Sorry for the delay - and it's OK to comment

Sorry I am a little behind on blogging.  I've been kind of busy and connectivity has been an issue.  Also - if you're inclined to, please leave a comment!!

Thanks.

Sean

Day 4 - May 12, 2010

With everyone settled in we enjoyed the nightlife here at the Hilton. The restaurant and bar is great. The show stopper is the view from the outside patio and terrace. They have plenty of great seating, a few gas fire pits, and propane space heaters to keep it cozy. The libations were plenty, and the evening was spent recounting today’s ride and anticipating the upcoming routes.
Today is much anticipated by Chrome on the Coast veterans and newcomers alike. Today we will ride what the website Pashnit.com describes as “the holy grail” of motorcycle roads. It even has an impressive name: Stewart’s Point Skaggs Springs Road. We will be riding it from east to west today, which is my personal favorite. We were on the bikes and headed north on the 101. We exited on Dry Creek Road and headed toward the coast. A nice, lazy ride through some of the wineries found us at the Lake Sonoma Recreation Area just below the Warm Springs Dam. It is a good place to stop as there are no restrooms available for quite a while. Stopping also allows us to break up into two smaller groups. The first is for those who enjoy a more “spirited” ride. This road offers all sorts of challenges for those who wish to test their skills. The second group will be the “sightseers”, opting for a slower pace. Every twist and turn on this road offers scenic beauty that compliments the complexity of the road very well. The temperature is cool, and the sky is an indescribable shade of blue.
Bill Beaumont led group one onto the route. I would be leading group two. The plan was to wait about 10 minutes before we took off. With this many motorcycles, and with a road as twisty as this one, not only is this approach safer, it will be more enjoyable for all of us. We watched as they made the corner and popped out of sight. Being mostly made up of Harley Davidson motorcycles, we listened for a while longer!!
This road has something for everyone. It starts as a beautifully paved highway, well marked, with big sweeping turns. It is a pretty significant climb as you make your way to the top. If you are not paying attention, you may notice that you lose a lane, and that the road surface is a little less pristine. The road continues to narrow, but the foliage becomes denser – casting shadows on the ground. This area had significant rain this year, and the plant life repays the favor by blooming in all its glory. Speed is naturally slowed here, as the road follows the contours of the hillside. A stream is flowing at the valley floor. For about 30 miles each of us is lost in our own private world.

We make a turn onto Tin Barn Road. The tall trees stand perfectly alongside both sides of the road. The lush green ferns and other low lying plants are like a beautiful quilt covering the forest floor. I chose the perfect music to have in my headset – mild piano and flute instrumentals. I keep the volume low because I want my sight and sense of smell to be the biggest sensory influences.
That brings up a great point. Motorcycle riding is an overall sensory experience. Riding in a car you are much more insulated, contained in a “safety pod”, separating you from the environment around you. Yeah, I know what you are thinking – they got pretty wet on Carmel Valley Road a couple of days ago. Well, that is part of the connection. I believe that it is pretty evident that sight and sound are easy to relate to riding like this. The smells are really the most incredible – pine, eucalyptus, flowers – and some smells like skunks and such. Touch is another sense that is magnified with this type of driving experience. Handlebars are a much different way to “feel” your machine’s interaction with the road than any steering wheel.
At the top of Tin Barn Road is a left turn that shouldn’t be missed. King Ridge Road lives up to its name – it follows the ridge for most of its length. This road has the advantage of elevation, revealing to us all the wonderful vistas on either side. Thank goodness for the helmet chin strap. If it weren’t for this simple piece of equipment, my jaw would have been in my lap the entire ride. That wouldn’t be too bad if it weren’t for the occasional bug.

King Ridge ends at Cazadero Highway. We followed that south to the town of Occidental where we had a great lunch at Howard’s Station. Group one got there first, and Bill called to ask how far behind we were. About 5 miles separated us, and the folks at Howard’s agreed to stay open. The food there was absolutely first rate. Dennis and Dale Downs led the way in ordering their chocolate malt (topped with ground up malt balls!!!) I believe that every member of our ride ended up ordering malt after watching them enjoy theirs!!!

