Sequoias Overnighter

The count was 11 bikes, 15 riders all headed out to the Sequoias.  We started out Friday morning up the 57 to the 210, to the 14, to the 58 and out to Tehachapi.  The weather could not have been better – clear as a bell and about 60 degrees.  I asked Scott Hamilton (with Marie as passenger) to lead the group since the ride was his suggestion at the ride planning meeting. Our first stop would be the Tehachapi Loop.  We have probably ridden past this many times and not ever taken the time to turn off and take the great twisty little ride up to the ridge to see the actual loop.  The Tehachapi Loop takes its 'loop' name from the route it takes, in which the track passes over itself.  It was built in the 1870’s.  Of course there wasn’t a train in sight while we were there – but the ride up to the viewpoint was great.  We will have to incorporate this into a chapter ride someday.

After getting gas in Tehachapi we continued up the 58 to Caliente Bodfish road – weird name, great road.  And so starts the twisties that would not end until we got onto the 395 on our way home. Between the road and the scenery we could not have asked for a better day.  I said that before I was attacked by three wayward bees that flew up my wheel forks and into my shirt.  Quickly an abrupt stop was made on a country road so I could shake them out.  Lucky no stings.  We stopped for lunch (Subway, yum!) in Lake Isabella and then back on the twisties!  I don’t know how Scott knows these roads but it was incredible.  We arrived at our hotel at about 3:30 pm.

After checking in and freshening up, the group was off to locate dinner.  Our first selection (based on the hotel reception recommendation) was closed – so we doubled back to a place we saw on our way and had a great dinner at Don Vinos.  The service was great and they had a guy playing the piano in the corner – he wasn’t bad… Unfortunately Carolyn lost an earring; we looked everywhere but no sign of it. After dinner we were all full and very tired.  A few sat out by the pool for a bit, but not long. 

After breakfast at the free buffet (not too bad for a hotel and of course it was free!!) we all gathered up and got ready for another day of twisties (not exaggerating – twisties 90% of the ride).  We started up through Woodlake, then up into Kings Canyon.  Like I had planned it, it was a free day in the park, so we all saved $20 admission.  In Kings Canyon we stopped to take the short hike to see the General Grant tree.  These trees are incredible.  The bases are the size of our house!  If you have not seen them you need to go some time.  It is hard to describe just how cool this is.  There is a fallen tree there that served as a field office for President Truman at one time, and a livery – you can walk right through it.  After a group shot, taken by a man who did not speak English, recruited from a tour bus, we continued through the park.  There was an attempt to stop and view the General Sherman tree (which is the largest tree in the world) but since the park was free that day everyone seemed to be in the parking lot to see it as well.  Even after a check of the auxiliary parking lot we decided we didn’t need to see it after all.  So we continued through the park.  We drove a short distance through a prescribed burn – lots of smoke and ash. 
The most difficult part of Saturdays ride was through the construction area that they have setup.  Groups are stopped at a light and each direction takes turns making it through the construction.  The road was broken and full of gravel and loose sand.  Mind you we were still going through twisties, but now we were following several cars that I am certain no longer have any brakes. Everyone made it through without any issues. 

Now everyone was getting hungry and we were sort of in the middle of nowhere, but Scott spotted a sign for the Montecito Sequoia Lodge that offered a lunch.  A quick left turn and up a narrow road, past a great small lake to a lodge with cabins.  We learned that they serve lunch from 12:30 to 1:30.  Lunch was a buffet of Salisbury steak, au gratin potatoes, mac and cheese, salad and other stuff I don’t remember – oh and cookies – all for $9.95!  We jumped at the offer.  We also talked to the manager about possibly planning an overnighter there.  Patty Giambitti and I toured one of the cabins and some of the others checked out the lake (skiing and wakeboarding).  Once we had toured the grounds and rested up, we were off for more twisties. 

