Sometimes, when you’re a rider, you get these moments. Boredom kicks in, and you just need a change of scenery – or, better yet, a nice, long stretch of road. So, that’s how I ended up on my Yamaha Tenere 700, heading down to Paso Robles. It was March 15, a Friday, and though there was nothing specific on the agenda, the open road felt like it was calling.
Taking Highway 25 both ways was a treat. That stretch of road is all about the views and less about the speed. The Tenere handles well – nice and smooth, eats up the miles without any fuss. It’s comfortable for these longer trips, though it’s no MT-09. I missed that sporty punch you get from a more aggressive bike. But that’s the trade-off with the Tenere: you get comfort and capability, just not the raw sportiness.
Once I reached Paso, I stopped at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. for a beer and a veggie burger. It was good, but the price was steep – $40 for a drink and a meal. Guess that’s just how things are these days.
Overall, the ride was solid, a good mix of solitude and scenery.
Sujit Kirpekar 
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