I'm on two wheels
Saturday, May 03, 2008
STAR RANCH FUND RAISER-LUNCH
Saturday ride 5/03/08 for Chapter 230 was to the Star Ranch just off the 91 Freeway at Green River. I took Mrs. Rider and so we went by car instead of motorcycle. This was a Meals-On-Wheels fund raiser for the chapter and turned into an excellent event and lunch. Very surprised when we arrived by shuttle up at the top of a steep gravel road to find a ranch with Bar-B-Que, a little stage town and a place for all sort of activities. From the 91 Fwy you would never suspect this was up here. They are planning to make this into a party ranch and horse riding center.
We arrive just as the group pulled into the parking area in front of us next to the freeway.
This is Ken and Jenny-Mrs. Rider
A shuttle bus takes you up to the ranch and the view is spectacular.
Sort of a miniature town with a church, hotel and jail. There is a fast draw shoot out station along with roping and other activities.
This is the wild West shoot out stand. 
I believe that is Gail and Lynn and the other picture is the top of Lynn's head and the mountain in the background.
At last I found religion, later the Pope called and two Rabbi's fainted when they saw this, Jenny just had to have the new hat.
Barry, Lynn and daughter Jackie.
Old fire trucks, I would own one if I had the money and place to keep it.
Lined up for some great food.
This turned into a Rescue Mission meeting, but no one was saved or needed to be.
Some of the folks that helped make this a fun day even if no motorcycle was involved on my part, include Dan Dobler Chapter President, Marsha Dobler, Jerry and Patty Gehrls (she made some fantastic apple pies), Bob Barbano donating the meat, John Ruhland collecting all the money, Scott Hamilton, others that I don't know but would be glad to add if you forward their name to me. No motorcycle miles but a very enriching day for us. I have not been part of anything like this STAR chapter that I find so rewarding. Plus we raised $1,200 for the Senior center in Orange. ¶ 10:00 PM 0 comments
We arrive just as the group pulled into the parking area in front of us next to the freeway.
This is Ken and Jenny-Mrs. Rider
A shuttle bus takes you up to the ranch and the view is spectacular.
Sort of a miniature town with a church, hotel and jail. There is a fast draw shoot out station along with roping and other activities.
This is the wild West shoot out stand. 
I believe that is Gail and Lynn and the other picture is the top of Lynn's head and the mountain in the background.
At last I found religion, later the Pope called and two Rabbi's fainted when they saw this, Jenny just had to have the new hat.
Barry, Lynn and daughter Jackie.
Old fire trucks, I would own one if I had the money and place to keep it.
Lined up for some great food.
This turned into a Rescue Mission meeting, but no one was saved or needed to be.
Some of the folks that helped make this a fun day even if no motorcycle was involved on my part, include Dan Dobler Chapter President, Marsha Dobler, Jerry and Patty Gehrls (she made some fantastic apple pies), Bob Barbano donating the meat, John Ruhland collecting all the money, Scott Hamilton, others that I don't know but would be glad to add if you forward their name to me. No motorcycle miles but a very enriching day for us. I have not been part of anything like this STAR chapter that I find so rewarding. Plus we raised $1,200 for the Senior center in Orange. ¶ 10:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, April 07, 2008
Trips and Rides so far
Trying to keep track of some of the more memorable trips and rides I have taken on a motorcycle beginning with the lastest and working backward (mostly). Most are listed in the BLOG below anyway.
Poppy fields in Lancaster (see below)
San Diego overnight
Barstow via Lucerne Valley back on Hwy 66
Yucca Valley
Idyllwild from Banning back down to Hemet
Mt. Wilson (cold!)
Ventura
Tehachapi via Angeles Crest and Little Tujunga Cyn
San Diego/Coronado Isle
Santa Ysabel to El Cajon (Back Country)via 79
Warner Springs via the 79 from Temecula (3 different times)
Palm Desert via Palms to Pines Hwy.