Day 3 - May 11, 2010

The morning sun was in all its glory as it rose over the bay in Monterey.  If you have never experienced it, please put it on your list of things to do before you depart this earth.  Although the hotel we stayed in is completely modern, including the exterior (paint and architecture), Cannery Row still has a quaint charm of a seaside town.  The seagulls were already awake, and those who work behind the scenes at all the businesses and such were scurrying to get back “behind the scenes.” 

Breakfast at the “C” Restaurant was terrific.  The menu was interesting, and had plenty of choices.  A great cup of coffee and a table at the window (floor to ceiling – overlooking the bay), made for a very pleasant start.  Bill and I sat with two Mikes (Clark and Conrad).  As a side note, I believe that there are about 10 Mikes on this trip.  There are at least 2 Bills, and 3 Dennis (s?).  Thank goodness there is only one Wendell!!! (just kidding Wendell…)

The group came downstairs in dribs and drabs, some for breakfast, some just for the view and company.  In no time we were loaded and on the road, headed for one of my favorite set of roads – and a destination for lunch that makes me hungry already.

Up Highway 1 we drove, through the farmlands of California.  It never ceases to amaze me how much of the landscape is dedicated to agriculture up here.  Thank goodness it isn’t just tract homes.  The air was brisk, as the ocean was still having her influence on the day.  Traffic was light, and though we are a large group, we made it through traffic without a problem.  We exited in the south part of Santa Cruz and headed up Highway 9 (for you map followers).

Awe inspiring – breath taking – heart stopping… I wish I could find the exact words to describe this road.  From a riding perspective, the road surface was in great shape.  Few potholes were noted, and the twists and turns were in just the right amount to make the ride both beautiful and challenging.  Being this close to the trees, Redwoods – Pines and more- made you feel part of everything.  I have often said that I believe touring on a motorcycle is the most intimate way to travel.  Not just because you are close to your co-rider, but you are close to the road and all that surrounds it!  The trees enveloped us and lined our way north.  We passed through several very interesting towns, many of which are on my list of places to stay sometime in the future.  From Highway 9 we eventually turned onto Highway 35, Skyline Boulevard.  Thank goodness I don’t routinely faint while I’m riding.  Skyline Boulevard starts much like Highway 9.  Trees, ferns, flowers – it is all there.  Then as you climb, you are treated to views of the Pacific Ocean and majestic hillsides.  There are homes up here, or should I say estates.  Awesome.

Alice’s Restaurant was our lunch destination.  Andy, the owner, was gracious and ready for our group.  I had been in touch with him on a few occasions and had warned him that we were coming.  No problem.  This place is a Mecca for motorcyclists.  They were prompt and efficient.  The major bonus is that the food is GREAT.  Imagine sitting amongst some of the tallest trees and most beautiful scenery you have ever seen.  That is Alice’s.

Westward down Pescadaro Canyon to Highway 1.  North onto San Francisco.  Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is never tiresome.  Today, and I hate to say it, was perfect.  Of all the times to not have my blushing bride with me I am sorry that this is it.  We were treated to a perfectly clear, not too breezy, calm and cool day.  The views and vistas over Alcatraz and the city itself were postcard quality.  The bridge was there in all her glory.  One thing that always happens (and I mean every time we come here), is the curiosity of the tourists toward the motorcycles.  Not being a Harley rider myself, I too appreciate the beauty of the chrome beast.  They are the quintessential representation of road freedom, with a shape and sound that is most certainly unique – but identifiable by people all over the globe.  Tourists want their picture taken by the bikes, and you should see the smiles when the guys say that it is OK to sit on them.  I actually think that this is half the fun.   I would love to do an internet search, and find their vacation pictures posted to their family websites.  That would be great.

The ride to the hotel itself was simple.  We traveled up the 101 to Santa Rosa and got to the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country about 6 pm.  This hotel is amazing, with plenty of amenities.  I had phoned ahead and talked to Tessa (my new bestest buddy).  I asked if they could set up a bike wash station – and there it was… hose, buckets and plenty of towels to wipe off the grime!!!  Tessa is awesome.  Wendell Eaton made the arrangements for our group here at the Hilton, and I must say that he knocked one out of the park.

