I'm on two wheels
Saturday, August 30, 2008
BIG BIKE NITE AT PORTILLO'S
Chapter 230's regular Thursday night Bike Night was moved to Portillo's Hot Dogs and sandwiches in Buena Park to meet with employees from Yamaha headquarters. Joe Dagley from Yamaha Dealer Development promised to bring some T-shirts so naturally everyone showed up. It was one of the best attended meeting in a while and we look forward to meeting with them on the 4th Thursday of every month at Portillos. There were a number of riders from Yamaha as well. I am hoping we can switch the meeting to Portillo's every Thursday, but will wait and see.
Instead of posting the pictures here I put all of them on a Picasa web album and each picture has a caption. Easier to do it this way and I'm still learning what works best so I hope this will be convenient. Any corrections needed can be made.
Click the PICTURE to go to the album...
¶ 11:02 AM 0 comments
Instead of posting the pictures here I put all of them on a Picasa web album and each picture has a caption. Easier to do it this way and I'm still learning what works best so I hope this will be convenient. Any corrections needed can be made.
Click the PICTURE to go to the album...
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| PORTILLOS- |
Monday, August 25, 2008
Traffic spacing-a lesson from ERC
One of the sections of classroom discussion in the ERC covered spacing and interval between the motorcycle and other traffic especially vehicles in front. Three categories were mentioned, a 2 second interval, a 4 second interval and a 12 second interval. The 12 second interval requires looking ahead past the vehicle directly in front of you and up to 5 to 7 vehicles ahead. It is part of SEE. Search Evaluate and Execute.
The 4 second interval relates to keeping a minimum 2 second to 4 second space between the vehicle directly in front of you for safety and allowing enough reaction time to be able to move out of the way or stop as needed to avoid a crash or encounter. There was also mention about older riders and how reaction time can slow down along with eyesight and visual clarity. Taking all that into consideration, from now on I am leaving a 1 day interval between me and the traffic in front of me. ¶ 12:59 PM 0 comments
The 4 second interval relates to keeping a minimum 2 second to 4 second space between the vehicle directly in front of you for safety and allowing enough reaction time to be able to move out of the way or stop as needed to avoid a crash or encounter. There was also mention about older riders and how reaction time can slow down along with eyesight and visual clarity. Taking all that into consideration, from now on I am leaving a 1 day interval between me and the traffic in front of me. ¶ 12:59 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ERC-experienced Rider Course 08/24
Sunday August 24, 2008 5:45am finally arrived. After taking the MSF safety course in November 2004 I am about to attend my first motorcycle riding class for experienced riders. Learning should never really stop and this is part of trying to maintain and improve my motorcycle riding skills. Three other members of Chapter 230 including Lynne, Barry and Johney all took the class the week before. Because of the effort of Lynn and reading her Blog it was a lot less stressful to get ready for this class.
I met up with John R., Tom from Chino, and myself and we rode over to a Denny's near the class. After breakfast we headed over to the Cerritos College parking lot and the "grinder". Other members of Star included, Don, Gregg, Tony (on a new Raider), along with John, Tom and myselfwere ready to go. There were other classmembers but I failed to get their names.
After registering and documentaion we had a safety briefing and run through of our first exercize. There were exercizes in weaving, turning, riding through a series of cones, stopping in a turn, stopping and weaving and going through a series of curved patterns. All very similalr to the first beginner class I took and with a lot of the same comments by the instructors as well. "Keep your head and eyes up, turn your head into the turn, look where you want to go and keep your speed up and even".
A new 1850cc Raider with lots of modifications. This is Tony's new Raider and he just loves it. He blacked out all the chrome so he wouldn't see his own reflection, why I don't know.
The group including the instructors Jim and Stephen on the right. (picture taken by Lynne Shapiro who graciously stopped by with cold water)
It's getting hot out here but it's nearly over.
Part of the safety course is a no- riding and drinking segment using a pair of "Alcohol/drunk Goggles" Here's Tom and his attempt to walk while wearing them. ¶ 4:48 PM 0 comments
I met up with John R., Tom from Chino, and myself and we rode over to a Denny's near the class. After breakfast we headed over to the Cerritos College parking lot and the "grinder". Other members of Star included, Don, Gregg, Tony (on a new Raider), along with John, Tom and myselfwere ready to go. There were other classmembers but I failed to get their names.
