Eats, Writes, and Leaves

A beautiful warmth begins to blanket the Bay Area this month. It might chill back out this weekend, but it’s March and spring is here. Which means–Squid Season!

“Squid” is a term that responsible motorcylists use for irresponsible motorcyclists, especially young male riders on very powerful Japanese race-style bikes wearing tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops. Bay Area Squids usually take to the asphalt beginning in March and April, and ride through October. Presuming they survive that long, of course.

So how do you like your fresh Squid–seared, blackened, charred, skinned?

The Bay Area offers some of the most beautiful and technically challenging motorcycle roads on the planet. Whether you pick Highway 9 in the South Bay, Highway 84 from the Peninsula to the sea, Skyline Boulevard on the Santa Cruz Mountain ridgeline, Highway 1 along the fabulous coastline, Niles Canyon Road in the East Bay, or Redwood Road in the Oakland Hills, you can get the ride of your life. Or your death. Use all your senses and skills, wear all of your safety gear, and always ride within your skill level. If you can’t resist sightseeing, pull off the road to enjoy the view rather than trying to divide your attention.

If you’ve never ridden the twisties before, consider joining a Doc Wong ride. A Bay Area biking institution, these ride clinics have helped countless riders improve their skills and safety in all riding conditions.

When it comes to wearing your full gear (helmet, leather or Cordura jacket, leather or Cordura pants, and boots that cover the ankles) in the warmth of spring and the heat of summer, I have one simple question for you. Would you rather sweat or bleed? If you need to upgrade your equipment, Road Rider Motorcycle Accessories takes great care of Bay Area riders.