Sunday, August 29, 2010

Skip Fordyce H.O.G. Chapter Challenge

Skip Fordyce hosted a contest of strength and athleticism tonight. The games consisted of volleyball and tug of war.

The teams for volleyball were I.E. H.O.G., Circle City H.O.G., and the employees of Skip's.

The first match pit I.E. H.O.G. against Skip Fordyce. Those fellas from Skip's beat us, but the true score may never be known, with a few people voicing different numbers - including Jay, the owner of Skip's. I kind of preferred the numbers given by the guy that was drinking or another member of I.E. H.O.G.

After the match, we were provided with a meal. This meal consisted of various burritos, chips and salsa, refried beans, and rice.

The second match would leave Skip's defending it's lead against Circle City H.O.G. Having just lost to Skip's, I was encouraged to root for them against Circle City. We couldn't live with the trash talking should they win. The folks at Skip's made quick work of them and beat them by a larger margin than the match with us.

Volleyball behind us, the next contest would be the tug of war. I.E. H.O.G. would be fortunate to have some large men participating. The team consisted of I.E. H.O.G. and a couple employees of Skip Fordyce Harley. The opposing team would consist of a few gusys smaller than ours (not small, but small in comparison) and about 4 or 5 petite women. We had this one in the bag. Or so any bystander would have thought. Those women and the smaller men of the group would pull our group over the line and almost into the kiddie pool in the middle. Cries for 2 out of 3 rang out. The second match would end the same as the first, the men from I.E. H.O.G. would be dragged again to the other side, this time after a small delay.

One last event would remain - the old stein hold. About 10 people would have steins filled with water extended out from their bodies, held with only a single arm. Men and women would compete. Arms began to quake. One after another, a drink would fall, eliminating a contestant. The women put up a good fight, with a couple outlasting quite a few of the men. The last one holding the stein would be from Circle City.

I.E. did not win any of the contests of strength or athleticism, but it did go home with a Hog Pinata, due in part to the many attendees from the chapter. We won by pure numbers. It was the consolation prize.

I had a blast tonight and it reminded me why I enjoy that dealership so much. The events held are usually great. The H.O.G. chapter of that dealership is also great. I look forward to the next one.

Multiple Harley-Davidson Dealership Ride

I met up with my friend Kris and rode out to Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson in Baldwin Park for their open house event. They had some vendors, lots of bikes, and, best of all, a couple representatives from the Hooters restaurants (see pic below).

Once at the event, I noticed that the prices on the new bikes at Laidlaw's were better than other dealerships I frequent. I'll keep that in mind when I'm in the market for a new bike.

There were many cool bikes to gawk at in attendance at Laidlaw's. Some low-rider type bikes, a few bobbers that may have belonged to some of the employees, and many other makes and styles.

We finished checking things out and wanted to rush to Skip Fordyce's pep rally at the Riverside, Ca dealership that would start at 1 o'clock. We made it with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, there wasn't the draw that Laidlaw's had. A few bikes and familiar faces were on hand.

A little underwhelmed, I made haste to Quaid in Loma Linda, Ca for their customer appreciation event. I enjoyed a couple of their free cheeseburgers and chips while checking out their goods. They had a decent turnout and I spoke to a few acquaintances. I purchased a few shirts (a couple of them long-sleeved) from their bargain bin at a mere $2 a piece (thanks for the heads up, Donna!).

I finished up and made my way home, putting about 150 miles on the ol' scooter by the end of the day. It was a nice day for a ride, a little crisp in the morning and warming up a bit in the afternoon.

Here are some pics from the event:

Remember those Hooters representatives that were mentioned earlier in this post? Well, I asked them if they would mind me taking a picture of them with my friend. They agreed. What are friends for? Well, to show your wife who you took a picture with, that's what.

It was funny how quickly he blurted out what had happened and how I was framing him when we ran into his wife at Skip's.

I would post that picture, if I hadn't screwed up and lost it, along with a few others.

Fortunately, I have this one.  Thanks, Kris.

This is the image that will cause a little strife for my marriage.  My wife doesn't see things my way and feels that no other woman should ever find herself sitting on my bike. It's her seat.

 















Should I live after posting this image, I hope to share more with you.

Monday, August 23, 2010

This Upcoming Weekend Events (Aug. 27, 28, & 29)

I'm checking out what's going on this upcoming weekend, and I haven't found anything too exciting, yet.

KCAL 96.7 FM is hosting a Kegger on Friday, If my sources are accurate. Not really a biker event, but one of the folks from the local ABATE groups tipped me off about this one.

On the 28th, Laidlaw's Harley in Baldwin Park is having an open house event. This might be cool. I haven't been to this dealer, but I've heard it's a big place and a real cool shop. It looks like there will be food, raffles, and bike talk - some of my favorite activities.

