I finally updated the gallery with pictures from last year’s ride. I hope you find the images as enjoyable as I have, revisiting the day we all shared.
>> Ride Gallery
Make sure you tell your friends so next year’s ride will be bigger and better than ever.
Wow I can’t believe I haven’t updated the site since before the last Friendship Ride. I’ve just gone through all the pictures from our second annual ride and I will get them on the site in the next few days.
Last year’s ride was the best yet as over 20 bikes paraded “briskly” through our incredible mountain twisties. I’m sure next year will be even better and I’m already working out a new route for this year’s ride.
In 2006 we opened up the ride to everyone and the response was tremendous. Riders came from all over California and Shannon was even able to fly out from Alabama to spend the day with us.
Opening up the ride this year brought with it many new riders and bikes. We all met up again this year at the local Starbucks where we did our best to fill up the parking lot with many brightly colored machines. We were lucky this year as the weather was not as warm as it was last year and everyone seemed eager to get on our way after a few sips of some morning Java.
Well, as I found out quickly, with a group of this size there needs to be a little more organization so everyone knows where they should be going. On our way to our first waypoint, soon realized that a fellow rider was missing and must have made a wrong turn. I sent the group ahead as Rob and I set out in search of our allusive rider.
The rest of the group ventured down Road 200 to the regular scheduled meeting spot. Tings were going great until they met one of the area’s drivers who didn’t feel comfortable driving his strange beast at a normal speed. Thanks to the efforts of one rider (who shall remain nameless) the group made it past safely and on to their scheduled destination.
The next stop was meant to be just a re-grouping stop so we could gather up all the riders. Since we lost one, the group waiting for a bit until we arrived a few minutes later with stray rider in tow. Well, as we all know, once we get those helmets and gloves off, it can be some time before everyone switches back to riding mode after all the conversations start getting interesting.
Just another re-grouping stop after hitting some pretty bumpy and twisty roads on our way across the foothills. Most riders took the opportunity to jump off the bike for a quick snack and cool beverage. Then we all got ready for are ride up the mountain.
Yes, another break after enjoying some of the more interested roads out of Friant. The group enjoyed the time spent while chatting about the ride and talking to the locals how were out on their own day’s adventures. By now, tummies were grumbling so it was off to climb up to tollhouse and the most scenic part of the ride.
Bryan went ahead so he could take some action shots of the group as we were heading back down the mountain. It’s pretty cool to see yourself riding by as it’s not something you see very often.
Our last stop before our final destination at the bottom of the hill in Auberry. We had just traverse one of my favorite roads and it was fun listening to those who have never been on the road, talk about how much fun it was. By now, we were all ready to eat so we road off in search of the bounty that would fill out bellies.
Finally we reach our destination. Michele and the gals had everything ready to go and prepared a great spread for the hungry riders. I finished up the ribs on the BBQ while everyone found their we deserved feast and shared stories from the day. The cool breeze from the lake felt good after the long hot ride. It was a nice way to end the trip and we eventually all said our goodbyes and headed home.
I was followed home by a few friends and family where we rested up and enjoyed the end of the day. I presented Shannon with a replica stone of the one that was place at Laguna Seca this year. Another year and another day with some old friends, and some that I met for the very first time. I couldn’t have asked for better group to ride with this day and I look forward to what the next ride has to offer.
I would like to thank Jodi Bearden for providing the design for this year’s shirt and for putting up with all my indecision during the process. Jodi, you are one of the most giving and thoughtful people I know and I’m so thankful that we are friends.
To Michele, Elaine, Heather and Shannon, thank you so much for all your support and getting to the lake early to setup for our BBQ. You all did such a great job and it was a welcome site to see at the end of our ride. You really put a great end to a great day and I can’t thank you all enough.
It looks like after the past few weeks of grueling above normal temperatures, cool weather is in store for this weekend’s ride. The stage is set for a wonderful day as we complete the last of our preparations. If you plan on making the ride or just meeting us for the BBQ, please take a moment to send me a quick message so we make sure we have enough food for everyone.