We spent the evening at the restaurant, and then moved to the outdoor patio for an unobstructed view of the entire valley.  I think I counted about a million stars.  Wonderful.

Day 2 - May 10, 2010

Some of the things that you learn when you try to put together an event such as this has to do with understanding people.  It isn’t difficult if you watch and pay attention.  For instance:

There is a certain facial expression that most folks have when they look at the Pacific Ocean at sunrise.  That look is intensified if the weather is perfect and the air is crisp and cool.  I call it, “Romantic amazement.”  Our new friends from Oklahoma, Dennis and Susan Comito had it.  This was the first time that they have been to this part of the California coast.  Here is what I mean…

There are no signs of worry or tension on the face of someone with romantic amazement.  Their eyes aren’t glassy and dazed, but open and alive – not wanting to miss a thing as they look north and south.  Body posture is relaxed, and you can note the steady, regular breathing as they inhale the heady salt air.  It has a healing quality that folks just sense and it plain to see when you watch people.  It is even more fun when couples share the moment together.  Today had the added treat of a calm sea.  The view from the Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront did its level best to shine – and it did so in every way.  This is a wonderful place to stay, and I will do so again as many times as I am able.

The group started to mill about the bikes, getting them ready for the days ride.  Conversation was lively, and everyone seemed to show the benefits of clean air and a great bed as it relates to a good night’s sleep!  We set about preparing the bikes, and some went to the restaurant for a bite to eat.

A sad note was the plight of our buddy Perry Rock.  Not being a Harley guy myself, I couldn’t tell you the model that he was riding, but it was by far one of the prettiest red motorcycles that I’ve ever seen.  That was balanced by just the right amount of chrome to make it really stand out.  The only problem is that he was having some substantial mechanical problems, and it was soon apparent that it was going to take him out of the ride.  Being 240 miles away from home on a disabled motorcycle poses a unique set of problems.  You see, it appears that most (if not all) Harley dealers are closed on Mondays.  The second is figuring out how to transport it back home.  Here is where the story gets interesting.

Not to sound to deep, but I am always amazed at how circumstances seem to unfold in a particular way.  Gabe Rousette and Ray Vasquez met us here in San Simeon.  They drove up, choosing to trailer their bikes instead of ride.  They helped Perry out by letting him use their rig to get underway, and solve his transportation problem.   It is incredible how things work out, and I am always impressed by such acts of generosity.  Perry, understandably, was very disappointed.  But I reminded him that this was Chrome on the Coast 8, and that the 9^th ride was certainly going to be better.

Today’s plan was to head through Paso Robles to have a private tour and lunch at the Schied Winery.  Some of the group chose not to go, opting instead for continuing straight up the coast.  Travelling in smaller groups was probably best, as this section of Highway 1 has several continuing long term construction projects that make for some delays.

Our group headed south on Highway 1 to Highway 46 (for those following on the map).  The hillsides were lush and green, and rolled out before us as if to welcome our group to this beautiful valley.  We left the hotel at 0930, and traffic was very light.  It was as if we were alone, able to enjoy the road at our own pace.  This road is a major highway – well maintained, wide, with sweeping turns.  As we travelled along we had peeks at the different terrain features, and every so often there was something that one in our group could not make out.

Many of us have CB radios on the bikes.  It is a great way to communicate any number of things – potholes in the road, upcoming turns, and sneaky police officers with radar guns.  I shall not mention her name (for fear of getting punched in the arm) but there was an excited call on the CB about a beautiful sight to the west.  “This is so beautiful.  Does anyone know the name of that lake over there on the right?”  There was silence on the radio as (I am sure), someone tried to figure out what to say.  In a bold and daring move, Mike Clark was the first to chime in; “Uhh, I am not sure – but I think that it is the PACIFIC lake.”  Silence filled the headset.  I started laughing as I looked at the immensity of the Pacific Ocean.  Now, not to make her feel too bad, she was looking directly into a small inlet, and her attention was focused solely on that, and not the “big picture.”  Playful radio chatter ensued, and there was light hearted ribbing as we tooled down the road.  But we won’t be staying on this road too long, as we like back roads better.