After registering and documentaion we had a safety briefing and run through of our first exercize. There were exercizes in weaving, turning, riding through a series of cones, stopping in a turn, stopping and weaving and going through a series of curved patterns. All very similalr to the first beginner class I took and with a lot of the same comments by the instructors as well. "Keep your head and eyes up, turn your head into the turn, look where you want to go and keep your speed up and even".
A new 1850cc Raider with lots of modifications. This is Tony's new Raider and he just loves it. He blacked out all the chrome so he wouldn't see his own reflection, why I don't know.
The group including the instructors Jim and Stephen on the right. (picture taken by Lynne Shapiro who graciously stopped by with cold water)
It's getting hot out here but it's nearly over.
Part of the safety course is a no- riding and drinking segment using a pair of "Alcohol/drunk Goggles" Here's Tom and his attempt to walk while wearing them. ¶ 4:48 PM 0 comments
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Trip to Solvang
The trip up to Solvang included me, Ken and Wayne, both friends from STAR chapter 230. We started out after meeting up at Denny's off the 91 Fwy. I had mapped out the route as best I could and off we went with the idea of going up to Solvang along the coast and meet up with Chapter 415 from Harbor City.
View Larger Map
The map is a bit messed up as it does not show the route leaving Santa Barbara past Lake Cachuma, we went up 101 along the coast through Malibu and on to Oxnard as indicated on the map. Going through Malibu it became misty and very cool so we stopped and put on an extra jacket liner which really helped. I had planned a stop in Oxnard to refuel but when we got back on the 101 I could not find the stop and at the last minute took the Main St. exit where we really lucked out as a Mobil station was right there just across from the exit, it was like I actually knew what I was doing. In Santa Barbara we cut off of Hwy 101 and took Route 154 going past Lake Cachuma and on to Solvang. Wayne knew about a vista point to stop and take a look at the lake so we did. The nice thing about going in a small group is the ability to make changes in routes and stops as we go.
Richard, Ken and wayne.
This is Ken with his V-Star 1300
Here's Wayne to the left, and the Suzuki C90.
And me on the right with the 2006 Road Star.
Back on the motorcycles and heading toward Solvang we passed a Cachuma Indian Casino on the way into town, it would have been interesting to stop. But we headed into town on the main street and came to the heart of the tourist trap, no that's the village, with lots of small stores, shops, bakeries and assorted gift stores. I believe the windmill is a symbol of their desire to suck as much money from the tourists as possible. Actually it's a very nice town and we really had a great time just sightseeing and taking in a 4 block area before heading to our next destination..
.
next stop the Motorcycle Museum in Solvang. We rode further into town and spotted a large group of motorcycles parked along the street and figured this must be it
It's rather small and cost $10 to enter but Ken and I went in anyway. When we came out all the other motorcycles had left and we mounted up to head for Big Bopper Hamburgers on the road leading out of town toward Hwy 101 where Chapter 415 was expected to stop for lunch.
It was about here that I gave up on taking pictures for some reason. I think it was due to having too much fun on a very pleasant ride plus it was getting quite warm and my brain was getting fried, so the pictures end. We met up with Chapter 415 and Chapter president Bill along with about 12 riders that we have gotten to know. The hamburgers were not the reason for the trip but they were OK anyway.
Heading back we went toward Hwy 101 and 415 headed for rte. 154 and Lake Cachuma. The trip home was long but uneventful and not too hot until we headed inland from Oxnard instead of taking the coast route. Total 385 miles and a great day to add to the list of other fun trips. ¶ 11:20 PM 0 comments
View Larger Map
The map is a bit messed up as it does not show the route leaving Santa Barbara past Lake Cachuma, we went up 101 along the coast through Malibu and on to Oxnard as indicated on the map. Going through Malibu it became misty and very cool so we stopped and put on an extra jacket liner which really helped. I had planned a stop in Oxnard to refuel but when we got back on the 101 I could not find the stop and at the last minute took the Main St. exit where we really lucked out as a Mobil station was right there just across from the exit, it was like I actually knew what I was doing. In Santa Barbara we cut off of Hwy 101 and took Route 154 going past Lake Cachuma and on to Solvang. Wayne knew about a vista point to stop and take a look at the lake so we did. The nice thing about going in a small group is the ability to make changes in routes and stops as we go.
Richard, Ken and wayne.
