Maps for the ride

Hey! My web page isn't allowing me to upload anything right now. The old maps that are further down in the blog are still accurate. I was just going to put a different style map out there.

Sean

Change in Hotel for the Ride

Howdy!

Well, you may have read the email and found that I was not successful in my negotiation with the Hilton. They wanted me to sign a 20 thousand dollar contract. After I regained consciousness, I opted not to.

So, the veterano (Art) had made a suggestion that we stay at another hotel. There are many in the area, and they are slightly less expensive. I booked in where Art was.

The Holiday Inn Express

EXPRESS SANTA ROSA, CA
870 HOPPER AVENUE
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA 95403
707-545-9000

Additional information about this hotel can be found on the web at http://www.hiexpress.com/santarosaca

More to follow! Ride safe.

Sean

Possible alternate hotels

Got some feedback from a few of the guys looking for less expensive accomodations. Art Madison found this one:

Sean, While I love the Hilton, $300.00/night is too steep for this retired guy. I found a room at the Holiday Inn Express, 870 Hopper Ave, Santa Rosa, less than 1 mile from the Hilton. It was $116.10 Sun - Thurs and $170.00 for Friday night. It has a heated pool and complimentary breakfast. This might be a good option for others who want to go but have limited resources. The phone number is (707) 545-9000.

And Mario Gomez located this:

Hello RL II,

I read the email from one of the retired rider and concern of the rate of the HIlton. I found a Hyatt approx 3 mile north of the Hilton at $114.00 PN. Just thought you might like to know.

Mario

I sent out a group email outlining my attempt to get a group rate at the Hilton. I talked with a very nice lady who is working on it as I type this message.

Will keep you updated.

Sean

Changes to CotC VI 2/18/08

Greetings riders! Hope that you are getting excited about this year's plan. Don't forget to scroll down and read all the postings for CotC VI (or CotC 6 for those who don't speak Roman Numeral).

A few changes to announce today:

We will be meeting as a group at the Starbuck's in East Pasadena on Monday May 5, 2008. I'll be there at 0730, with a departure time between 0800-0830. I plan on leaving the hotel on Saturday May 10th, 2008, but that doesn't mean you have to!

Starbucks location:
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/Starbucks%20Pasadena/Starbucks%20Pasadena.htm

Here are some options for the ride to Santa Rosa: (I will be taking the I5 route with a stop at Harris Ranch for lunch: http://www.harrisranch.com/index2.php

Day 0 (Version 1: 436.2 miles - Straight up I5 with lunch at Harris Ranch in Coalinga):
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/Day%200/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D0.htm

Day 0 (Version 2: 480.8 miles - up Highway 101 through San Francisco)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/Day%200/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D0%20v2.htm

Day 0 (Version 3: 502.8 miles - Riding Highway 1 up the coast)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/Day%200/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D0%20v3.htm


Then the "Official Rides" will begin on Tuesday May 6th, 2008. So, don't forget to go to the "Rides" posting on this blog, and look at the routes that we have planned. Here's who is going so far:

Me (OK, that was probably obvious)
Bill Beaumont
Mario Gomez
Ron Batesole

Bill says that there is interest from several of our friends in San Berdoo, and I've heard that a few of the Pasadena folk are looking.... but as far as actual replies - that's it.

Sean

The rides

OK. For Chrome on the Coast 6 I've done a little homework. We've done all kinds of great rides in the past. We've done long days, short days - moving from hotel to hotel every day or staying put. Feedback overwhelmingly tips toward staying in one place, and doing day rides out of one location. I like that idea myself.

So, Santa Rosa puts us in a great location to explore some of the wonderful roads in the Napa and Alexander Valleys, and points north. There are many choices for each of us to make, so here is the breakdown:

(I did it by day, but heck, you can do any of these rides on any day you want)

Chrome on the Coast traditionally started by meeting at the Starbucks in East Pasadena. We then would ride all day to a destination, consume adult beverages and wake to ride the next day. This year, Chrome on the Coast 6 will officially start on Monday May 5th, 2008 at the hotel. When you get there, how you get there and who you travel with will be up to you. The last time we met we had a million bikes, and it was very difficult to travel together. Some may opt for a leisurely ride on scenic roads, others may take a more direct freeway route. Either way, day 1 will be there at the hotel.

I've developed two different sets of rides for each day. One is called "short" the other "extended". They vary in mileage, but I tried to keep even the longest day under 300 miles.

Here are the weblinks to the maps. I suggest that you print them out. Click on the link, then there will be a small map icon. Click on that. There is a map with printed directions there.

