8 AM, sun beaming that beautiful diffused morning light and I have work that I know I should do. Gotta get that floral sign done, k….how quickly can I do it? Brew a BIG pot of coffee and get to it! Mixing up paint, slapping it on…ok this probably won’t be my most quality work as I have a motorbike calling my name and it keeps getting louder. Sorry, work, gotta bail on this project today. This sign will hold for a sunless, dank and rain filled day. Sunshine is only a ride away.

I check Pashnit.com and search for a new route as I am a bit bored with the old. I try to get G outa bed, but no go…he was up till 3am rebuilding his computer. I am on my own. I get geared up and head to Jackson a repeat ride, but alone I would rather know the road.

K…it has been a couple of day since I have ridden and I need to get back up to speed…or should I say down to speed. Foremost in my mind I have to keep “friction zone, throttle and rear brake at slow speeds”, “friction zone, throttle and rear brake at slow speeds”….one more time “friction zone, throttle and rear brake at slow speeds”. Remember, front brake a magnet to the ground…Ok…get some gas and go.

I work my way to what I call the “free zone”, or the area where there are no more traffic lights. I bail on the freeway and head instead for Latrobe Rd.

Many two wheeled riders feel the need to show moxie on this road making it a foreboding idiot central. However today, I am late, so I am alone…woohoo!! Only 3 sportbikes pass me and only one of those is wearing shorts and a t-shirt…yes…it is a GOOD day.

Man, the weather is fantastic. I am cruisin’ on my Lola and she is looking good. My mind is full and teeming with moto info. Outside, inside, outside, vanishing points, no brakes in curves, add more throttle, lean, and look ahead, no object fixation, whoa repeat that last mantra?? I come at least 2 feet closer than I desired, to the truck I am staring down as it crosses into my lane. Ok…repeat…NO OBJECT FIXATION.

The roads are full of traffic when I reach Hwy 49. It looks like a moto convention. I join the troops and head east toward Jackson. In Sutter Creek, traffic is at a standstill. Now I get to practice my rear brake, throttle and friction zone as I crawl 2 mph and less through town. I decide this is a good stop for water and a break. I park on the main street with at least 75 other bikes. Funny, bikes are everywhere, but there are no riders. Where is everyone? I drink my water while people watching. Man, is life interesting and you gotta love hearing those little nips of conversation. “She is such a nasty piece of work”.” Then I told him you’ve got to be kidding”, “I just want coffee”. “Honey, don’t be mad”.

I get back on Lola and she wants to head to Placerville. So be it. Between Sutter Creek and Placerville are some great twisties and sweepers and the road surface is incredible. Highway 49 spat a million bikes and I discover that my biker fantasy it is a hugely shared vision. Low waves abound.

From Placerville I take a side road heading back to Folsom remembering after a few miles that this particular road is all potholes and a terrible road surface. I flip a U…and not easily, I might add and hop on the damn freeway. Placerville to Folsom and my favorite Starbucks in less than 15 minutes.

Riding ahhhhh, much more therapeutic that sign painting. Damn I love this bike!
96.3 miles, yes, a good day.