Friendship Ride

Another great year and a great ride. The smoke from the nearby Aspen Fire didn’t bother us much, and the group enjoyed a little cooler weather and mostly clear roads this year.

We met at the normal spot, I’ve grown accustom to seeing this lot filled with bikes come the first Saturday in August. We had a tight group this year, not much waiting around on this trip.

Heading to Humphrey’s we hit some road construction on Old Tollhouse. Unfortunately, they had just repave the road from Hwy 168 nearly all the way to Humphrey’s Station. Thankfully we all made it through the mess without any problems.

Alan and his crew at True Value did an awesome job setting up the huge tent, chairs, tables, and BBQ. My wife Michele was already there chilling the drinks and getting all the yummy sides out for everyone to enjoy… yes, fresh baked cookies as well.

I would like to thank Seth and Randy for again helping me keep everyone on route, I don’t know what I would do without you both.

Thanks also to all the riders and their families who shared this day with me. It was nice meeting a few new faces and also seeing all those friends that have joined me so many times before. I spent the day thinking of Mike, probably rode a little fast on those roads we love so much, but it put a smile on my face thinking how much he would have enjoyed riding with everyone. Until next time, be safe my friends.

>> Friendship Ride 2013 Gallery

We were finally able to make the trip up to Glacier Point. We had a smaller group this year and it was pretty much smooth sailing until we got to the gates of Yosemite National park, where the line was incredibly long.  Bikes were running hot as the temps began to rise so we stopped just after the gate to relax a bit in the shade before we continued our trip.

The park did not disappoint, once we got moving again we were treated to all that the park has to offer.  Taking the long trek trough the valley and up to Glacier Point took longer than expected and unfortunately we had to cut our time at the top of the world down so we could make it back to Oakhurst where the others were busy preparing the BBQ.

Even though the trip did not go as planned and I felt a little uncomfortable having to keep everyone moving to meet our goals, I’m glad we made the trip.  Glacier Point is a special place for so many, but to me it is what I remember most about Mike.  Even when he had moved out of the area, Glacier Point was always a destination when he came back for a visit.  I was thankful that I got to share this with all the friends that joined me today, and I look forward to bringing more riders here in the coming years.

>> Friendship Ride 2012 Gallery

The ride must go on… First, I’d like to thank Seth (Rider_xXx), Randy (CRASH972) and of course Alan (abnab) for taking over the ride when I could not.

I found out late Friday that my sister had passed away and I knew that I would not be able to ride the following day. I didn’t know what to do, my first thought was to cancel the ride but I knew through the forum and also by talking to others around town that a lot of riders were planning to make the ride this year. I just couldn’t cancel the ride and let everyone down, so I sent a text to Seth asking if he and Randy would be able to lead the ride in my absence.

Seth and Randy knew the route as they have ridden it many times in the past and have helped me out on previous rides. I trusted them both as riders and knew that they would get everyone back home safe. Alan stepped up and handled all the after ride festivities himself, and from what I hear helped out considerably during the ride, although not being totally comfortable with the route. 🙂

Words cannot express how thankful I am to everyone who stepped up and made this year’s ride a success. I’ve been hearing stories from so many riders mentioning how much fun they had, and everyone stayed safe. The events that transpired on that day truly express the meaning of this ride; it’s not about how many stops we make, how fast we go, or how many riders are in the pack… it’s about the camaraderie that goes along with those that have that same passion and love for the sharing the open road with friends.

We had planned a more elaborate feast, with handmade hamburger patties and fresh homemade cookies but we had to opt for store bought instead. I’m sorry to those that were looking forward especially to the homemade cookies that usually accompany the ride, but I assure you all that we will make up for it next year. 🙂

Thank you for all the messages offering condolences for my loss. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the overwhelming comments I received made things just a little bit easier.

In closing, I would just like to say… Grab on to those you love. Grab on and hold them tight. Let them know how much you love them. You may never know when it will be your last hug, last kiss, or the last time you will ever hear their voice.

>> Friendship Ride 2011 Gallery

Glacier Point denied!!! I found that the roads leading up to Glacier Point were being worked on and unsuitable for taking a large group up to the point. So, my plans to bring Friendship Ride back to the point were thwarted. Not to worry, we ran the standard loop and will have to save the trip up to the point for another year.

The weather was perfect, the roads were clear but unfortunately we had a little bad luck when a motorist backed into one of our bikes while at our first gas stop.  Thankfully there was very little damage and the rider was able to complete the ride with the group.

Finishing up again in Oakhurst for a BBQ of burgers and dogs and much needed rest from our journey.  Thanks again to all those riders who make the trip every year, and thanks to Michele and my other friends and family who continue to donate their time and effort to make this ride sure a treat.

>> Friendship Ride 2010 Gallery

Another great year, another great day! The temperature stayed cool enough for everyone to enjoy the day without too much heat. We had some old familiars on the trip as well as some new faces in the pack. We had a few problems along the way but nothing too serious and the group moved on without too much bother. Ending up at the cool and shady park in Oakhurst was a great way to end the ride.

Thanks to My wife Michele, Skip, Elaine, Heather, Jodi, Chris, Trasi for setting up for the BBQ while the rest of us were out enjoying the ride.

>> Friendship Ride 2009 Gallery