Fortuna to Citrus Heights
May 25, 2006

We can hardly believe that the time to begin "The Ride 3" is finally here. Preparation for the trip was easier this time -- experience is a great teacher. The horizon calls, adventure is in the air. Our daughter-in-law, Mandy, came over to see us off. Shirlene and Mandy struggled for possession of our new grandson, Kalvin, with Mandy winning. Shirlene just couldn't think of a safe way to strap the cute little guy on the back of her bike. We count on Mandy's folks to give Kalvin extra Grandparent love while we are away. It is a rough job, but we are sure they are up to it.

We made a quick stop in Scotia to say goodby to Dick's co-workers at Pacific Lumber Company. We knew it was a sacrifice for them to leave a noontime birthday celebration, but we promised them a spot on our website. With final goodbyes, we continued south on Highway 101.

It was a perfect riding day. It had rained the night before, so the roads were clean, but dry. The air was cool, the sky cloudy, but not threatening. We always love the ride through the redwoods -- lots of fun curves through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

We had been concerned about the condition of the slide area near Confusion Hill on Highway 101, which, when active, makes travel south impossible. We found the ground stable, the road clear.

Just when we thought the ride south held no surprises for us, we found our way through Willits without hitting any red lights, traffic through town light, and the air chilly. It was a first on several levels.

We turned east on Highway 20, which hugs the north shore of Clear Lake. It is always one of our favorite rides.

After a traditional quick stop at Granzella's in Williams, we joined I-5 for a rollicking ride to Sacramento, picking up the commute traffic about Arco Arena. It was slow going for awhile, tempting us to lane share (ride between the cars, making our own small lane) but we resisted.

As always, the best part of this leg of the trip is seeing our family in Citrus Heights. Abby and Joey seem to come by their love of things on two wheels naturally. We were treated with the sound of the ice cream truck, which the kids heard long before we did. It was great seeing how such a simple thing as frozen, flavored ice becomes an adventure in the eyes of the very young.

We look forward to starting our Pony Express run tomorrow. We will rise early and head to Old Town Sacramento, the starting point of the original Pony Express Route.