Daytec Cycle Center's Bike Shop Instructional

Every week, Daytec Cycle Center in Hesperia, Ca holds a shop night. After many weeks of working late and being unable to attend, I finally had a break and made the trek out there tonight.

As luck would have it, they were giving some instruction on lowering a bike.  The bike to be lowered was none other than a sportster.  How fortuitous. It would seem that I may be doing this myself soon.

The instruction was very informal, allowing people such as myself to ask many dumb questions.  I did.  I asked about everything that I wasn't familiar with and nobody noticeably wanted me to shut my trap.  The instructors, employees of Daytec, were more than encouraging.  They made it seem somewhat easy.

During the event, food and drinks were provided.  They also held a raffle for some shirts, polish, and other objects of which I wouldn't win.

All of this was free. That's right - of no cost to the attendees.

Check out there website for events and other information regarding services they provide.  This shop tends to do it all - service, powder coating, fabrication, etc.

Thanks again, Daytec!

Skip Fordyce's Bike Night June 2011

Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson of Riverside held a bike night last Friday night. Many riders came out in support of the event.

There were many people in attendance. I don't think it was quite as big as the last one, but it still had a larger crowd than that of last year's events.

There were a few vendors on hand with booths setup on the lawn. The Roadhouse Biker Church had a booth setup as well.

Overall it was a cool event. I socialized with many people there in attendance and enjoyed the night there with the wife sans kids.

 Here's a few snapshots I managed to gather.

As you can see from the crowd, it was a pretty happening spot.

This was a nice softail.  Too bad it was a night shot.

As you may have noticed, I have a soft spot for hardtails.

More money in chrome than I make in a year.

I don't post many baggers, but this one needed to be shown.

Big Bear Choppers Ride the Mountain 2011

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of riding up to Big Bear for the annual Big Bear Choppers event.

The ride up the mountain was wild, with an incredible amount of bicyclists making their way up the mountain from a city in the valley down below.  They would pass each other, forcing cars to veer across the double yellow line into oncoming traffic.  There were more than I could or would want to count.

Many members of the Roadhouse Biker Church made the trek as I followed.  We made it to our destination without incident.

The weather was nearly perfect.  Many of us even managed to get sun burned.

It was a good day for the church to set up their booth and spread the good word.  Prayers were offered for those present in need.

Here's a picture of my friends Gary and Amy of the Roadhouse Biker Church.  I was waiting at a turnout for them to arrive and captured this image.

Attendance seemed to be down this year compared to last, but as you can see in the photo below, there was still a decent turnout.

Here's a few of the cool bikes that were on hand.

 This is actually the second Porche-powered trike that I've seen in recent weeks.  How cool is this?

I've seen some very tall apes in popular pictures on the web.  These may be the tallest that I've seen in person.  Photoshop was not used to enhance this image.

This is probably my favorite bike.  And it wasn't even in the show.  It belongs to Pete "Hot Dog" Finlan, a former employee of West Coast Choppers.

The bike is a WCC CFL (Choppers For Life) model.  It was built and painted by Pete and looked amazing.

My final image to post of the day is of one of the Hoka Hey challengers.  I didn't get his name, but he had some cool and interesting stories to tell.  It was great to talk to this guy and hear his views of the event and its obstacles.

He rode the event on a non-touring bike without a windshield.  That's right - no windshield!

I hope you enjoyed the words and pictures.  Ride safe.

Wife's New Helmet

A while back, I attended an event at Quaid Harley-Davidson in Loma Linda, Ca.  Due to the weather, the poker run was canceled.  Instead, they held a poker walk.  This walk was five bucks and included a lunch provided by In & Out Burger.  As usual, I also participated in other raffles being offered on site.

As luck would have it, I won a free helmet painting by Jerry from JRT Image Graphics.  The downside was that I was riding away as the winner was announced.  I was told that he would still honor it, although I wasn't present.  Jerry upheld his end and I picked up a shiny new helmet for the wife and allowed her to have it painted.

The wife didn't really know what she wanted on the helmet, other than it being green - her favorite color.  We searched the internet for some cool photos of some religious subjects, as she really wanted a Christian message or theme to be represented.

One of the pictures she chose was of the famous Christ statue in Brazil.  She also selected a dove to be painted on the opposite side.  On the rear, she asked for the text "Jesus loves me."

Here's a couple photos of the helmet.

Thanks, Jerry!

