Friendship Ride

Wow, what an incredible day. So many bikes and riders, of all ages. Everyone seemed to stay in check and we had zero incidents and everyone made it to Motohead at the end of the ride.

Thanks to all the riders who showed up. I apologize to those I didn’t meet or spend more time with throughout the day. I tried to make the rounds and meet everyone, but with such a large group I know I didn’t get to spend the time I wanted with each rider.

Motohead was awesome, they had a great spread ready for us when we arrived. Their never ending supply of dogs filled all of our tummies. My wife Michele baked up some incredible cookies and spent most of the morning cutting up slices of watermelon for the gang. What a treat!

Thanks again to all the riders that kept the ride real. A true testament to the amount of quality talent we have here. I hope to see you all again at next year’s ride.

Thanks again the Motohead, Owners Dan, Lisa and Brad. Thanks to Rob the shop guru for roasting up some tasting dogs and for always taking care of my fancy wheels when I take them in for changing.

I’m gathering up all the photos and should have the gallery updated by the end of the week.

>> Friendship Ride 2008 Gallery

2007 was a bit small, mostly because I didn’t get the word out early enough and a lot of riders had already made other plans. The smaller group didn’t make for any less fun and it was good to ride with some new faces as well as those that I’ve ridden with many times before.

As usual, the place to meet was at Starbucks for a nice warm cup before the ride. This year I rode the new bike and was eager to get out and enjoy the route on the new steed. Our youngest rider John unfortunately had his wisdom teeth pulled the day before, but was still ready for the days ride.

The ride went smoothly on down to the lower foothills, with a few weekend travelers breaking our pace. We had hit our first rest spot and time to fill our tanks and stretch our legs. Jodi found out quickly not to socialize while filling her tank. Sometimes the pump still lets out a bit even after releasing the lever. Of course, we all had a few laughs at her expense, but it was all in good fun.

Both Bryan and Jim rode ahead in an attempt to catch the rest of the group in action.

Thanks to all the riders who keep coming back year after year. Thanks to my wife Michele for hosting another great meal at the end of a great ride.

Next year should be bigger and better and hopefully I’ll see you all there!

>> Friendship Ride 2007 Gallery

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.

>> Friendship Ride 2006 Gallery

Michele and I would like to thank everyone who attended our first annual Friendship Ride. For those that could not attend, we carried your thoughts and prayers along with us, you were all very much a part of the ride. Thanks to everyone for such a great day and for supporting this ride and what it means to me. I can not think of a better way to honor Mike than by bringing good friends together and spend the day riding.

As I stood on top of Glacier Point, looking around at my magnificent surroundings, I thought of Mike. I remembered all the times we had visited Yosemite and traveled around the surrounding mountain roads. Mike and I shared a common love for the open road that will forever live on within my heart. Through this ride we hope to share our passion with all of our good friends as well as any future friends we meet along the way.

Thank you for bringing your love and good thoughts to this very special day. Thank you for always being there when I needed it the most. Thank you for looking past my faults and standing by me when times were tough. Most of all, thank you for being my friend.

>> Friendship Ride 2005 Gallery