We stopped for gas in Three Rivers and after a check of my rear tire determined that something was just not right.  We decided to stop at D&E Yamaha in Visalia to see if they could get a new tire for me and coincidently Visalia Star Chapter was having an event there.  On the way we passed the Honda dealer and decided they would be a better bet to get a new tire.  After some “discussion” on whether they could help me (it was late in the day), they agreed to change my tire (oh, and I got new brakes too).  While waiting for my tire the remaining group went on to Yamaha.  They all came back to check on me, but it was going to be a little while longer so they all went on to the hotel with a stop at a fruit stand on the way.  After my tire was fixed I went over to Yamaha to say howdy – Planet Visalia is a great group of really nice people!

Originally we were planning on going out to dinner, but the day had been intense and everyone decided pizza delivery was in order.  The pizza arrived and lasted maybe 10 minutes – I think we were hungry.  We moved our party to the pool area and the more comfortable chairs.  A few drinks later we all turned in to rest for the ride home.

Current score – 2 dead rattlesnakes, 1 moving rattlesnake (in the center of the road), 1 really quick rabbit (right between Scott’s wheels), 1 full grown doe and 5 squirrels.

Breakfast was courtesy of the free hotel breakfast again.  Everyone gathered up and off we went.  Our drive home took us up the 190 and past Camp Nelson (our original destination).  Lots of twisties again and great views. 
As we were riding we see a sign that says “Caution, Active cattle drive in progress.”  We all think cool – we will see cows crossing the road and cowboys.  Eventually we slow down to see two horses and a truck who have just guided the cattle down to our left into a valley.  Again we think cool.  We all wave and start to speed back up – then we see it.  About 5 miles of cow manure.  All fresh and still steaming.  Everyone swerves right and left to avoid the stuff, kicking it up for the guy behind them (oh and trailers have extra wheels to kick up crap).  Once we got passed it all we learned someone needed to use the restroom, so we stopped at a little parking lot with a small two room bathroom and a spigot.  Once we jump off we realize that all of our bikes and trailers are coated with manure – gross.  A feeble attempt was made to rinse it off – no such luck.  It would have to wait until we all got home and used a hose with good pressure – and even then…  After a few snacks and a lot of jokes about how crappy that part was lol we continued.

The route we took was beyond scenic.  We finally reached the part where we met the river and began following it down to Kernville.  We stopped for gas in Kernville and then scouted out a place for lunch.  We decided on the That’s Italian restaurant.  Parking was a little tight but we managed to all find a spot eventually. 

After lunch we continued on down past Lake Isabella and then back through Bodfish and down through Tehachapi.  We stopped for gas and put the twisties behind us (good guess would be that 85-90% of the entire weekend was twisties).  We left there and made out way to the 395 south.  We made one more gas stop in Adelanto to get the smaller bikes all the way home.  I called the ride there, although everyone would continue a good long way still together, it was the last time we would stop.  At this gas stop we got to witness the local sheriff administer a Field Sobriety Test – not sure if she passed or not as we left before he was finished; it didn’t look good.  Lots of hugs and we were off down the 395 to the 15 to the 91 and then off to home.

I would like to thank Scott Hamilton and Gary Felkel with their help in planning the ride, although Gary was unable to join us (he was missed).  Thanks also to Susan Palaoro for creating Saturday’s route through the park.  And thanks to Chuck and Patty Giambitti for their help securing the hotel and with all the emails.

Final score – 3 dead rattlesnakes, 2 moving rattlesnakes (in the center of the road), 1 really quick rabbit (right between Scott’s wheels), 2 full grown does, a lot of cows, and a lot of squirrels.

887 miles / 85% twisties = 754 miles of twisties

June Chapter Ride - Route 66

I wasn’t sure what kind of turn out we were going to have for the June ride, seeing as a few of our more active members had chosen rides to Colorado this weekend.  In the end we had 34 members attending the meeting with 25 making the ride.  Weren’t we surprised when Leroy Herron rode up (with Marie on the back of course).  We haven’t seen them in over a year so it was good to have him back to ride with us!

It was great to see that Barb and Rick Saneki had returned for their second chapter ride and we had four new riders too.  Welcome to Jose and Karen Torres, and Cindy and Doug Reeves.

A lot of socializing and a quick meeting – raffle prizes with winners Greg Tomchick, Tom Schamber, Brian Hefter, William Fields and Bill Gilmore (he won the leather jacket!).  And can you believe that Taz won the 50/50 again – neither can I.  If it weren’t for the fact that different people have pulled the tickets I would swear it was rigged somehow lol.  Looks like our birthday boys had a good day (it was Greg, Taz and Tom’s birthdays this month).

