I hate to be a downer, but man oh man, talk about depressing. Jamison Creek is unrecognizable. Empire Grade has always been one of my favorite roads, especially when leaving SC. But now? I don't think I can ride it anymore, at least not for a good long while. Certainly not Jamison Creek. Same with 236, I LOVED riding through the big trees and taking the back way to Hwy 9; all those switch backs and lush greenery? But now? I honestly don't want to go there because I don't think I could take it. The roads were only half the fun, it was the incredible surrounds that made them so special. I'm just grateful the lower portion of Empire is still in tact. How's Felton Road? I've never gone that route. I guess I'll have to check it out next time.
You know, I've just got to say, I'm so sick and tired of all these God damn fires! The lives that have been lost or ruined, the homes and belongings, the homelessness as a result. The timeless beauty that has been whipped away.
So many of may favorite riding spots are turning into hellscapes. Two days before I was up in Russian river and took Sweetwater Springs for the first timed. I had no idea the fires had made it over there too. About a month before that I was on Mt. Hamilton; and well, you know. A few months ago I was on Seaview Rd, coming from Skagg Springs down to Meyers Grade, just days before it went up. Jesus! Before that, Pope Valley. 128 from Calistoga up to Geyserville. Pleasents Valley to Lake Berryesa. Clear Lake... Two and a half years ago it got caught on 299 just as the Redding fire broke out. I had to double back and take 36 to Red Bluff. Two years before I that I was in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley less than 24 hours before those fires broke out. A year before that I was motorcycle camping up on Fremont Peak, outside of Holister. Everything was covered in ash and midday sun was so red you could stare right at it because Big Sir was going up. I mean, just... F**K! Enough already!
I am *SO* grateful I haven't had to experience the loss that others have, but man, it still sucks! Riding is my only source of peace and relaxation. It's my therapy. But now? ...I'm sorry, but I just had to get this off my chest, hopefully you guys can understand and maybe even appreciate what I'm referring to, even if just a little bit.
Stay safe out there.
You know, I've just got to say, I'm so sick and tired of all these God damn fires! The lives that have been lost or ruined, the homes and belongings, the homelessness as a result. The timeless beauty that has been whipped away.
So many of may favorite riding spots are turning into hellscapes. Two days before I was up in Russian river and took Sweetwater Springs for the first timed. I had no idea the fires had made it over there too. About a month before that I was on Mt. Hamilton; and well, you know. A few months ago I was on Seaview Rd, coming from Skagg Springs down to Meyers Grade, just days before it went up. Jesus! Before that, Pope Valley. 128 from Calistoga up to Geyserville. Pleasents Valley to Lake Berryesa. Clear Lake... Two and a half years ago it got caught on 299 just as the Redding fire broke out. I had to double back and take 36 to Red Bluff. Two years before I that I was in Santa Rosa and Napa Valley less than 24 hours before those fires broke out. A year before that I was motorcycle camping up on Fremont Peak, outside of Holister. Everything was covered in ash and midday sun was so red you could stare right at it because Big Sir was going up. I mean, just... F**K! Enough already!
I am *SO* grateful I haven't had to experience the loss that others have, but man, it still sucks! Riding is my only source of peace and relaxation. It's my therapy. But now? ...I'm sorry, but I just had to get this off my chest, hopefully you guys can understand and maybe even appreciate what I'm referring to, even if just a little bit.
Stay safe out there.
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