Coast to Coast (and back?) with an Italian Supermodel

AntiHero · 07-13-2012, 08:50 PM

Ducati Newport Beach is where it begins:

I had originally ordered my bike from Newport Beach Ducati when the 1199 was first announced. In between that time and the time the bike came in my girlfriend (who I'd moved from the SF Bay to LA with) kicked me out for sleeping with her sister. Well, not really--at least I would have deserved it if I had. She doesn't have a sister and instead just woke up one day and said she didn't want to be in a relationship. Hearts break, life goes on. So I left LA on my dependable, reliable and awesome 675. Shortly after making it back to the Bay Area my 1199 came in, so I flew back to LA and picked the bike up and started the REAL journey.

AntiHero · 07-13-2012, 08:54 PM

Just about everyone who's ever ridden a motorcycle has dreamed of taking off in one direction and not look back. But anyone who's done it knows it takes a lot more than balls. Mortgage, spouse, job, finances, and the hairy hands of fate typically conspire against most recklessly brilliant decisions. We tell ourselves, "one day," and often that day never comes (or the day comes but you're just some old geezer planning out routes based on the proximity of hospitals).

It took a couple of months (and one unexpected event) to finally provide the right set of circumstances for my adventure, but I'm finally two states into it and finally have some time to devote to this chronicle.

I briefly considered the advantages and disadvantages of particular makes and models of bikes, but when it comes down to it, comfort and convenience are overrated; masochistic machines cultivate will and test mental fortitude, so something built for mileage was totally out of the question. In the end it came down to only one choice: the 1199 Panigale S.

My plan:
Start from LA (where I lived), head north, then east.

Rules:
Don't plan anything that doesn't need to be planned
Stay somewhere until I get bored or restless, then move on
Don't become attached to anything I can't walk away from in 5 minutes
Don't end up in a hospital or morgue

My job allows me to work anywhere so long as I have WiFi and a working cell phone. So I'll be traveling either at night or on the weekends and working the normal 8-5 during the week. Muhuhaahaa.

RandyG · 07-13-2012, 08:57 PM

Yeah I like it!! Subscribed

AntiHero · 07-13-2012, 08:59 PM

This was my first setup upon leaving LA (everything I think I'll need stuffed into a backpack):

flyinturbo · 07-13-2012, 09:05 PM

Holy crap! This is going to be GOOD!

AntiHero · 07-14-2012, 08:08 AM

The bike needed to be broken in. Though I think there's some truth to the 'hard' break in method, this is a new model Ducati after all and has a little black box that records all of your fun. The last thing I wanted was to have a mfg defect get blamed on me because I took it to 9000 rpm twice in the first 1000km. So I decided driving up Hwy 1 would be an excellent opportunity to keep the revs varied and enjoy a nice scenic, twisty road.

Unfortunately after Malibu Highway 1 SUCKS! After making it through several awful towns were travel was stoplight to stoplight (Hwy 1 is only glorious in small sections) I decided to cut over to101 up and vary the revs by exiting the freeway every few exits and then getting back on + I did the whole 'yo-yo' maneuver in which I'd speed up/slow down/speed up/slow down. I'm sure I looked like an ass, but it had to be done.

Two or three times I did redline the bike, however--but only because I'd hit a false neutral between 5th and 6th. I was using the quickshifter with constant throttle. The power would cut, then the transmission would float between the two gears and HOLY SHIT this bike revs faster than any other bike I've had even under 1/4 throttle.
__________________

AntiHero · 07-14-2012, 08:09 AM

101 was awesome. The scenery is beautiful, it's got some nice sweeping turns, traffic is light and the air is a lot cooler than 80, which was good because man this bike gets HOT! It seems to come in waves. There are times when it's just warm, but there are other times when it's positively painful.

The whole 1 debacle and the 101 on/off, speed up/slow down thing made a 6 hour drive into a much, much longer drive. I was enjoying myself, but the new riding position, combined with the heavy backpack, heat and duration wore on me.

Somewhere on 101, with shadows getting long:

AntiHero · 07-14-2012, 08:10 AM

I made it to Moffett Field a little after sunset. The light was fading and I looked over to Hangar 1, which I'd seen my entire life, only to see stripped skeleton of the former megalithic structure. I got a couple of crappy pictures from the Caltrain station, but here's a better shot of its emaciated state by smashz up close:

AntiHero · 07-14-2012, 08:11 AM

I have a good friend who invited me to stay with him for a week up just North of SF in Mill Valley. I have to admit the 10 or so hours on the Ducati was the toughest non-self-powered-two wheel ride I'd ever done. Once I made it into SF, though, I felt at home again, driving by SFSU and a few places I rented on 19th while going to school. I understood for the first moment in my life why people stay in particular cities their whole life. Every corner I turned and every bus stop, gas station and even a particular telephone pole (where I had once thrown up fish sticks and tater tots) dislodged a memory. It was as if every instant my life expanded and it felt good.

Made it to the bridge and was finally only about 10 min. from a plush, comfy air mattress set up in an unused bedroom.

