Issue:
Fall 2002

Text:
Christian Neuhauser

Photography:
Christian Neuhauser

Geographic Region:
CA, USA

Pages:
18 - 27

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The long flight finally over, Christa and I arrive in Los Angeles to collect our motor­cycles, an Interceptor and a Honda 919, at the Honda of America headquarters. Luggage firmly affixed, we hit the road to San Francisco.

Our breakfast the next day in Ghiradelli Square is composed of tasty bagels, steaming coffee (from the renowned Sourdough Bakery), and the breathtaking view across the waters that extend from Fisherman's Wharf. Alcatraz, "The Rock," and its phantoms are still out there, surrounded by the blue-green sea. Bright white sails dip and scurry, tacking against the azure sky.

It all certainly sets the mood for an adventurous escape and I urge my dear, sleepy wife to get with the program. She eventually complies and we're off – over the Golden Gate Bridge past Sausalito (on Hwy 1), and turning left toward Muir Beach. The highway begins to snake there, between the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Mount Tamalpais State Park. My Interceptor handles well through the wide sweepers and tight turns, and so does the 919, from what I can tell in the mirror. Suddenly, after about 18 miles, the first grand view of the ocean opens out before us. The thought of riding along without a stop to soak in this sight is an incomprehensible notion. A turnout appears as if on cue along the rough coastline. The water wildly thrashes the rocks, launching spumes of spray that sparkle far below the coastal road. Engines stilled, we pull our helmets (Nolan) off and turn our noses into the whipping, saline breeze. ...