As some of you may remember, Animated Meat first came to life in 2008 as a way to document some sights that managed to slip through the cracks of most popular travel websites. You may also remember that the original website was built on Apple's now defunct iWeb. From there, it migrated over to WordPress where it met an untimely demise at the hands of Russian hackers. Many of those old, pre-2012 entries have found a new home here in the Before the Now section. I would consider these posts as my starting place as a writer, probably comparable to a musician's first demo tapes. They are very rough, but I took them all seriously and wrote each one with passion. While I would like to believe that I have matured in my abilities as a writer, it is my hope that I carry this same blind passion into all of my new efforts.

Back Bay Loop - Originally Published 2009

February 10, 2019

The Back Bay Loop is a great ride that starts in Irvine and cuts out to the coast. Even though is a beach ride, I recommend that you wear a helmet. As we found out, there were some really sketchy spots.

First, park your car in the University Center across from UCI where the In and Out is. Be careful though. I saw some horrendous drivers in the parking lot. I recommend that you work your way back towards the office buildings.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see Marco’s sweet ride.

After a few miles on city streets, the path starts to parallel the Back Bay.

After a quick cut on Pacific Coast Highway and an asskicker of a hill, you get an amazing payoff. Just look at this view.

Remember when I was telling you that is was important to always wear a helmet? Well, on this outing most of us weren’t and we ended up piling up at a busy intersection. The worst feeling I have ever had is the one when I thought I was witnessing the death of my wife and my sister-in-law.