Freeze Out! Yes, indeed, 37°F with a stiff breeze at the glider port, is as cold as I care to be. And that, my friends, is an official freeze-out, as proclaimed by your President! Cold, yes, but worth every minute! We left the Ranch House after the meeting with a line of ten bikes. Russ in the lead, followed by Deb, Todd, Nancy, Bryan, Larry, Doc_HD, John Brust, a guest, David, and my best friend, Katie, at sweep. |
Heading into Lakeside we noticed that Deb lost all her headlights, so a quick stop at Lindo Lake for a fuse change was in order, and we were off again. The route was an old favorite, up the new and improved Wildcat Canyon into Ramona’s back streets and onto the Old Julian Hwy, where the temperature took a sudden drop and the wind, a definite rise. We took our first break at Dudley’s, topped off a couple of tanks, and proceeded higher up the mountain into Julian. The hustle-bustle of the small town weekend was in full swing as we picked our way down the main street without a scratch. Heading out of town toward Lake Cuyamaca, you could feel the cold creeping in as the sun was lost to the intimidating clouds above. Sunrise Hwy, aka S1, was where we turned to start the last ascent into the cold, dark and gusty adventure. We reached the turn-off to the glider port and were confronted with the ever-present wind gusts that blew hard and cold. Our mission was to take pictures, stripped down to our tropical attire, a disappointing absence of bikini-clad ladies, I might add, and then throttle down to some hot drinks at Major’s in Pine Valley. Well, if you have ever been involved in a Wanderers picture-fest, you know it is never a quick or smooth affair. They have been known to drag on for seemingly hours, and this one was no exception. Be sure to check out Doc-HD’s and Larry’s picture links (see below). All cameras stowed and nine riders ready to roll toward that promise of hot drinks. Another hold up! Tardy Todd, our favorite slow-poke, needed a little… well, really a lot more time to prepare himself for the onslaught of the elements! Finally, we’re all ready, so off we go, up to the 6000’ level, with lots of snow and an invasion of snow-frenzied flatlanders – not a pretty sight! Channeling our focus to the safe passage through the human cartoons and winter roads, we made one more photo stop and then down the hill we ran. Pine Valley was a welcome rest with its 55° temps and no wind, plus the warmth of hot chocolate, coffee, and “diner delights” galore. Warm and full, we split into two groups for the return leg. Todd, Deb and Bryan hit the interstate for a quick trip to the casino shopping and home. The rest cruised down the back roads to home, everyone making the destination before the splatter of rain. A full day of eating, meeting, riding, freezing, riding, and eating was enjoyed by this hardy group of Wanderers. You should have been there. Add 100 miles to your totals! Russ http://lweeden.smugmug.com/gallery/4232831#247593409 |