The night before we expect a “Best Day,” isn’t sleep easy, deep and deliciously short? I woke up raring to go (what a phrase) to a beautiful summer morning. Almost summer anyway, and that’s sort of the point.

Today starts a trip I have dreamed of forever — a motorcycle tour with friends from the San Francisco Bay Area to Fairbanks, Alaska to see the Midnight Sun Game — a 10pm summer solstice tradition since 1906. Lots of other draws to that 3100 mile road, but Todd Dennis’ growing legacy and a ballpark less traveled started the fascination. The game is played without lights, because they can. More on that later.

Two great friends start the trip with me today — Doug Gould and Bob Berg. Hockey Research Scientist/PhD and the guy we all aspire to be. I mean whose first job out of college is, well, never mind…, another time.

For now, a Sonoma sunrise and a fully-packed motorcycle.