August - Run to Santa Cruz

Today's run to Santa Cruz was particularly special, not because it was perfect weather for riding, and not because we were headed to the coast.  It was a special run because Jersey was back in the pack.  It has been sometime since all the NorCal Mild Hogs were together for a run.  Since Jersey retired, he is too busy to ride.  I know what you are thinking...  I cannot explain it, but I was happy to see him.  It was as if no time had passed since we had seen him.  He immediately began to release sarcasm at each and everyone of us, without missing a beat.

Jersey - Did not get the memo on GTL...

As always, every ride starts with a stop at Starbucks, and this ride was not different.  It was beautiful weather and a great chance to catch up on everyones travels and the latest news on the upcoming wedding between Outlaw and Miss Outlaw.  2 weeks and counting down!

The Happy Couple!

With the niceties behind us, we were on our way towards the coast.  As we rumbled down the freeway at 75  MPH, a squirrel came bounding across the right hand lanes into our lane.  Now I like animals, but there was no way I was going to make a move to avoid the impending impact between bike and beast.  For a split second, I pictured my name changing from Snake to Squirrel, or worse, Nutsy...  Somehow, the squirrel made it across without so much as a scratch, only to find himself on the BART tracks that run between the east and west bound lanes of the freeway.  As we rode, I pictured him dodging 4 lanes of traffic, only to touch the third rail on the BART tracks and getting fried to a crisp and perhaps rendering the transit system inoperative for several hours...  I know, I should be focusing on the road.

As we approached Skyline Drive, we could make out a blanket of thick fog covering the ridge.  It looked like it did not extend very far south, so we decided to keep going and in fact we were right.  After a short ride in the damp fog, we emerged into the daylight and the bluest sky you could imagine.  It was going to be a great ride.  As always, the cyclists also discovered the fog did not go very far along Skyline and were out in force.  At one point, there was a gal rider...is that insensitive...ok, chick cyclist sharing our lane as we worked through some "S" curves.  Not wanting to scare her as she seemed somewhat shaky, Outlaw waited patiently just behind her as she worked her way down the hill, only to have a bicyclist pass between him and the gal on the bicycle.  This was a very uncool move by the bicyclist, not to mention very dangerous for all involved.  Once we were all able to pass the chick, it was on to the rude rider.  I knew it was not going to matter how tight the turns might be, he was going to be passed, preferably in a turn, and he was.

We soon arrived at Alice's restaurant.  I am not going into the details about Alice's because I have covered the restaurant in other blogs.  If you missed it, go back and read all about it.  At Alice's we all snuggled onto a picnic table and enjoyed the sun, each others company and a great meal.  Soon we were on our way to Santa Cruz.

Alice's Restaurant

The ride to SC was relatively uneventful as we attacked one "S" curve after another.  There were a couple of funny incidents...there always are.  At one point, Outlaw made a rather immediate left turn.  Everyone in the pack had time response except Snake and Snakes Girl who were right behind him.  We ended up taking a detour into a shopping center, exiting right in front of the pack who had gotten stuck at a light.  I could see from Repo Man's face that he had no idea where we had come from.   At another point in the ride we were separated by traffic and lights.  I knew that the folks out front would wait at some appropriate spot until we got caught up.  What I did not realize is that it would be a sidewalk. I guess those ramps aren't just for the handicapped.... as I watched Outlaw and Jersey run down the sidewalk and down the ramp, eventually merging into traffic.

After a stop in Half Moon Baby for gas, rest rooms and a coffee, we were on our way home.  It was a wonderful ride, one that will not be forgotten soon.  See you at the wedding!  I know everyone will be there!  Everyone...

Coffee at Starbuck, of course!

Gott's Run in Napa

Mild Hogs at Gott's in Napa

It has been some time since the Mild Hogs have ridden as a club.  We've all done our own thing, or gone out in smaller groups (I know, it is difficult to get much smaller), but on Saturday, we were at full strength.  Today was a special run.  Not only were we all together, but Outlaw was riding his new Street Glide.  I thought I would take several pictures of it since there have been previous complaints that only my bike makes it into the blog...

Kirk's new ride!!!

After meeting at Outlaw's, and soon to be Mrs. Outlaw's place, we headed up the highway to Vacaville, home of the Iron Steed HD shop.  The Iron Horse was having a barbecue for it's Hog members, but not being members, we did not participate.  They seemed to have a low turnout.

We probably spent about 30 minutes at the shop looking at bikes and using the facilities. They also have a popcorn machine in the lobby if you are into that kind of stuff.  After taking care of business, we were quickly on our way.  With Outlaw in the lead, Snake quickly behind and Repo Man guarding the rear, we headed west towards Lake Berryessa.  As we approached our typical route, there were detour signs indicating the road was closed.  Not having a clue as the names of the roads we typically ride, we took an alternate route and found ourselves at the "end of the road".  Turning around, Snake took the lead and quickly took us down a dead end street...   After practicing another u-turn in the middle of the road, we went back to our original route and found it was open all the time.  Oh, well, it does not really matter as long as we are riding.

Speaking of riding, there were lots of bicyclists riding on the same roads.  This is often the case as both bikes and motorcycles like roads that are out of the way and not frequented by cars.  I'd like to report that unlike previous rides, the bicyclists rode the shoulders and did not block the road.  I guess they must have read my blog where I threatened to put my boot up the rear of the next one I catch hogging the road.

Eventually we passed the lake and stopped at a small store to buy some refreshments and take a short break.  It was nice sitting outside chairs under a large shady tree to catch up on what all the Mhogs have been up to.  Jerry and Doni had just gotten home from an epic road trip involving 4400 miles, several states and I suspect many Subway sandwiches.  Kirk and Patty discussed the wedding plans, while Dave and Julie discussed the last concert they attended.  While it is fun riding, it can be difficult to chat.  These brief interludes give everyone a chance to catch up and get reacquainted.

Off again, we headed to downtown Napa and the restaurant formerly known as Taylor's, now Gott's.  I  know I have written about Taylor's before so I will not spend too much time on it.  I will tell you that only the name has changed.  It still offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches and salads in a casual setting.  It is also interesting to see the variety of people who eat there.  Some are all dressed up coming from some fancy, smancy wine tasting, while others were causal, yet very attractive in their riding apparel.  As always, the food was great and the company even better.

After leaving Gott's we headed south and eventually peeled off to our own destinations.  It was great getting back on the road with our friends.  We all look forward to doing it again.

See you on the road.

P.S.  One more picture of Outlaw's new bike...