Day 9
Miles: Who cares..I am headed to Rawhyde!
Ventura, CA to Rawhyde Camp
The day started out like any other day in California. Keep in mind, I have only been to California for one day. This inevitably meant rain. Last night, in the midst of my dining experience at Tipps, I had the pleasure of meeting some locals. One couple, the gentleman rode the big GS. Surprising to me, but he never heard of Rawhyde, but he did know of Rocky at BMS. Another gent was a local artist. Character and conversation just flowed from him till the time he paid his bill. The third individual told me a sacred road, Route 33, that is heaven on earth for motorcycles. He was a pianist, which amazed me even more so that he was very passionate that I try this route so much that he wrote specific directions on a napkin.
This morning, I woke with very good intentions on trying out that road, as the maps looked…well…like heaven on earth. However, heaven apparently had another plan for me this AM. It has been nice to have a day off in the midst of my journey. Hearing the rain drops and the sound of wet car wheels passing by, I attempted to sleep as long as I could. After I had showered and packed up, I loaded the bike and headed to the infamous (which is more than famous, ya know) In-N-Out Burger. I must say, there was definitely something about this burger that did give it a different flavor than your typical “rd headed-golden-arch-king” burger.
Since I have a sweet addiction to pure caffeine, my next route was to find a good coffee shop and chill whilst catching up on work and the world. This time always seems to fly by, as before I knew it (and several espressos later) it was time to begin my long anticipated ride to the Rawhyde camp. Only a mere hour away, I cruised through several small towns and winded my way over Ojai Valley. That small road alone made me wanting more.
Reviewing my never trusty Garmin, I looked for the closest place to fill up with gas. As I pulled in, a Nevadinian (yes, I just made that up) pulled up and started chatting about the Keith Code race school and BMWs. He was attending the level one school this spring. Good luck!
As I was finishing fueling up, I see a GS pull up at another pump loaded with gear. Although I was jumping out of my skin, I played it cool and walked in to get a drink. I couldn’t pay fast enough. Keith, ironically (ok, maybe not) was on his way to the Rawhyde camp as well. Finally, someone to ride with…even for the short 14 mile hike up the hill.
About fifteen minutes later, we were pulling into a small driveway, which were led by a small sign that stated “Rawhyde Adventure Camp.” A kid on Christmas does not have as much excitement as I did at that exact moment…not even if he saw the red rider gun behind the desk…..
And so, it begins…..today, 3,600 miles of slab and some dirty…tomorrow I will concur the world!
