New additions

Greetings riders! This posting is to notify everyone that we have two new riders that will be joining us this time! Darrell Degner and Cherie Anderson both join us from the San Bernardino City FD contingent! Welcome to all.

We will be leaving from the Starbuck's at the following location:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/San%20Berdoo%20To%20Starbucks.htm

(here's directions from San Bernardino to the famous coffee starting point!)

We will be leaving at about 0800. Please be there promptly, already fueled and ready to go. We do want to make Cambria by lunch.

To remind everyone, please look at the post below this one. Each link is to the map for that day's ride. Click in to get the map and directions, and print a copy for you to take.

Thanks. Also, leave a comment so that I know that everyone is getting this. So far we have 17 confirmed bikes, with 2 more possible. I believe that all have the proper hotel information, and have already made reservations.

Can't wait to see you all soon. Don't forget to leave a comment so I know you got the map!!

Sean

Chrome on the Coast IV

Now I realize that I am not finished with Chrome on the Coast II. Heck, I don't even have a Chrome on the Coast III topic yet. I could complain about how busy I have been. I could, but it wouldn't do any good. So, I will tell you what I have been doing about COtC IV. I've got the map planned out (yes, I am a Cartographer), and I have got it set up on my web space. So, prematurely I am going to introduce you to my blog. And, here is one way to get the maps for the trip. Click on the links below for the map and directions for each day. Make sure to print one for yourself!!

Day 1:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20IV%20Day%201.htm

Day 2:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20IV%20Day%202.htm

Day 3:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20IV%20Day%203.htm

Day 4:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20IV%20Day%204.htm


Pretty cool stuff. Will post more later. Gotta go back to work.

Chrome on the Coast II (Chapter 1)

May 2004. It was decided there should be another Chrome on the Coast ride. Chrome on the Coast II. I secretly hoped that the ride would not be another cheap imitation of the original. I hoped that we would blaze new trails, see new sights, and ride even greater roads. Well, we did just that.


This is Mike. He is the Ride Lord. Chrome on the Coast was his brainchild in the beginning, and this ride was going to be bigger and better. You can tell by the gleam in his eye that he has something very special planned. Completely cool.

Somehow the word got out that the first ride was great. The group suddenly got bigger. People invited more people, who (in turn) invited more people. I believe that there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 motorcycles. Outstanding. Last time I was the only Honda in the bunch. This time there were 3!! Here is a motley looking crew standing in front of our hotel in Monterey.

We met at the traditional Starbucks location. Mike held his traditional rider's briefing. We had never had a group this large before, so we talked about safety (which is always our number one factor!) Mike looked over his notes, and reviewed the route. Anticipation was absoultely palpable. Ron (2nd from left) paid the most attention to the Ride Lord. I was trying to distract him. We all thought that Mike (3rd from left) was more concerned with his leather. We had several Mike(s) this trip.

This Mike was entirely sure that he had not yet ingested nearly enough caffeine for this early hour. He knew that his bike was ready, that his hair was handsomely coiffed, but a therapeutic level of the coffee flavored stimulant was not yet coursing through his veins. Thank heavens that we choose to meet at Starbucks.

Off we rode, toward our first destination... LUNCH!

Chrome on the Coast I

There are certain benefits to living in Southern California. One such perk is the ability to travel about one hour and be in a completely different environment. We have mountains and desert, big buildings and farmland. But one very unique feature of the state is the awesome coastline. The Pacific Ocean is a sight to see, and Highway 1 is the way to do it. There are many websites dedicated to traveling Highway 1. Since I am creating this some three years after our first ride, this blog is more like a journal, and a place to post a few pictures.

Chrome on the Coast was the brainchild of my friend Mike. You see, there were a few of us at work that decided it was time to buy a motorcycle. A big motorcycle, with lots of chrome and loud pipes. Yes, my friends all bought that legendary motorcycle the Harley-Davidson. The Road King, the Ultra Classic, the Fat Boy, and the Deuce. All beautiful, all very chrome. I (on the other hand), was born to be mild. I like it quiet, I like comfort, I like making my passenger comfortable. I ride a Goldwing. I tell people that the roar from my pipes sounds like a humming bird farting. (I throw the farting thing in there to give me a “bad boy” edginess!)

So, in May of 2003, ten of us jumped aboard nine bikes and left from Southern California to ride Highway 1. A natural meeting place was the parking lot of one of the 200 local Starbucks (within a 5 block radius.) That said, with a full tank of gas, and a full caffeine dose, the road beckoned. Westward on the 134 to the 101, we weaved our way to the coast. Highway one is a welcome site, the blue water of the Pacific greeting you as you leave the crowded urban areas.

Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Carmel, Monterey…. beautiful. The sights along the way are incredible. Great food as well! Big Sur is a great place for photos and to just take in the beauty.

We stayed in Monterey, and based ourselves out of a terrific hotel. We would do day rides, then return to a great meal and cold beer.

Then, we went home. It was a great, safe ride. We all had a wonderful time, and decided that it should be an annual event. Let’s see if the Ride Lord will come through.