It Was A Beautiful Day in So Cal Today

The weather was inviting for many car and motorcycle aficionados today.  It seemed especially so in the mountains.  I spotted many motorcycles and classic cars today.  Unfortunately, I only managed to get a couple of pictures.

Here's what I believe to be a 62 Chevy for sale.  The owner was asking $12k.

The car below is a 1969 Saab.  It's powered by a V4.  This is the first of its kind I believe I have ever seen.  Cool car.

Bike Back From Slim's Fab

A while back, I dropped my newly acquired Sportster off at Slim's Fabrication for a little hardtail modification. With said hardtail, I requested an oil tank, seat pan, battery box, and sissy bar.  The price was very reasonable.

I got the bike back this past weekend.  It's still in need of some paint, minor clean-up, and a few odds and ends.

I'm looking forward to getting this thing back on the road.  I dropped off the seat pan to get it covered with some fabric.  I also plan on giving it some attention tomorrow, preparing everything for some rattle can paint.

Here it is when we brought it home.

Check out that sissy bar!

West Coast Thunder 2011

Well, it's been a few days since West Coast Thunder and I'm finally getting to posting some information on it.  I know it's been almost a week, but I've been quite busy with work and life in general.

West Coast Thunder happened on Memorial Day.  It was a great ride that left Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson in Riverside, Ca.

The ride departed from the dealership at 9:11 a.m. to recognize the tragic date the U.S. was attacked by terrorists.  Attendees rode out to Soboba Casino, passing the Riverside National Cemetery, where many riders would stop to pay respect to the dead.  A concert and vendors would be waiting for the riders.

The ride was just as cool as last year.  I still got a bit choked up seeing all of the people lining the streets saluting, waving, and forming peace signs with their fingers.  Some showing respect to the former members of the armed forces taking part in the parade.  While others were there to see some cool bikes.

The only drawback to this year was the lack of overhead flybys performed by the local military institutions and the freeways not being held at bay by law enforcement.  Last year there were several aircraft making their way overhead, including a Bell helicopter, Huey, and a C130.  The freeway was also reserved for just motorcycles, forcing automobiles to wait at the on ramps for the end of the convoy of bikes.

I can understand not having the freeways blocked this year.  I'm sure it costs a pretty penny to have the law enforcement agencies to block access for other motorists.  Poor publicity may also be a concern.  But it sure was cool to have all four lanes to ourselves last year.

There were many cool bikes in attendance.  I don't know what the final numbers were, but they were expecting more than the 7500 accounted for in the previous year.

I managed to take over 300 pictures. Here are a few of them.

Check out this crowd!

1978 Daily Rider.

One of many Indians present.

Chevy V8-powered trike.

Love the stance of this bike.

Bring your own bar stool.

Puch-powered bikes.

Cool Kawasaki drag bike.

With the right paint, this would rock!

Cool pipes.

5th Annual Ray "Eagle" Ramirez Benefit Poker Run

Weather predictions for today claimed that we were going to get a bit of rain.  I thought, "Great. It's going to ruin my weekend."  Fortunately, as has been the case lately, the highly-paid professional prophets of precipitation have failed us, yet again.

I woke up, took a gander out my bedroom window toward what would have been dark grey clouds of doom, and spotted a welcoming blue sky.  I donned my appropriate cold weather riding gear - long-sleeved thermal top, t-shirt, coat, gloves, and jeans (don't worry; undergarments were present, too).

I quickly rode down to the biker church in order to register for the event, topping off my tank at one of the cheapest gas spots in town - a Circle K.  Upon arrival, I spotted many familiar faces and some not-so-familiar ones.

I paid, got on my steel steed, and followed a group out for the poker run.  Like the typical smart guy that I am, I forgot to draw my first card at the Roadhouse Biker Church.  I didn't realize it until we were a ways down the road, pulled over and waiting for others to join.

We proceeded onto the freeway, exiting at the base of the mountains.  Our directions pointed us back up the local mountains, past where I left this morning.

The weather was nice and cool. I kept most of my gear on - except gloves.  Drew my first card at Calvary Chapel in Running Springs - a jack of some face I cannot remember.  I pulled my second card at a fire station in Fawn Skin - a king.  Things are looking good - other than the fact that I still don't have a card from the starting location.

I split off from the group, hoping to make it back to the origin of the ride and pick what should have been my first card.  The church lot was empty.  Everyone seemingly went to the destination of the ride.  I continued onward.

The next stop was a Starbuck's location in Colton.  I grabbed a nine from the deck.  Things aren't looking too bad.  I have a chance of a straight.

