Submitted story: California ridin'

Here in sunny Temecula, in Southern California, Quaid Harley-Davidson is the hub of hog activity. On a typical Saturday, a group of us will gather there or perhaps down the street a bit at the Swing Inn and eat breakfast before we hit the road (Highway 79 South) and wind our way up through the hills on our way to Palm Springs. The scenery is a bit sparse, brown and dry most of the year. But further up the highway, pine trees sprout from the rocky soil and there are a few organic farms and even a winery!

When you reach the summit and start your descent toward Palm Springs, the terrain becomes harsh and dray again. There are huge boulders and few plants other than cactus and sagebrush. But the stark, moonlike landscape is hauntingly beautiful particularly at night on a Harley. Definitely keep your eyes and your wheels on the road as it twists and turns on a fast descent. This stretch of road is a great one to let loose and lean into the curves on. Be sure you and your Hog are ready for it if you try racing down the mountain.

This is great ride, even for a beginner, but you do need to exercise caution on some of the sharper turns. The views are spectacular and if you go in the winter, sometimes there's even snow. In the summer, this ride is a great way to ride up and out of the heat of the valley and experience the real joy of riding. There's nothing better than feeling the vibration of a twin vee motor beneath you and all around you as you make another journey with your friends.

-- Diann