Riding the Pacific Surfliner down to San Diego, I had time to reflect on the past week. An old manager of mine gave me valuable advice as we were both long-term employees of our company. He mentioned that it takes time to develop a craft and to do that craft well. Time also provides perspective in your craft and those of others. In my industry and my part of the world, sometimes tenure is an overlooked value because tech often favors newcomers.
However, that tenure has given me broad access across our entire ecosystem. Conferences feel like reunions, where I see people I’ve met over the years from across continents, cultures, and industries. Colleagues, customers, and our consultants have become friends and family along the way. Saying I leave our company’s conference feeling full is a massive understatement.
Pulling into San Diego was a bit of an about-face. As I stepped off the train, it struck me how little time I had really spent in Southern California. In contrast, my travels have taken me all over – and I mean all over – Northern California. On my personal map, the route really ends around San Luis Obispo. In 25 years, I think I’ve ridden my bike south of San Luis Obispo fewer than five times – excluding Death Valley. Overall, I’ve probably been to Southern California less than ten times. To say I felt a bit bewildered would be spot on.
R and I have known each other for at least 15 years. In recent years, we’ve become good friends – sharing many interests, perspectives, and values about the world. When he mentioned moving to San Diego for a job transfer, it brought mixed emotions. I was excited for this new chapter for him, but I can’t deny that part of me felt bummed knowing a good friend was leaving the local area. R honestly is one of those salt-of-the-earth people who are just good humans all around. When work called me to Southern California for a conference, I knew I wanted to spend the weekend in San Diego with R to see his next steps in life.
It’s hard for me not to see the world through a set of handlebars. Even when I’m far from my motorcycle, I still think about places where bikes go and what the road looks and feels like to get there. In San Diego, Julian, Mount Laguna, and Mount Palomar instantly came to mind. R seemed excited to go to Julian. So, we hopped in his truck and started to wander east.
Driving out of San Diego, I’m reminded of how big and diverse California truly is. Southern California is densely populated. The impact of the size of Los Angeles and San Diego can’t be overstated. About two-thirds of Canada’s population lives in Southern California. The density here is unlike what you see in Northern California. The roads were good, and traffic was swift (thank you, traffic gods) – but you can’t ignore the people. As we moved from urban to rural, the foliage also changed. Everything here is set in the context of the desert. Foliage was sparser but resilient. Rocky surfaces stood out prominently. Water felt scarce.
Rolling into Julian, the motorcycle scene was alive and thriving. I’ve ridden with many people heading to places to enjoy pie. Gizditch Ranch is a local favorite back home. Julian felt like the pie capital of the world if I had ever seen one. Several restaurants were advertising a variety of pies. Boston cream? Yes. Apple? Yes. Rhubarb? Yes. Your Aunt Judy’s pickled blackberry special? Probably not, but you’d find something similar. It was a diabetic’s nightmare, set amidst the gentle Southern California foothills. Spring was vibrant here with people, flowers, and yes—pies.
As we strolled along, I spotted a Speed Triple—not just any Speed Triple, but one with those beautiful round headlights I love. However, this Speed Triple was a newer model with vintage-style headlights swapped in. I had seen that conversion online but never in person. When I was researching buying my own Speed Triple, I considered getting a newer model with the conversion for the latest technology, but ultimately decided against it because I didn’t want the hassle of incompatible parts. As I explained all of this to R, the owner approached, noticing us deep in conversation.
When I described my Speed Triple journey and mentioned his, he instantly lit up. He talked about buying his bike. He mentioned finding the conversion kit. He shared how he looked for the perfect round LED lights, since getting the stock lights is more challenging than either of us wanted to admit. We probably looked like schoolgirls giggling over vintage British motorcycle design. But that’s what makes motorcycle enthusiasts fun—sharing the joy of two wheels and loving it together. I talked so much I forgot to take a picture of his beautiful Speed Triple. Just go with me here. It was a 2013 Speedie, skillfully outfitted with 2007 lights, and yes—I swiped right on his bike.
R and I ventured out toward Mount Laguna to get into the high country of Southern California. Both of us have an affinity for the alpine, so it didn’t take much arm-twisting to head that way. What surprised me about climbing and elevation is that, while looking similar to the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, the gentle influence of the desert was still apparent. Tree cover was thinner. Areas in Northern California that would be forested on similar topography had wider grass fields. Views looking east had clear desert plotting its path west as the climate warms. We gave it our best try, but we never actually found a way to reach the top of Mount Laguna. To be honest, we weren’t looking very hard, as the company and conversation filled the space.
As we came out of the mountains, we found our way to Historic US Highway 80. R was patient through my random tidbits and trivia of federal highway design – but this one was significant. My cross-country motorcycle trip ended at Tybee Island – the eastern end of US Highway 80. Back when the federal highways were built, US 80 ran from Tybee Island to San Diego, ending at US Highway 101. As the interstate system was built out, some portions of the US highways were phased out in favor of larger, faster interstates. US 101 no longer extends south of Los Angeles in favor of Interstate 5. US 80 was cut short in Dallas.
The next day, we headed west toward the ocean. I mean, can you visit Southern California without seeing all of the surfers heading off to school? I sometimes laugh at the things we were told growing up back east about California. Yes, Dorothy, apparently people in California really do go to school. In every rumor, there’s always a little bit of truth. The beach was full of surfers. Southern California certainly showed up in ways that Northern California doesn’t (Santa Cruz getting a slight pass). San Diego felt like a beach town in all the right ways. You could see the sand. People recreating in the water. It was still cold but tolerable.
R clearly had a penchant for barbecue. I didn’t feel strongly about the cuisine in this area, so I was happy to follow R’s suggestion. He recommended BBQ House Bar & Grill at Ocean Beach, and I agreed. What surprised us both was that the food here was really good. Usually, in tourist spots, food quality and service aren’t always top-notch. This place, however, clearly bucked that trend. The food was good, and the staff was fantastic. Definitely an easy place to go back to.
It wouldn’t be San Diego without a few nights in Hillcrest. For those who don’t know, Hillcrest is the gay neighborhood in San Diego. R’s place was an easy walk from Hillcrest, so it was a natural spot to stroll over for dinner. Each time I visit a city’s gay neighborhood, I think about how I’ve never lived in one. We surprisingly (maybe not surprisingly, since we’re in the gay neighborhood) ran into an old friend of mine from the rodeo. It was good to see him happy in life and moving in the direction he wants. I appreciate the serendipity of the gay neighborhood — something that doesn’t always happen out in the suburbs.
To say the weekend flew by would be an understatement. I take a lot back home, but most importantly, I know my friend R has found a good place here, and that makes me happy. What I didn’t realize is that he’s got deep connections here. Good places with good people are ingredients for a good life. Thanks for the time and the memories, R. Now I know San Diego is an amazing place to visit, and it’s just a simple flight from Northern California. Let’s do it again!
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