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!

Skip Fordyce's First Bike Night of 2011

Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson graciously hosted their first bike night of the year Friday night.  What a bike night it was.  There were more bikes than I could count, a BBQ, burnout contest, and more.

I volunteered to take the Roadhouse Biker Church booth and equipment to the site of the event.  Therefore, I wasn't fortunate enough to have my bike present.

There were plenty of familiar faces on hand.  I spoke with many of the attendees and enjoyed the social event.  I felt it was the best one yet.

The burnout contest ended with the winner burning rubber until the inevitable "pop!"  That was the sound of victory and the contestant was given a new tire for his display.  There were a couple of others who had put on an awesome show, but they walked away with a discount on some new tread.

The bike show had a large number of custom painted bikes.  Some of these easily worth $40k or more. One guy owned 3 of them.  That reminds me - I need to get into the music industry.

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

SlimsFab

Today was very exciting for me.  I dropped off my Sporty at Slimsfab for some old fashioned hardtailing.  It's been a long wait to get it over there and I'm sure it'll be a bit of a wait for completion.

I've been admiring his work for quite sometime.  I've read about Slim and his customs in various magazine articles and checked out his bikes at some events.

It was really cool to see some of the creations in person at his shop.  They are works of art.  It made me wish even more that I was capable of such craftsmanship.  Truly incredible.

I can't wait to get it done and back on the road.

Quaid Harley-Davidson Open House

Quaid Harley-Davidson of Loma Linda held its annual open house this past Saturday. The Black Sheep Motorcycle Ministry, San Bernardino H.O.G., ABATE, as well as a few vendors were present.

The H.O.G. chapter was supposed to be putting on a poker run, but due to the snow accumulated from the night before, it had to be canceled.  In lieu of the poker run, they held a poker walk.  Basically, you pay your five bucks and draw a hand, hoping to get the best or the worst.  With each paid hand, you also received a meal ticket for the catered In & Out burger.

Surprisingly, there were many in attendance.  I was fortunate enough to be one of the ones who rode in.  It was cold and overcast, with what appeared to be more rain coming in.  However, the rain never came and a nice day was to be had by all.

After the event, I rode out to visit with a man named Floyd, who operates a Harley shop not too far from the dealership.  It was nice to sit and chat for a while with a real good guy - the same that sold me my first Hog.

It was a good day of socializing and riding.  I managed to snap a few pictures from Quaid.  I hope you enjoy.

Saturday's Activities

The day started out with a Black Sheep breakfast at Rosa's Cafe Tortilla Factory in Temecula, Ca.  We met at the hideout around 7 am and headed toward the destination around 7:30.  I was amazed to see the turnout.

This was my first Black Sheep breakfast.  It was cool to take part in the event that brought together members of several chapters in the surrounding areas.  There were many bikes on hand to gawk at.  Being a motorcycle geek somewhat, I was doubly blessed.

Following the breakfast, the wife and I rode a block or so south to Slap N Leather.  We perused the goods for a bit, picked up a wallet with chain for my son, and headed out to Riverside, Ca.

On our way to Riverside, we stopped at Tom's Farms.  This place is a cool little spot with various food and crafts.  We walked around, eating junk food, just taking a break from the seat for a bit.

Bank of America has a promotion that allows members to visit specified museums on their dime.  You just visit their site and find a participating museum and get there.  This is only on the first weekend of the month, but it's free and a cool thing for them to do.  So, we headed to the nearest one in Riverside, the Riverside Art Museum.

After a nice walk around, checking out the many items on display, we headed toward home.  While on the freeway, I remembered this motorcycle photo scavenger hunt on The Underground Chopper Forums that left off with getting a picture of a dinosaur.  We had passed the transition of freeways that would lead us to a possible dinosaur photo.  So, we backtracked and made our way. Once the picture was taken we headed to pick up our kids and get to church.

The Roadhouse Biker Church was having their monthly Spoken Word event.  The night includes a special guest giving his testimony and a music provided by another special guest.  The music was performed by the Joe Jamez band.  These guys rocked.

Here are some photos taken throughout the day.

The pics pretty much describe our day.  It was great having the wife on the bike with me again.

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

The WigWam Hotel on old Route 66 in Rialto, Ca

Today is a beautiful day, and a reminder as to why living in Southern California can be rewarding. To take advantage of the incredible weather we're having today, my friend Kris and I took a nice little lunch-time ride.

Our original intention was to stop by a GameStop to pick up a video game and just enjoy a break from the office. On our way to our destination, we spotted a wooden indian out front of the famous WigWam hotel and decided to stop on our way back for a photo op.

Here's what we captured. Once again, I was only armed with my lousy Blackberry camera.

You can almost make out that indian in the distant background.

Another image with the teepees in front of the bikes.