I see the corner coming — the deep bend, the strange camber, the way the road rolls against itself as it tilts right and climbs north. Part of me cringes. Feels out of sorts, as if today isn’t really my day. But the bike doesn’t … Read More →
Tag Archives: Canyons
Curving Flashbacks
Few quick picts from a sweet ride through the canyons with Trevor Navarra, a rather accomplished still photographer…
Private Canyon
Sweat is beading up. Bits of perspiration grow unchecked. First there’s one. Then two. Now, three. Until the moment comes when the collection of water hits its critical mass and the weight exceeds the liquid’s suction power. A second later, I feel the momentum of … Read More →
Long Time to Look This Good
The bike is slipping into second gear as the sunshine flickers. Bright and dark rays shutter through the weeds. Spill onto the road. Laying out a pattern of texture that’s deep with shades of gray but very little black and white… And then the torque … Read More →
Mellow Movements and Perspective
Tugging on the brake, deep in the corner, there’s a loud ‘thunk’. Then a blip. Or more appropriately a rev or two. And the bike bounces. It stands up. Says I’m here. I’m free. I’m out to play. And then the pace picks up… The … Read More →
Head Games in the Canyons
It’s bright. Blindingly bright. So bright in fact that it feels like summer and not spring… Finally… Beneath me the F4 hums. It’s four high mounted organ pipes blasting out a unique overture that seems to scream for world domination — or at least make … Read More →
Back in the Saddle, Part 2
It’s been a great day and it’s been a strange day all at the same time. While I’d like to say that I’m over the effects of my crash, the reality is that it continues to hang over my head like a weight. It haunts … Read More →
Group is stronger than an Individual
Unfortunately I’ve got to be a bit brief tonight as I have another bike review to tend to but it’s worth noting that today’s ride was one of the better five-hour sojourns that I’ve spent in the last several months. It’s remarkable how placid one … Read More →
The Canyon Life
Riding through the canyons this morning I was struck by the fact that it’s November 19th and in most parts of the country I’d have no business being outdoors riding a motorcycle. Swinging from corner to corner I was very aware of how fortunate I … Read More →
Illusion vs. Ego
This afternoon I was able to steal a few of hours and get a ride in during the late afternoon and early evening. Heading up the PCH, I was only a few miles into the ride when I started to notice what a difference a … Read More →
The First True Ride of The Year
So often the concept of time seems to escape me. Whether it’s because I’m day dreaming about the future or stuck in the past, I rarely have the ability to just buckle down and focus on the present. Perhaps thats why I so enjoy riding, … Read More →
Living The Canyon Lifestyle…
It’s 3:30pm on an 80 degree Saturday in December here in Los Angeles and the ride is still echoing through me. Nothing brings out my admiration for Southern California like great weather on a winter day. After spending the past several weekends feeling semi-freezen on … Read More →
What’s An Extra 1,000 RPMs Worth?
When I die, I want to be reincarnated as a 999. Just give me an open road with lots of curves and no traffic and I promise I’ll be a happy camper. The 999 is just that damn special. That amazing, really… At various parts … Read More →
Why Canyons?
The beer is bitter but exactly what I need. As the last sip settles, I place the half-empty glass back on the table. Notice the small dots of perspiration that have built up around the base. The sweet from a hard days work. Slowly she … Read More →