Another Dual Sport ride through the Tejon area. I rode here last year on my first dual sport ride and it hailed and rained on us. Today looks nice, at least it's not raining at the start.
I'm last out almost. I team up with a guy from San Diego who is riding a DR350 with his young son as his passenger. At least I *should* be able to keep up with him.
the route starts out along the same path as the previous ride. So I am familiar with the terrain and it's not all muddy this time. We ride over the hills and along the paved road that parallels the freeway. Then we start climbing up valleys and over the mountains. We are riding along new routes.
My fears of the last ride return. I'm at the top of a steep downhill and the road is all rutted. Everyone else is far ahead and I don't want to continue. (Sometimes I *HATE* this sport.) I don't know how to ride down this and am afraid that I'll crash. Finally, I get on the bike and start downhill. My front tire catches a rut, drops in and over I go. I land quite hard on my left shoulder and bump my head. Great - brand new helmet! I'm shaken and the bike is over on its side. I'm surprised that I can even move my arm. I hit hard enough to break something. I am not enjoying this.
The other riders discover the missing motorcyclist and help me get the bike upright. I get some lessons in riding down a rutted road. And by keeping my speed down I make it. Now I'm just further in to an area that I want out of. Argggg!
We reach an area where we are going up a stream valley. It is beautiful but it also means that I've got to cross the stream several times. The water isn't too deep, but there are rocks and sand on the banks. And the banks are steep because of all the rain we had this year. I'm having trouble crossing the stream and dump the bike in the soft sand. Here we go again. I'm getting in over my head, which means that I will be learning, but it also means that I'm getting tired and nervous.
Finally, we reach our lunch stop! I've been here before and know the road home. I'm taking paved roads as I'm tired, cold and know when to stop. We eat lunch and my riding partner goes off with a couple of other riders. Thanks for staying with me.