On the 29th, Long Beach will be hosting their monthly Motorcycle Swap Meet. I've been to this one before and picked up a couple of items for a reasonable if not great price. The only downfall is the $10 admission.

I'm not sure which event(s) I'll find my way to, but I probably won't be as active this weekend as the last.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Ronald McDonald House Poker Run

I'm always a sucker for a poker run. Keeping on par with my history of these runs, I managed to once again draw a lousy hand. It started off looking very positive - first a Jack of hearts, followed by a 9 of hearts. The next stop, a 10 of clubs was drawn. Looking at a possible straight. I soon draw another 9 of hearts - that isn't allowed. It went back into the mix and another card drawn - 4 of clubs. Now it's getting ugly. I follow it up with a 6 of some suit I can't remember. Luckily, this is a best 5 of 6 poker run. At the final stop, I managed to uncover another Jack, making a cool pair of jacks. Alas, this wasn't enough to win anything. The winner had a straight flush, king high (if I remember correctly).

I try to keep in mind that it isn't the poker hand that counts. It's the cause that it benefits. This one was for the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego, home to a couple of friends while their daughter was going through some things.

The company of friends and like-minded individuals comes in second. There were quite a few of those and they were great to share the road with.

The ride's importance comes in third. This one wasn't the greatest ride, with few curvy roads to follow. With all of those beautiful areas in San Diego that we could have went, we stuck to towns populated with many traffic signals. A couple of the stops were at McDonald's franchises - kind of expected.

We ended up taking a detour to check out Bigg's Harley-Davidson in Escondido. This shop was big, with a lot of bikes for sale and on display. Fortunately for us, they were also having a free barbeque, but accepting donations. We ate and dropped a couple of bucks into the receptacle.

The final destination was the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego. This is the same place where friends stayed for months at a time, waiting for their daughter to recover from some serious surgeries. Sadly, they expect to be there again shortly. Our prayers will be with them. At RMH, we were once again provided with a meal. We ate, participated in the raffles, enjoyed the company of others, and witnessed the winner of the poker hand receiving his glory.

Here are a few pics from the event. Enjoy.

This is where it all began.
















Here is a taste of some of the many bikes participating in the event.

















This cool keg trailer was on hand.  I have to say, this is the most creative bike trailer I have ever seen.  The craftsmanship was to be admired.

















Some might deem this one to be a tragedy, but this chopper actually started out as a Night Train.

















Here's my friend Donna Wandro on her spiffy Sportster.  We had to beg her to slow down a bit in order to get a picture.  She had somewhat of a lead wrist today.

















You can't have a Ronald McDonald House ride without Ronald McDonald.  Here he is in all his face-painted glory.  Sharing the scene with Ronald are Donna Wandro, Kris Wandro, The lovely Mrs. Weakened Warrior, Valerie Knight, and me.

















On the way back home, it was smoldering hot in the Inland Empire.  The wife and I took a break and headed for a neat (yeah, I used the word "neat") little church in Perris, Ca, where we would drink some water we were carrying and pour some of the contents upon our heads and torsos.  This is a local Seventh Day Adventist Church.  I just love the architecture.






























Here's a picture of the wife and bike outside a cool old building in Downtown Perris.
















To quote an old movie (Casablanca), I've been telling the spousal unit "we'll always have Perris."

I hope you enjoyed the words and photos.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Roadhouse Biker Church Ride to Devil's Punch Bowl

I was looking forward to my first ride with this group. I asked a friend if he would like to join me in tagging along for this ride.

We met the RBC group at the Hideout at 9 a.m. Kickstands would be up at 9:30. We hit the road.

About 15 bikes were in formation along I15, heading toward the 138 where we would exit the highway and make way toward our destination - Devil's Punch Bowl.

Once on the 138, we exited quickly onto Lone Pine Canyon road. We followed it through a winding mountain road with nothing but hills and brush in view. A short while longer, we would be passing through the small mountain community known as Wrightwood, where a seemingly small car show is currently being held. Vintage bikes are also parked along the road.

In short time we were out of Wrightwood and merging onto Angeles Crest Highway 2. Living in So Cal nearly all my 38 years, I would soon be amazed that I have never ventured onto this road that is right in my backyard. There were signs warning of some sort of mountain goats in the area - I kept a keen eye out. We proceeded along the long winding road and arrived at a couple of tunnels that were dug through the mountains. Again, I'm surprised I've never come here.

We made a right onto Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road. This would eventually lead us through Palmdale. And to a place called Charlie Brown's Farms, a place we'd sit and chat while waiting for our food.

