Friday–Sunday, 11–13 Sep 2009
Sunday
We awoke to the sound of garbage trucks again Sunday morning. I had coffee, Richard hot chocolate. We broke camp and hit the road about 8:20, heading into Visalia for a great breakfast at the Main Street Cafe. I tried, but could not finish my omelet and mini cheesy potato caserole. FYI old Sequia Camp-out hands: Cafe 225 is now closed on Sunday morning.
After breakfast we made it all the way until Harris Ranch before stopping for gas. My bike said 16 miles to empty, Richard’s a bit more. There was a 25 degree difference in temperatures between Sunday and Friday. Friday the temps were in the upper 90s, Sunday the low 70s. The Sunday ride was much more pleasant.
Los gatos Rd
Coalinga Rd
After gas we kept on 198 another 5 miles before crossing 33 and heading through the oil fields and feed lots on the way to Los Gatos Rd. We stopped at Los Gatos Creek Park for a bathroom and rest stop, then continued on Los Gatos Rd, turning into Coalinga Rd. Same road, different names. Much different conditions.
One lane
Great pavement
The suspension on the mule (My GS) is made for roads like this. I wicked it up, enjoying the bumps and curves. Richard wisely held back. The extra power and speed of the GT doesn’t help on roads like this.
Back on 25
Richard still follows
Richard was only 30 seconds or so behind me when we hit SR 25. From there we rode on to Hollister for a final rest and gas stop before getting on the freeway and heading home. I waved good bye to Richard at the 85 cut-off. He continued up 101 and I took 85 to 280 to get home. I arrived about 3 PM, plenty of time to unpack (but it mostly waited until Monday), take a shower, and start catching up on other weekend happenings.
Next year I’m considering moving this trip back to two weeks after labor day. Perhaps that will help get a larger turnout.
