AJS Moto: BMW R1200RT

You have to start with the basics when planning an epic motorcycle trip. You need a good bike, some comfortable wear that protects the body, and a vision that protects the idea behind the adventure. Most importantly, you have to have soul. On this ride I chose the BMW R1200RT from the guys at EagleRider, Roland Sands Apparel, and a playlist that would allow me to conquer such a journey.

My initial destination was Walnut Creek Ca. to visit my great Canadian friend who had moved from So. Cal a few years ago. I'll never forget his description of Walnut Creek when asked he responded,"It's crisp"! Thats an interesting adjective for such a diverse community of well-to-do's from a suburb of San Francisco. But I had to get there first to understand this seemingly simple and distinct representation of a geographical location.

`I started out on a friday afternoon from Long Beach Ca. and figured I could make it at least to Santa Barbara or the Santa Ynez valley before it got too cold. Fortunately, I was on a big comfortable and warm BMW but the most important part of the journey was my jacket. I was wearing the new RSD Domino that the guys at the shop gave me for my B-Day. At first I was a bit concerned traveling mid November and heading north, but I soon realized that I had everything I needed to stay comfortable.
My first stop was in Santa Barbara to visit Chris Wood at AirTrix who does most of the paint work for RSD. Chris has done some of the best paint jobs I've ever seen and he continues to amaze us not only on quality but on turn around. I swear that his shop has a deluge of elves or gnomes about the building but he insists that they actually do the work themselves.

I then head north into the Santa Ynes valley along the 154 Chumash past Lake Cachuma. I'm now at a decent elevation and it's dark, but I'm warm as can be because of the jacket and heated grips on the BMW. My next stop was A.J. Spurs in Solvang for one of the biggest meals a man can get. I highly recommend A.J. Spurs when you go on that wine tasting weekend with your girl. I, however, was alone and treated myself.

This is actually a meal for one!

I finally get to the hotel on my first night of the trip and evaluated my belongings. Two leather jackets, check. Pair of leather pants, check. Two sets of gloves. One for cold weather and one for really cold, check.

The next morning I headed to the Motor Cycle museum in Solvang

http://www.motosolvang.com/

Stopped in Atascadero to get my ears lowered at Woody's Barber Shop. Turns out that Woody and everyone in there that morning were riders. Free donuts and coffee and we talked about every motorcycle adventure we could remember.

Next, I headed north towards San Fran on the 101. I stopped by the Wings-History museum in Santa Clara to talk to an old buddy from back east. Then on to San Fran for the Red Bull Flugtag at the San Francisco Giants stadium in downtown. This picture was taken inside the stadium but the event was actually about 1/4 mile away and could be seen on screens through-out downtown San Fran.