Charlie Brown's is a neat little place that sold a slew of items from beef jerky and various flavored peanuts to odd children's toys. Outside of Charlie Brown's, you find a couple of dinosaurs mixed in with around 20 other painted animals that appear to have come from a theme park or two. It was most assuredly a cool place to stop and relax a bit - as long as you're not in a hurry. The service was as slow as the place was popular. Believe me; it was popular!

After finally getting served and polishing off our food and drinks, it was time to head out. By this time, it was getting late and we didn't have time to make it to our original destination - the Devil's Punch Bowl. This was due in part to a road that was closed because of a fire and having to take the long scenic route around to find another path.

Heading back, I recalled that little car show that was being held in Wrightwood. I told my friend Roger that I would be heading over there. He would eventually join me. To our surprise, this wasn't really that small of a show. There were several streets lined with classic and muscle cars. Below, you'll find some pics.

Although we never made it to the Devil's Punch Bowl, it was an awesome trip.

How's this for irony? Last weekend we rode with a church group to Hell's Kitchen and this week we road with a church group with a goal of going to the Devil's Punch Bowl. Interesting...

The pics as promised.











































Pastor Denver taking a picture.

















And just when you thought you had seen it all, some guy decides that a 4x4 Stingray is a must-have.

















You don't see these everyday.  This is an AMX from American Motors - the ones that brought us the classic Gremlin and Pacer vehicles.






























This is the Mad Max Interceptor vehicle from the Mad Max movies.





































































This is a Harley Sprint 250.  I don't recall the year.  It was an Italian-made Harley.

















As much as I like Volkswagen Bugs, I didn't really like this one much.  This guy had the clever idea of mounting rear fenders to the front.  True story.















Well, I hope you enjoyed the words and pictures.  I'll be sure and post more soon.

Skip Fordyce Bike Night Recap

Friday, August 20th was the second to last bike night at Skip Fordyce for 2010.  Only one more to go.

I decided to catch up with the folks from Roadhouse Biker Church in San Bernardino at the Hideout.  Once at the location, only Pastor Denver was to be found.  5:30 rolled around and we rolled as well.

"How do you feel about lane splitting?", Pastor Denver asked.
"I was hoping we would", I answered.

When it came to lane splitting the 91 freeway traffic, even the size of the Road Glide didn't slow Pastor Denver down.  He proceeded to thread the needle.  I followed.

Once there, we went our separate ways. I met up with some people that just returned from Sturgis and other friends who would be present.  I checked out some bikes, ate some of the complimentary food provided, enjoyed some bike talk, and listened to the live music.

The band was great.  The lead singer had a great set of lungs on her.  Everyone left their seats when she performed a little Janice Joplin.  She had a lot of energy.  The rest of the band was equally impressive, with a keyboardist, horn player of some type, drummer, guitarist, and bassist - quite a band.

This was a very good turnout.  Last month paled in comparison.  There were many bikes and many familiar faces.  It was definitely a good time not to be missed.

I took a few pics using the lousy Blackberry camera.  It was the only device I had with me.  I figured it would do.  I'll post 'em as soon as I can get them onto the computer.

In the meantime, mark your calendars for the last bike night of the year at Skip's.  You don't want to miss it!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Some Events for the Upcoming Weekend - August 20th, 21st, and 22nd, 2010

There are several things going on next weekend in Southern California. There's Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson's bike night in Riverside on Friday, August 20th.  A huge block party will be taking place on Saturday, August 21st in Harbor City. A poker run benefiting the Ronald McDonald House in Serra Mesa will be held on Sunday, August 22nd in San Diego.

I am hoping to put my wife to the test by enjoying each of these events.  We'll see if my marriage can handle it...

Renegade Classic Bike Night in Riverside

Just got back from Renegade Classic's bike night in Riverside. While there, we enjoyed pizza, drinks, and brownies all for a minimal donation.

I purchased $5 worth of raffle tickets. This is quite a habit I've established. I ended up winning (?) a few stickers.  One is of a rear view of a girl wearing a thong.  I told the wife that one's going on her car since she was the one that suggested I buy the tickets. I don't even recall what the others were.

I got to mingle with a lot of cool people there.  We talked bikes, rides, and religion a bit.

I did get a few pics of some bikes that were on display.  There were quite a few.  Here's some for your viewing pleasure.










































Look closely.  This isn't a Street Glide.  This is a Deluxe Softail with Batwing-style fairing.

Bikers For Christ 20th Anniversary Party

With the choice of two different rides today, I decided to take part in the Bikers for Christ 20th Anniversary Party at Irvine Lake.  The day started off with breakfast, followed by a ride through Ortega Highway to Hell's Kitchen.

After a short visit of Hell's Kitchen (Seriously short! I didn't even get to finish my $2.50 soda!), we headed back to Irvine Lake.  On the way back, my friend Roger and I stopped at Cook's Corner for a bathroom break.  We checked out the usual vendor outside and the bulletin board on the outside wall.  I took a few pictures of bikes and we headed back to the lake for the barbeque.

