Bike Tour in the USA (2007), Part 19

Saturday, Sep. 15, 2007

With a little help from my friend Tom

Vandenberg AFB→Oceano Dunes

Distance: 150.6km, Total: 475.82 km

   Again my friend Tom lead the road back to the beach and I tried to keep up behind the rear wheel of his bike. In this way we arrived pretty fast at the main entrance at the Oceano Dunes.

   I thanked Tom very much for his help and effort to find a nice place of the night. He told me that he planed to invite me to stay at his home if I could not find an accommodation but his wife was not not at home for a consultation. I insured him that my problem was solved and thanked him again from the bottom of my heart. We had some small talk but finally we had to separate! See you, Tom!

   The young lady on the entrance of the Dunes was already waiting for me and extreme friendly after the radio call from the Ranger. This time she let me in without objection; for the most expensive camp night on the whole trip i paid $10.00 (!), the same price as a 4x4 as she insured me. But I had a save place for the night...

   From the main entrance there is a small concrete leading directly onto the sandy beach. The heaven was already dark but the lights of the 4x4s and the motorcycles lighted up my way. Because of their weight and their tires I had a firm surface to ride on.

I could find a suitable place very fast and finally built my small tent in a few seconds on the sand. My tent is conveniently free to carry so I can place it wherever the ground is flat enough for me. I put it a little further into the soft sand which gave me a natural cushion for my sleeping bag. In case that I would be overseen by drivers or riders I fixed a light on the entrance of my tent...The lights of the vehicles reflected sometimes on my tent wall but I had a very nice sleep.

Oceano Dunes

Sunday, Sep. 16, 2007

Beaches and Missions

Oceano Dunes → Morro Rock
Distance: 84.20 km, Time: 5:50:36 Std., Total: 710.62 km

   Today is the birthday of my wife! „Happy Birthday!“ were my first thoughts still in my sleeping bag. Later I called my wife and daughter in Taiwan; 1st to congratulate but 2nd to tell them that I am all right. My daughter Veronika told me that they will have a fancy birthday dinner in a restaurant; how much would I like join to them...
   In my sleeping bag I heard the sound of engines thundering up and down the beach on this very early Sunday morning. I personally think that opening a beach for cars and motorcycles has some serious environmental issues. But on the other hand for some people to pollute the air with diesel fumes on purpose is also seen as sports and as an action against environment protection. I see the earth is a gift and it's our responsibility to take care good care of this fragile planet we are living on. There are many things can be fun 'in the nature' and 'with the nature'; there is not need to burn precious imported fossil fuels not only 'for fun' but also do 'endanger' others.

   In my tent the sand was kept out well but after I left it I saw that on the outside of it was wet with drops from the ocean and 1/3rd of it buried in sand! With a cloth I tried to wipe the familiar morning moisture from my tent and 'dug' it out carefully. I shook it several time to get rid of the sand but could not get it properly dried. 

   I packed all my things in the waterproof saddlebags, some still alcohol influenced youngsters passed me on the way to the morning toilet. I abstained to go there on purpose, I would rather wait until I find a quieter and cleaner surrounding...

   I rode carefully on the beach back to entrance avoiding by avoiding quick turns or sharp brakes on the sand. It was a nice experience but I know that sand and bikes actually do not match; sand and its dust is not only sticky on the wet bike but also an enemy of bike chains and all bearings. I was very glad that I rode on firm ground again but could boast with this experience for the rest of my life...

A Building at Oceano, California

(to be continued)