Morning was starting off great and we were ready to ride.  In the end we had two healthy groups. Up the 57 to the 210 and out to the 15. 

Our first gas stop was in Phelan – the Chevron at the 138.  For once it was empty when we got there so there were no lines.  Although it was around 65 degrees when we left Orange, it was warming up nicely and at least one layer was removed for most. The clouds had cleared and it was nice to soak in some sun.  Once we all gassed up we were off down the 15 again. 

Now I must note that as we drove through Victorville I did wave to Barry Cleveland and the members of 434.  They were nice enough to join us for dinner on our overnighter to Santa Barbara. Hey Barry!

We made our turn onto National Tail Highway (which is part of Route 66).  A really nice ride and its interesting how even the most desolate of areas still have some really interesting things to see.  We passed a house known as the Bottle Tree Ranch.  There is a guy that lives there that has created all these metal trees with bottles on all of the branches in his front yard.  See picture…

We made our way up to Barstow and I was surprise what a quaint little city it is.  For years I have only known the Barstow you see from the 15 on your way to Vegas.  The gas stations and fast food – had no idea there was this whole town behind it.

We made our left onto the 247 and down to Lucerne Valley.  I think it reached about 97 degrees on this leg.  Lucky for us there was some wind to keep us a little cool.  We were happy to reach Adelita’s for lunch and some large glasses of water and iced tea!

Lunch was great.  They went out of their way to make sure we were all served.  They also helped us celebrate the three birthdays we had in the group with some flan for the birthday boys (Taz Green, Tom Schamber, and Greg Tomchick). Great fun!

After lunch we made our loop through Big Bear.  A couple of good loop-backs and some nice easy twisties made the ride awesome.  There was really no traffic on the road so we were able to keep a pretty constant pace and that was nice.  We landed in Yucaipa for our last gas stop.  Lots more water for all.  Was glad to hear everyone was having fun and that they thought the pace was good.  Back on the road down the 10 to the 57 and back to El Torito.

A brief meeting with a query of the new riders if they had a good time – all were in agreement yes and they all promised to return.  The ride was called.

Santa Barbara Overnighter

I need to start by explaining that the ride was originally supposed to go to Cold Springs Taverns in the Santa Barbara mountains.  Less than twenty-four hours before the ride I received a call from a family member who lives in the Lompoc area.  He had been chatting with one of his best friends (that happens to be a sheriff in the area) who told him that the Hell’s Angels had taken over a campground within a mile of the Tavern and were wandering the area (sounds like its their “wingding”).  Extra law enforcement had been called in and he advised not to go near the place.  After a phone call to our local law man, Scott Hamilton, and one from the other law man, Vince Greva (from 109) we decided to take the original route, but bypass the tavern.  So I had to break it to the group over breakfast (they can’t yell if they have a full mouth).  Everyone was still up for the adventure and so we were off. 

We left Coco’s in Brea at 8ish with a group of 19 riders on 12 bikes with one trailer.  It should be noted we were joined by Barb and Rick Senecki – now this is the couple that just had their first ride with us on last weekend’s chapter ride.  I think they are hooked!  We were also joined by Bob and Anna Barbano – so good to ride with Anna again.  We could not have asked for better weather as we made our way up the 57 to the 60 to the 5 then we were on the 134 to the 101 and up through Ventura.  The ride up the coast was really great – a little off shore fog but otherwise clear.  We then got onto the 154 heading north with a constant look out for any Hell’s Angels.  We saw a few bikes on the road, but they all waved and smiled so we didn’t think they fit the profile of a Hell’s Angel.  There was a group of about six guys in tight formation, now they didn’t wave – so neither did we.  They might have been, but no patches or such to give us any indication.  The ride up the 154 is really great, some nice sweeping twisties and some beautiful views.  We rode past Lake Cachuma and then up to the 101 and into Santa Maria.  Now at the last gas stop we decided to go to lunch at a place I had heard of from my cousin.  It’s in a small town called Guadalupe, just west of Santa Maria.  I had an address but none of us had ever been this way before, so the adventure was a fun trip through farmlands (they were harvesting cabbage – eww) and down into this little old town. 

