1400 miles... No Tickets and No Trouble...

Mr.RC45 and I join the bavfr (Bay Area VFR) on their annual Bad Gas 4
ride... a 1400 mile round trip to LA and back... in short there was no
tickets and no trouble...

Izmate... the bavfr leader... sent a daily report each night... these
are his words...

DAY 1
............................................................
No crashes. No cops. One flat tire. Two out of three is great! We
had the flat tire before we left the Motel in the morning. A gas
station was close by so it was a breeze. Thanks to TimO for the plug kit.

We covered 390 miles today. About 2/3 twisties and 1/3 slab. Had to
use the slab to get to the twisties. We were supposed to cover 470
miles today but we were running out of daylight. Good thing too because
I was tired!

We split into two groups. TimO led the first group and Hans led the
second group. Both leaders are doing fantastic jobs! Thanks!!

The roads were awesome! The morning section was pure twisties. Some
goat trail but mostly smooth blacktop. Hwy 190 heading up to 7,000 ft
was super tight and smooth turns. I became mentally exhausted and had
to back off. After 120 miles of this stuff in three hours, I was ready
to call it a day!

The back side of 190 was great! It opened up into fast downhill
sweepers. Stopped in Kernville for gas. Then out to 14 via 178. There
were some nice sweepers in that section. We went up to the Big Bear
Lake area. Traffic got a little heavy in some sections.

There was this lady in front of us driving a Subaru Baja. She wanted to
show us she could drive fast so she went hard into a right hand sweeper
and drifted all the way onto the shoulder of the oncoming lane! She
missed hitting the cliff wall by inches. Luckily she caught a gap by
mere seconds in oncoming traffic and nothing happened. Idiot!!

After checking in to the motel, we walked a few blocks to dinner at a
good upscale (for Hemet) Mexican restaurant. Great food and beer!

Jumped into the hot tub back at the motel and continued drinking. Then
a few moved over to my room to continue the drinking and chatting. Rod,
Graham, Hans and I chipped in and bought a bottle of Patrone Reposado
tequila. We still have half left for the end of Day 2! Hoowee! Karl,
you should be here!!

DAY 2
......................................................................
No Crashes. No Cops. No flat tires. Hoowee!

Today was more of a play day. We rode from Hemet to Mt. Palomar via
some great roads! 74, 371, and 79. The road up to the parking lot (S7)
is a must do for anyone in this area.

Hans' friend Michael joined us for the day on his Bandit 1200. Very
good rider and a great guy. Kinda unusual that he's Hans' friend.

There is a restaurant at the top called "Mothers" which is like the
Alice's of this area. Lots of bikers gather up there. We saw a group
of old Moto Guzzi bikes from the 1950's in immaculate shape. The group
rides these bikes around for the pure enjoyment of it.
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/Pics11-24-03/imagepages/BadGas25.html

After playing there for a bit we went on to Borrego Springs. It's in
the desert at the bottom of this huge elevation drop that we rode down.
It's called the Glass Elevator because that's what it feels like as
you descend the switchbacks onto the valley floor. It got a little warm
so we didn't stay long.
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/BavfrHorde.html

We moved on to Julian for a late lunch taking this straight road where
we did a high speed run. For added excitement, the road had small
undulations. Hoowee! Hans got air!

Julian is a quaint little town that is hugely popular. I don't see the
attraction. It's crowded with visitors who come out to the country to
escape the crowds in the city...wierd. Parking was a bitch! Cars
everywhere.

We spent way too much time in Julian. The town is known for great apple
pies. We had some after lunch. Yummy! We headed out on 76 to San
Clemente. Mostly fast sweepers. Lots of cops in the area. Didn't see
any but we took it fairly slow (75 in a 55) just in case.

The hotel in San Clemente has a bar & restaurant, and SpeedVision. I
had prime rib, a couple of shooters of Patrone, and a bottle of red
wine. Yes, a bottle. We were waiting for the F1 race at 10pm so I
drank it slowly.

This is a fun crew. Wish you all could be here.


DAY 3
....................................................................
Another great day! Today was the best by far. We covered more miles in
the same amount of time because we spent less time off the bikes. Our
biggest time saver was eating lunch at Subway instead of a hot meal.
Half of us went to get gas while the other half ordered lunch and vice
versa.

We amended our route plan for today. The original plan called for 475
miles. Sadly, we had to eliminate Hwy 2 (Angeles Crest Hwy) and
replaced it with an hour of slab to get from San Clemente to Hwy 1. It
was painful but it saved us a bunch of time. We did 390 miles today
including 70 miles of that slab.

At a gas station we ran into a 50 RC51 riders on their first Club
outing... Mr.RC45 is scrutinized...
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RC51ClubMrRC45.html


The twisties today were incredible! If you ever get down here you have
to do these roads. Our first stop was The Rock Store. It's the Alice's
of LA.
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/MrRC45RockStore.html
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/MrRC45RockStoreParkingLot.html
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RockStoreOwnerEd.html
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RockStoreMelee.html

This life size rolling sculpture showed up...
http://sergiofurnari.com/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RollingSculpture.html

The local Ferrari club was racing in the opposite direction. Oh man!
Modenas, 550 Maranellos, etc. There were a few Porches in the mix and
one Lambo Murcielago. Wow!

