SCG_Motorcycles

Ride Review

Dateline: May 24-25, 2008
Vicki and I rode up with Lance who had his 9 year old daughter, Sierra, riding pillion. We had a fun ride to the rally. Blue skies, gentle breeze, sun at our backs all the way. Yum! Oh wait, that was some other rally. 8-)
Opting for the casual approach, we departed Jay’s Shell about 10:30am Friday. By then the reported morning deluge had moved on. All of the Crest and Angeles Forest were wet and drizzly and cold but our biggest issue was rocks rolling off the hillsides, some bigger than loaves of bread. At one point we passed a vehicle with a big blade on the front. I thought, “That’s sure an odd road grader, the blade is on the front. Oh, wait…snow plow.” Nope, clearing the rocks.
By the time we got to Tehachapi we’d had more rain plus a patch of hail but the drizzle let up and we had a great lunch at Don Perico’s Mexican buffet on Tucker Rd. (highly recommendable). While we were eating it started raining and was coming down pretty hard by the time we left and headed over to the Tehachapi train loop. We didn’t wait for the next train, decided to bail on any more twisties, skipped Caliente-Bodfish Rd and headed down Hwy 58 to Bakersfield. We had pretty much dry air and a bit of sunshine (really) at our backs for the ride up Hwy 65 to Pville. Vicki had reported overtaking a variety of vehicles on her workday commute so I passed a pair of tractor trailers then looked in my mirrors to see her come out, grab brakes and get back. Next traffic break she pulled out and this time she made it stick. At a red light just south of town she announced emphatically, “I need MORE horsepower.” I’m thinking, “Woohoo! She gets it.” (g)
Saturday our ride was the LCD (Lowest Common Denominator) group with 9 bikes and a reasonably gentle pace. We got to the Ponderosa Lodge And Resort at the top of Hwy 190 to find a chili cook off in full swing. As we dismounted the announcer was saying it was time for the public to partake (for free). We hung around and ate 6 or 8 varieties of really good chili then cheered for our favorite, chili Number 1.
One of our group, DaveB, had the kewlest onboard temperature sensor, a digital cooking thermometer ziptied to the bars. He reported temps up Hwy 190 ranging from mid-40’s to about 37 degrees at the top. There was corn-snow falling while we were eating chili.
Sunday apparently only three real motorcyclists got up for breakfast. That would be JackM from the UK, Vicki and moi. Yes Martha it was raining all morning and we had only gotten about 15 miles up Hwy 190 when I had two punctures about 8 inches apart in the rear tire caused by staple gun staples. Got them plugged ok with gummy worms but my little air compressor didn’t push any air. Special thanks to a passing Porterville local who had an onboard compressor. With his help the tire aired up and held fine.
We continued and got a good lunch at the Springville Inn. Hey hey . . . Probably nobody knew this but Jack was buying lunch for everybody who rode on Sunday. Thanks Jack!!! It was delicious.
After we ate we headed over to Yokohl Valley. It was tough riding in this section with rain coming down and us going up into the (raining) clouds. Visibility was 100 yards at most, sketchy pavement, switchbacks etc. Slow slow slow going. Got down to the bottom and pressed forward but it was raining harder at Lemon Cove and Dry Creek was running at least 100 feet wide so we bailed and headed back to the motel…I guess we’re only so-so motorcyclists.
Monday we dallied until the parking lot was empty and starting to dry out with a big patch of blue sky visible above the rally tent (this time, really). All of M-109 was dry and beautiful. Likewise, Jack Ranch. Heading up Hwy 155 (aka “The Bostrom”), we encountered some fog, some wet and some cold but it was really sweet overall. At one point Vicki was leading and came upon about 5 head of cattle at the road’s edge. She knew not to spook them but as she slowly approached they all started to trot forward. I’d say this went on for about ½ mile before they finally stopped and stood while we eased past on the opposite side of the road.
After lunch at the Mexican place in Bodfish we did Caliente-Bodfish Rd. in clear and mostly sunny skies. I started to pick up the pace somewhat and both Vicki and Lance were right there. Eventually we got to Godde Hills Rd which is the connector from (windy) Antelope Valley Rd # 60 to Elizabeth Lake Rd. Knowing it’s a string of well-banked twisties I hit the throttle and took off. At the other end 3 miles later I was easing into a turn out to stop and wait for Vicki when I did a mirror check and around the corner she comes! Didn’t even have time to put me feet down!! So…we want to know when we can sign up for next year’s rally, say like – today? 8-)
-Russ

Dateline: April 12, 2008
Freeway closures nor gusty breezes could deter the Tour De Starbucks group from a truly Blessed day at the races. Riders left the Seal Beach Blv. "Bucks" around 7:30 and meandered their way to Willow Springs Raceway. Riders, Steve,'The Lances' and chase truck driver Chuck and co-pilot Roy met up (later than planned due to a horrific accident on the 210. Look at the accident photos, the car used to be a 2008 Viper! Amazingly GOD spared all occupants!) Cold drinks were passed out and conversation erupted. Vintage bikes were the flavor of the day as those who attended walked through the pit area gasping in awe at the sights and sounds, not to mention the sweet smell of racing fuel permeating the air. At the bike show, the pristine Velocettes, BSA's, Nortons, Harleys and Ducati's gleamed in the bright sun. Off in the corner sat a lone perfectly restored H2 Kawasaki 750 triple which brought flashbacks to this writer.
Racing was outstanding as 20, 30 and even 50 year old iron screamed around the track.Competition was heated and several riders paid the ultimate price of dropping their rolling pieces of art on the hard, unforgiving pavement. Lunch was served and bread was broken. Time literally flew by and before we knew, it was time to head home. Another great ride in the books, I for one can't wait until next year!
GOD BLESS, Roy

Dateline: March 1, 2008
It was Saturday and the much anticipated ride was around the bend, sitting at Starbucks at 5:30 am knowing the apparent marine layer couldn't dampen the spirit of the ride in those arriving to head off to Ortega Hwy's meet. After some fellowship and prayer off we were a collected bunch of riders on rides for a ride down and UP around and through some incredible canyons, meadows, pastures and must I say.......... tarmac (as Russ the ride master mentioned on the web). We ended up in Temecula "yes" in a Starbucks to continue the Tour , noticed by the staff some of us were wearing SBC Tour shirts. They thought we were from corporate or something, as we gathered in there house of coffee. We finished the ride through Rainbow Cyn with exciting and growing moments, having one get lost only to be found, and one fall down and then get back up (sounds like all of us at one time or another, thank God for his hand in our lives as we trust in him). It was time to go home for some and off to Julian for others..... it may of been colder than wanted but definitely warmer in heart on this fine RIDE. God bless steve