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!

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.

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.

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.

Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson Demo Rides

Skip Fordyce hosted demo rides today.  I had a chance to test out a couple of bikes, the VRod and Street Glide.

The VRod, wasn't anything that I'd run out and buy anytime soon.  Our demo route was a mere 16.2 miles through Riverside, Ca and I was so uncomfortable the entire time.  You are stretched out, reaching for the controls at your hands and feet, forming a V with your body - perhaps that's why it is titled VRod.  Oddly enough, my knee suffered the most on the ride.  Although my back was being tested, my aging knee wouldn't last long on that bike. The one thing that I can say about the VRod is I don't think I ever got out of 3rd gear.  Even at 55-60 mph, it never needed shifting into 4th.  This means there would be a lot more motor for those dangerous speeds.

The Street Glide was a dream.  I fell in love with it.  I think that one will be my next bike.  It was comfortable, had a stereo, and rode like it was on air.  The suspension was great, not allowing the rider to feel too much of the bumps in the road.  I do think that it followed the ruts in the street more than my Heritage does, and in some parts of Riverside, there are many.

I wish I had time to ride others, but there wasn't much time as I was in a hurry to get home and take the kids to the water park and Calico Ghost Town.  It would be a busy day for all of us in the Knight household.

Skip Fordyce Demo Rides this Saturday, July 31, 2010

I just discovered today that Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson is having demo rides this Saturday.  I look forward to taking a few different bikes for a spin - especially a VRod.  Hopefully they have one on hand.

Skip Fordyce is located in Riverside, California.  If you need more information or directions, you can find it on their site here --> www.skipfordyce.com.

Roadhouse Biker Church

Attended the Roadhouse Biker Church in San Bernardino for the first time tonight.  My nephew called me and asked for a ride to the church.  I agreed and ended up staying for the service myself.  I genuinely had a nice time.  The attendees were also very down to earth people and it was a great service.  I really enjoyed it and look forward to going again.

For information on the church you can check out their website at www.roadhousebikerchurch.org.