Day 1:

Short ride: (173.5 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%201/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D1%20Short.htm

Extended ride: (218.0 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%201/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D1%20Extended.htm

Day 2:

Short ride: (173.8 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%202/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D2%20Short.htm

Extended ride: (269.6 miles)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%202/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D2%20Extended.htm

Day 3: (239.8 miles - only one ride for today that takes us to Alice's restaurant in the Redwoods.)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%203/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D3.htm

Day 4: (only 107 miles - touring the Wine Country. Plenty of time to stop and buy wine!)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%204/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D4.htm

Day 5: (110.6 miles - Breakfast at Howard's cafe in Occidental!)
http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Webfiles/day%205/Chrome%20on%20the%20Coast%20VI%20D5%202.htm

OK. Now that you have looked at what I've planned are you getting excited? I know that I am. Make your reservations for as long as you can stay. Some might stay unitl Saturday the 10th or Sunday the 11th. It's all up to you as far as how much time you have.

After the rides, we will meet up by the fire pits on the terrace at the hotel. A great place to unwind. With the mileage kept about where it is, people can sleep in if they want, and still get back to the hotel at a reasonable hour. Or, get up early and sightsee!

The only two rules are to ride safe and have a good time.

Ride on!

Sean

The Hotel

Thought that you guys may want to visit the website for the hotel that we've chosen for this year's ride. We stayed here on Chrome on the Coast IV. It is the Hilton Sonoma County in Santa Rosa. Here's the website:

http://www.winecountryhilton.com/

I made my reservation this evening. They said that they had 15-20 rooms available. They are about $270 a night. If that's a little steep, there are plenty of other hotels in the area. We will use this one as the "base of operations" for the rides.

Stay safe.

Sean

A small video to enjoy

While travelling with my bestest room mate, I've compiled a small cache of photographs. This, I turned into a video to document what it's like to be with this "international man of mystery".

(highest quality - if trouble playing try the next one down)

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Secret%20Bill.WMV

(web quality - lower, but plays good)

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Secret%20Bill.WMV

Chrome on the Coast VI

I cannot believe that we have been doing this for 6 years already. What started out as a small group of co-workers deciding to take a trip up the California Coast, has turned into a rally of sorts. We have people from all different departments, all different walks of life joining us on our ride. It is wonderful.

The original Chrome on the Coast ride was the brainchild of Mike Riordan. He was bestowed the title of "Ride Lord", and wore it well. As time went on, he took an apprentice under his wing. Here he bestowed his knowledge of cartography, and wine drinking to his young protoge. This year, the protoge has assumed the mantle of command.So I (being that bestow-ee of knowledge) humbly submit this blog as our way of staying in touch. We will use this as a clearing house of information, ride plans and the like. We will not be posting specific dates and times (or personal information) in this public forum. I hope, however, that people will reply when there are posts that ask for input.

Anyway, if you are new to the group - I bid you welcome. My name is Sean, and I have been the map maker for the past several years.I think you all will be very pleased with the Chrome on the Coast 6 trip this year. Just a hint: Napa and Alexander valleys (and points north). We'll be staying in one hotel, and doing day trips out each day.

Very loose, no rules except two: Ride safe, and have a great time.

Sean

COTC IV - Day 2

The day started with the most spectacular sunrise. I was the first downstairs, and I was packing my bike when several of my buddies started coming outside. Cleaning the windshield, wiping the bike down, and packing the saddlebags are all part of the morning ritual. While sipping a cup of coffee, several of us went over the map. Today would be a little over 300 miles, and we would be riding some really beautiful roads. Kickstands up at 0730. We would be traveling through Santa Cruz, up highway 9 / 35 through the Redwoods.

Many of us have made this journey before, and will tell you that it is always wonderful. This day did not disappoint us. The weather was stellar, and the roads were in good condition. Highway 9 is a nice series of twists and turns, accompanied by some very amazing scenery. Dotting the landscape are several small towns, the residents of which were treated to the long procession of motorcycles. Many in our group had the Firefighter special edition Harley Davidson’s. They are painted a unique shade of red, and are adorned with gold pin striping. When you see so many in one group, it is quite awesome.

As the rode becomes more complex, we change from staggered to single file. From my position as tail gunner, I got to watch each person negotiate the curves, and admire the gleaming chrome serpentine of cycles make our way to the breakfast location. Alice’s Restaurant.

Not only does this place serve good food, it is in one of the most scenic parts of our ride. Towering trees like all sides of the intersection where the eatery sits. Contrasting the deep green against a bright blue sky, the treats are both visual as well as culinary. Our waitress was great, and she seemed to know how to deal with a group of bikers fairly well. The coffee was hot, and just what was needed. These times are some of my personal favorite, sharing a meal and talking about the day’s adventures. Bill was very excited.



Prior to making the map for this trip, I found out that part of the Coast Highway was closed due to damage from a recent storm. No problem though. We re-routed and took a freeway into San Francisco. I’ve crossed the Golden Gate Bridge many times before, but today’s weather was legendary. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, and there was no fog bank to diminish the views. We parked at the visitor’s center on the Northern side, and took a few pictures.

The motorcycles always seem to be quite the topic of conversation here. Maybe it is the sheer number of them; maybe it is the fact that so many are the same color. I am not sure, but people just seem to gravitate to them. There are tourists from all parts of the world, and everybody wants their picture taken with the big American motorcycle. Pretty cool.