(This pic stolen, too...wasn't about to try and take a left handed pic while driving on the bridge, but it captures the scene and my mental state perfectly.)

AntiHero · 07-14-2012, 08:16 AM

My stay in SF lasted a lot longer than I anticipated. I'd known the guy I was staying with for, shit, 10 years I think? We'd worked together and were both fairly stressed out employees at the same company. We both had warfare-like personalities (which made us allies) and were always focused on ensuring the success of the software products we sold. He'd gotten married years back and had spent the past 9 years dealing with a stay-at-home woman who specialized in being unhappy, cranky and dissatisfied with everything. And the more he appeased her the more evil she became. Sound familiar to anyone? I characterized it as "Subjective Omnipotence," which is a term typically applied to children who are still in the phase of their development where they think the universe should provide for their needs. Instead of being grateful to the person who provides for them they just end up mad at said individual for everything that isn't perfect.

Anyhow, I was getting close to the 1000km mark and spent the final miles out on a great section of Hwy 1 out to Stinson Beach.

prooney377 · 09-09-2012, 12:21 PM

[QUOTE=AntiHero;19127714] He'd gotten married years back and had spent the past 9 years dealing with a stay-at-home woman who specialized in being unhappy, cranky and dissatisfied with everything. And the more he appeased her the more evil she became. Sound familiar to anyone? I characterized it as "Subjective Omnipotence," which is a term typically applied to children who are still in the phase of their development where they think the universe should provide for their needs. Instead of being grateful to the person who provides for them they just end up mad at said individual for everything that isn't perfect.

OMG you speak sooooo much truth.....You could be describibg my girlfriends son.....

Subscribed.

NavyDiveDoc · 01-13-2013, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntiHero

He'd gotten married years back and had spent the past 9 years dealing with a stay-at-home woman who specialized in being unhappy, cranky and dissatisfied with everything. And the more he appeased her the more evil she became. Sound familiar to anyone? I characterized it as "Subjective Omnipotence," which is a term typically applied to children who are still in the phase of their development where they think the universe should provide for their needs. Instead of being grateful to the person who provides for them they just end up mad at said individual for everything that isn't perfect.

Funny, I've followed this RR since the fall, loving all of it. I go back to the beginning today and find this, that I somehow missed the first time through. A perfect summary of 14 years spent with my first wife. Still shaking my head. A fantastic journey AH, with much learned by those of us along for the ride. Thank you.

1960FL · 01-13-2013, 06:47 PM

I bow to you!

I vote this as the next home page photo!

Just some great shots AH, love the whole series in DV.

steveWFL · 01-14-2013, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1960FL

I bow to you!

I vote this as the next home page photo!

Just some great shots AH, love the whole series in DV.

+1 indeed

Sgt93 · 01-14-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1960FL

I bow to you!

I vote this as the next home page photo!

Just some great shots AH, love the whole series in DV.

+1, great shot.

07-13-2012, 08:50 PM	#1
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	Coast to Coast (and back?) with an Italian Supermodel Ducati Newport Beach is where it begins: I had originally ordered my bike from Newport Beach Ducati when the 1199 was first announced. In between that time and the time the bike came in my girlfriend (who I'd moved from the SF Bay to LA with) kicked me out for sleeping with her sister. Well, not really--at least I would have deserved it if I had. She doesn't have a sister and instead just woke up one day and said she didn't want to be in a relationship. Hearts break, life goes on. So I left LA on my dependable, reliable and awesome 675. Shortly after making it back to the Bay Area my 1199 came in, so I flew back to LA and picked the bike up and started the REAL journey. AntiHero screwed with this post 07-13-2012 at 09:01 PM

07-13-2012, 08:59 PM	#4
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	This was my first setup upon leaving LA (everything I think I'll need stuffed into a backpack): AntiHero screwed with this post 01-26-2013 at 09:00 AM

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07-13-2012, 08:54 PM	#2
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	Just about everyone who's ever ridden a motorcycle has dreamed of taking off in one direction and not look back. But anyone who's done it knows it takes a lot more than balls. Mortgage, spouse, job, finances, and the hairy hands of fate typically conspire against most recklessly brilliant decisions. We tell ourselves, "one day," and often that day never comes (or the day comes but you're just some old geezer planning out routes based on the proximity of hospitals). It took a couple of months (and one unexpected event) to finally provide the right set of circumstances for my adventure, but I'm finally two states into it and finally have some time to devote to this chronicle. I briefly considered the advantages and disadvantages of particular makes and models of bikes, but when it comes down to it, comfort and convenience are overrated; masochistic machines cultivate will and test mental fortitude, so something built for mileage was totally out of the question. In the end it came down to only one choice: the 1199 Panigale S. My plan: Start from LA (where I lived), head north, then east. Rules: Don't plan anything that doesn't need to be planned Stay somewhere until I get bored or restless, then move on Don't become attached to anything I can't walk away from in 5 minutes Don't end up in a hospital or morgue My job allows me to work anywhere so long as I have WiFi and a working cell phone. So I'll be traveling either at night or on the weekends and working the normal 8-5 during the week. Muhuhaahaa.

