cali. @racyrentals @triumphamerica #motorcycle #roadtrip #pacificcoast
More often than not, we end up sitting beside passengers on a plane that we never talk to but this trip would be an exception.
I was flying to Los Angeles for work training and spent the majority of my 5 hour flight editing footage for Episode 4. When the laptop died, I kicked up a conversation with my neighbor; a South African videographer traveling back to California to visit family.
We spent the the remaining hour of the flight discussing his film work for National Geographic and chatting about my desire to moto the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) - it was truly an inspiring conversation. After the plane floated into LAX, I passed off an MSO business card and we shook hands before going our separate ways.
On Saturday, my training class was presented with an option to extend the discussion into the evening; this offered an opportunity to tour on Sunday. Motivated to get on the PCH, I spent Saturday evening searching the internet for a motorcycle shop that would rent me a dual sport bike similar to my F650GS. With success I found Racy Rentals. I woke early and flagged down a cab first thing Sunday morning; I was on my way to pick up a Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
My bike for the PCH; a Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
The bike was ready as soon as I arrived and I was off on my new adventure within minutes. Heading west out of LA on I-10 I was now en route for the coast. Morning traffic was mild and I made it to the PCH well before noon.
Visor up and nothing but warm air hitting my face; true bliss... It's a different kind of air in California; cool on the coast and warm in the canyons.
Rocky beaches, bikinis, surf boards and VW buses parked along every inch of the PCH. Surfers catching the break and people simply lovin life.
Rocky beaches off the coast of Malibu.
I was through Malibu and on my way to Ventura; I intended to make a quick stop at Patagonia's flagship store before heading further north to Santa Barbara.
A little small for me, but I know someone this will fit.
Santa Barbara isn't just an 80's soap opera, it's paradise. Street vendors, artists, cool breezes, yachts and sunglasses. I spent some quality time walking the sidewalks and gazing out to the Pacific. I grabbed a quick lunch and hit the road for the final leg of the trip; only 4 hours to get back to LA and traffic was thick.
Miles of art work and colors scattered along the sidewalks of Santa Barbara.
Spring growing closer on the Pacific Coast.
At first, I opted to make the trek back on the side roads but I wasn't making any progress. The twisting canyon roads and conservative speed limits were slowing me down so I found my way back the PCH.
Motorcycle laws in California offer a unique advantage over most states - lane splitting. I was hesitant to take the dotted line at first but I quickly changed my mind when a Harley rolled by my side mirror. With miles of grid-lock traffic ahead, I couldn't afford to miss my deadline.
I down shifted, stood up on my pegs and started splitting lanes. Like Moses parting water, cars moved to the side as I rolled down the PCH. For the next 30 miles I averaged 40 mph in backed up traffic.
I returned to LA with only minutes to spare and one less item on my bucket list; thank you California.
beer camp across america. @SierraNevada @BREWPUBLIC #craftbreweries #beerfestival
So I want to tell you something that has me pretty excited! But first I want to ask you a question.
What do you get when you cross the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company with all the craft breweries in the country?
Give up? You get a festival like no other, AND A LOT OF BEER! Sierra Nevada has invited more than 2700 craft breweries to take part in a traveling beer festival this summer! As part of the celebration they are going to travel across the country making 7 stops along the way. Starting on July the 19th in Sierra Nevada's back yard in Chico, CA, and ending up in our backyard in Mills River, NC.
Why are they doing this you ask? Well....They are celebrating the release of their Beer Camp Across America 12 pack, and they are planning to open a 2nd brewery on the East Coast. Yup, you guessed it! It will be located in Mills River, NC!
I don't know about you but I can't wait till the Beer Camp Across America 12 pack comes out. Oh and one more thing, it has an interesting twist it will feature 10 bottles and 2 cans. "In conjunction with the festivals, Sierra Nevada has partnered with a dozen exceptional craft breweries to create 12 different beers for one mixed 12-pack – including 10 bottles and two cans – another first in the craft beer world."
Well, enjoy! I know that I plan to!
Referenced by BREWPUBLIC.
small space gardening. @MotherNatureNet #squarefootgardening #intensivegardening
A friend of mine sent me a link this week on Square Foot Gardening. He wanted to share some ideas, and give me some things to consider when trying to grow produce in a small space. I am building raised beds, I don't have a large yard so this seems to be the best way to raise a garden. It can also be a great way to add some beauty and natural structural elements to your property too.
Why I like this idea:
- Use of permanent raised garden beds: This allows you to maximize efforts without waste. All your water and compost goes in the designated areas.
- The importance of compost: Compost will supply nutrients into the soil, which are needed in order to grow healthy crops.
- High-density mixed planting: In other words, no wasted space. Everything can be planted in designated spots and thus you get more yield without adding space.
- Prompt succession planting: Planting in such a way that you have crops coming in at different times, thus maximizing your growing season.
On top of the obvious reasons to grow your own food, its a great way to get to know your neighbors and it could land you the role of the "most popular person" on your block!
Referenced by Mother Nature News.
drawing the line. @campbetter #carcamping #overland #travel #ttot
Where would you draw the line between car camping and overlanding?
While the typical overland traveler can separate them self from a stereotypical "car camper" pretty quick, we'd like to to expand on the difference briefly.
Car camping is choice to rely roadside campsites. Although seemingly different from RV and trailer camping, you can typically find car campers pitching six room tents and blue plastic tarps in the same campground.
Now consider overland travel. Similar to car camping, they've been known to drive an automobile, but the biggest difference is the destination. If you see an overland outfit, it'll typically be brief. Overlanders target remote camp destinations and are quick to packup and move on.
Maggiolina roof top tents range from $2800-3900 and deliver superior craftsmanship.
To sum it up - you'll rarely see an overland rig outfitted with cheap equipment; equally, you'll never see someone car camping with a $3900 roof top tent.
We feel like Ticla is making an attempt to blur the price point between these outdoor lifestyles while delivering well made products. Ticla offers a nice selection of shelters, bags and sleeping pads all at a very affordable price point. Yes, you can still find something cheaper in Walmart, but you won't find similar quality.
Ticla Refugio, $150
Whether you're overlanding or just looking to pimp it at the campground this summer, give Ticla a shot.
fix a flat, find a wallet. @greengurugear #recycle #reuse #repurpose
Ever wonder what to do with that old inner tube? Find some rubber cement and get creative; that's what Green Guru Gear is doing.
ID Card Wallet, $11.95
We weren't able to find a reference to it on their site, but I'd be willing to bet they'd welcome your used inner tube or old wetsuit if you can't find a way to repurpose it; just send it to 'em!
Green Guru Gear, a US manufacturer, has a handful of recycle centers in the major US cycle cities designed for people like you to drop off your used rubber. Coupled with competitive prices and a wide range accessories, Green Guru Gear's bags and bike gear are constructed with recycled materials worn out by the daily adventurer.
Ruckus 30L Backpack, $149.95