Page 164 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

Twisties and Naked Ladies

RIDING TWO-UP IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

By Margie Goldsmith
y friend Jamie is an “Iron Butt,” one who can
ride a motorcycle for hours and hours with-
Mout getting off the bike. When he asked me
if I wanted to go for a motorcycle ride, not only did I
not want to go, but I had visions of black leather
Harley Davidson jackets, heavy chains, and blazingly
loud noise.
He assured me that his motorcycle was a BMW, a
culture completely different than that of Harley
Davidson. I finally agreed on a short ride to Bear
Mountain, just an hour from New York City, even
though I was terrified. He outfitted me with a hel-
met, protective mesh jacket and leather gloves. All I
had to supply were my own jeans and boots.
Timidly, I hoped on the back of his bike and we
headed out of Manhattan towards the state park.
The ride was much smoother than I thought, com-
pletely quiet, and not at all scary – that is, until we
got to a two-mile stretch of hairpin turns. I clung to
his back for dear life – but after the first few twisties,
it was suddenly fun. I could see to either side as well
as above me, much better than a car with a sun roof.

164 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2021