This is Ken with his V-Star 1300
Here's Wayne to the left, and the Suzuki C90.
And me on the right with the 2006 Road Star.
Back on the motorcycles and heading toward Solvang we passed a Cachuma Indian Casino on the way into town, it would have been interesting to stop. But we headed into town on the main street and came to the heart of the tourist trap, no that's the village, with lots of small stores, shops, bakeries and assorted gift stores. I believe the windmill is a symbol of their desire to suck as much money from the tourists as possible. Actually it's a very nice town and we really had a great time just sightseeing and taking in a 4 block area before heading to our next destination..
.
next stop the Motorcycle Museum in Solvang. We rode further into town and spotted a large group of motorcycles parked along the street and figured this must be it
It's rather small and cost $10 to enter but Ken and I went in anyway. When we came out all the other motorcycles had left and we mounted up to head for Big Bopper Hamburgers on the road leading out of town toward Hwy 101 where Chapter 415 was expected to stop for lunch.
It was about here that I gave up on taking pictures for some reason. I think it was due to having too much fun on a very pleasant ride plus it was getting quite warm and my brain was getting fried, so the pictures end. We met up with Chapter 415 and Chapter president Bill along with about 12 riders that we have gotten to know. The hamburgers were not the reason for the trip but they were OK anyway.
Heading back we went toward Hwy 101 and 415 headed for rte. 154 and Lake Cachuma. The trip home was long but uneventful and not too hot until we headed inland from Oxnard instead of taking the coast route. Total 385 miles and a great day to add to the list of other fun trips. ¶ 11:20 PM 0 comments
Monday, July 07, 2008
Final report on damage and repair to the Road Star
As most everyone by now knows, I had a slip and fall on the way back from Monterey as we turned onto the 101 Fwy. Luckily it was at very low to almost no speed so damage was minimal. No paint damaged, and minor scratching on bottom muffler (mark of experience). Total tally on repairs and parts: Repaired passing lamps, only needed a couple new bolts/washers and they reattached the original lamps, small scratch on the chrome ring ($125 dealer).
The following parts were ordered for Do- It-Yourself Installation: Windshield-plastic only-DONE ($137); New chrome cover for the brake reservoir...DONE ($17)they sent me two of them; Engine guard waiting for installation ($137). Ordered from South Seattle Yamaha and was overall very impressed. Parts were discounted about 20-25% and ordered on Monday arrived 100% complete on Friday! Can't beat that.
Thumb took the biggest hit and it's back to about 80-85% operating capability.
The engine guard is installed, and the final item: the upgrade to the Tall Sissy Bar is installed as well. Turns out all it took was removing 4 bolts and out popped the old one and in slid the new one. There is barely enough room to get at the bolts but a member on Road Star Riders gave me a detailed answer on how to do it. Took less than 45 minutes and everything was back to better than before.
NOW, back to the regular blog ¶ 6:35 PM 0 comments
The following parts were ordered for Do- It-Yourself Installation: Windshield-plastic only-DONE ($137); New chrome cover for the brake reservoir...DONE ($17)they sent me two of them; Engine guard waiting for installation ($137). Ordered from South Seattle Yamaha and was overall very impressed. Parts were discounted about 20-25% and ordered on Monday arrived 100% complete on Friday! Can't beat that.
Thumb took the biggest hit and it's back to about 80-85% operating capability.
LAST AND FINAL ITEM ON THE REPAIR AND UPGRADE
The engine guard is installed, and the final item: the upgrade to the Tall Sissy Bar is installed as well. Turns out all it took was removing 4 bolts and out popped the old one and in slid the new one. There is barely enough room to get at the bolts but a member on Road Star Riders gave me a detailed answer on how to do it. Took less than 45 minutes and everything was back to better than before.
NOW, back to the regular blog ¶ 6:35 PM 0 comments
July 3 Big Bear and July 5 Julian-Ch. 230 rides
July 3rd ride to Big Bear included Wayne from Chapter 230, Stu (Stoorat on BBO forum), and Jim (Nubiker, also on BBO), and me. A relatively short hop up to Big Bear and the Grizzly Manor cafe on Big Bear Blvd for a good hamburger. Stu was on his new-to-him, Honda 919, 4 cylinder sport bike, Wayne on his C90 Suzuki, Me on the Road Star and we met Jim up in Big Bear and he was riding the Kawasaki 900. Wayne and I met Stu just above the 91/215 Freeway and 60 Freeway interchange at about 9:30 am and off we went. When we stopped at the ranger station we let Stu go on ahead as we would not be able to keep up with him. Just a few pictures of the whole day. Coming back we rode under the smoke from a new Yucaipa fire that had started a couple hours before we got there.
