Helen the saint

It was 432 miles of riding today on what have been called some of the best roads in Washington. Including SR7, which was ever so optimistically described to me as: "The road is exceptional...with turns ranging anywhere from 35 to 10 MPH...", And FS25, which was also proclaimed ".. One of the best roads in Washington."

Given that there are now about 3 people left that still actually read this blog, I'm going to indulge myself in a little rant.. but before I go any further, allow me to expound on the subject of roads for a moment.. I certainly don't proclaim to have ridden every road in America, much less the world, but in the tens-of-thousands of miles I have ridden, I certainly do have my favorites. There have been all varieties, and too many features to even begin to list; but what is it that makes a road exciting, or thrilling, or dreadful, or memorable? There have been many many times in my experiences during which I've come barreling over a rise in the road to be presented with a sweeping vista of some grand natural beauty that instantly covers my skin with goosebumps and leaves me in a complete state of awe. That feeling is incredible, but perhaps the most important aspect of the occurrence is that the features of the road itself are inconsequential; it doesn't matter if you're leaned over in a sweeping corner when it happens.. it doesn't matter if you're doing 10 or 70mph.. it just happens, and the feeling leaves me with a loss for words.
With that being said, the roads in Washington state (all over the west coast for that matter) are certainly some of the most beautiful places I've ever been, on or off a motorcycle, and the aforementioned feeling happens pretty regularly. But the conclusion that I've come to in recent weeks is one with which I am not completely happy: the roads (themselves) in Washington state are not exciting, thrilling, or even particularly memorable other than their beauty. They are curvy at times, but far from what I know as twisty. There are obviously plenty of elevation changes, but there are no small, quick elevation changes.. you know, the ones that make you feel like you're on a roller coaster... the ones that give you that funny feeling in your stomach but before you can even think about it, you're already cresting the hill and throwing the bike the other direction. There were a few times in California, but besides those times, my riding skills have not been challenged (by a paved road) since turning off of GA60 in late April.
I've never ridden in Vermont, or New Hampshire, or Connecticut, and I've never even been to Idaho or Montana, but what I can tell you from the experience I do have is that our old favorites from MO's neck of the woods are TRULY some of the best in the country. Hands down and without a doubt.
For the record, the sections of road that hold a candle are:
1. Hwy 1 from Leggett, CA to the coast.
2. A little stretch of Hwy 1 just south of Rockport, CA
3. Hwy 1 between Gorda and San Simeon

Alright, alright,, so what about SR7 and FS25, you ask? Well, SR7 is about 50 miles long, with about 5 miles of remotely entertaining curves just north of La Grande. 5 out of 50 and you call that exceptional? Gimme a break. As far as I'm concerned it's a good A-to-B alternative to the slab, but that's where I draw a line in the sand.
As for FS25, I could give it a little more merit as it is at least curvy throughout the entire length, but the road surface has literally crumbled into oblivion, the speed limit has been drastically lowered due to the hoards of knee-draggers racing through it, and well, notice I haven't used the word 'twisty'??....

All in all, don't get me wrong, it's a simply gorgeous place to tour, but if this is what Washington has to offer for twisties, I'll need to take at least an annual adrenaline-dosing ride down to Hwy 1.


So now that I've successfully trashed talked my ride from today, how 'bout some photos?

..a pretty lake..


..this is what I do when it's flat and boring..


..ever wonder why I never actually have pictures of the sections that actually ARE curvy?



.. Alas, Mt. St. Helens..


..You can't really tell in this photo but I always have the most awful grimace on my face when I do self portraits..



..no, no, St. Helens is no where near the ocean, but just in case you forgot,, I may not have insane twisties, but I do have beaches ;)





So there you go.. all 3 of you continuing loyal psychotics.