August – A Woman´s 4 Day Art Adventure

Looking back toward Graeagle

Lola V Star on Gold Lake cutoff

After following a pilot car for nine S-L-O-W miles, I was thrilled to get onto Hwy 49 knowing that home was nearing. There wasn’t much traffic but I was fatigued and the twisties were difficult to negotiate. My speed took a drop and my concentration intensified. I stopped in Downieville for a quick bite of late lunch and some iced tea. Temperatures had risen as I was dropping in elevation and I needed a rest break. I stopped at the Pizza Station and had lunch and a much needed break.

Back on the road, I couldn’t help but notice that the sun was beginning to set so I was cruising directly into sunlight. I was a bit renewed by eating, however was still experiencing fatigue. I was riding at a decent clip on a mostly deserted road when up ahead I see an old model car driving at what seemed like a frantic pace. I moved as far right as I could however the mountain created a right side barrier. Just as I suspected he was going far to fast to negotiate the curve heading his right, my left. He went into a skid across the dreaded yellow into my lane, I gave Lola the gas and we missed each other, however afterwards I was unraveled. I stopped at the next turn out and signed…no cell service and no one to give me a much need pep talk. I got back on Lola and rode to Nevada City, stopped for coffee and a husband fix. Hooray for cell service.

When Hwy 49 finally widened out I grabbed some throttle and really decided to move, it was beginning to get dusk and I was definitely ready to call it a night. I flew past a CHP motorbike rider and he had his radar going. He knew I was speeding, but gave me the “slow down” hand signal and let me ride on by. Ah, a nice ending to a great ride.

I was met at home with the garage door open and a glass of wine awaiting my arrival. I love a good ride, but I adore a safe return to my home.