STU AND THE HONDA 919
That's all there are, did not even get Jim's picture...oh well next time.
I started to notice a problem with left turns on the mountain roads and it continued to be a problem on the trip to Julian two days later.
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TRIP TO JULIAN
Chapter 230's scheduled trip to Julian Started out at about 8:00 am with a briefing and meeting and then off we went at around 8:40am heading up the 57 Fwy to the 91 and over to the 15 Freeway south to Temecula and Hwy 79. It was going to be warm to very hot so I brought enough water and Gatorade to attempt to keep hydrated and avoid any heat related problems. Took along a spray bottle and a frozen bottle of water to help cool thing down on the stops...well it all worked.
The President of Chapter 415, Bill was along for today's ride as well, he's in the photo above.
This is George on his first ride with 230.
Looks like about 28 riders getting ready to head out.
HERE IS THE ROUTE TO JULIAN, I like to see it all mapped out. It would be nice if I could map it out before the trip as well.
Click to see a larger map or slide it around to see the whole trip.
View Larger MapYou might notice we went into the Anza Borrego Desert area and the road continues up to Julian and is Quite a road, lots of curves. Leaving the desert floor it's only 12 miles to Julian but we go up to over 4,000 feet. Temps were pushing 100 deg. before we started to climb.
Arrived at Julian and stopped for lunch. It was a quick stop with little time for sightseeing in the tiny town.
Lunched with Barry and Lynne and we discussed the fact that my left turns were slightly sloppy. I seem to be having a problem holding a line going left. Right Turns, no problem, but left would wander, and be a bit hesitant and weak. Barry wisely offered to hang back a bit on the left turns especially when we were in staggered formation.
Waiting in the shade til it's time to go. We scared off some customers to the restaurant, and I was right in there somewhere.
Returning to Orange we made a slight but wise course correction to avoid the Del Mar area on the 5 Freeway. Total miles around 275. All arrived safe. ¶ 8:32 AM 0 comments
STU AND THE HONDA 919
That's all there are, did not even get Jim's picture...oh well next time.I started to notice a problem with left turns on the mountain roads and it continued to be a problem on the trip to Julian two days later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRIP TO JULIAN
Chapter 230's scheduled trip to Julian Started out at about 8:00 am with a briefing and meeting and then off we went at around 8:40am heading up the 57 Fwy to the 91 and over to the 15 Freeway south to Temecula and Hwy 79. It was going to be warm to very hot so I brought enough water and Gatorade to attempt to keep hydrated and avoid any heat related problems. Took along a spray bottle and a frozen bottle of water to help cool thing down on the stops...well it all worked.
The President of Chapter 415, Bill was along for today's ride as well, he's in the photo above.
This is George on his first ride with 230.
Looks like about 28 riders getting ready to head out. HERE IS THE ROUTE TO JULIAN, I like to see it all mapped out. It would be nice if I could map it out before the trip as well.
Click to see a larger map or slide it around to see the whole trip.
View Larger MapYou might notice we went into the Anza Borrego Desert area and the road continues up to Julian and is Quite a road, lots of curves. Leaving the desert floor it's only 12 miles to Julian but we go up to over 4,000 feet. Temps were pushing 100 deg. before we started to climb.
Arrived at Julian and stopped for lunch. It was a quick stop with little time for sightseeing in the tiny town.
Lunched with Barry and Lynne and we discussed the fact that my left turns were slightly sloppy. I seem to be having a problem holding a line going left. Right Turns, no problem, but left would wander, and be a bit hesitant and weak. Barry wisely offered to hang back a bit on the left turns especially when we were in staggered formation.
Waiting in the shade til it's time to go. We scared off some customers to the restaurant, and I was right in there somewhere.
Returning to Orange we made a slight but wise course correction to avoid the Del Mar area on the 5 Freeway. Total miles around 275. All arrived safe. ¶ 8:32 AM 0 comments
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Party at Bob and Ann's
This is Ron from Tennessee visiting California.
