First Pics - Lunch Ride!

[Finewest]

Here's a couple of pics I took of the guys on thier lunch ride to The Outlook Roadhouse on the Ortega Highway above Lake Elsinore. I went up to meet and surprise them. Had a great time!

[dougb]

Glad to see you back Fred sorry I missed the ride:biker:

[Finewest]

Thanks Doug! Yeah. I'm feeling better and ready to hook up with the forum and do some socializing. It was real neat to surprise the guys! Got lots of hugs and smiles. This is a great group!

[Bashy]

DOH! Im going there tomorrow, missed by one day grr

[Finewest]

DOH!!! We were there today, but only half-day. Kitty & I rode up about Noon time and went to Arrowhead for lunch. We then traveled back to Lake Gregory and looked around. We later went towards Big Bear but it was getting late. We decided to head back to Lake Gregory and stay at the North Shore Inn, but the desk couldn't commit to letting us have a room. We met STonyG outside of the Inn. He was nice enough to invite us to the CreSTOC bbq, but Kitty & I didn't want to crash the party without prior notice. So we headed for home. We had a great ride with wonderful scenery. We hope everyone had a great time too.
George R.

George! You should of went to the BBQ! I am very sure you would've been most welcomed! And heck! I even bet Dan would let you guys sleep on the couch! LOL. Sorry to have missed you at the Lookout. It was a blast!

[Pat Thompson]

Yeah George, you would have been welcome. Dan put on a heckuva feed and there was plenty of food and friendly folks. :)

I did my own roundabout ride and ended up on the shore of Lake Gregory, at the base of Dan's road about 3:30 and sat watching the ducks (many) and the koi fish (one) until they all came along, back from their ride.

Joined everybody for a couple hours and the aforementioned great feed before hightailing it back home before the sun got down.

Kudos and many thanks to Dan for hosting this awesome event in such a beautiful setting. Ya'll should see the view up there! :eek:

[rickj]

Fred,

It was indeed great to see you at the Lookout! I had no idea that you (and Veronica) were going to be there. I hope we can do some riding together soon.

You have a lot of friends in this ST community.

Rick

[dmulk]

DOH!!! We were there today, but only half-day. Kitty & I rode up about Noon time and went to Arrowhead for lunch. We then traveled back to Lake Gregory and looked around. We later went towards Big Bear but it was getting late. We decided to head back to Lake Gregory and stay at the North Shore Inn, but the desk couldn't commit to letting us have a room. We met STonyG outside of the Inn. He was nice enough to invite us to the CreSTOC bbq, but Kitty & I didn't want to crash the party without prior notice. So we headed for home. We had a great ride with wonderful scenery. We hope everyone had a great time too.
George R.


You guys should have crashed it!! I had plenty of food! :)

It was a great time today, over 300 miles I think (Rick will have to confirm the total mileage though as he lead the south half of the ride.....which was excellent!)

Finewest!!! It was so cool to finally meet you in person! Looking forward to riding with you in the future!

It was so neat to meet everyone! We are just bedding down for the night. I'll post pics monday.

Oh.... and we are leaving my place tomorrow morning at 8am for silverwood and the back side of Angelest Crest. Heading to the Mile High cafe for late breakfast....anyone that wants to join, pop to my cabin by 8am. We will finish around noon - 1pm.

Cheers!

<D>

[dmulk]

Yeah George, you would have been welcome. Dan put on a heckuva feed and there was plenty of food and friendly folks. :)

I did my own roundabout ride and ended up on the shore of Lake Gregory, at the base of Dan's road about 3:30 and sat watching the ducks (many) and the koi fish (one) until they all came along, back from their ride.

Joined everybody for a couple hours and the aforementioned great feed before hightailing it back home before the sun got down.

Kudos and many thanks to Dan for hosting this awesome event in such a beautiful setting. Ya'll should see the view up there! :eek:

Pat, it was great to see you again!! Thanks for coming up for the dinner. :)

We'll ride again soon!

Cheers,

<D>

[dmulk]

Fred,

It was indeed great to see you at the Lookout! I had no idea that you (and Veronica) were going to be there. I hope we can do some riding together soon.

You have a lot of friends in this ST community.

Rick

Rick (and of course Don, the "Blues Brothers" attached at the hip!)

Thank you so much for the assist through Idyllwyld and the back route to The Lookout. Such a nice ride!! You are like a tour guide with that radio!! I am going to upgrade to an autocom just so I can ride with you and Don and download all the info the two of you throw out during the rides. Not to mention the fact that the radio works so much better as a safety device than "pointing" at a problem and hoping the rider behind you sees it... :)

Thanks again for the great ride and companionship! Looking forward to more!