We made the turn on Jack Creek road and twisted our way through the smaller wineries in Paso Robles.  Beauty surrounded us, and (as often happens when we travel on weekdays), there was no traffic.  We smoothly made our way through the twists and turns.  The next road was Peachy Canyon.  And peachy it was!  Radio comments were minimal, as people enjoyed the landscape while listening to their favorite music on the headsets.

Soon we were at the Schied Winery.  Scott and Nancy Schied were there to greet us.  I felt as if we were being welcomed into someone’s home, as the warm smiles and handshakes were liberally doled out.  I even got a hug from Nancy, who I fell in love with the first time I met her.  They have a small tasting room as you enter.  We started our experience by sampling the great wines that they make right here at this facility.  Conversation drifted as people relaxed.  Scott is an amazing guy.  You can immediately tell by his personality that he is just right for this kind of job.  He gave us a private tour of the entire facility, following the production line for the wine making process.  His manner is extremely easy going, and he is a wonderful teacher.  Personally, I was in heaven.  Stainless steel and aluminum are my two favorite things, and these are here from floor to ceiling.  If I worshiped stainless steel, this would be my cathedral.  Somehow, at the end of the tour, he made the complex process (and the science of wine making) seem understandable.  We then made our way to the patio area for a great lunch spread.

We said goodbye, but not a sad goodbye.  Scott and Nancy are going to open their tasting room on Cannery Row in Monterey to our group tonight, and we are going to have a great mixer.  We blazed off to the north.

Up until now, the sky seemed like a big, friendly blue blanket.  The sun was its companion, bathing us in a motherly warmth.  We felt snug, and secure in mother earth’s bosom.  Here’s a question; why do clouds sometimes look angry?  These clouds were dark and ominous – they were looming.  (Aren’t the words “dark”, “ominous”, and “looming” scary?)  Well, these clouds were that.

We made our turn onto Carmel Valley Road.  Twists and turns, ups and downs and amazing scenery were plenty.  Then the first drop hit me square on the nose.  I looked at the windshield and saw many more drops.  Then the drops got bigger, and multiplied in number faster than bacteria!!  I won’t go into the details, but we were wet when we got to Monterey.  Surprisingly, Monterey had clear, blue skies.  We started to see the other members of our group who chose to ride different ways.  All of them got rained on as well.  Also, the second half of our group (who started their ride today) met us here in Monterey.

The Clement Monterey is an amazing hotel.  It is tastefully decorated, with first class amenities.  The rooms were elegant, and our room had a fourth floor view of the Monterey Bay.  The staff, especially Jason Ngo, was attentive and professional.  The best part of the hotel was that the Schied Wine Lounge was right across the street.

Bill and I walked up and noted the sign that said “Private Event”.  We looked at each other and Bill noted that we were obviously important people to get that kind of treatment.  Bill is responsible for our contact with Nancy.  They have known each other for years, and when they reconnected, Nancy opened her heart and invited our group up.  The food, the wine, the company were all superb.  Simply, it was a great party!!  Conversation and laughter filled the air, and on the two big screens a slide show that encompassed seven years worth of Chrome on the Coast photographs brought back great memories. 

The days spirits were not dampened by the rain, and the night’s gathering was a special way to officially kick off our tour.

Day 1 recap - May 9, 2010

The 210 freeway wasn’t too crowded.  We were on the road at 0930 sharp.  A few of the guys who are leaving tomorrow stopped by to wish us well.  Wendell Eaton will be riding with a contingent of 3 CotC veterans, and one newcomer.  Ray Vaszquez, and Gabriel Rousette also bid us bon voyage.