No we did not buy a Harley, but just had to have a picture of Glenn's new Road Glide and Jenny.
We (Mrs. Rider and I) attended a fun party at Bob & Ann's new home in Rialto To say hello to Ron & Jeanine Reeves who are Tennessee and Kentucky state directors with STAR. It was an opportunity to meet with the Reeves who are former Chapter 230 members that have moved on to bigger things in STAR.
As you can see everybody was eating all that tasty food.
The videos are short and I tried to link them together into one video but it just would not work, so you have to click each one to view.In this last video a quick look at making burgers!
¶ 9:31 PM 0 comments
This is Ron from Tennessee visiting California.
No we did not buy a Harley, but just had to have a picture of Glenn's new Road Glide and Jenny.We (Mrs. Rider and I) attended a fun party at Bob & Ann's new home in Rialto To say hello to Ron & Jeanine Reeves who are Tennessee and Kentucky state directors with STAR. It was an opportunity to meet with the Reeves who are former Chapter 230 members that have moved on to bigger things in STAR.
As you can see everybody was eating all that tasty food.
The videos are short and I tried to link them together into one video but it just would not work, so you have to click each one to view.In this last video a quick look at making burgers!
¶ 9:31 PM 0 comments
Monday, June 09, 2008
BIGGEST/LONGEST trip to Monterey, CA
This is the longest trip (and the biggest Blog) ever undertaken via motorcycle by me. Packed the bags with everything I could think of including bottles of water, several small Gatorade drinks, some snaks, extra sweater, long sleeve t-shirts and the new Under Armour hot weather shirts and a Nike fleece zip up jacket that was really needed in the cold 52-54 deg. Monterey mornings. Left the Starbucks parking lot in Orange 6/13 at 5:30 AM .
There were 12 riders from Chapter 230 STAR.
Here is map outline of trip...THIS IS DAY ONE, FRIDAY. Ahead a 380 mile trip to Monterey and our lodging for the two day stay.
View Larger Map
Our first stop for gas, naturally we figure at these prices they are almost giving it away.
We made a couple of course corrections along the way and wound up on Hwy 1 heading toward Cambria past the seals beach and on up to Monterey along a very scenic road-famous Hwy 1 the Coast Road. This road has been photographed so many times I was able to find several excellent pictures from the Pashnit web-site and forum to include here just so you can see for your self.
Above Hearst Castle are the Seal Beaches where you can watch the seals lounging around on the beach, here is a video
Lots of tight turns going uphill and down, rarely straight.
This is the Bixby bridge (1932) in the background. When you are going over it, it just is another bridge, until you see from the side.
Took a detour to Avila Beach Pier. We actually rode the motorcycles out onto the pier and stopped a took a few pictures. Grey overcast weather was typical all along the coast ride.
Ken and Ken on the left, Tom Joe and Stan with Pedro kneeling, Eric, Me, Ed and Dan on the right. Gary seems to be missing or he took the picture.
Here's Gary on his Honda.
This lady got drafted to help with pictures, that's Pedro helping with the camera.
WE ARRIVED A BIT TIRED FROM THE TRIP UP HWY 1.
Jerry and Patty arrived a day earlier, their mission was crucial as they brought the beer.
It's off to Fishermans Wharf for dinner. Not too impressed with dinner but Ken and I made the best of it.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED NEXT...DAY 2, Saturday our 165 mile ride and tour.
View Larger Map
Several members of the group decided on a trip to San Jose and the Winchester Mystery House, then through the Redwoods and beyond. My roommate Ken and I did not want to go the whole 285 miles so we went on a shorter version I had worked out as an idea earlier. Our trip was to take us on Hwy 1 up to Santa Cruz then turn on Hwy route 17 to San Jose our first destination. Little did I realize what those squiggly lines on the map really mean until we were on hwy 17. Good Grief, fast two lanes in each direction going over the coastal mountains to Los Gatos and San Jose. Intense and fast are the two words that come to mind. We arrived at the Winchester House of Mystery built by Mrs. Winchester with 8 carpenters and a crew that never stopped building until she died. There were closets with a brick wall behind the door, chimneys that did not vent outside and on and on. We found we had caught up to the first group even though they left an hour earlier, paid the $21 to take the tour. The other group was gone when we came out. Lots of pictures.