07-13-2012, 08:57 PM	#3
RandyG Adventurer Joined: Dec 2008 Location: 30 min from the overlook (Deals Gap) Oddometer: 93	Yeah I like it!! Subscribed

07-13-2012, 09:05 PM	#5
flyinturbo Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Oddometer: 21	Holy crap! This is going to be GOOD!

07-14-2012, 08:08 AM	#6
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	The bike needed to be broken in. Though I think there's some truth to the 'hard' break in method, this is a new model Ducati after all and has a little black box that records all of your fun. The last thing I wanted was to have a mfg defect get blamed on me because I took it to 9000 rpm twice in the first 1000km. So I decided driving up Hwy 1 would be an excellent opportunity to keep the revs varied and enjoy a nice scenic, twisty road. Unfortunately after Malibu Highway 1 SUCKS! After making it through several awful towns were travel was stoplight to stoplight (Hwy 1 is only glorious in small sections) I decided to cut over to101 up and vary the revs by exiting the freeway every few exits and then getting back on + I did the whole 'yo-yo' maneuver in which I'd speed up/slow down/speed up/slow down. I'm sure I looked like an ass, but it had to be done. Two or three times I did redline the bike, however--but only because I'd hit a false neutral between 5th and 6th. I was using the quickshifter with constant throttle. The power would cut, then the transmission would float between the two gears and HOLY SHIT this bike revs faster than any other bike I've had even under 1/4 throttle. __________________

07-14-2012, 08:09 AM	#7
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	101 was awesome. The scenery is beautiful, it's got some nice sweeping turns, traffic is light and the air is a lot cooler than 80, which was good because man this bike gets HOT! It seems to come in waves. There are times when it's just warm, but there are other times when it's positively painful. The whole 1 debacle and the 101 on/off, speed up/slow down thing made a 6 hour drive into a much, much longer drive. I was enjoying myself, but the new riding position, combined with the heavy backpack, heat and duration wore on me. Somewhere on 101, with shadows getting long:

07-14-2012, 08:10 AM	#8
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	I made it to Moffett Field a little after sunset. The light was fading and I looked over to Hangar 1, which I'd seen my entire life, only to see stripped skeleton of the former megalithic structure. I got a couple of crappy pictures from the Caltrain station, but here's a better shot of its emaciated state by smashz up close:

07-14-2012, 08:11 AM	#9
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	I have a good friend who invited me to stay with him for a week up just North of SF in Mill Valley. I have to admit the 10 or so hours on the Ducati was the toughest non-self-powered-two wheel ride I'd ever done. Once I made it into SF, though, I felt at home again, driving by SFSU and a few places I rented on 19th while going to school. I understood for the first moment in my life why people stay in particular cities their whole life. Every corner I turned and every bus stop, gas station and even a particular telephone pole (where I had once thrown up fish sticks and tater tots) dislodged a memory. It was as if every instant my life expanded and it felt good. Made it to the bridge and was finally only about 10 min. from a plush, comfy air mattress set up in an unused bedroom. (This pic stolen, too...wasn't about to try and take a left handed pic while driving on the bridge, but it captures the scene and my mental state perfectly.)

07-14-2012, 08:16 AM	#10
AntiHero ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2012 Location: West Oddometer: 553	My stay in SF lasted a lot longer than I anticipated. I'd known the guy I was staying with for, shit, 10 years I think? We'd worked together and were both fairly stressed out employees at the same company. We both had warfare-like personalities (which made us allies) and were always focused on ensuring the success of the software products we sold. He'd gotten married years back and had spent the past 9 years dealing with a stay-at-home woman who specialized in being unhappy, cranky and dissatisfied with everything. And the more he appeased her the more evil she became. Sound familiar to anyone? I characterized it as "Subjective Omnipotence," which is a term typically applied to children who are still in the phase of their development where they think the universe should provide for their needs. Instead of being grateful to the person who provides for them they just end up mad at said individual for everything that isn't perfect. Anyhow, I was getting close to the 1000km mark and spent the final miles out on a great section of Hwy 1 out to Stinson Beach.

09-09-2012, 12:21 PM	#11
prooney377 Pete Rooney Joined: Feb 2011 Location: Liverpool, rain capital of England. Oddometer: 36	[QUOTE=AntiHero;19127714] He'd gotten married years back and had spent the past 9 years dealing with a stay-at-home woman who specialized in being unhappy, cranky and dissatisfied with everything. And the more he appeased her the more evil she became. Sound familiar to anyone? I characterized it as "Subjective Omnipotence," which is a term typically applied to children who are still in the phase of their development where they think the universe should provide for their needs. Instead of being grateful to the person who provides for them they just end up mad at said individual for everything that isn't perfect. OMG you speak sooooo much truth.....You could be describibg my girlfriends son..... Subscribed.

01-13-2013, 06:47 PM	#13
1960FL Venturer Joined: Nov 2012 Location: Maryland Oddometer: 5	I bow to you! I vote this as the next home page photo! Just some great shots AH, love the whole series in DV.