We made our way on the freeways for a little over an hour.  A group this size tends to travel a little slower.  Art Madison once told me that no matter what the conditions are, groups travel at 50 miles per hour.  He was right.  As we were cruising along, we needed to keep an eye out.  Perry Rock told me that a few of his buddies were waiting for us along the way.  Sure enough, Perry was out front on his bright red Harley and they saw him coming.  Mike Maas and Jim Rock jumped right in with the pack.  On to Santa Barbara!!  About 15 minutes later Mike Clark got on the CB radio.  He asked if I had seen the biker that was broken down alongside the road.  As I passed him, I saw the low slung custom bike with the big handle bars.  I said I thought it was our friend Jett Schuster.  Later, Bill Beaumont told me that he had talked to Jett on the phone.  He had a major electrical problem.  When we got to the Chevron gas station (our meeting place), we picked up a few more riders.  Dennis and Dale Downs and Felipe Niquete were waiting to join up with the group.  Bill gave Jett another call.  Somehow, Jett had hooked up with some nice folks from a world famous “outlaw” motorcycle club.  They actually helped him out by getting him off the road, brining him to a mechanic and then actually giving him a tow home.  People (no matter what the public perception of their organization) can be amazingly kind.  Jett was bummed, but we’ll catch up with him next year.

Highway 154 by Lake Cachuma was amazingly green.  Last time we rode here, it was still smoking from the wildfire that had raged through.  Nature recovers quite quickly sometimes.  The sky was blue, the temperature was right around 60 degrees and the traffic was light.

There is something magic that happens when you get close to the ocean.  Its beauty is awe inspiring, its size is humbling.  One of our riders, Kathy Hill, put it best – the ocean makes you feel connected to everything.  Well said Kathy.

The Best Western Cavalier Oceanside is a wonderful hotel.  The accommodations in San Simeon were welcoming and beautiful.  Michael McCarthy said to me that he could just stare at the ocean all day.  It was a little windy, but the view was amazing.

Several bottles of wine were open, stories shared and then we made our way to dinner at the hotel restaurant.  The day ended on a high note, as the wind died down and the seas were calm.  I walked down to the fire pits to find the Rock brothers, Bruce Stevens and Mike Mass having a cigar and huddling around the warm fire.  Their laughter and excitement was contagious, and it is great to see that everyone is having a good time.  Safe and sound, we turned in – looking forward to the days ahead.

May 9, 2010 - part 2

We departed Pasadena at 9:30 am, and headed toward the coast.  I was mildly surprised by the volume of traffic on Mother's Day.  As I tooled down the freeway, I would casually glance into the cars as I went by.  Moms and Dads in the front seats, kids in the back.  Balloons and flowers stuffed in as well.  Occasionally a pooch would be jumping from side to side, trying to get a glimpse of who was nearby.

It was a lazy Sunday morning. The weather was cool, crisp and slightly overcast.  The clouds were pale grey, not ominous and threatening.  We moved at freeway speed without a problem, the group choosing to travel in smaller packs for safety.  It worked out well.

My good buddy Bill Beaumont took the lead on this stretch of the ride.  I rode drag, behind the whole group.  This is always a pretty good position (contrary to popular beliefs).  First, you get to look at the very cool, long line of bikes making their way along the highway.  Second, you are there if anything bad happens.  Third, you can prevent a lot of bad things from happening.

For instance, you hear on the CB radio that the person in the lead wants to change lanes.  You are in a position to secure the lane (meaning, blocking oncoming traffic from plowing into the bikes.  I like doing that.  Anyway, we made our way through traffic without a problem.  Even on Hwy 154, we were able to pass safely.

City driving can be tedious.  The only saving grace is the fact that you have anticipation of what is to come. You see, we know that the coast is our destination today.  We know, that if we continue to twist the throttle and point our machines toward the coast, we will eventually get to see the ocean.

Well, our persistence paid off.  There it is in all it's glory.  Big, blue and capped with white foam as the waves come crashing into the shore.  Now imagine getting to see this for several hours.

Travelling with a group this large is slower than I had originally anticipated.  We stayed a little longer at the fuel stops than I had intended, but everyone seemed to need it.  We arrived at the hotel at about 4:30 pm.

From the restaurant to the company we arrived with, this day was perfect.

Ho yeah!!