I push onward and head to the final location - the party spot.  BBQ, music, raffles, and socializing await.

I get to the Park and head toward the booth to pull my final card and, hopefully, the one that I didn't get before heading out.  I spin the wheel of cards and get a jack.  Sweet!  I have a pair of them now.  I spin again.  A nine!  Two pairs!  Not bad.

After all was said and done, I didn't win the poker run.  This is starting to become a trend.  I did, however, have a good time.  I managed to hang out with some good people, enjoy some entertainment, and be a part of something special.

The reason this was special is that the "Eagle Run" is a benefit run that provides support for a selected fallen rider's family.  It really is an altruistic event.

Here are a few pics from the event.  I hope you enjoy.

Bike at Dayco's First Swap Meet

While at the swap meet, there were many bikes coming and going. That surprised me as I would think if you needed to pick up something bulky, it would have been easier to fit it in a trunk or bed of a pickup. I did meet a guy who purchased a tire and strapped it to the seat behind him on his Electra Glide.

Out of the many bikes there, I only captured the one image below. This young man claims he has less than $3k into this bike and it was totally cool.  It's a Paughco frame hosting a Sportster power plant.

Daytec Cycle Center's First Motorcycle Swap Meet

Saturday started off looking like awful riding weather - clouds overhead, some mild sprinkling, and just miserable looking skies in my area. I got in my car, fastened my seat belt, and headed toward the high desert in hopes of some secondhand scores.

I arrived at Daytec Cycle Center in Hesperia, Ca. I walked through the lot of new, gently-used, and some overly-abused goods. There were many bargains to be had, including tires, rims, frames, rollers, helmets, miscellaneous parts.

I managed to score a few items: helmet, grips, tail light, and a small skull to be mounted to something I haven't yet decided. I felt I made out pretty good and left with money still in my pockets.

There were many cool people in attendance. I even ran into a former coworker that I haven't seen in quite some time. It was cool to see her and meet her husband.

All in all, it was a really good experience. I appreciated Daytec putting on the event and look forward to the next.

Yuma Prison Run 50th

This weekend was the 50th anniversary of the Yuma Prison Run in warm and sunny Arizona.

My friend Kris, his wife Donna, his cousin Janet, her friend Tara, and I headed out early Saturday morning.  We made great time and followed an unbelievable route through parts of California that reminded me of New Mexico.  I think the residents of the towns of Brawley, El Centro, and Salton City owe us big time for our efforts of reducing the population of gnats and other pests in the area - we were each taking time to clean our windshields, fenders, headlights, and other parts that had taken the lives of the flying insects.  The bug carcasses were event to be found all down our pants legs.

This was my first year attending this event.  I had no idea what to expect.  A mere $25 covers the entrance fee.  This allows you to camp at the fairgrounds, gets you a pin and some other small goodies, enjoy live music, includes BBQ, and much more.

The bikes weren't the glamour types you'd typically see at large events.  There were only a couple of choppers found at the site.  What you did see were plenty of VW powered trikes, Honda Goldwing Trikes, Harley Trikes, and some two-wheeled variety bikes meant to be ridden.  I even spotted a '78 BMW with side car.  There were a few side cars on display as well as plenty of tent and utility trailers being pulled by the many bikes.

The people were just people who wanted to get out and have a great time.  Some were obviously veterans of the Prison Run.  You can tell by the setups they had.  Bikes packed full of all of the necessary equipment needed for several days of camping.

There was a bike show, a traditional ride to the Yuma Territorial Prison, a stunt show provided by The Victor McLaglen Motor Corps, music provided by Sam Morrison Band, bike and trike games, and so much more.

The Sam Morrison Band put on a great performance.  They are a cover band with some real talent.  The band covered a wide range of popular music.

We didn't get there until after the bike games had been completed.  I heard rumor of a trike wheelie contest.  The best part was that one of the contestants of the wheelie contest was over 90 years old!

Another cool thing we were able to cast our eyes upon was the cool air vehicles leaving the nearby military facility.  There were jets, choppers of the aerial kind, and big propeller sporting birds making their way overhead throughout the day.

Well, I guess that's enough chatter.  Let me show you some of the things I was fortunate enough to witness in Arizona.

Unlike other posts, I want to take this time to represent some of the less-featured motorcycles and equipment.

Part Corvette, Part Bike

Not a motorcyle, but a cool barbeque!

What creativity!