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.

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Ready to ride!

All clean and ready to ride. Still a bit smoky but better than yesterday. Seems to be the new norm for Friendship Ride weekend. Should be about five degrees cooler today, so that should help.

Taking ol’ yeller out today, just as I did ten years ago when I started this ride. It’s hard to believe that it’s been so long since we lost Mike, but I know today will be another great day of riding, friendship and surely Mike will be with us as we twist our way through some of his favorite roads.

Remembering Mike

Today marked 10 years since I lost one of my best friends. I can’t believe he has been gone for this long. I still think of Mike every time I ride and I have fond memories of all the fun times we had out on these same roads.

Unfortunately, my body had other ideas. Spent the day at home with a migraine, rather than out on the road, like I have been doing for the past 9 years. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was Mike’s subtle way of telling me that for whatever reason, it was not a good day to be out riding.

I did spend some time looking through old pictures which made me remember the man that left us way too soon.

True friends are never forgotten. Miss you Mike!

Friendship Ride 2015 is officially set for August 1

Mark your calendars, as the date has been set for Friendship Ride 2015.  Always the first Saturday in August, this year’s ride will fall on August 1st.  We had an incredible ride last year and I’m sure this year will be even better.  As usually this ride is open to all riders, no registration needed just show up ready to ride and of course ready to eat.  Hope to see you there.

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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