Prelude to Opa’s Wild Ride

 

Translation: I am a motorcylist grandpa. Like a normal grandpa but a lot cooler.

On August 20, 2023, I posted a blog entry entitled, “Plan It or Fuhgeddaboudit!” and it worked for me. The results are twofold: a long-term plan is unfolding for a long and winding epic ride next season and a short-term plan for a cool ride starting in a couple of weeks. Well okay, it more likely will be sweltering. I’m calling it “Opa’s Wild Ride”.

My grandchildren call me Opa, a Dutch/German word for Grandfather. I am neither Dutch nor German. I simply picked the name when my oldest was expecting her first child who is now 16 and driving. The trip will get me to the three households of all my children and a quick visit with all seven grandkids over an eight-day span with one layover day. I will cover 1,993 miles in three states: California, Nevada, and Oregon. Oregon to visit one of my sisters.

When I said, ‘more likely will be sweltering’, that is because the first two legs are from home to Palm Desert and then on to Pahrump, Nevada - all desert and nothing but the desert. From Grants Pass to Lodi could be hot as well because it takes me through Redding where my bike’s thermometer hit 118 degrees several years ago, my hottest ride day ever.

I have an aggressive itinerary with only one day of slack time built in all the while I’ve wedged the ride into a tight calendar spot. Look at the screen shot below of my overall route. Such is the risk when planning late and not making the ride the priority for the season.

As with any ride, there are things to consider and things to do.

          Things to Consider:

·       Total miles may vary as road conditions might change such as wildfires, weather, and road closures.

·       Daily destinations may change due to family or friend issues at planned stops.

·       I must remain cognizant of my own physical, mental, and emotional health.

Things To Do:

·       Change the oil on the bike.

·       Check the tires to ensure they are good to go for the entire length of the planned trip.

·       Check all the gear, create a packing list, and follow it.

·       Pre-pack the gear on the bike to ensure I have everything I need to secure the gear.

·       Keep my ears and eyes open for suggestions. So, bring them on!

I have a few hopes for this ride: that I will rekindle my riding/writing for Iron Side Up, I will rekindle my drive to rewrite my novel based in Pahrump, I will hug all my grandchildren, I will have long overdue visit with my sister, and more hopes that will form throughout the preparation process.

Plan a ride, take a ride, and keep the iron side up.

Jerry ‘Shakespeare’ White

The Route