Ortega Highway to Lake Elsinore and back (on the V-Star 650)
Santiago Canyon, many times, a favorite
Oak Glen -three times, Not impressed with the apple pies
Big Bear -Twice, Great Hamburger place up there
Wrightwood -once
Acton off the 14 freeway (why I have no idea)
That's most of it. Not in order by date. ¶ 10:21 AM 0 comments
Poppy fields in Lancaster (see below)
San Diego overnight
Barstow via Lucerne Valley back on Hwy 66
Yucca Valley
Idyllwild from Banning back down to Hemet
Mt. Wilson (cold!)
Ventura
Tehachapi via Angeles Crest and Little Tujunga Cyn
San Diego/Coronado Isle
Santa Ysabel to El Cajon (Back Country)via 79
Warner Springs via the 79 from Temecula (3 different times)
Palm Desert via Palms to Pines Hwy.
Ortega Highway to Lake Elsinore and back (on the V-Star 650)
Santiago Canyon, many times, a favorite
Oak Glen -three times, Not impressed with the apple pies
Big Bear -Twice, Great Hamburger place up there
Wrightwood -once
Acton off the 14 freeway (why I have no idea)
That's most of it. Not in order by date. ¶ 10:21 AM 0 comments
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Poppy Fields Ablaze - STAR RIDE
Another ST&R (Star Touring & Riding) chapter 230 ride, this time out to the Poppy Fields near Lancaster, CA with the hope of seeing some blooming poppies. I learned that it was going to be up the 210 to Angeles Crest Hiway to the 14 and then up to the poppy fields. The "ACH" is a favorite mountain road for many sport bikers and for good reason with all the twists and sharp turns going up and down the mountain range. This will be my 2nd trip all the way to the 14 plus a ride to Mt. Wilson road about 1/2 way on Angeles Crest.
About 30 riders met up at the Best Buy lot in Orange on the first Saturday of the month as usual and after the regular greetings and check-in plus safety review off we went.
We were in luck the flowers were in bloom and as we got closer to the poppy fields area you could start seeing the flowers from several miles away. The flowers in Orange and yellow are spread out over hundreds and maybe thousands of acres in an amazing display of color. I am impressed with the pictues I took and hope you like them as well.
The close-up of the poppies turned out better than expected and I printed an 8x10 for framing.
Some of my hair was found in Lancaster, every one of those strands has a serial number.
The wind was blowing like mad and it really make it difficult to walk but on the Road Star was not too bad.
Those are people way up at the top of the ridge.
From the poppy fields we rode over to the Rock Inn in Lake Elizabeth area, and enjoyed a decent lunch and had a drawing for prizes out in the parking lot before heading back. Went back via Bouquet Canyon Road and Sand Canyon both a bit challenging but all went well, and again either the group was going slower or I'm getting better as I managed to stay up with the rider in front of me.
Back at the beginning at El Torito at the end of the ride and voting in a couple new members, Johnny and another rider I do not know. they needed a little help from a couple Ladies of Star and it seems every new member needs some help from a lady or two in the group Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this one. ¶ 8:01 PM 0 comments
Another ST&R (Star Touring & Riding) chapter 230 ride, this time out to the Poppy Fields near Lancaster, CA with the hope of seeing some blooming poppies. I learned that it was going to be up the 210 to Angeles Crest Hiway to the 14 and then up to the poppy fields. The "ACH" is a favorite mountain road for many sport bikers and for good reason with all the twists and sharp turns going up and down the mountain range. This will be my 2nd trip all the way to the 14 plus a ride to Mt. Wilson road about 1/2 way on Angeles Crest.
About 30 riders met up at the Best Buy lot in Orange on the first Saturday of the month as usual and after the regular greetings and check-in plus safety review off we went.
We were in luck the flowers were in bloom and as we got closer to the poppy fields area you could start seeing the flowers from several miles away. The flowers in Orange and yellow are spread out over hundreds and maybe thousands of acres in an amazing display of color. I am impressed with the pictues I took and hope you like them as well.
The close-up of the poppies turned out better than expected and I printed an 8x10 for framing.
Some of my hair was found in Lancaster, every one of those strands has a serial number.
The wind was blowing like mad and it really make it difficult to walk but on the Road Star was not too bad.
Those are people way up at the top of the ridge.
From the poppy fields we rode over to the Rock Inn in Lake Elizabeth area, and enjoyed a decent lunch and had a drawing for prizes out in the parking lot before heading back. Went back via Bouquet Canyon Road and Sand Canyon both a bit challenging but all went well, and again either the group was going slower or I'm getting better as I managed to stay up with the rider in front of me.
