The best part about the ride is it's blissfully void of thought.

There's you, the open air and a mind free of stressful thoughts. Your past takes a backseat to the road that lies ahead. That was the perfect way for Zack Kassian to spend his summer.

Kassian ripped up the coast of California from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, a beautiful, peaceful hour-and-a-half-long adventure with the sun beating down and the cool Pacific Ocean breeze cutting gently through the summer heat.

For Kassian, it was those frequent jaunts up the coast that helped clear his mind of what was a truly tumultuous year. Not many thoughts managed to knife their way into Kassian's mind as he straddled his Harley Davidson Breakout CVO and took off up US 101 North.

"You don't think about much," said Kassian. "That's the great thing about riding a motorcycle, if you haven't done it. People will tell you it's very relaxing."

Kassian and his girlfriend, Cassandra, ride up and down the California coastline, enjoying the freedom and relaxation the journey provided.

"It's one of those things that when you get on the open road, water to your left, it's pretty relaxing, fun and enjoyable."

Kassian's rides up the coast were just a small part of his summer of personal growth. The Oilers winger decided to make a change in his life after a series of events forced a personal coup.

In order to ensure progress in his personal life, Kassian packed his bags upon the conclusion of the 2015-16 NHL season and moved to Santa Monica for the summer months. It was just Kassian, his girlfriend, their dog Jax and frequent visitors.

His decision to head to California was a significant one. It was the first time in his playing career Kassian did not return to Windsor, Ont., for an off-season.

"It was one of the things I needed. I needed a change in the summer," he said.

"Nothing against my hometown, but I thought it would be good to just get out of there and try something different.

And just like his joy rides up the coast, "I ended up loving it."