Be sure to read Part 1 for a trip overview.

Travel Dates: 4/21/11 – 4/22/11

We left San Francisco the night of the 20th and headed up to Rohnert Park to meet Dustin, a NICOClub member with a Subaru STi. He’s a skilled chef who has served Christina Aguilera and Governor Schwarzenegger. I talked to him online for years and looked forward to putting a face to the screen name.

Another taco truck

Ian HAD to get cookies, so we stopped at a CVS near Petaluma.

After meeting up with Dustin in Rohnert Park, Newton got nervous of the other dogs in the house and took a shit on the carpet. I decided it would be best to check into Motel 6.

The Napa Valley region is stunning in the daylight, like a scene from The Sound of Music.

The next day we met up with Dustin for lunch at Mi Pueblo in Petaluma CA. Portions were huge, prices were low, and service was fantastic.

I scarfed down a delicious seafood burrito.

Ian got something with mole´, I think.

Dustin offered to lead the way to Highway 1.

27 miles

Fast Tube by Casper

Fast Tube by Casper

I wanted to believe that the Seville was able to keep up with the STi, but the truth is that Dustin was gracious enough to slow down for me. I have to say, though, that despite weighing over 4000lbs, being nose-heavy, front-wheel drive, and a bit soft, the Seville did a shockingly good job. Steering tightened up predictably, PAS software and sensors held the gear through corners, and there was enough power to somewhat keep up with Dustin on the few straightaways.

This is more or less what a sport sedan is intended to do. You might not be as quick through the curves, but you’re able to at least get the job done. And when the road settles down and things get back to normal cruising, you can relax and enjoy yourself without any exhaust drone or harshness.

I’m pretty sure I ate up my Pirellis though.

I lost him for a while and found him around a curve, waiting for me patiently.

Stopped to take a close look at his Subaru and check my oil level.

This color and these BBS wheels are perfect.

Valentine One

We parted ways at Bodega Bay.

The graphics on the gas pump show a Porsche.

Except for a bit of construction, traffic moved at a surprisingly reasonable pace.

Someone’s red Cadillac DTS parked nearby.

PART 7.1: Bodega Bay, Highway 1, Highway 101