CB1100 Monthly Photo Challenge

[Gone in 60]

Despite being a relatively small mountain, Mount Diablo in Castro Valley has a viewshed upwards of 200 miles on a clear, crisp morning. The road to the summit is challenging and wonderful but requires complete attention and focus, just like this view. It was a moment where I was truly happy.

Very nice!

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Because I don't ride my CB1100 to work, basically anywhere I ride it is a happy place. 

But, I do ride it to my weekend job, and if anyone has read more than a few of my posts, you know where that is. And now, I'm finally able to take a good photo of it.

The Petersen Museum sits on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax in the "Miracle Mile" district of L.A. The original subway system completed sometime in the early 90s running East/West stopped way back at Western Avenue, a few miles East of Fairfax. However, the construction has continued in recent years, with the goal of extending the line further West down Wilshire. One of the main stations will be on the same corner as the museum, so a good view of the museum from any distance has been obscured by construction fencing and equipment. The road at the intersection has been sort of like Legos, with sections of street that could be removed for underground work.

However, with the underground work in the area complete, the roads have just been repaved and striped, creating a clear view despite a few remaining construction fences. On Saturday, I had an early morning tour. And, with everyone sleeping off their hangovers from 4th of July partying, the streets were fairly empty. The early morning overcast hadn't completely burned off yet, creating a partially grey background for the silver building. I was parked on the opposite side of the intersection from the museum for the photo, in front of Johnnie's, a former Googie-Style cafe that's been closed for years, and is now used as a filming location. Its exterior might be incorporated into the new train station, but I'm not sure. 

My other happy place is The Bike Shed in the Arts District of L.A. I like to stop and chat with other motorcycle riders, grab a coffee and had stopped on my way home Saturday. An iced coffee cooled me off and woke me up for the rest of my ride home through the downtown bustle, as I typically lane-split my way out of the city until traffic opens up further South on the way home. On Saturday, however the main parking area reserved for motorcycles was closed for an Anime festival that was taking place that evening. Looked like it was going to be a fun gig!