Long day. And I’m an idiot.
I had booked a campsite a little north of Bakersfield which would’ve made for a four to five hour day in the saddle. But as I rode through LA in the morning I was feeling great. So good that I got this wild idea that I might be able to make it to Seattle if I just kept going. Pretty simple, just keep moving. Of course, it was likely I’d get too tired and would need to stop. This I was prepared to do if needed.
I continued up the 5, stopping only for gas every hour or so. It was pretty boring sitting on the freeway but I was making good time and felt comfortable through the Central Valley all the way up to Redding.
At this point the sun had set and I was beginning to head into the mountains. I was starting to shiver from the cold. I stopped for gas at the Chevron in Lakehead and put on a couple additional layers. As I did this I also checked my phone.
Jason had seen my location and was wondering why I was so far north already. I told him I was gonna see if I could get to Seattle in the early morning by riding through the night.
He was surprised and told me he had really wanted to see me. I apologized and we discussed this a little bit. He really wanted me to come back. I eventually had to stop responding so that I’d keep decent pace.
I continued north for about another fifteen minutes and weighed this decision. I really wanted to see if I could do this, and I was excited to get home. But I also felt bad telling Jason I’d stop by and going back on that promise. And I wasn’t getting any warmer.
I pulled over on Sims Lookout Road, told Jason I’d make my way back, then backtracked three hours in the dark.
By the time I got to Davis, I was exhausted. My hands were like leather and my eyes bloodshot. I don’t think I would’ve made it to Seattle, and if I did, I wouldn’t be in good shape.
It’s possible Jason was so adamant about this because he knew my dumbass needed a reason to stop. Whatever his motive, I’m glad to be alive and well in Davis now, recovering from what will hopefully be the longest day I ever ride on that bike.
Miles Ridden: 887
Total Miles: 3807
Camp: Jason’s Townhome, Davis, CA