Beautiful ride, been there a few times. Don't like the ricky racers up and down the corkscrew. Anyone wanting to have a good day start up the hill after 12 noon less racers. Great pics always sad to hear about down riders.

My favorite kind of ride RK. Destination with historical/educational/ informative/entertaining destination. Thanks for sharing.

Thx

Hey Lenny - I got passed like I was standing still on Ortega by a bike "just like yours"
Who ever it was rode like they owned that road

I went up PMR at 12:30 or so, road was quiet and peaceful and I saw just a few cars - it was a great day for a ride - clear skies and nice cool temps on the top of the mountain. The picnic area was shade covered and empty sans one couple w/ the serious picnic basket - red&white table cloth and matching napkins not to mention real wine glasses. I guess if you're going to do it - do it right!!

I skipped the gift shop... I had a saddle bag full of gear, camera, water, etc... I know i would have bought something that wouldn't fit and then I'd only lose on the way home... (it has happened more than once I'm embarrassed to admit)

I would have sprung for the tour if the ob was open - even though they had the signs up. You cant see it from the parking lot so you have to walk up the hill to see the observatory doors. I need the exercise anyway... I put my sunglasses on the ledge while I shot some pics. I got talking to a couple that was there and before I knew it I left my shades on the 3rd floor... I realized it after I got outside and the sun was blinding me... wha? wheres' my shades? panic - I flew up to that 3rd floor and luckily they were still where I left them - whew!! Gotta admit didn't think I could do stairs like that in my MC boots and jeans, after the adrenalin wore off my legs barked for a couple days later. Hahaha. Getting Old Sucks - BUT - It sure beats the alternative!!



Glad you enjoyed it -

The mountain road and Observatory are a great place with tons of history and a high cool factor. Lots to see and read, I got a little lost in all of it - lost track of time and just lived in the moment looking at that telescope and thinking of all the different things that have been looked at through it. I'm a science guy, BS in biology and general science, chemistry, math... I get into a place like this and I'm in NERD-vana. I was going to do this trip for the last few years but seemed that every time I had it planned something came up.

I have to admit that I enjoy riding solo on trips like this. Stay as long as you like, ride as hard as the mood fills the heart & stop to use a restroom or a tree when ever. I've been doing more solo riding and I find that I'm so much more relaxed. No one else to distract or look after, I'm glad I had the chance to do all those group rides, but given the choice - solo is a more fulfilling and satisfied ride.
Even when you go with good friends someone is always in hurry or has to be someplace else for what ever. I understand I get bored easily, I have a dog to take care of, I have other things to do... I also like to sleep in on Sunday mornings and find that leaving a little later makes for a more relaxed day. All the early birds are gone - the gas stations are empty - the roads are empty - the rickys are all sipping coffee close to home debriefing their performances. I didn't have to wait to use a restroom, or pay for my snacks.

All that said - I still look forward to riding with friends and others - everything in perspective.

I see you like riding solo....what happened to your latest GF?

She's not much of a fan of motorcycles. I took her out the week before and that was her 2nd ride in her life. She clung to me like a static charged sock. She wouldn't let go of me long enough to stop the sun glasses I gave her from blowing off her face up on the freeway... Too funny
I wouldn't take her on a ride like the cork screw - she wouldn't enjoy it - long in the saddle.
She's a hop on the bike and go out for ice cream, then a short spin down the coast and home kind of gal I see.