Friendship Ride

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

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.  🙂

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

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

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

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