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Anyone who has been following the thread on this knows that the Rally was actually held on the central coast of California (well, not really on the coast, but in that neck o' the woods).
The rally was centered in Santa Margarita, CA at the KOA. LOHO was the MAN. He, with his son Cail, trailered in his bike due to the inability of Kelly to attend. Along with his bike, he brought all the amenities, his cooking gear, food, adult and non-adult beverages, chairs, an awning, I believe and what must have been a portable kitchen sink.
Friday morning saw the arrival at Casa Lombardo of Mike and Tom from San Diego. By 0915 we were on our way to meet Scott (3wire) in Ventura, CA. After a quick, early lunch we were on our way to the rally site. We were two Elevens, a BMW and a Suzuki Boulevard M50 (SWMBO). Riding along the coast, we got sprinkled a couple of times, but the weather held cool and cloudy (typical for June in SoCal). SWMBO and I were trailing sufficiently at one point such that we missed the other three riders leaving the freeway in search of fuel. Consequently, we were the first of our contingent to arrive at the campsite.
Unlike last year, the people at this KOA were extremely friendly and helpful. They showed us where LOHO's Kabin was located and as we settled in to await the arrival of the other attendees, Brent, who had ridden in with our esteemed Moderator, Jerry, walked down from his campsite and introduced himself. People began to trickle en. Special Ed and Pete, came in having left DiverRay to check into his lodgings prior to coming over to the site. LOHO arrived a became a whirlwind of efficiency, unpacking, setting up and cooking our evening meal. Jerry came over from his campsite on the lake. Bobber came, Mike, Tom and Scott rolled in, then Mike (I think) and his dad.
A good dinner and a LOT of tire-kicking. Pretty soon it was about 2020 and SWMBO and I geared up for the trip to our motel. Next time we'll stay closer, as we discovered we were thirty miles up the road.
The next morning saw another spectacular meal from LOHO, the unloading of his bike and the arrival of two local XS'ers, Dave and Roo.
The plan was to ride to Morro Bay for a photo op with The Rock in the background. We northered on the 101, turning West on the 46 where a little more "no charge" drizzle caused a pause for costume adjustments.
We gathered in the parking lot at the water's edge and numerous photos were taken, enlisting the aid of a friendly passerby for the 'insurance' shot. We decided to lunch there, then it was decided to ride East on the 41, gassing up at the intersection with the 101 and continuing on to the memorial marker where James Dean was killed (9/30/55) near Cholama, CA.
SOMEHOW, through my fault, I lost track of the main pelleton and wound up headiing northward on the Pacific Coast Highway with Scott, Brent and LOHO in trail. When I realized the error of my ways, I pulled over and informed Scott that we'd need to turnaround and go back. Scott agreed and I informed SWMBO, by radio that we were turning around. LOHO took the lead and we contined north. There was a miscommunication and we never did turn around, leaving the group awaiting our return in frustration. By this time I was out of radio range. The main group waited a while, then in frustration (I believe) moved on to the gas stop. While there, a minor mishap occured causing the need fro a new clutch lever. By this time, we had reached San Simeon Beach (below Hearst Castle). SWMBO was able to reach me by 'phone and Scott was asked if he had a spare lever (which he did). He loaded up and took off to effect the repair. I waited, keeping an eye on the three remaining bikes. After basking in the sun for a bit (I did anyway)we loaded up and headed back to Cambria for a fuel stop. We then went East on the 46 to the 101 where I went North to my motel, there to awain SWMBO. Brent and LOHO went south to their own devices.
Later, LOHO provided a spectacular dinner of Barbecued Tri-tip, rice, veggies and salad. The man is a phenom. We got a look at the photos on a laptop, and I'm sure they'll be posted real soon. About 2100, SWMBO and I split for the motel.
This morning, the day was gorgeous and we were greeted by one more outstanding meal. SWMBO and I departed at about 0945 and were home almost exactly seven hours later.
It was great seeing the people I met face-to-face for the first time last year, and meeting those who were new to the rally this year. There was a ride variety in the configurations of the 11's present. A bobber and two cafe'd bikes drew a lot of interest. Foreign bikes were SWMBO's, mine, Jerry's (Concourse) and Brent's (ST1300).
