July 4, 2003 - San Diego, CA

Forecast: 85 degrees with smog

Road Condition: Hwy 101 went from 2 lane undivided highway a 6 lane freeway. Sporadic road construction.

Fuel: Super Unleaded $2.29 (welcome to LA!)

Miles Traveled: Salinas, CA to San Diego, CA: 435 (1,234 Total)

Bike Update: Running good.

Road Trip Log Update: We woke up to a dense fog and a cold morning that would lead into a long day. We were on the road by 8:00 AM but with the chill we were only able to ride at 50 miles and hour. As the day warmed up we were able to pick up speed and make some better time. Our goal was to make it through LA before the holiday traffic became too difficult. Traveling from Salinas to San Luis Obispo was easy going but cold and foggy. Traveling in the opposite direction we counted over 150 bikes going to the “Wild One” Fourth of July rally in Hollister. Bikes were in pairs and most of the time with six, with the largest group at fifteen. As we traveled through Santa Maria the smell of fresh strawberries being picked filled the air. We celebrated our 11th year wedding anniversary by having lunch at the ocean in Ventura. We met a man from Mexico that was fascinated by the bikes but spoke limited English. He asked, “You Americanos?” and we replied, ”Yes.” He then held up 4 fingers and said, “America, today, very good.” He then pointed to his heart and said “Americano!” He was a great reminder of the possibilities and freedoms we have as American’s. When we got back on the bikes we put on our USA flag bandanas around our necks and headed out for San Diego feeling very patriotic. Riding from Hollywood to San Clemente at 80 MPH on a motorcycle wearing leathers on an 85 degree day in 6 lanes of freeway during a holiday weekend should be the next challenge on “Fear Factor”. The temp. said 85 but with the concrete and the smog trapping the heat it felt like an Easy Bake oven. To stay hydrated we broke out the Camelbacks (back packs filled with water) so we could drink while we rode. Nothing sends fear through a motorcyclist more than seeing a driver in car being distracted. With average traffic speeds at 80 MPH plus, imagine looking over and seeing a kid watching a video, Dad with a Palm Pilot and Mom talking on a cell phone. The saying “Loud Pipes Save Lives” came to mind and we were glad we had them. We arrived in San Diego in time for the fireworks on Del Mar. Chef in training Drew Rivera treated us and his mother Didi to a delicious meal at Pacifica Del Mar in honor of our special day. If you dine in San Diego, don’t miss the opportunity. The food was incredible. We enjoyed our time so much in San Diego we decided to stay late on Saturday and have the bikes serviced before heading into the Arizona heat. Our next stop of Tucson was reported to have the temperature climbing to 106 degrees.

We are in LA	In Ventura, CA (Ironman & Sugarlips Anniversary)
Ironman on the road
Sugarlips & Ironman
Click to see July 3, 2003	Click to see July 5, 2003