We had lunch in Ojai and continued on Hwy 33 inland. Nice twisties
after getting out of town. Tim hooked us up with this road called
Lockwood Valley Road. Oh my gawd!! Another must do. It ends at
Frazier Park, close to the I-5 near Lebec. 27 miles of racetrack-smooth
pavement. Sweeping, banked turns mixed with elevation changes. Tim
called this "Izzy's Road". I loved it! I gave him a big hug
afterwards. God bless the Engineer that did that one.

We headed on to SLO on 166 after that. Checked in at 6:15 pm and went
to Tahoe Joe's Steakhouse for dinner. We had a lot of fun! Drank a few
beers and some wine. No shooters tonight. I really enjoy the company
of the group members. I am truly blessed.
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/Pics11-24-03/imagepages/PartyBAVFRHorde.html
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/Pics11-24-03/imagepages/BadGas03.html

DAY 4
.........................................................................
San Luis Obispo to Sacramento...

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Nice ride report, Larry but 4 days for 1400 miles? Our Colorado trip
was 1800 miles in 2 1/2 of riding to and from, with two more days at
the races in the Copper Mountain Ski resort. Your group was all VFR's
(sport touring, cept you) too. Must be all that congestion over in
California or maybe ya' all don't get acclimated to the saddle with
600-700 miles day trips like we Zoners do.

The quote below, says it all and except for you these fellahs all
appear to be young pups.

Hint: get yer butts out of bed earlier for smooth sailing at 100+ to
really make some time over the open and sweeper sections.

BTW, wasn't this back in August or Early September?

PS. If you think I'm bustin' your chops pard, at least I've taken the
time for a heads up, which frankly, is more than any or the rest of
you Cali kids have ever bothered on my numerous ride reports plus
photos over the years. And you didn't even compose this one yourself



Bob Nixon
Phoenix AZ
01 Sprint ST "RED"
03 Suzuki ST "SILVER"

 

Peter... thanks for inviting into your home... we had fun... I never
knew you where a master woodworker and able to build musical instruments
like guitars and banjos... seeing your home made Stradivarius guitar
blew me away... what a work of art... you ought to post a picture of it
in here... don't worry about OT... I authorize it...
Peter with your skills you'd be perfect builder for a wood aircraft home
built kit... come visit the Busy Little Shop... I'll get you fired up
for flying...

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Thanks Pard... what's common among the group is love for the VFR...
however some members have found favor with other brands but they still
know how to multiply riding pleasure and divide grief on a long trip...

Izmate 97 VFR with hard bags...
TimO 2002 R6 with soft luggage...
Hans 2000 VFR with hard bags...
Mike 2002 VFR with hard bags...
Rod 2003 Aprilia Tuano with soft bags...
Greg 2002 CBR Blackbird with hard bags...
Mark 2002 BMW with everything...
Me... 94 RC45 with a itty bitty tank bag...

As you can see Tim's R6 and I tied for the lightest ride... basically we
disappeared from the group and we the least tired at the end of the
day...

The ride started Oct. 9th my 55th B-day...

You're all heart Pard... I'm sure Cali kids can do better to fulfill
your expectations...
BTW... ping me off line and I'll shot you my phone number...

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Hey... I was just there this past Sunday! Man, what an awesome area to ride
in.

Where is it, exactly?

I also stopped at that outlook, but I can't remember if this is the place
where you can see the Salton Sea in the distance. BTW, what's with leaving
the helmet on in the group picture, or is your real name Earl Hindman?

Peckham

 

Eeeeeeeeeewwwwwww! You two ought to get a room!

 

http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Palomar.htm



BTW, what's with leaving

I usually leave my helmet during short stops... besides you wants to see
helmet hair anyway???

BTW... you have room to land a plane on your new So Cal property???
after I'm done restoring my Dehavilland Chipmunk... 10 years from now...
I'm giving free buzz jobs to my friends...

May I take girl wonder up and let her get on the stick to yank and bank
her brains loose???
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/MyPoorChipmunk.html
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RCAFChipmunk.html


Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

What part of "Eeeeeeeeeewwwwwww! You two ought to get a room!" made you think
that I don't understand friendship?

 

Why Timmy... quit peeping in the key hole and join the fun... I'll show
you how to tuck a exotic bike away in bed...

http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/H40Race51.html

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Hmmm... You wouldn't want to land on our property as it is a boulder farm.
A helicopter, maybe -- but there is about 240 yards of straight, packed dirt
road running along the perimeter. That's probably too short of a runway.
OTOH, there is a small airport (Warner Springs Airport) fairly close by.

Sure. She grew up across the street from a small airport in Roanne, France.
She is used to gliders, though.

Peckham

 

Are you my mother?

 

Friendship I understand. Public gushing is, well, kind of disgusting. And
gushing it was.

 

The big bad man is scaring me, Mommy.

 

OK Mr. Morrow... no way... with you riding a stinky hog... can we be
remotely related...

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

I see.... It's what you ride ... today ... that's important.

But hey! I appreciate the "Mr. Morrow," Mr. Lovisone!

Tim

 

I hope you're kidding, Larry. It doesn't seem like you to brand bash.

 

http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/BuellPower.html

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Good to see that you recognize an authority figure, even when it's just a
figment of your own fevered imagination!

 

The answer lies in Italian genes... like your Dad flies a 86 Corvette...
your Mom spun a Subaru on it's top speeding around a apex...

Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/
http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/

 

Boulders, bungee cords, instant runway.