the line at stop lights. I was tempted, but I saw no cruisers doing it, I was worried the Springfield’s mirrors would be too close to the cars. The other two hazards were lines of parked cars sitting on the side of the road to turn into the beach and bikinis that did not cover butts. I am serious, girls were everywhere with their buts sticking out and people nearly cashing looking at them. FYI - there is no GoPro video of this last hazard. I finally had enough of the PCH and cut over to US 101 to get to San Diego. I had a beautiful little Airbnb cottage in Ocean Beach. I had some issues navigating because the Zumo XT GPS gave up the ghost and I was navigating with dry erase marker directions on my windshield and google maps in my ear. More about this issue later, I made it safely to Ocean Beach. The PCH was done. I had some highs and lows but it was everything I hoped for from the curves to the vistas. I understand why they call it the Golden Coast and I am happy to say it is checked off of my bucket list.

Motorcycle Maintenance and GPS Repair: One of the objectives in San Diego was to get an oil change at Indian Motorcycle of San Diego. I had to add GPS repair to the list. My GPS attaches to a mount on my handle bars. It allows the screen to be seen while riding and I can detach it from the motorcycle to prevent theft and take the unit into the hotel to plan routes. I dropped the GPS in South Dakota and spider cracked the screen, but it still worked. Unfortunately, I suspect the 4 day Oregon monsoon I rode through may have allowed water to seep in through the cracks. Slowly the screen began to fail and became unusable. I started to use my backup plan, but I don’t have a mount for my phone with me. Luckily, I found a GPS that could ship a replacement to my cousin in Arizona in one day. I will send the old unit out for repair when I get home, but now I have two GPS units.

The motorcycle maintenance went smoothly and was essential. During the safety inspections they saw that the rear brake pads were nearly gone. They called my back to look at them and I agreed they needed replaced. They had all the parts and got everything done in less than two hours. They are a great dealership. The motorcycle was ready for the hot trip to Phoenix.

USS Midway Museum: While working out the logistics of my visit with my cousin, he recommended visiting the USS Midway and Coronado Island. The USS Midway is a decommissioned aircraft carrier in San Diego. The USS Midway was commissioned at the end of WWII and was in service for 47 years. It was the flagship of Persian Gulf air operations in Operation Desert Storm. It was the lead ship of the Midway class of carriers that was named after the famous naval battle that turned the tide of the war in the pacific with Japan. They had wonderful exhibits on the battle at Midway and examples of the aircraft used by the United States in the battle. You could also tour the aircraft carrier from bow to stern and from the bridge to the engine room! I walked around that warship for 3 hours! What a museum! A must see when you are in San Diego.

Heading Home: On June 22nd I began to head home. I left my little cottage in Ocean Beach and began to head East to Ohio. The first stop on Leg 4 was Phoenix AZ. I was concerned about the heat. I saw forecasted temperatures of 105 degrees on the route. My destination was my cousin’s home in Peoria, AZ. My plan was to be rolling by 6AM, hydrate at every rest stop, and get to my destination by noon.

I think I lucked out, because I had some cloud cover that surprised me and it was helpful. I had looked at the forecast and saw a 3% chance of rain, which I ignored. When I made it it to Yuma, and was refueling, it began to rain. Everyone at the gas station began to scramble for cover. I quickly stood on top of my bike and shouted: “People! I have come from O-HI-O and I bring you rain. Fear not, it shall pass, for I am the Rain Rider. It will follow me!” No….I did not do that. It did frickin’’rain…in the desert… in Yuma, where I was riding!

It was hot but I made it to Peoria in 6.5 hours. I was saddle sore, but everything worked. It is nice to catch up with my cousin Bob and his beautiful family. They are wonderful hosts and I am being spoiled with golf, fine food, and a wonderful home.

My cousin helped me think through the next stage of the trip which is being impacted by forest fires near Flagstaff. I have a revised plan, but I am still going to take a peek at the Grand Canyon before I head to Albuquerque and US-550 to Colorado Springs.

I am heading home and still having a great time. As planned I have been by myself a lot, but these visits with family members have been so special and important. I am loving this trip so far. I would not change anything, even the rain. I think I will most cherish the time spent with family who have supported me on this adventure.

Thank you all.

Be sure to catch the video people on the Hot Ride to Phoenix!