Category Archives: Events

Friendship Ride 2018

Finally, Friendship Ride 2018 is in the books!

After a lengthy delay due to the recent fires in the area, I had to postpone this year’s ride for three months. I knew because of this, the ride would be pretty small, so I decided to do a simple after ride BBQ at my home. It was perfect temps, and the roads were clear and smooth the entire trip. Had a great time riding with good friends that I haven’t ridden with in a while, and even new riders that I road with for the first time.

The temperatures were so perfect that I’m thinking about moving the yearly ride back a month to the first weekend in September, as we have had some pretty hot rides in our past August rides.

Check back soon for the announcement of next years date. Looking forward to getting back on track for next year and riding with more new and old riders.

Until we ride again, stay safe!

>> Friendship Ride 2018 Gallery

Friendship 2017

It was a pretty small group this year, the usual suspects, some new riders and some friends I haven’t rode with in a long time. It was good to lead a small pack for a change as it seems I do get a little more stressed when I need to keep a large group together. It was nice to run our own pace and not worry too much about the schedule.

Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park seems to be everyone’s favorite place to finish the ride. Cool shade and a steady breeze kept us all pretty comfortable after our day. As usual, Becca from One Sweet Table had all the goods ready for eatin’. The BBQ pulled pork and chili beans, dogs, salads and fresh watermelon never disappoint. We were talking about maybe changing it up a bit next year, but you’ll just have to wait and see.  ðŸ™‚

It’s not the number of riders that makes this ride so special to me, it’s spending time with friends, family and meeting new riders that share the same love for our awesome mountain roads.  Thank you all so much for sharing this with me.

Until next year my friends, ride safe.

>> Friendship Ride 2017 Gallery

Friendship Ride 2016

What a great day. Took another trip with an awesome group of riders this year. A bit smaller than what we are used to, but all good friends having a great time enjoying our awesome mountain roads. Wildfire smoke was at its lowest in years, traffic was smooth and flowing and the temperature was nearly perfect.

We ended the ride again this year at the Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park where Ian and Becca had ready some tasty BBQ pulled pork and chili beans. Michele and Skip got there early to set everything up and Michele also provided some awesome side dishes. Thanks to Elaine for providing the delicious chocolate chip cookies again this year, such a treat after a big ride and a big meal.

This ride never disappoints. What a great venue for spending the day with friends and family. Looking forward to years to come, riding with friends and remembering those that have left us too soon. Thank you to all those that have stood by me all these years. I could not do this without your help, you are truly appreciated.

Until the next ride my friends, stay safe.

>> Friendship Ride 2016 Gallery

Friendship Ride 2015

Wow, what another great year. We were all treated to cooler than normal temperatures, however we did have to deal with another year of smoke due to the nearby Willow fire. Our path was speckled with burnt brush and trees along the roadside, left behind by the few large fires we’ve had this year. Our last stretch bringing us right by the still raging fire, the support teams and onlookers parked along the road.

We changed it up this year and ended the ride at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park. Unfortunately, a few of us were witness to a little mishap (not one of ours thankfully) as we made our way back into town, but we were able to collect all the riders and get them to the BBQ where we all enjoyed good food, cold drinks and great company. It was great to see such a big range of riders again this year, and I enjoyed checking out all the rides during the few stops we made.

Thanks again to Ian and Becca for the awesome BBQ, to Michele for getting there early and setting everything up, as well as providing a lot of awesome side dishes. Thanks to Elaine for the wonderful chocolate chip cookies which have became a favorite over the years. Thanks also to Randy, Seth, Alan and all the support riders that make this ride so special year after year, without you I’m sure we would have lost a few by now.

This ride marked ten years since we lost Mike. I’m thankful for our time together and for this ride that brings so many people together each year. It seems Friendship Ride has become more and more a memorial ride for others that have lost someone close to their heart. A venue to share their memories. It’s easy to forget the important things while we’re busy living our lives. Sometimes we need to take a break, hold close the ones we love, and take the time to remember those we have lost so as they are never forgotten.

Until next year my friends, ride safe.

>> Friendship Ride 2015 Gallery

Friendship Ride 2014

Wow, what a great ride! We had another smoky year due to the nearby French Fire, but thankfully the smoke cleared out pretty good after the first leg of our journey.

The bikes started arriving early, and we were well on or way at the scheduled time. It was so nice to have such a diverse group this year and it was nice to see some familiar faces, some friends I haven’t ridden with yet, and all the new riders that seemed ready to check out some new roads. I love the sites and sounds of all the different bikes as we sweep through the valley and up into the Sierras.

I’m not going to sugar coat anything, it was HOT. but we made frequent stops to make sure everyone stayed hydrated and was well rested for the next section. Randy, Don, and Bill helped be keep everyone on route, and I’m proud to say we haven’t lost one yet.

This year we had Ian and Rebecca here to serve up some incredible pulled pork sandwiches, dogs and chili beans for the after ride BBQ. Michele prepared some awesome sides including coleslaw, fruit and macaroni salad. Elaine brought her famous chocolate chip cookies, and I know at least one rider who was very thankful she did. 🙂

Once again, Alan and his crew at True Value had everything set up and ready to go when we got there. Although Alan loves to cook for you all, I think he was happy to hop off the bike and just sit down and enjoy the food this year like the rest of us.

This is by no means a one man show, without the help of friends and family the ride would not go as smoothly. Thank you to all the riders that make this event so special year after year.

I know Mike was with me that day, holding on tight, scraping the pegs and smiling the whole way. True friends are never forgotten. Thank you for another incredible day my friend.

>> Friendship Ride 2014 Gallery

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