The restaurant is called the Far Western Tavern.  It was built as a hotel in the early 1900’s and in 1958 was turned into the tavern.  The windows have cow hide curtains and the walls are adorned with old cowboy paintings and cow heads.  There are a few deer and sheep as well.  It was so cool. Our lunch choices were Salads and steak sandwiches and burgers.  We were all members of the clean plate club this round.  It was great and the service was amazing.  To seat and serve 22 people without any errors within an hour was incredible.  If you ever get up that way this is an experience you should try.

We left lunch and headed back down the 101 to our hotel in Buellton.  We all got checked in and still no Hell’s Angels lol.  A group then went off to Solvang, and a group to a winery (I hear in the end they ended up at a liquor store for the good deals). 

Once everyone was back at the hotel we all headed over to AJ Spurs for dinner.  Any of you who went with us to Pismo last year have eaten at AJ Spurs and it is always great.  We were joined at the restaurant by Barry Cleveland, and his group from Chapter 434 Victorville, who was camping for the weekend at the campground right next to our hotel.  They are always a blast to hang out with.  The restaurant seated us all in one room all together at one big long table in a U shape.  They were nice enough to give us all separate checks and the service as always was great.  The steak is awesome as is the rest of their menu.  Some of the ladies ordered the specialty drinks that they have there – the glasses blink and strobe colored lights – that is only fun for a little while and the lights were turned off as the drinks got to half way (by the way these drinks are the equivalent to 4 shots).  I truly think we all got our beef quotient for the weekend between lunch and dinner. 

The next morning some of us met over at Pea-Soup Andersons for breakfast, and a group stayed at the hotel for the free breakfast.  Pea-soup Andersons was really good.  They seated a group of 8 of us initially, and then we spotted Barry and Rick from 434 and they joined us as well.  Great food, great service!!! 

Back at the hotel we all gathered our stuff up and we were on the road.  A few of our group went north for various reasons, and Evan and Angela took a direct route home as they had become grand-parents during the night and went to see their daughter and new grandson (congrats to you two!!!).  So in the end we were a group of nine heading home.

Now since this was a one-night overnighter we decided to take the scenic route home down the 101 to the 166.  If you ever get the chance to ride the 166 do it.  It was so great.  The views were amazing and the weather was perfect.  We had a gas stop in Maricopa.  Now usually our gas stops are pretty uneventful.  This one was interesting in that we were joined by several feral cats and a really cute free-range puppy while we were stopped.  If we could have caught the puppy it might have had a ride home with Brian and Chris.  It looked like a cute beagle/chihuahua mix.  I fed her some cheese and got her to eat out of my hand but she would never get close enough to grab.  She seemed clean and healthy though so we guessed she must have lived in the house right behind the gas station. 

From Maricopa it was a quick ride down the 5 to Valencia were we stopped for gas and lunch at Marie Callendar’s.  We have stopped here before and the manager is a hoot.  I think he is part of the comedy show they do there on weekends.  Although the service was slow, they were great to get us big pitchers of ice tea and water (it was 98 outside).  From there it was back on the 5 to the 210 to home!  Great trip!

Thanks to everyone who joined us! 

May Chapter Ride - Frazier Park

We started the morning with four new riders, Barb and Rick Saneki, Ron Ponce, and Steve Hein (who we picked up last month on our Chapter ride to Palomar!).  We held our usual chapter meeting with raffle and 50/50 drawing.  Good thing Stan Partin came for the meeting before work as he won $52.00 in the 50/50.  Congrats Stan.  Luiz Vasquez, Scott Hamilton, Ken Indorf (he donated back), Charlie Wolfe and Brian Hefter were the big raffle winners this morning. 

A good collection of about 25 riders in three groups with me, Dan, and Jim leading.  We left one group after the other, but after some really cool maneuvering group 1 ended up coming up behind groups 2 and 3 and then passed them into their rightful position.

