In our eternal quest for a particular place to go, most motorcyclists have sought mountain, beach, and desert destinations near and far. Any before unseen back road or boulevard, no matter how distant or bumpy, will get our throttle wrist twitching. Some brave the abominable wilds of the Yukon, the Amazon’s sweltering jungles, or the lonely, ceaseless Texas prairie in pursuit of fresh adventure. But as far as anyone here would admit, none of the staff has been to another planet. Until now.
If you like biking in a weird world of mean man-eating monsters, psycho scoundrels, and the super-duper daring do-gooders who so valiantly dispatch them to the horrible hell they came from, then San Diego during Comic Con is a putt to put on your bucket list. For four freakish days in July, the city is transformed into a celebration of all things out of this world, the diabolical best our nation’s finest nerd-minds can devise.
This film, TV, and print mega-convention featuring horror and sci-fi’s most celebrated creators, creatures, and their certifiably fanatic followers is an unearthly phenomenon. Teeming masses of wannabe heroes, vile villains, merciless monsters, and other dark denizens of graphic novel and twisted imagination are drawn to the historic Gaslamp Quarter like zombies to free government brains.
Wandering herds of costumed characters and caped crusaders spilled out of the San Diego Convention Center, parading, primping, pimping, growling, posing, and becoming the hero or mad monster they adore most. Film premiers are everywhere, the action blockbuster, Captain America: The First Avenger, made its U.S. debut just as Comic Con reached its peak, surely no coincidence.
Our all-American hero rides a circa 1942 olive drab Liberator. Clandestine sources tell us the film bike was based on a heavily modified Cross Bones, bringing modern performance cloaked in retro skins to a new level, even for the reigning king of nostalgia. The original was a 750cc V-twin made to military spec and used mostly for messenger duty. Not exactly the boulevard blaster a superhero might straddle to spread his secret powers in the name of mom and apple pie, but enough for a weird dude in tights to get the job done.
After several days of negotiation with Harley’s high command to secure a reborn Liberator, complete with gun scabbard (we supply the gun), none were street ready, but H-D loaned us a 2011 Road Glide Custom to complete our mission. Flying the color of Superman’s cape, we rumbled around downtown and coastal communities, up suspicious boulevards and down scary alleys, ready to rescue damsels in undress. We eyeballed many specimens in skintight latex, or wearing high heels, lipstick, and little else, but none, sadly, needed our capable assistance.
Reality kind of sucks these days, so an escape into an adrenalin-wired make-believe feels just like what the witch doctor ordered. Having a hero or two, or even an angry super villain with serious childhood issues, on our side doesn’t hurt. The Harley ran about town, its fairing puffed out like Superman’s chest, with menacing grace and storage space enough to carry all the garlic, wooden stakes, silver bullets, and anti-zombie juice we would need.
Modified motorcycles have become curious inventions of vivid imagination in recent years. Artful metal fabrication has reached unprecedented heights, drawing on surreal dreams, childhood toys, comic book heroes, and the depths of our own oddness. None of this was more evident, or appropriate, than at this out-of-this-world fantasy fest. Rolling amid the trikes built to look like starships, “flying” cars, and the walking comic book characters dressed to die for, the Harley took its rightful role as magic carpet, albeit bound to an earthly street, a minor inconvenience to a leathered crusader.
Hero machines past and present have headlined Comic Con, such at the Bat Bike from Batman: The Dark Knight, Ghost Rider’s smoking V-Max, as well as otherworldly two-wheeled contraptions from Men In Black III, Tron, some kind of sidecar rig for something called The Adventures of Tintin, a rocket ride for Priest, the Green Hornet V-Rod, and, of course, where would we be without the TV rebels from the Sons of Anarchy? It’s all enough to make a sci-fi geek’s rubber Klingon head explode.
Other bikes best not left to the hands of mere mortals could be seen stationed around town. These machines are suited for super villains, state troopers from outer space, super heroes, anti heroes, and the odd speeding werewolf or blood-drunk vampire. Aside from admiring the crime fighting and intergalactic extreme machines on display, motorcycling is a great way to get around a dense Earth city.
Riding around the Gaslamp, congested with thousands of event goers, was a breeze aboard the Road Glide. While civilians in overcompensating trucks, big-ass SUVs, and clumsy automobiles had to park as much as 20 or 30 blocks from the action and pay $25 and up for the privilege, sitting the Harley down on its kickstand was never inconvenient, and even better—free.
The city buzzed with adventure. Star-studded premiers, public parties, underground parties, a Super Hero Pub Crawl complete with secret locations, and a massive Zombie Walk where hundreds of weirdoes marched in full makeup and red corn syrup through the city, turned this mild metropolis into a dystopia of nerds gone wild and unreal, yet somehow still smelly, undead. Some women’s costumes were so “pre-decayed,” as one zombie put it, shredded to near nudity, that being a member of the walking, mumbling, flesh-eating dead didn’t seem so bad, once you get past devouring the same old thing day in and night out.