Back at the beginning at El Torito at the end of the ride and voting in a couple new members, Johnny and another rider I do not know. they needed a little help from a couple Ladies of Star and it seems every new member needs some help from a lady or two in the group Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this one. ¶ 8:01 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
ST&R BBQ in San Diego
The ST&R (Star Touring & Riding) BBQ event in San Diego over 2 nights March 28-30, 2008 was a first for me on several levels. My first ever overnight adventure on a motorcycle, so I had to pack carefully as space is limited with just 2 saddle bags and a "sissy bar" bag on the back, compared to loading up the trunk of the Lexus with everything we own. I took more than enough of everything as it turned out anyway. There were going to be about 300 motorcycles and riders from a number of STAR chapters around the western USA, including ours from Orange County chapter 230, staying at the Sheraton 4 Points hotel off the 805 Fwy in San Diego.
My new STAR vest!
Early Friday morning, I headed for the Best Buy lot in Orange to meet Ken, a member from 230 and my room-mate for the weekend. When I arrived there were two other riders from 230 waiting as well, Tom and Ed, and so we all headed out for Paul's Kitchen cafe in Mission Viejo. Luckily I knew where it was so I took the lead.
This is Ken
We arrived, met up with some other 230 members, including John, Joe, Stan, Wayne, who waited until we finished breakfast, then off toward San Diego we went.
Upon arriving we found the hotel to be in a remodeling condition, but the rooms were OK even if the hallways were stacked with mattresses and furniture. Got checked in and met up with chapter members from 230 and other local chapters as well.
First thing to do was go over to the Yamaha factory truck and set up a demo ride. This is a real benefit to someone like me as I have only ridden the ones I have owned or at these demo rides. This time it was a V-Star 1300, the same model as Ken's new motorcycle. The guy leading the group took off and just expected everyone to follow and luckily I was right behind him and managed to keep up for the most part. A little fast but we all arrived back safely. I have to say that the 1300 V-Star is a very nice package and feels lighter and very manageable compared to the Road Star. Would not trade but it would be a replacement if something ever happened to the Road Star.
This is Wayne (from Mt. Wilson trip, and Stan, both 230 members.
The rest of the day was mostly meet and greet other members with a formal get-together at 6 pm that night.
unloading a special motorcycle:
Part of the Meet and greet including Karaoke
Next morning, Saturday...Poker-Run. We are given maps to two different routes and being the non-risk taker that I am, went for the coastal route over the Coronado bridge and down the coast then inland. What amazed me was a comment by a fellow rider that they did not want to go over the Coronado bridge due to the height or something. Since Ken and I had done that bridge a few weeks ago and knew it was simple, my only comment was just be careful and don't fall off the bridge as you go over it.
Ken and I discussed going it on our own but we decided to stick with a motley crew of others that didn't know the way either. We pick up two cards when we leave, then 3 other cards when we arrive back and that makes up your poker hand, highest hand wins. The trip itself was fun even though we did get lost several times including a trip down a long dead-end road around Otay lake. Turned into a great opportunity to practice U-Turns, and let me tell you some of these riders need some U-turn practice. I am not perfect but can make a "U" without putting my foot down in most cases now.
Arrived back and had a lot of time during the day to visit vendor booths, watch a dunk tank, and see some motorcycles on display. There were so many motorcycles I just got tired of looking at them if you can imagine that.
Saturday evening, there was a banquet with everyone attending including Alan Cease the president/founder of Star. Good food, but where in the heck was the BBQ? Roast beef, veggies, potatoes, no Bar-B-Cue in sight.
We waited in line before going in.
Noticed it was getting misty out so went and covered the motorcycle as best I could. In the morning everything was WET, damp, cold and we were heading home in it. About a mile or two from the hotel the rain stopped, and it all dried up.
This is not going to be my last trip like this for sure. Meeting with a lot of the members, getting to know many of them better and sharing all kinds of war stories made this a really awesome trip that I will treasure as a unique part of the motorcycle experience and lifestyle.
If you read this far, thank you for taking the time. I wish I could do these things twice, once for the experience and then again to remember to take all the pictures.