When we took the pre-ride the weather was dreary.  The coast was socked in and the mountains were incredibly hot.  Our actual ride could not have been more different.  We started the ride going up the 405 to the 10 to the coast and cruised PCH along Santa Monica and into Malibu.  The sky was clear and the beach was beautiful.  We then went east on the 33.

After our first gas stop we headed east and made our way into Ojai and it warmed up a little but not much.  I can’t say it enough it was a beautiful day.  The road was in pretty good shape, and traffic was really non-existent.  Once we made it into the Frazier park area the twisties started – a good 70 miles of well paced twists and turns; just a little debris in the road in a couple of places and a stream at the bottom of a hill with a turn.  A few really good whoop-di-dos made it a great ride.

We arrived in Lebec for lunch at the Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant (it was Cinco de Mayo you know).  They had been warned that we were coming and they really took care of us.  They gave us our own room and our waitress was really great putting up with us.  The food came out on big platters and so you can guess we were all full after lunch. 

Our last gas stop and we were on our way back on the 5 south to, of course, El Torito (again it was cinco de mayo).  A successful ride with all riders making it back safely.  We again welcomed our new riders and hoped they will return again – they say they will.  We voted in Mike Fry who had accomplished his third ride with us.  Congrats Mike.

The ride was called and we all adjourned into El Torito – for a short meeting on our 10th Anniversary Event.  Lots of ideas and some volunteers – if you want to lend a hand please call me and let me know – we have a lot planned.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars – August 5th – we will be having our 10th Anniversary Event.  Food, raffles, fun! 

Laughlin River Run

Laughlin is an annual trip, which I look forward to all year.  Although we usually take the same route, stay in the same place, and there is always the STAR Breakfast – and still so many things are an unknown.  This year we assembled at our usual Starbucks.  We began with 16 bikes and 8 trailers – two groups with Terry leading one group and the other led by myself.  Several riders were making their first trip to Laughlin (Brian, Jim, Carolyn, William, and Daveta Jo) and a couple were making the ride on their own bikes for the first time (instead of being passengers, Patty and Susan). We headed out the 57 to the 91 to the 60 to Beaumont where we planned to stop for breakfast.  The weather was not with us as we got onto the 91.  Rain began to pour.  Although we were all prepared with our rain gear, a few members learned that their helmets leaked a little.  Rain will find a way to route itself right around your visor and make its way onto your glasses in an instant.  Lucky for us the hard rain only lasted about 20 minutes and by the time we reached Beaumont its had stopped. 

At the Farmhouse we were joined by Evan.  As usual the staff at the Farmhouse treated us so well and breakfast was really good.  Everyone dried off and got set to start out again.  We left Beaumont and went east on the 10 for a long time until we reached the 62 and a gas stop in Yucca Valley.  At this point we could all take off some of our rain gear.  Which was a relief.  We were finally drying off and the temp had risen to a comfortable level, then off down the 62 to Vidal Junction.  At Vidal Junction we parted company with Keith and Stacy who were heading to their house on the river.  It was at Vidal Junction that we identified a belt squeal from Susan’s rear tire and after spending several short rides across the parking lot, and an assessment from Ken (the professor), it was determined it was rideable but would need looked at when we got into Kingman.

We left Vidal Junction and made our way up to Parker.  Apparently they don’t work quickly on road construction and we were stopped going into Parker for a long stretch while they worked on the same area they were working on last year when we went through here.  Finally we got to Parker where we stopped for gas.  It was warming up so more gear was shed here.  Off to Kingman!

So we continued our way down the 62 to the 40.  Group 1 had to stop as now we were freezing and needed to add gear – it was then that group 2 sped past and beat us into Kingman.  But in the end we all arrived safe and sound. 

Now if you don’t know already, we stay in the same Days Inn in Kingman that we have for over 6 years.  They treat us real nice there and don’t get upset when we take over the parking lot.  In the past we would drag the chairs out of the rooms, but now we all bring folding chairs and it looks like a campsite.  Every year on the Thursday night we all go to the Golden Corral for a dinner hosted by the Hualapai Chapter.  This year they held a raffle of two sets of tickets to the David Allen Coe concert in Laughlin on Friday night.  Bob Barbano one the first set, but donated them back.  The next set was one by Chuck and Patty Giambitti.  Apparently this guy is one of Chuck’s all time favorites and he was beside himself.  The second set was one by Ken and Gail Indorf.  And who knew but Ken is also a fan.  Lucky winners!