The barbeque consisted of a couple different chicken selections, salad, hot links, hors d'oeuvres, salmon, and much more - all for a mere $15 entry fee that included the previously mentioned ride.

Live music was provided and they sounded great.  The bands had good energy.  They mixed some christian messages here and there in between songs.

The weather started off nice and cool - perhaps a bit too cold this morning with some low clouds.  It didn't take long for Southern California to return it its sunny self.  By the afternoon, it was nearly too hot.  Most people stayed in the shade.

This was my first trip to Irvine Lake.  It was a nice fishing lake (I don't believe swimming, water skiing, or Sea Doo type vehicles were allowed).  There were many people there fishing, with few managing to reel in something living. Besides fishermen and women seated around the lake, there were also some big birds, such as egrets.

After a long day there, we decided to head out around 3 o'clock or so. We decided to return the same way we came, taking advantage (if you would call it that) of the toll road to save some time.  We hit the 91 and it sucked as usual.  It's freaking Saturday, people!  GTFO my freeway!

Here's some pics to go along with this chapter of Weakened Warrior's adventures.




































































Here's the sign outside of the Hell's Kitchen establishment.  I don't typically get into political debates, but I did find this amusing.
















I hope you enjoyed the post.

Friday, August 13, 2010

A Couple of Rides in Southern California This Weekend.

The Inland Empire H.O.G. chapter is putting on a ride to Neptune's Net in Malibu, followed by a run to the Rock Store on Saturday.  They are leaving from Skip Fordyce Harley in Riverside early in the morning.  You can find out more by going to Skip Fordyce and clicking on the event calendar.

There is also a Bikers For Christ event at Irvine Lake.  This one takes place early in the morning (I think an 7:30 a.m. registration).  It starts with a nice ride, followed by an event that includes music and festivities at the lake. You can find the pdf here.

With two great rides this weekend, it's difficult to choose which one.  I think I'm going to mark a coin and perform the old coin-toss decision.

Inland Empire H.O.G. Meeting

Last night was the monthly meeting for the Inland Empire Harley Owners Group.  With the usual leaders of the group enjoying time at Sturgis, it was time for the rest of us unfortunate bastards to poke a little fun at them and have a good time here back home.  A couple of the officers dressed and acted like some of those that were absent, going so far as to even don a fake rack of giant-sized boobs.

One of the events taking place at the meeting was allowing people from the audience to perform the field sobriety test consisting of walking the white line - all while wearing a pair of those funky beer goggles.  It was difficult enough just to stay on your feet, let alone attempt to walk a white line.  I must add that when I pulled the goggles over my eyes, it was like I was at an audition for a modeling agency.  Once I removed the goggles and discovered the reality of the familiar mugs, I was once again reminded that beer does allow you to make poor judgments.  All kidding aside, the goggles were meant to show the wearer how it would be if they were legally drunk.

Among the festivities, the owner and some of the employees of Skip Fordyce Harley were there to support the chapter as well as give a little runway fashion show of the latest digs from Harley.  As usual, the clothing looked great.  There were a few pieces I wouldn't mind picking up if the price was right.  There were also some shades that were virtually indestructible.

Roadhouse Biker Church 2

For the second time, I attended church at the Roadhouse Biker Church in San Bernardino on Tuesday.

I really enjoy this church and hope to have my wife and kids join me this upcoming Tuesday for some praise and worship.

These guys really know how to worship and have a good time. The members are a delightful group of tattooed, mean-looking guys.  They would generally make you feel a bit uncomfortable if you were passing them in a dark alley someplace, but they are quite the opposite.  They are very friendly and, most of all, hospitable.

The band does a great job.  There is a female singer that should try out for American Idol - her voice is that good.

I had a great time there and look forward to going again.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Solo Ride

Rode to Riverside to check out the big sale and just to see what was going on at Skip Fordyce Harley today. I decided to take various routes on the way back home, just feeling a little adventurous today.  I took surface streets to San Timoteo Canyon Road. I followed San Timoteo to Live Oak and headed through Oak Glen.  From Oak Glen, I road up towards Big Bear, stopping for a short walk around Jenks Lake - a nice little lake that allows float tube fishing for a mere $5.

I stopped for gas in Arrowbear and calculated my mileage.  For the second time, I managed to record 47mpg.  Not bad at all.  This bike averages somewhere around 43mpg.

It was a nice day for a ride, a little cold in the morning and warming up a bit in the afternoon.  There were many others that also felt that it was a good day to ride.  I didn't make too many stops, but I did enjoy the views.

I may go on a Get Acquainted Ride (G.A.R.) with the local H.O.G. chapter.  We'll see if I can steal away tomorrow and play hooky from church.