I’ve also been asked many times about donations for the ride. I will have a donation jar available at the BBQ for those who wish to donate. Please note that donations are NOT required and all donates will go towards the purchase of the food and any thing left over will be used for next year’s ride. Thanks to all those who have expressed an interest in helping out. 🙂
Special thanks again goes to Jodi Bearden for creating this awesome flier for this year’s ride.
The itinerary for this year’s Ride is now available on The Ride page. Starting time is 9:00am at the Starbucks in Oakhurst. We’ll be ending up in Bass Lake for a yummy BBQ.
Mike’s Step to the Corkscrew
I was busy last weekend visiting the track at Laguna Seca. They said that all of the “Steps to the Corkscrew” bricks that have been purchased last year have been placed at the track. Unfortunately that was not true. But we did happen to find Mike’s step in the stack off to the side so I took the liberty to place it where I wanted.
I’m hoping they decided to leave it there so I know where it will be when I return for the races next weekend.
Ride to work Day!!!
Don’t forget, the 15th annual Ride to Work day is Wednesday, July 19th 2006.
The 15th annual Ride to Work day is Wednesday, July 19th 2006
Participation in the yearly demonstration is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road, and help reveal to the public that motorcyclists come from all walks of life, work in all occupations, and range in age from teenagers to grandparents. Motorcycle clubs and organizations worldwide actively encourage members to ride their cycles to work on this day.
Each week day in the United States, more than eighty million cars and light trucks commute on American roads, but only about 200,000 of the over six million registered cycles are regularly used for such daily transportation. Adding more motorcycles to the mix can help make urban parking easier and traffic flow better, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization. Studies have also shown that urban motorcyclists reach their destinations faster than those using automobiles, and that most motorcycles consume less resources per mile than typical automobiles.
And don’t forget…
This year’s Friendship Ride is set for August 5, 2006! We are still working on the route but are definite that the ride will end up at beautiful Bass Lake for a relaxing BBQ. Michele and I will be setting out shortly to time and measure the route we have in mind so I should have this year’s itinerary up on the site very soon.
Also, I plan on taking a ride out to the track at Laguna Seca prior to the races this month. I should have pictures on the site soon as there are only two more weekends before Laguna. I know that time is running out, but I want to search for Mike’s step before the races as I think it will be hard to find come race day when there are thousands of people walking the trail.
I’m currently busy working on the route and as soon as I lock it down I will post the itinerary here.
My efforts to reach SCRAMP, the governing body of Laguna Seca has not been successful. I have no idea when Mike’s step will be set in place. My only choice now is to visit the track in the near future and look for it myself. I will let everyone know when and where I find Mike’s step so others will be able to find it more easily. I will also take pictures for those who are unable to visit the track.
Also, I’ve been busy with my new project. It’s called Biker Friendly and is quickly becoming a huge hit. I hope to bring more awareness between riders as well as hopefully improving an already troubled rider/driver relationship. I encourage you all to visit the site and order you free stickers. It’s a very simple way to help get the word out.
I’m working on getting the date it will actually be installed. I’d like to be there to see them place the step if possible. I’ve you’d like to join me on the placement date, let me know so we can coordinate the trip.
It’s official, we’ve reached our goal and we now have enough contributions to purchase the step and replica stones.
We are currently working with the engravers in order to get the step as close as possible to our original design. We may have to make a few compromises on the logo but we are trying our best to get the image approved as is. As soon as we agree on the proof, we will purchase the step and replica and I will let you know when we could expect to see the step placed on site.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable memorial for Mike. I will let everyone know when everything has been finalized.
Good news regarding Mike’s Steps to the Corkscrew. The logo has been tentatively approved and is off to their stencil department for the final say.
More good news, they are still offering the replica stone but we’ll have to gather a bit more money to purchase both. Thank you to all of those you have already so generously contributed so much, and for those that would still like to help, now is the time to do it. 🙂
Shannon told me that the Steps to the Corkscrew is such a thoughtful way to keep Mike a part of the Laguna experience. I think the replica stone would be a nice personal memorial for Shannon to keep in her home.