After dinner we all went back to the hotel and tried to hang out for a bit.  Floyd and his friend arrived – it was one year ago in Laughlin that we “picked-up” on Floyd – lucky us!!!

Friday morning we all assembled for the ride into Laughlin for the STAR Breakfast.  All together between our group and the other STAR members in our hotel and the one next door, we had around 50 bikes riding into Laughlin.  It is an amazing site to watch all those bikes riding together down the freeway.  Although we tried to maintain four different groups – it still looked like one mass of bikes moving together.  There was a little confusion as we were leaving and Carolyn had lost a glove, but she joined in with the members of 415 and we all made it into town together.

We arrived at the Aquarius and all parked on the top level of the parking structure.  Several of our members had never conquered a parking structure before and it was one of those skills test moments – but everyone made it.  The STAR breakfast was pretty good.  I think we may have had the largest group there.  There were a few things raffled off and our own Richard Von Luft won a pretty cool set of sun glasses. 

After breakfast everyone scattered to wander the vendors – I know Scott had his wish book for Kuryakyn and we were all looking for deals.  It got pretty warm and by the afternoon we were ready to head back to the hotel and sit in the shade.  As everyone slowly returned we got to see what purchases were made and watch as bike parts were installed.  Friday night we ordered pizza and sat out in the breeze and chatted.  It was a great evening.  Chuck, Patty, Ken and Gail went off to their concert – we hear it was great, but Gail says it was loud lol. 

Saturday we gathered up and went to breakfast at IHOP.  We had made arrangements to go there with Chesnee – Deanna from the Days Inn’s daughter who is now the hostess there.  Food was great, reasonable, and service was amazing. A quick swing by the hotel to pick up stragglers and we were off to Seligman.  A smaller group did a ride out to Oatman – they say it was great.  On the way to Seligman we stopped in Hackberry where there is what is supposed to be the largest collection of Route 66 memorabilia – not sure if that is the case but they did have a lot of stuff and some nice souvenirs so it was a great stop.  In Seligman we stopped and toured town and its antique buildings and stuff.  Then lunch at Westside Lilo’s Café - its always fun to have your lunch while the stuffed carcasses of large wild animals are watching you eat.  The ride back was great – could not have asked for better weather and a nicer view.

Saturday night a pretty good size group of us went up to the Hualapai Lodge for dinner.  I believe that this is the largest group I think we have taken up to the Lodge.   The restaurant is a 30 minute ride up the mountain through some nice whoop-di-doos and some great Twisties, all ending in a dirt parking lot with some really good sized gullies.  Everyone made it unscathed and hungry.  The restaurant is really great with a large window in the back where the Elk and Deer graze.  There were several wandering the property when we were there.  The food is great and a couple of people ordered something straight from Fred Flintstone’s menu – the largest hunks of prime rib I have ever seen.  We were joined for dinner by Tammy and Rick Sherrill, Barry Cleveland (president of 434), and Deanna and Chesnee from the hotel.  We all left there well fed. 

Everyone made it back to the hotel and started packing to go home – really bittersweet.  We have so much fun together, but we were all ready to go home. 

Sunday morning we left at 7am and went back over to IHOP for breakfast.  Once we finished breakfast we all headed back to the hotel for one last check and to pick up any stragglers.  Back on the road – a reverse of our route out.  One side trip though – we all decided that we had driven past the London Bridge too many times and the group decided to stop.  We are so glad we did.  It was great.  There was a large parking lot with a short walk to the water.  It was cool and there was shade.  There were many pictures taken and a short video that you can find on the Facebook page.  Our return was hot but without any incidents so smooth sailing.  At our last stop in Yucca Valley the group decided to go to the Carl’s Junior for lunch.  Was great to have everyone stop with us.  Once we all cooled down we were ready for our last leg home. 

Can’t thank you all enough for such a successful and enjoyable trip.  Already have rooms blocked for next year – hope to see you all there!