SWMBO says that she had a great time and theat she hopes to see more women next time (DiverRay's wife Penny, notwithstanding.) I had told her that there were a lot more women last year. She hopes to see more next time.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Ralph
The rally was centered in Santa Margarita, CA at the KOA. LOHO was the MAN. He, with his son Cail, trailered in his bike due to the inability of Kelly to attend. Along with his bike, he brought all the amenities, his cooking gear, food, adult and non-adult beverages, chairs, an awning, I believe and what must have been a portable kitchen sink.
Friday morning saw the arrival at Casa Lombardo of Mike and Tom from San Diego. By 0915 we were on our way to meet Scott (3wire) in Ventura, CA. After a quick, early lunch we were on our way to the rally site. We were two Elevens, a BMW and a Suzuki Boulevard M50 (SWMBO). Riding along the coast, we got sprinkled a couple of times, but the weather held cool and cloudy (typical for June in SoCal). SWMBO and I were trailing sufficiently at one point such that we missed the other three riders leaving the freeway in search of fuel. Consequently, we were the first of our contingent to arrive at the campsite.
Unlike last year, the people at this KOA were extremely friendly and helpful. They showed us where LOHO's Kabin was located and as we settled in to await the arrival of the other attendees, Brent, who had ridden in with our esteemed Moderator, Jerry, walked down from his campsite and introduced himself. People began to trickle en. Special Ed and Pete, came in having left DiverRay to check into his lodgings prior to coming over to the site. LOHO arrived a became a whirlwind of efficiency, unpacking, setting up and cooking our evening meal. Jerry came over from his campsite on the lake. Bobber came, Mike, Tom and Scott rolled in, then Mike (I think) and his dad.
A good dinner and a LOT of tire-kicking. Pretty soon it was about 2020 and SWMBO and I geared up for the trip to our motel. Next time we'll stay closer, as we discovered we were thirty miles up the road.
The next morning saw another spectacular meal from LOHO, the unloading of his bike and the arrival of two local XS'ers, Dave and Roo.
The plan was to ride to Morro Bay for a photo op with The Rock in the background. We northered on the 101, turning West on the 46 where a little more "no charge" drizzle caused a pause for costume adjustments.
We gathered in the parking lot at the water's edge and numerous photos were taken, enlisting the aid of a friendly passerby for the 'insurance' shot. We decided to lunch there, then it was decided to ride East on the 41, gassing up at the intersection with the 101 and continuing on to the memorial marker where James Dean was killed (9/30/55) near Cholama, CA.
SOMEHOW, through my fault, I lost track of the main pelleton and wound up headiing northward on the Pacific Coast Highway with Scott, Brent and LOHO in trail. When I realized the error of my ways, I pulled over and informed Scott that we'd need to turnaround and go back. Scott agreed and I informed SWMBO, by radio that we were turning around. LOHO took the lead and we contined north. There was a miscommunication and we never did turn around, leaving the group awaiting our return in frustration. By this time I was out of radio range. The main group waited a while, then in frustration (I believe) moved on to the gas stop. While there, a minor mishap occured causing the need fro a new clutch lever. By this time, we had reached San Simeon Beach (below Hearst Castle). SWMBO was able to reach me by 'phone and Scott was asked if he had a spare lever (which he did). He loaded up and took off to effect the repair. I waited, keeping an eye on the three remaining bikes. After basking in the sun for a bit (I did anyway)we loaded up and headed back to Cambria for a fuel stop. We then went East on the 46 to the 101 where I went North to my motel, there to awain SWMBO. Brent and LOHO went south to their own devices.
Later, LOHO provided a spectacular dinner of Barbecued Tri-tip, rice, veggies and salad. The man is a phenom. We got a look at the photos on a laptop, and I'm sure they'll be posted real soon. About 2100, SWMBO and I split for the motel.
This morning, the day was gorgeous and we were greeted by one more outstanding meal. SWMBO and I departed at about 0945 and were home almost exactly seven hours later.
It was great seeing the people I met face-to-face for the first time last year, and meeting those who were new to the rally this year. There was a ride variety in the configurations of the 11's present. A bobber and two cafe'd bikes drew a lot of interest. Foreign bikes were SWMBO's, mine, Jerry's (Concourse) and Brent's (ST1300).
SWMBO says that she had a great time and theat she hopes to see more women next time (DiverRay's wife Penny, notwithstanding.) I had told her that there were a lot more women last year. She hopes to see more next time.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Ralph
) From the left: Pete, SpecialEd, Vicky, Jerry, Penny and DiverRay
Just bought a 1980 Special that has been non oped for 9 years. My Skoot will rise from the ashes and be re named "The Phoenix!"
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