¶ 9:35 PM 0 comments
My new STAR vest!Early Friday morning, I headed for the Best Buy lot in Orange to meet Ken, a member from 230 and my room-mate for the weekend. When I arrived there were two other riders from 230 waiting as well, Tom and Ed, and so we all headed out for Paul's Kitchen cafe in Mission Viejo. Luckily I knew where it was so I took the lead.
This is Ken
We arrived, met up with some other 230 members, including John, Joe, Stan, Wayne, who waited until we finished breakfast, then off toward San Diego we went.
Upon arriving we found the hotel to be in a remodeling condition, but the rooms were OK even if the hallways were stacked with mattresses and furniture. Got checked in and met up with chapter members from 230 and other local chapters as well.
First thing to do was go over to the Yamaha factory truck and set up a demo ride. This is a real benefit to someone like me as I have only ridden the ones I have owned or at these demo rides. This time it was a V-Star 1300, the same model as Ken's new motorcycle. The guy leading the group took off and just expected everyone to follow and luckily I was right behind him and managed to keep up for the most part. A little fast but we all arrived back safely. I have to say that the 1300 V-Star is a very nice package and feels lighter and very manageable compared to the Road Star. Would not trade but it would be a replacement if something ever happened to the Road Star.
This is Wayne (from Mt. Wilson trip, and Stan, both 230 members.
The rest of the day was mostly meet and greet other members with a formal get-together at 6 pm that night.
unloading a special motorcycle:
Part of the Meet and greet including Karaoke
Next morning, Saturday...Poker-Run. We are given maps to two different routes and being the non-risk taker that I am, went for the coastal route over the Coronado bridge and down the coast then inland. What amazed me was a comment by a fellow rider that they did not want to go over the Coronado bridge due to the height or something. Since Ken and I had done that bridge a few weeks ago and knew it was simple, my only comment was just be careful and don't fall off the bridge as you go over it.
Ken and I discussed going it on our own but we decided to stick with a motley crew of others that didn't know the way either. We pick up two cards when we leave, then 3 other cards when we arrive back and that makes up your poker hand, highest hand wins. The trip itself was fun even though we did get lost several times including a trip down a long dead-end road around Otay lake. Turned into a great opportunity to practice U-Turns, and let me tell you some of these riders need some U-turn practice. I am not perfect but can make a "U" without putting my foot down in most cases now.
Arrived back and had a lot of time during the day to visit vendor booths, watch a dunk tank, and see some motorcycles on display. There were so many motorcycles I just got tired of looking at them if you can imagine that.
Saturday evening, there was a banquet with everyone attending including Alan Cease the president/founder of Star. Good food, but where in the heck was the BBQ? Roast beef, veggies, potatoes, no Bar-B-Cue in sight.
We waited in line before going in.
Noticed it was getting misty out so went and covered the motorcycle as best I could. In the morning everything was WET, damp, cold and we were heading home in it. About a mile or two from the hotel the rain stopped, and it all dried up.
This is not going to be my last trip like this for sure. Meeting with a lot of the members, getting to know many of them better and sharing all kinds of war stories made this a really awesome trip that I will treasure as a unique part of the motorcycle experience and lifestyle.
If you read this far, thank you for taking the time. I wish I could do these things twice, once for the experience and then again to remember to take all the pictures.
¶ 9:35 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
New LOUD Stebel horn
Finally got the new Stebel horn installed. Bought a bracket from Road Star Riders forum and it was supposed to easily replace the existing front horn using the same two stock bolts. I had the dealer install it and from what he tells me the bracket needed some modification. The horn is supposed to be kept as vertical as possible for it to work well, but it is at a 40 deg. angle and it still works great, so hopefully there will be no issue. Looks like the bracket for the horn was made with a different year Road Star in mind so it may need to be replaced.
It's definitely LOUD and even used it already on the freeway as a car started to move into my lane just in front of me. Blasted the horn and at least got her attention, I still had to back off a bit but no harm anyway.
It's small enough to fit right in where the stock horn was.
