Bay Area: Downtown San Jose

[rdprdp01]

Last weekend, I rode from my office in Pleasanton to San Jose. I-680 connects two very different cities. Pleasanton is a somewhat affluent town deeply committed to preserving its heritage while balancing the expectations of new arrivals. It tolerates growth but would very much prefer to keep things as they are. San Jose is a center for venture capital funding for tech startups and the supporting businesses that help entrepreneurs. It constantly changes with the boom-and-bust cycles. Despite the pressure and risk, it has retained its laid-back vibe. The ride itself is gentle: six lanes of a federally maintained highway with gentle hills and turns. But it is not boring, thanks to the amazing diversity of landscapes in a relatively short stretch of road on this 30-mile ride. I crossed through the Livermore Basin, Niles Canyon Ridge, Mission Peak Block, and the Santa Clara Valley. All have vibrant histories dating back thousands of years. The San Pedro Square Market is a great destination. From there, you can go exploring in all directions. Early Sunday morning has a nostalgic feel, and if you are so inclined, the Old Spaghetti Factory, which began operations in 1969 in an abandoned factory, is one of the earliest in the chain's history. The Dussin family carries forward the legacy of Guss and Sally with each plate served.

This may be my last ride in California, but not my last. I shipped my CB1100EX today to my small farm in the Texas Hill Country. I have had a good run in the East Bay, and after 35 years of traveling the world, I am finally putting down roots on ground my family truly loves. I am going to work from the Hill Country and travel when I need to show proper respect to a new customer or a project team. That farm is a homestead. I plan to put the CB1100 to work exploring the Texas Hill Country, which has far more to offer than most people think. I hope you will join me for the ride.

I am also taking next week off to watch my granddaughter marry her high school sweetheart. They recently graduated from college and are starting a brand new life, just like me.

Pictures follow. Note that San Jose and Pleasanton both embrace building murals and street art. There is a nice tie-in for our picture-of-the-month theme. I will keep filing ride reports, just from a new zip code. On Thursday, I begin the drive. Enjoy your weekend.

[pdedse]

Very nice set of varying photos! The one with cow "sniffing" your CB1100 is a great shot. So...Texas bound!! I hope your bike gets there safe 'n sound and will now look forward to seeing your beauty in other environs.