IT'S AMAZING WHAT A LOT OF MONEY AND A LITTLE INSANITY CAN ACCOMPLISH. Her income from Winchester stock of $1,000 per day allowed her the luxury of having a number of people on her payroll to fulfill her every crazy whim. She paid well for the time in the very early 1900's, but would fire anyone for any number of reasons. Many of the rooms had to have 13 windows or 13 lights as 13 seemed to be her lucky number.
The stair way to nowhere.
Tiny staircase with small steps actually used by Mrs. Winchester.
Tiffany window made with crystals so the sun will really make it sparkle, only it was built with walls behind it so no sunlight ever touched it.
All Tiffany glass doors never used, worth a fortune today.
The ballroom.
Here's Ken in an untouched room damaged by the 1906 earthquake.
After the tour it was on to the redwoods and The Big Basin Redwood Park via Hwy 236. Again those squiggly lines hit us square in the face with the wildest, tightest, twisty and narrowest road ever encountered it was more like a paved path than a road, turns out to be the back entrance to the park and not a main road. The first group being more seasoned and apparently smarter avoided this road totally.Here we are in the middle of the Redwood park. Stopped for a few pictures. It's amazing that as old as these trees are they were able to plant them right by the road so you can just walk up and take a picture.
Dinner at Bubba Gump's in Cannery Row.
x-Pres. Jerry and Patty at Bubba Gumps.
DAY THREE-Sunday and DISASTER STRIKES!
Got up at 4:30 am, put on my jacket with liner, the Blue fleece jacket the Under Armour for when it warms up, the knee and shin guards under my jeans, packed everything back into the bags and got ready to head out and return home in the 51 degree morning.
Temperature went from 51 degrees in Monterey to almost 100 going over the Grapevine.
You have to drag the map and click the "-" sign to get the full route in view.
View Larger Map
Find destination flag B in Salinas as we were about to get on the 101 freeway. As I was turning onto the on-ramp another rider made his turn a little sharper than I had anticipated and I assumed he would turn wider, my mistake not his, had to try avoid hitting him and went down with my beautiful Road Star. Everyone stopped and we had to fix the right side passing lamp and turn signal, Dan the president had duct tape and wire to keep it immobile so that it would not flap around and do more damage or cause a short. There were pictures taken but not by me. The worst part I jammed my thumb and it started to hurt. Since I was wearing complete gear no scrapes or scratches occured but the thumb still took a hit. It was cold and I was having a bit of shock from the impact but we motored on over to the 5 Freeway where it started to warm up, and then up and over the Grapevine with temps now pushing 95+, and after 360 miles made it safely home to pack the hand and shoulder in ice. The thumb after a few X-rays is a moderate sprain but not broken. Damage to the Road Star should be fixable including replace windshield plastic only, replace the broken passing lamps with an upgrade to new tri-bar lamps and a right turn signal, new engine guards they saved the day, and a chrome cover for the scrapped brake fluid housing are most of it, no paint was scratched or damaged that I can see so far. It's a problem that money can solve. Very embarrassing nevertheless. The things we do for a little excitement. ¶ 8:23 PM 3 comments
There were 12 riders from Chapter 230 STAR.
Here is map outline of trip...THIS IS DAY ONE, FRIDAY. Ahead a 380 mile trip to Monterey and our lodging for the two day stay.
View Larger Map
Our first stop for gas, naturally we figure at these prices they are almost giving it away.
We made a couple of course corrections along the way and wound up on Hwy 1 heading toward Cambria past the seals beach and on up to Monterey along a very scenic road-famous Hwy 1 the Coast Road. This road has been photographed so many times I was able to find several excellent pictures from the Pashnit web-site and forum to include here just so you can see for your self.
Above Hearst Castle are the Seal Beaches where you can watch the seals lounging around on the beach, here is a video
Lots of tight turns going uphill and down, rarely straight.
This is the Bixby bridge (1932) in the background. When you are going over it, it just is another bridge, until you see from the side.
Took a detour to Avila Beach Pier. We actually rode the motorcycles out onto the pier and stopped a took a few pictures. Grey overcast weather was typical all along the coast ride.
Ken and Ken on the left, Tom Joe and Stan with Pedro kneeling, Eric, Me, Ed and Dan on the right. Gary seems to be missing or he took the picture.
Here's Gary on his Honda.
This lady got drafted to help with pictures, that's Pedro helping with the camera.