Comic Con, it seems, captures that certain sexy something, a heady mix of carnal posturing, sweaty sex pheromones, animal hides, bare skin, high heels, and a playful, irresistible call to adventure, be it on the naked road or a galaxy far, far away. Perhaps a common thread runs through bikers, princesses, vampires, the super good, the super bad, and the even the ravenous, rotting dead. We are all menacing creatures of peril, addicted to adrenalin and a weird, unspoken primal urge to break free of reality. Nothing wrong with wanting to fly half-naked into the wind, or occasionally munch a few measly brains, is there?
A Harley-Davdison touring bike is an empowering ride, the kind of bike that can turn the average, mild-mannered motorcyclist into a street hero. Returning it made the fantasy do a deflating poof, sort of what Superman must feel when he stuffs his cape back in his gray suit, throws on the goofy glasses, and anonymously goes back to the grind at the Daily Planet, waiting for next year’s Comic Con.
Comic Con reconvenes July 12-15 2012
comic-con.org
Biker Bites: Dining as a Destination
Bikers love to eat. Whether it’s a convenient excuse to pull over, take a break and eat a burger, or a matter of much needed fuel to keep our senses sharp, motorcyclists often find themselves bellying up to the dinner table. And for motorcycling’s hungriest segment, Baby Boomers, dining has become a destination.
It’s puzzling, considering a biker’s biggest road expense next to accommodations, why more editorial attention isn’t paid to where to eat. Not so here, where we know the importance of a tasty meal. San Diego offers excellent dining diversity, dishing up everything from sumptuous seafood and gourmet steaks to tasty turkey burgers and homemade fries. Go ahead and take a big bite:
The FleetWood
A rousing base camp for Comic Con or pre- and post-San Diego Padre tousles, the FleetWood is a quirky mix of sports bar and fine dining. From ping-pong to bottle service, this venue has something for almost anyone.
We experienced elegantly presented and tasty dishes and cocktails. The Chili Brown Sugar Ribeye with House-Made Tater Tots, Peppercorn Sauce, with Green Beans ($29) was a standout; Crème Brulee ($6), the perfect finish.
thefleetwood.com
639 J Street
San Diego, CA
(619) 702-7700
The Fish Market Restaurant
Whether you consider yourself a grazer or a three-square meals type, you’ll relish this seafood. The menu adjusts daily with seasonality and availability.
The Fish Market serves it up just-caught fresh, courtesy of their own fisheries. Everything from both kinds of chowders to bounties of shellfish and fish filets, sushi, and sashimi tempt. Salads, pastas, side dishes, burgers, and steaks round out the fare. Quality service, atmosphere, and cuisine are standard.
thefishmarket.com
(multiple locations throughout the San Diego area)
Burger Lounge
Burgers of all stripes, healthy grass fed beef, luscious turkey, quinoa, and salmon are masterfully prepared and accessorized with farm-fresh fixings, then nestled in fluffy buns.
Chicken tenders, glorious salads, fresh cut fries, and onion rings are all presented in a memorably tasty form. Forever etched on your brain, you’ll pine for these savory flavors like a rock star for a supermodel. The Coronado location is one of those fine Sunday putt spots, near the beach and away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Sit outside and watch the upper middle class walk by.
burgerlounge.com
(multiple locations throughout the San Diego area)
Café 1134
This charming Coronado mainstay will give you a sense of the local, relaxed vibe. Friendly faces greet you from behind the bar, serving up coffee, teas, espresso, wine and beer, pastries, and bistro fare. Dine in their interior main floor and loft areas, or al fresco. The café also offers a nice vantage point ideal for eyeing the meandering tourists, usually headed for the historic Hotel del Coronado nearby.
cafe1134.net
1134 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 437-1134
Sally’s Seafood on the Water
Chef de Cuisine, Sarah Linkenheil, and Sushi Master “Kaz” Kim have made this one of San Diego’s finest restaurants. The waterfront view is ideal for a menu boasting seafood, with steak, lamb and chicken hearty options.
Sally’s offers tantalizing lunch and dinner menus; breakfasts on the weekends. The outstanding cuisine brings in the locals and tourists alike. The resort is fortuitously placed between the San Diego Convention Center (Comic Con central) and the popular Seaport
Village. Sally’s offers three-hour validated parking, a nice little savings of about 25 bucks.
Every bite of sushi & sashimi was the height of freshness and beauty. We were equally pleased with the Half Maine Lobster Paella ($36) and the Chili Crusted Maine Diver Scallops ($31). For a special treat, try their incredible dessert menu.
sallyssandiego.com
One Market Pl.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-1234; (619) 358-6740
Bice Ristorante
It’s always a good sign when there’s a bunch of bikes parked out front, right? Motorcycle enthusiasts not only frequent Bice, but many of the staffers are bikers.
