Day 3: Route 16 at the redline

The morning was wonderful … wonder full … full of wonder. It had rained during the night and our bikes were wet … the good news is that the air was clean, crisp, and fresh … the kind of weather that makes you feel alive!

16 over the mountain was our chosen route for the day. It’s one of our favorites with good memories associated with previous rides. The cloud cover this morning was particularly amazing … mostly overcast but with small windows of intense blue creating a glimpse of the universe beyond.

16 is a special one … the switchbacks and esses are the best, challenging the limits of the motorcycle and your skill. First gear corners …  leaning in and powering out through the gears. The song of the motor is ecstacy as it approaches the redline. Doesn’t get any better than that! Most of the morning is spent chasing Joe up the mountain, around the curves, and into the clouds. Of course Joe runs off and leaves us … but eventually he waits and we catch up.

The scenery is like a picture book of Europe. Cows dot the rocky landscape amid beautiful green rolling hills with red barns and the mountains in the background.

Cincinnati is our final destination for the day. Paul’s friend John was our gracious host in a most extraordinary and beautiful home. A day full of wonder … indeed!