While much of the rest of the country is suffering through some terrible winter weather, here in Southern California it’s almost like summertime. We are replacing the fence around our house and that project has been keeping me pretty busy (and sore) for the past week or more so a break was in order and, since the weather is so good – a motorcycle ride is just what the doctor ordered.
We had to make it quick though, because we have “workers” at the house. I have two or three guys that are helping me with the fence and while they are strong backed and diligent workers, they require a level of supervision if everything is going to be done correctly. So – we’re just on a breakfast run this morning. A friend of mine owns Westlake Auto Collision and painted the hood on my new truck. He and his wife were supposed to be going with us but there was an issue with his bike last minute so it was just Robin and me. By the way – if you ever need body work go to family owned and operated, Westlake Auto Collision. Don’t believe me? – check out their Yelp reviews.
We’ve been
on this ride several times before – the back road into Ojai, for breakfast at Don Lalo’s. You owe it to yourself to try Don Lalo’s if you like Mexican food at all. They do have non-Mexican items for those of you who would rather have something else. Just in case you who ain’t from ’round these parts, Ojai is pronounced O’High.
One of the things that makes for a warm day in the winter time here is wind out of the north that they call the Santa Ana winds. Now there’s a bit of controversy about whether it’s Santa Ana or Santana. I like Santana better but that’s likely just the rebel in me because most everyone says Santa Ana. If you’re interested in the Santana debate here is a link to check out; for any other Santa Ana wind questions you might have – try this link.
Another thing that the Santana winds give us is clear skies. Also, we’ve gotten a bit of rain this year and things are starting to green up a little. When it’s a good rain year, this place looks like Hawaii – green everywhere. Come on El Niño.
On Hwy 150, just past the town of Santa Paula is the Thomas Aquinas College (Catholic). I’ve never stopped there but would like to one of these days. The picture above was taken close to there. Kind-of a funny story – there is a sulfur spring very close to the college and you almost always “get a whiff” when you go by on a motorcycle. Back when I was dating, this would be the first motorcycle ride I would take prospects on and when we hit the sulfur smell, I would turn to my passenger/date and say, “Was that you??” If she didn’t think that was funny…. probably not the girl for me.
When you come into Ojai via the back roads you get this view of the Ojai valley just before you hit the switchbacks that take you down into town; if you were wondering why you came this way vs. the freeway — wonder no more.
Nothing really special for this blog post, just a beautiful day in California in the middle of February and a husband & wife bike ride to breakfast (a delicious bowl of menudo & about half of Robin’s breakfast burrito for me). Hope all y’all are doing well and maybe I’ll see you on my spring bike ride this year; sometime in April to sometime in June – I think….