WE ARRIVED A BIT TIRED FROM THE TRIP UP HWY 1.
Jerry and Patty arrived a day earlier, their mission was crucial as they brought the beer.
It's off to Fishermans Wharf for dinner. Not too impressed with dinner but Ken and I made the best of it.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED NEXT...DAY 2, Saturday our 165 mile ride and tour.
View Larger Map
Several members of the group decided on a trip to San Jose and the Winchester Mystery House, then through the Redwoods and beyond. My roommate Ken and I did not want to go the whole 285 miles so we went on a shorter version I had worked out as an idea earlier. Our trip was to take us on Hwy 1 up to Santa Cruz then turn on Hwy route 17 to San Jose our first destination. Little did I realize what those squiggly lines on the map really mean until we were on hwy 17. Good Grief, fast two lanes in each direction going over the coastal mountains to Los Gatos and San Jose. Intense and fast are the two words that come to mind. We arrived at the Winchester House of Mystery built by Mrs. Winchester with 8 carpenters and a crew that never stopped building until she died. There were closets with a brick wall behind the door, chimneys that did not vent outside and on and on. We found we had caught up to the first group even though they left an hour earlier, paid the $21 to take the tour. The other group was gone when we came out. Lots of pictures.
IT'S AMAZING WHAT A LOT OF MONEY AND A LITTLE INSANITY CAN ACCOMPLISH. Her income from Winchester stock of $1,000 per day allowed her the luxury of having a number of people on her payroll to fulfill her every crazy whim. She paid well for the time in the very early 1900's, but would fire anyone for any number of reasons. Many of the rooms had to have 13 windows or 13 lights as 13 seemed to be her lucky number.
The stair way to nowhere.
Tiny staircase with small steps actually used by Mrs. Winchester. 
Tiffany window made with crystals so the sun will really make it sparkle, only it was built with walls behind it so no sunlight ever touched it.
All Tiffany glass doors never used, worth a fortune today.
The ballroom.
Here's Ken in an untouched room damaged by the 1906 earthquake.
After the tour it was on to the redwoods and The Big Basin Redwood Park via Hwy 236. Again those squiggly lines hit us square in the face with the wildest, tightest, twisty and narrowest road ever encountered it was more like a paved path than a road, turns out to be the back entrance to the park and not a main road. The first group being more seasoned and apparently smarter avoided this road totally.Here we are in the middle of the Redwood park. Stopped for a few pictures. It's amazing that as old as these trees are they were able to plant them right by the road so you can just walk up and take a picture.
Dinner at Bubba Gump's in Cannery Row.
x-Pres. Jerry and Patty at Bubba Gumps.
DAY THREE-Sunday and DISASTER STRIKES!
Got up at 4:30 am, put on my jacket with liner, the Blue fleece jacket the Under Armour for when it warms up, the knee and shin guards under my jeans, packed everything back into the bags and got ready to head out and return home in the 51 degree morning.
Temperature went from 51 degrees in Monterey to almost 100 going over the Grapevine.
You have to drag the map and click the "-" sign to get the full route in view.
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Find destination flag B in Salinas as we were about to get on the 101 freeway. As I was turning onto the on-ramp another rider made his turn a little sharper than I had anticipated and I assumed he would turn wider, my mistake not his, had to try avoid hitting him and went down with my beautiful Road Star. Everyone stopped and we had to fix the right side passing lamp and turn signal, Dan the president had duct tape and wire to keep it immobile so that it would not flap around and do more damage or cause a short. There were pictures taken but not by me. The worst part I jammed my thumb and it started to hurt. Since I was wearing complete gear no scrapes or scratches occured but the thumb still took a hit. It was cold and I was having a bit of shock from the impact but we motored on over to the 5 Freeway where it started to warm up, and then up and over the Grapevine with temps now pushing 95+, and after 360 miles made it safely home to pack the hand and shoulder in ice. The thumb after a few X-rays is a moderate sprain but not broken. Damage to the Road Star should be fixable including replace windshield plastic only, replace the broken passing lamps with an upgrade to new tri-bar lamps and a right turn signal, new engine guards they saved the day, and a chrome cover for the scrapped brake fluid housing are most of it, no paint was scratched or damaged that I can see so far. It's a problem that money can solve. Very embarrassing nevertheless. The things we do for a little excitement. ¶ 8:23 PM 3 comments
