STAR RIDING & TOURING ASSOCIATION SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CHAPTER 237

June 2010
5 County Ride

WOW!

What a turnout we had for the ride. All the players were: Don Weyant, Monica Hark, Mary Halverson with her friend Lena, Ken Aasved with Lynette, Bobbie Campos, Juan Sandoval, Paul & Alex Velasquez, Prophet Commons & Angelique, Gabe Valencia, Alberto Robles & Stacie, Ed Berman & Cher, Patrick Espirito, Satch Nakamura, Don Pierce, Peter Huang, Eddie Colon, Rick & Denita Gross, A.J., Bill Martin, mark Itzigsohn, Steve Howse, Albert Hernandez, Our good friend Mario Callazo joined us from Chapter 258 and then there was myself. Grand Total was 30 bodies on this ride with 25 bikes taken out. A first for the Chapter

While waiting at the Western Bagel Saturday morning, I was pondering as to how many riders would be showing. I know it is a popular ride. Last year we had about 20 total. I was surprised by the amount that had shown. In calling “The Place”, he had set up for the BBQ for 18 to 20 people. So another surprise, he had to get more food.

It was decided that we would head out in two groups. Don would lead one of them and I would take the next. Giving them a few minute head start we then took off. Taking the 118 Fwy to Princeton, then heading over Grimes Canyon. You can see where the scenery is now starting to take a dryer look heading into summer. Using South Mountain Rd to get us to Santa Paula, the views were fantastic. Then cruising up the 150 hwy, taking the back door into Ojai. Our gas stop was the Chevron Station. While taking a break there, another group of riders showed up and I couldn’t help but smile. The husband on a Victory Vision, his wife on a Victory (she graduated to this bike from a V Star 650) and then two additional riders on Bergman Scooters. (A 650 and a 400cc). It was a Kodak moment.

Now is the exciting part of the ride. We are heading up the 33 north to our BBQ site. The 33 is just a wonderful road to take. Many mountains and canyons with lots of twisties. The whole time the group kept together quite well. Once we crossed over the summit, we pulled over to an overview and checked out the views. Gorgeous. Looking down, we spotted an old Ford Truck (32?) punching up the mountain. You could tell this was no stock vehicle. As he passed us he gave us a blow of his horn and we cheered him on. AAUUUGGAAAA! He and the wife were out on a morning drive.

With everyone agreeing that we were getting hungry, we mounted up and continued our journey to “The Place”. Coming down the hill, everything is going well. Good formation, we are looking like a well oiled machine cruising down the road. We now come upon a truck and trailer who is hauling portable toilets. I tell myself that it isn’t that far and just stay behind it. After a mile or so, I notice that toilet paper is being sucked out of the porta potty from the wind. My not liking this idea, I decided it was time to pass this vehicle thinking that “The Place” is further down the road. The moment I throttled down and started to pass the vehicle in question, I noticed that I was also passing “The Place”. A quick slow down, everyone practicing their u turns and we finally arrive. At this time, I would like to point out that my friends, my bud’s and budette’s wanted to remind me that I SCREWED up. No I said, we were practicing our Safety stops and turnarounds. Being the President, that is what they get to believe. Lol.

THE BBQ

Alick and Vickie (our wonderful host & hostess’), set up a buffet table for us to devour the food they made for us. Tri Tip and Chicken. Some very sweet corn on the cob. A salad, toasted garlic bread and this year something different. Desert! Home made Pies. Peach, blackberry, apple, and a coconut cream pie. It was decided that no matter what, the pie part is coming back next year. What a sugar high. Chapter 237 definitely made a dent at the buffet table.

THE RIDE HOME

Trying to determine a good time to leave before everyone wanted a nap, I somehow convinced the group it was time to move on. At this time, we had crossed over only four of the Counties. It was now time to cross the fifth one. About a mile from the intersection of the 166 and the 33 north is a sign that states we are now in the County of San Louis Obispo. #5. Once making the right turn about a mile down the road, is another sign welcome to Kern County. It may have been a short trip through the County, but we did make the Five.

Now heading in an Easterly direction we started to climb a short hill. Now, again my bud’s and budette’s will tell you how I missed the right turn to take us into Pine Mtn. and Frazier Park. Nay I say, Nay! We needed to practice another turn around. With that being said, off we went through some beautiful country consisting of valley’s and over the mountains. Enjoying the precious view, it was such a rush just riding through this area.

I had told everyone that the destination was going to be the Chevron station in Frazier Park and heading a line of twenty five motorcycles, communication was a little tough. When arriving at the destination, it was then we found out that Juan (the Harley Guy) has had some trouble with his bike. This is something you really hate to hear being a Ride Captain. Some emergency repairs had been made and they were mobile again. Batteries were changed out on the motorcycles. We had been running a little late for some so at this time, a lot of the members took off. Some did stay behind to wait. When they had showed, a battle plan had been placed into effect and away we went. We made it all the way to the Shell Station at Magic Mtn. Parkway. From there a Tow Truck had been called and they carted the Harley away to Paul’s house. So as Paul graciously pointed out on the Forum “No Juan was left behind”.

While riding home late Saturday, on occasion my mind would drift and think as to the members that are a part of Chapter 237 and some new ones waiting in the wings & realizing that what a fantastic group of people this Chapter has. Even that guy from 258 fits in well!

I would like to thank all who came out on this ride. We had a great time.