CotC 8 Day 1 - May 9, 2010

I could have predicted it.  It happens every year.  I didn't get any sleep last night.  Just knowing what lies ahead is enough to get my mind spinning.  We are about to embark on Chrome on the Coast 8; our annual motorcycle ride that takes us up the coast of California to the wine country.  

The ride started in 2003.  After the 9/11 terrorist bombing in New York, Harley Davidson decided to release a Firefighter commemorative motorcycle (much like the police edition).  Many from our department purchased the bike.  Mike Riordan, one of our Captains, decided to organize a ride to see the coast, and go to Monterey.  That was the start of something very special.  That first year there were 7 or 8 bikes.  Last year we had 29.  This year we had 42!!  

There have been some cancellations, and some additions.  My last count was 31 bikes and 36 riders.  We'll see who shows up to ride.

I am sitting at the Starbucks in east Pasadena - our meeting location.  I am only 2 hours early.  I am pretty anal that way.  Since I am organizing this thing, I better be first there!!  I've been running the logistics and developing the routes for many years now.  This year I had some help.  My good friends Bill Beaumont and Wendell Eaton arranged some of the events / hotels that we'll be staying in.  I can say (without hesitation), that these accommodations will be the finest that we have ever had.

My wife Pam and I pre-rode the routes on Spring break.  (She can't get the time off in May to do the actual ride, so we sneak away in April to preview the roads.)  It was a good thing that I did it this year, as I made some changes to the maps based on the quality of the road surfaces that we encountered.  Over the years I've listened to the riders comment and critique the routes.  This year, I made several changes to the overall ride philosophy to accommodate those requests.  Here are the big three:  1) we get up too early - 2) the routes were too long - 3) we don't get back early enough - - - - So, the departure time will be pushed back an hour, the routes are 100 miles shorter, and the goal is to get back to the hotel by 3 pm.  When we pre-rode the routes in April, we timed each one and made changes to fit into those new goals.  When riding in a group, it is important to note that the larger the group the slower it moves.  But that plays right into the heart of this ride.  It is about taking your time, seeing the sites, and breathing in the clean, crisp coastal air.

This year I tried my hand at a website - https://sites.google.com/site/chromeonthecoast/ -- If you want to see the itinerary and maps, click on the "resources" link on the left side.  You will find them there!!

So, I will finish my gourmet coffee and go out and clean my windshield for the 10th time.  I am excited.  I can't wait.

I'll write more when we get to the hotel - 

Sean

We leave tomorrow - May 9, 2010 - Chrome on the Coast 8

Well, after all the planning, tweaking, researching and such  - the big day is finally here.  Chrome on the Coast 8 officially starts tomorrow.  Though most of us will be meeting in Pasadena, we will be picking up a few extra riders once we hit Santa Barbara.  There is even a group that is leaving tomorrow and meeting us in Monterey.

For those of you who ordered shirts and hats, I will have them with me to give to you.  I think they came out pretty nice!!  For those who did not order, I do have some extras if you want to make a purchase!!

So far the weather looks OK.

We've had some cancellations, we've had some additions - so, as of today - 31 bikes (down from a high of 42).

I am excited to see old friends, and even more excited to meet new ones!!

Pass the blog address onto your friends and family so they can follow along.  I will try to blog every day!!

http://chromeonthecoast.blogspot.com/

Here's to a safe ride!!

Sean

Chrome on the Coast 8

Chrome on the Coast was a wonderful success!! We couldn't have had any better weather, or any better company. I know that it may seem prejudicial (since I plan this thing), but this one was the BEST!!! We had several first time riders, all of whom gave a thumbs up.

Events like this bring us closer together. We share our love of riding, our love of the road. I thank you for the privilege of touring with all of you on CotC 7. It was one of the best times of my life.

I still have about 3 video packages to send out (waiting for address confirmation). I hope that you all enjoyed the "video diary" of our trip together. It was a ton of fun putting it together.

Chrome on the Coast 8 will be the week of May 9th in 2010. I'm giving this heads up just so you can look at your calendar early. I'll be finalizing the details after January 1st.

Meanwhile, I think of you all often, and fondly. I look forward to the pleasure of your company as we share our passion of visiting beautiful places.

Best regards: Sean