2008 Yosemite Rally

[Special Ed]

I haven't been following this thread very closly, since I doubt that I'll be able to make this rally. My daughter "walks" on May 14th in Portland Or. Lewis and Clark is her Alma Mater. I am so very proud, and I'm sure you will all understand (especially you Loho,) that this is an absolutely top priority event.

I am very interested in forming a Cental Valley XS 11 chapter. DiverRay and I like to go on Sunday putts, and I wouldn't be opposed to riding over to Modesto, Mercede, or some other Central Valley location for a brunch once a month. I would also be very much into hosting a ride/brunch here in the San Lorenzo Valley, or Corralitos/Montery: lots of good roads and scenery, my brothers and sisters of XS!
E.Liberty

[LoHo]

Ed, you were in on the one and only non-rally California XSive gathering, the ill-fated lunch in Los Banos. The good thing about that sort of event is that little planning is involved and not a lot of people need to be involved to make it work.

I am usually good for either weekend day...do others have a preference? Many of you have real jobs and must work Saturdays. Los Banos was picked as a relatively central location...any better ideas? Should one guy host in his town? Should it be a moveable feast?

[LoHo]

Just keeping this current for those who might want in on the festivities. Even Tkat is down with it! This year I ordered up some warmer weather for the old boy. I don't think he ever thawed out last April. Moving it to June should help some...

[DiverRay]

LoHo,
I've got the room for SWMBO and I. Ed and I went for a nice ride Sunday, and are thinking we need to have a Coast Ride for the summer, and a Valley Ride in the late fall! We can talk at the Yosemite Rally.

[LoHo]

As the day gets closer, I've thought more about the agenda.

First, menu: Burgers and dogs Friday night.

Continental breakfast on Saturday morning, then a ride through Yosemite by way of the new/improved Hwy 41 entrance, the famous Tunnel. It's not the shortest way, but nice, nonetheless. We'll ride through the park, then head out 120 to find a lunch/snack spot. A little Gold Country ride, then back to the KOA for a rest and TriTip dinner in the evening.

Sunday morning we'll do eggs and sausage and eat whatever else is left and play any rides by ear. We could even do more Yosemite, as the passes are good for a week. I think the pass is 10 bucks, but last year they waved us through, gratis.

Check out the KOA website and look at the new KOAs. The one on Hwy 41, Coarsegold, looks nicer than Midpines and allows fires. Perhaps we could check it out as a potential destination next year.

I'm a believer that these rallies are more about meeting each other than all-day death-rides. Many of you will put in several hours of riding to get here; a five-hundred mile day ride seems unnecessary and actually counter-productive. I have fantasized about Sunday being a ride to the coast, but I doubt anyone wants to drag their camping gear over there or do the mostly slab riding that trip calls for. However, that is a possibility for those who are heading west toward home. We can all follow Ray home, then have Mrs. Liberty draw caricatures of us. Any ideas?

[Jerry]

Just looking at Mapquest, since I'm not familiar with the area. A day ride of 120 - 150 miles is not bad. Gives you time to stop for views, lunch, and still get back early enough to clean up before dinner. Looks like a possible loop goes through Dardanelle?

I agree that the social saspect of these rallies is probaly the main thing, but I do like to explore areas I have been to before, so don't mind pushing a few extra miles.

[DiverRay]

Jerry,
The problem with Yosemite in June is traffic! You have all two lane roads, full of people looking around while driving the motorhome down a windy road. If I remember correctly, it takes me about two hours to get through the park with NO traffic. I think it's about 3.5 to four hours from the South Portal to the gate on the East side of the park with. You would then have to go back, or North on 395 and over Sonora pass, and back down to 49 then South once again.

[LoHo]

Ray, I was thinking that we'd be in better shape by being in the park a little earlier in the day, go in through 41, then head north on 120 to Jamestown for lunch, then some back roads through Hornitos and around Don Pedro Lake to camp. As you say, it won't be so much the miles as the saddle time. I think that will be plenty for the day. After lunch we can have a fast group and a scenic group, if people feel constrained.

Of course, we can do whatever we damn well please, so we can pow wow over a beer, wine, or coffee.

[DiverRay]

LoHo, I think you have the right idea! I AM looking forward to this, just need time to get the bike ready. I just keep riding it, and working on someone else's vehicle.

[LoHo]

Yeah Ray, I hear you. I changed my slightly leaky fork seals for new ones, and they leak like hell! I have some OEM ones now and should get it done before camp. I'm riding to work every day, which is new this year...we have a teen driver now...

[LoHo]

I'll bringing SWMBO and my youngest son, who is almost 13. My wife wants to ride two-up with me...is anyone willing to two-up with my son? Otherwise, I'll take him and Kelly will hang out in camp. She says she'd be nervous riding behind anyone else...(yes, she VASTLY overrates my skills!)

[Jerry]

Starting to put the transmission back together, replaced the gasket under the cam chain tensioner, did other routine maintenance. Should be ready to go by June....if I get the 750 FD in place!

Maintenance never stops. I really should replace the steering head bearings, brushes in the alternator, 1 front brake caliper appears to be sticking slightly, cam chain is near the end of tensioner travel, then there is that valve tick that has been there since I bought the bike in '99.....

[Special Ed]

Loho-
Looks like I may be able to make it if nothing else goes wrong. The fuel pump went out on my chevy Astro. Cost me $500 to fix. How much can it cost to ride from Santa Cruz to Yosemite?
Sure, if I make it I would take your boy on a ride.
E.Liberty

P.S. I've got a high-back Queen Seat on my bike. Really safe.

[Jerry]

Bad news...cam chain problems have resulted in bent valves. Will probably not be able to ride to Yosemite. Have to pull the head and see about getting repairs done, but due to schedule and funds AI may be without a ride most of the summer.

Anyone have a spare bike I might borrow? Have also considered just driving out, since reservations have been made and time off work approved.

[LoHo]

Okay kids...we're on in a couple of weeks. Let's have a final count and let any shirkers bail out now...