This joint lends itself to impressing a date, with its swanky décor, extensive wine library, and accolades that make the chef’s momma proud. A nod is given to the local and seasonal ingredients. Elegantly presented pastas and seafood dominate the menu. Scrumptious desserts make this eatery a special spot to pause after strolling the Gaslamp Quarter.
bicesandiego.com
425 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-2423
JSix Restaurant
This highly pervasive trend to serve “sustainable” and “sincere” food could make JSix its poster-child. Chef Christian Graves puts his own spin on what has also been called, “conscious, coastal cuisine.” The idea is to save the Earth by growing locally and dishing up organically.
Edible borage flowers dotted my salad of organics and cheese, a feast more for the eyes than the palate. Various meals are offered, but as the sun sets, this place and its floral relief ceilings glow in ethereal light, creating a romantic ambience well suited for the dating or wannabe-dating crowd.
The restaurant’s distinctive cocktails use basil and other herbs from JSix’s rooftop garden, and an assortment of palate awakening stimulants. If indulging or getting lucky, the plush Hotel Solamar’s check-in is just steps away, or you can catch the nearby trolley.
jsixrestaurant.com
616 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8744
House of Blues San Diego
Praise Jesus and pass the biscuits and gravy. If you want some of that good old-fashioned religion served up with your southern fried chicken and shoofly pie, the House of Blues’ popular Gospel Brunch will satisfy your appetite and feed your soul.
The hearty, southern fare gives you the energy for what’s next: a rousing, bible thumping, old-timey dose of singing, dancing and preaching. Even the hardcore biker pagans in the audience were moved to whooping and hollering and praising. The minister almost had even me converted until he told us how small his earthly problems appeared while looking out over the vast ocean from his multimillion-dollar beachfront home.
houseofblues.com
1055 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 299-2583
Biker Friendly Accommodations
Despite Hollywood stereotypes to the contrary, bikers enjoy their creature comforts; the cozier the better, especially for the bagger generation. Unless you actually like sleeping on the hard, wet ground or at questionable motels, there is a better way:
The 1906 Lodge
I have never before wanted to stay in a room more than to sober up and shower. That’s changed. Seventeen unique, gorgeously appointed rooms and suites make this a new, sparkling jewel in what is considered the “Crown City,” Coronado, CA.
Located within walking distance to famed beaches, seaside boutiques and contemporary cafes, the property is certainly befitting the biker who appreciates the pristine and shiny. The property is racking up high praise on travel review sites, and deservedly so. The staff, gourmet breakfasts, daily wine and cheese in the parlor, spa-ahhh tubs, and (motorcyclists will lick their chops over this) a state-of-the-art, secured, underground garage. Now that’s the lush life.
1906lodge.com
1060 Adella Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(866) 435-1906
El Cordova Hotel
Swashbuckling, anyone? It’s easy to imagine rollicking swordsmen being in their element here. Traditional Spanish stucco archways, awnings and shutters, red tile roof, and bougainvillea petals floating lazily onto the Spanish tiles. Guests are quickly transported into their own Roman Holiday as they present your keys, and I’m not talking about those tacky plastic key cards.
Are you the type who has some special ride tucked in your garage? You know, a little retro, sporting mileage and the patina of a lovingly maintained machine. These accommodations are like that, clean and classic.
This 40-room inn, built in 1902 as a private residence, features a courtyard-enclosed heated pool, whirlpool, and barbeque area. In-suite kitchenettes are provided in the charming accommodations. Modern amenities, such as the flat screen TVs bring the hacienda up to speed.
The friendly and efficient staff and excellent location make this boutique hotel a favorite. It’s in the heart of the village, just a short walk to one of the best beaches in America, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and main thoroughfare, Orange Avenue. On property, there are 12 shops and three restaurants.
elcordovahotel.com
1351Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-4131
The Italian B&B
San Diego’s Little Italy is a frenetic hub of transportation. By sky, land and sea the conveyances never cease coming and going. For an up-close eyeful of a Boeing 747, for example, just stand on the corner of Kettner Boulevard outside the Harley dealership. Every few minutes, jetliners fly in so low you can see the smile on the pilot’s face. Vespas zip by, trolleys clang and motorcycles rumble down Little Italy’s main drag, India Street.
We packed our earplugs and good humor, and nestled in at the Italian B&B. Restored and reopened in 2010, this four-room inn is located in the heart of Little Italy and just up the hill from the waterfront and near downtown San Diego.
Attracting an international clientele, a Danish couple, two Norwegian youths in for Comic Con, NoCal honeymooners, and our raggedy selves chatted over yet another incredible breakfast. The fun innkeeper, Mary Trimmins, has a custom chopper and a formal culinary background, which we tasted with every delicious breakfast bite.
theitalianbb.com
2054 Columbia St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-1755