Eastward we traveled into Napa. North to the Alexander Valley. These roads are very beautiful, with the wineries, the old homes and the immaculate landscaping. The air was fragrant and clear. I continued to wonder how we could be so fortunate with the wonderful weather!


We continued to make our way north, then west. We eventually ended up near Lake Sonoma. The highlight of today’s ride was the Skagg’s Springs Stewart’s Point Road. This particular road has been written about in many publications. Pashnit.com called it “The Holy Grail.” Although it was late afternoon, we pressed on. In the end, everyone was amazed at the sites we had just seen, and marveled at the road we had just conquered.

We made our way back to the hotel where we met for evening cocktails and a cigar. What a great close to an awesome day.

COTC IV - Day 1

There is nothing like the first day. Everyone started arriving at our local Starbucks, and there was plenty of catching up to do. It seemed to me that all were anticipating an awesome ride. The weather was perfect, the coffee was plenty, and we were raring to go. So, we took off across the 210 freeway out of Pasadena. Seventeen bikes in all. The freeway ride was pleasant enough, and not too crowded.

Once we reached the 101 north, it was much more exciting. In Santa Barbara, we stopped at the Harley Davidson dealership. Time to pick up a souvenir or two. This has been a place where we have met with some of our riders in the past. I know, it's fairly obvious that we go to gawk at all the pretty bikes and check out the cool accessories. The other advantage is that any last minute maintenance or mechanical issues can be resolved before we get too far away from any big town.

Then it was on to Cambria. Lunch was taken outside at one of the best BBQ places ever!

Cruising up the coast, we got to Big Sur. Coffee at Ragged Point has become a tradition for our group, with some fun photo opportunities.

Finally, we got to the hotel in Monterey. We were all tired, but thrilled at the great ride. Cold beer was plenty, and the staff at the bar was great. We didn’t stay up too late (well, at least some of us went to bed early).

We had a long day in the morning. But this is always part of the fun. The chance to catch up with old friends, and to share the experiences of the days ride. We all arrived safely, and were looking forward to tomorrow's adventure.

Chrome on the Coast I - The Video

I have been telling all my friends that when my life started to settle down I would get to the projects that I have been promising. Well, here is one of them. It is a small pictorial video of our first Chrome on the Coast trip. I had to keep it small to put it on my server, but the finished copy will be full screen, and hi-def. So, here is the link to the video:

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Cotc%20I/

Click on the one that says COTC I net.wmv (it's about a megabyte in size). It should play automatically on your computer, but it will be small. If it does not play, right click on the file and click on "Save target as", then save it to your computer.

Pretty darn cool. If you are interested, the audio file is called "Rebel Heart" by a band called The Coors.

See you soon.

Sean

T-shirt artwork

Good evening friends. My friend Bill just sent me the artwork for the ride shirts. Here is the link to the page.

http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/COtC%20IV%20Internet/COTCIV%20artwork.jpg

Also, don't hesitate to leave a comment if you want to. If you are visiting the page and you see that there are comments to the post, click on the comment link and read what others are writing.

To keep the cost of the shirt down, we will only be ordering XL and XXL. I had confirmed orders for about 11 shirts. We're going to have about 24 or so. (Unless there is wild demand for them..... but that better happen soon!)

Chrome on the Coast IV is just around the corner. It will be great seeing old friends, and meeting new ones. Read my friend Hans' post on my Chrome on the Coast I posting. He rides a beautiful green Fat Boy. I hope he can make this trip.

I'm going to wax my bike right now.

Sean

A few interesting articles

Over the years, I have been an avid reader. I have looked at many different web sites, and read several books on the topic of safe motorcycle riding. Here are a few passages that I review now and again. While I do not agree with all that is written, I think it gets the grey matter stimulated.

Dumping a bike is no sin: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Dumping%20a%20bike%20is%20no%20sin.doc

Closing the door: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Closing%20the%20door.doc

Controlling your lane: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Controlling%20your%20lane.doc

Group riding - rubber band effect: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Group%20riding%20-%20Rubber%20band%20effect.doc

Group riding - Our Way: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Group%20riding%20-%20Our%20Way.doc

Picking up a big bike by yourself: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Picking%20Up%20A%20Big%20Bike%20By%20Yourself.doc

Pre-ride briefing for your new passenger: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Pre-ride%20briefing%20for%20your%20new%20passenger.doc

Riding drag is anything but: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/Riding%20drag%20is%20anything%20but.doc

What they didn't teach in MSF: http://webpages.charter.net/spenglish/Motorcycle%20Riding%20Tips/What%20they%20didn

I recently re-took the advanced riders course. It was a great refresher. You might want to check to see if you get a discount on your insurance if you can prove you took the class. I am considering taking a class at Willowbrook that emphasizes two-up riding. Anyway, I hope that you find this useful.

See you all soon.

Sean

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.