Asphalt Annie Does Bakersfield
Really, it was just a short trip, inside of California. We rode from Menifee to visit my daughter Olivia and her fiance David in Bakersfield, CA. This was my first time riding 200 miles in a day, which I did just fine, even in the challenging conditions.By challenging, I mean windy. Driving along the 395, the wind was blowing over 60 mph, which is my first time riding solo in the wind. I had dealt with a few gusts a few times and riding on Blackbird with Highway I've felt some intense wind, but Blackbird, with two riders and loaded with gear, must weigh over 1200 lbs. Katie Scarlet, my Ninja 500, with just me and Asphalt Annie and no gear, we top just over 500. The wind bent me over sideways, which I learned to deal with quickly. But the oncoming traffic on the 2-lane road, especially the semis, really challenged me!
We arrived in Bakersfield and David and Olivia took us to The Firehouse. The atmosphere was great, the decor was very cool, but the food was nothing to get excited about. Highway enjoyed a Firestone Walker DBA, but had trouble keeping Asphalt Annie out of his beer. Each time we turned around, she was back in trouble again.
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| So excited! Is this beer? |
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| I wanna try beer! |
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| Beer feels good! |
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| I want more! |
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| I can't figure out how to get more! |
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| Look! I'm beerdiving!! |
We stayed for a couple of days and had a great visit, as long as Annie stayed locked in the hotel room. (I'm glad she's not smart enough to open the door!) Since David and Olivia are getting married, we went to see Heart Park, the setting for their late-April wedding. After that, we should be leaving the state, but until then, we will finish up business locally and still get some good riding in.
The ride home was far more pleasant, weather in the 70's, sunny and dry. Couldn't ask for better than that. On the return trip, a good meal at Roadhouse Restaurant in Kramer Junction, CA really hit the spot. It almost seems worth the ride to the middle of nowhere to eat one of their Bacon-Avocado Burgers!
Bacon. . . sounds good now.
"Highway? Can we go for a ride?"
LOL... Sash... This is awesome! And, you know what?? I totally agree that when you find an awesome eatery on a ride... it's worth going out of your way to enjoy it! I'm loving this trip blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberly! You're awfully sweet. :) That Annie is a handful. . .
DeleteKramer Junction is only 400 miles from here. I have a day off a week from Friday. I'm thinking a lunch run might just be the ticket. Then I can review your review.
ReplyDeleteAsphalt Annie sure seemed to be enjoying herself in Highway's beer. Nice of you to share.
What day are you heading out to Kramer Junction? Maybe we can meet there? Give me a date. :)
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