¶ 6:34 PM 0 comments
Finally got the new Stebel horn installed. Bought a bracket from Road Star Riders forum and it was supposed to easily replace the existing front horn using the same two stock bolts. I had the dealer install it and from what he tells me the bracket needed some modification. The horn is supposed to be kept as vertical as possible for it to work well, but it is at a 40 deg. angle and it still works great, so hopefully there will be no issue. Looks like the bracket for the horn was made with a different year Road Star in mind so it may need to be replaced.
It's definitely LOUD and even used it already on the freeway as a car started to move into my lane just in front of me. Blasted the horn and at least got her attention, I still had to back off a bit but no harm anyway.
It's small enough to fit right in where the stock horn was.
¶ 6:34 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ride invitations
Going on a ride or planning a ride, give me a call or send e-Mail. rich403b@hotmail.com
¶ 11:35 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Impressions of the '06 Road Star Silverado
Thinking of upgrading to a newer, bigger cruiser style motorcycle? If you have been riding for a while you probably understand the urge to upgrade from your present motorcycle to something newer or bigger or with more power. Seems to happen a lot with a number of riders I have met over the past couple years, including a few that own multiple motorcycles of varying styles and sizes.
The Yamaha Road Star Silverado is a large cruiser with a 1670 cc engine and a longer wheelbase and is heavier than the V-Star 1100 I had previously. It weighs about 730 lbs. and that was a major concern when I bought it, but so far the weight has been a benefit not a burden. On the highway or freeway the extra weight and bigger engine make it easy to get up into the 70+ mph range and hardly notice it. I find that even in top 5th gear, if I need to move out in a hurry there is plenty on tap to get me moving faster. The wind buffeting around the windshield is a real factor at higher speeds and I wish there was some way to block it, especially noticeable over 70 mph. The engine definitely has a higher level of vibration and throb than the 1100 did, which takes some getting used to, but so far has not been really uncomfortable.
Handling on mountain roads based on my trips to Oak Glen, Mt. Wilson and the Barstow trip all were very well managed due to the weight and handling of this Road Star. I thought the 1100 was as good as I needed, but this 2006 Road Star has been very easy to maneuver through the twisting roads so far. Have been using counter-steering much more than I ever did on the 1100 and it is partly due to how responsive the front end is to small moves that indicate how sensitive the steering is.
Remember, this size motorcycle is not for a beginner rider. The weight, and power can become a real problem if you don't know how to handle yourself on two wheels especially in low speed parking lot type situations. Not that I'm an expert, but I have been in a couple situations that reminded me of my earlier days of motorcycling when I did not have the experience I now do. Without the last couple years experience, I would be seriously concerned about riding this large a machine.
Ride Safe and keep on riding! Ride it like you still owe money on it! ¶ 9:02 PM 0 comments
The Yamaha Road Star Silverado is a large cruiser with a 1670 cc engine and a longer wheelbase and is heavier than the V-Star 1100 I had previously. It weighs about 730 lbs. and that was a major concern when I bought it, but so far the weight has been a benefit not a burden. On the highway or freeway the extra weight and bigger engine make it easy to get up into the 70+ mph range and hardly notice it. I find that even in top 5th gear, if I need to move out in a hurry there is plenty on tap to get me moving faster. The wind buffeting around the windshield is a real factor at higher speeds and I wish there was some way to block it, especially noticeable over 70 mph. The engine definitely has a higher level of vibration and throb than the 1100 did, which takes some getting used to, but so far has not been really uncomfortable.
Handling on mountain roads based on my trips to Oak Glen, Mt. Wilson and the Barstow trip all were very well managed due to the weight and handling of this Road Star. I thought the 1100 was as good as I needed, but this 2006 Road Star has been very easy to maneuver through the twisting roads so far. Have been using counter-steering much more than I ever did on the 1100 and it is partly due to how responsive the front end is to small moves that indicate how sensitive the steering is.
Remember, this size motorcycle is not for a beginner rider. The weight, and power can become a real problem if you don't know how to handle yourself on two wheels especially in low speed parking lot type situations. Not that I'm an expert, but I have been in a couple situations that reminded me of my earlier days of motorcycling when I did not have the experience I now do. Without the last couple years experience, I would be seriously concerned about riding this large a machine.
Ride Safe and keep on riding! Ride it like you still owe money on it! ¶ 9:02 PM 0 comments
