Friendship Ride

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

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

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