<D>

[dmulk]

George! You should of went to the BBQ! I am very sure you would've been most welcomed! And heck! I even bet Dan would let you guys sleep on the couch! LOL. Sorry to have missed you at the Lookout. It was a blast!

Indeed!!

<D>

[rickj]

It was a great time today, over 300 miles I think (Rick will have to confirm the total mileage though as he lead the south half of the ride.....which was excellent!)


Dan,

You did a great job of taking over and organizing this event. Too bad Marilyn and I coudn't make the BBQ. Next year...

The route from where we met in Beaumont through Idyllwild and the "south route" to the Lookout and then back to Crestline by slab is about 180 miles according to S&T. Not sure about your route from Crestline to Beaumont. I only clocked 200 miles for the day, so a relatively short ride for me. It was a great one though! Great weather, great twisties, and great comraderie.

Don led us from Beaumont up to Idyllwild on 243, and the ride was definitely "sprited" as he defined it. (Any more "spirited" and I wouldn't have been able to keep up!) I led the ride from Idyllwild to the Lookout through the back roads. Don and Joe discovered the route from the Lookout to Temecula a while back - great find! SoCal is full of these great back roads just waiting to be found.

Thanks again for a great event. Well done!

Rick

[STony G]

DOH!!! We were there today, but only half-day. Kitty & I rode up about Noon time and went to Arrowhead for lunch. We then traveled back to Lake Gregory and looked around. We later went towards Big Bear but it was getting late. We decided to head back to Lake Gregory and stay at the North Shore Inn, but the desk couldn't commit to letting us have a room. We met STonyG outside of the Inn. He was nice enough to invite us to the CreSTOC bbq, but Kitty & I didn't want to crash the party without prior notice. So we headed for home. We had a great ride with wonderful scenery. We hope everyone had a great time too.
George R.

George you should have gone to the BBQ, they let Bobbie and I park my STAstro van on the street, sorta. Dan did say we could park by his Jeep...down the hill. I don't remember seeing it when we drove up :eek: .

What good people and it was a good time.

[Finewest]

No offense to anyone at all, but this is the reason why Kitty & I don't do group rides anymore. We always end up last in the bunch just making everyone else wait. We thoroughly enjoy every ST rider that we've met, but we've done enough group rides to know that we just hold everyone up. As it has been said before, everyone must ride their own ride at their own comfort level. So that's what I do. As far as RTEs, Meet & Greets, etc, those are great.... thanks to everyone. We have a great ST community.
George R.

I know exactly how you feel George. I have the same opinion. I prefer RTE's and such over long group rides. Mostly because I like to stop a lot and take pics and just give my fat butt a rest. LOL. Hope you make the next RTE. I'm planning one real soon near Julian. PIE! It's a no-brainer!

[George]

RTE's are great for meeting folks. Derek (STOC 001) always said he'd never lead a ride but would post the lunch and dinner sites. No maps, get there the best way ya can.

I usually do the long stretches by myself, just hook up wherever. Makes for a more relaxed ride for me _and_ for those trying to follow. ;^)

[joeca43]

My 02. cents,
Dan you did a great job stepping in on this one so don't fret you will have another year to plan for the next one, hopefully with Fred and Veronica.
Speaking of which, Fred as always it is a pleasure to see you and I too am glad to see you back amongst your friends here, it was a pleasant surprise at the Lookout.
The weather could not have been better than it was yesterday.
Take care guys and see you the next time around.
Joe

[rickj]

No offense to anyone at all, but this is the reason why Kitty & I don't do group rides anymore. We always end up last in the bunch just making everyone else wait. We thoroughly enjoy every ST rider that we've met, but we've done enough group rides to know that we just hold everyone up. As it has been said before, everyone must ride their own ride at their own comfort level. So that's what I do. As far as RTEs, Meet & Greets, etc, those are great.... thanks to everyone. We have a great ST community.
George R.

George,

Well, I hadn't intended to bring up this debate, but these are valid issues that you bring up.

After buying my '03 ST I organized and led a few rides in order to meet up with fellow St'ers. I quickly determined that I didn't really care for riding in a large group, in part for the reasons that you bring up. I now ride mostly with 2 guys that I feel comfotable riding with (Don and Joe), and that share my view of the sport. We sometimes join in with or add a rider or two to our rides. We enjoy riding together, but tend to ride too conservative for many, and we do stop and smell the roses often. We occasionally ride "spirited" when conditions are right, but we ALWAYS ride out own ride. Through this sport we've developed a nice friendship that centers around the ST.

I've developed friendships with several others that I don't ride with that often. However, I do enjoy getting together with them from time to time at events like DesertSTOC or CreSTOC, and we do link up on the road occasionally.

In actuality, my comments about our "spirited" ride behind Don was more directed as a compliment to him. He recently put Z6s front and rear and is getting comfortable with them, and it shows in his riding. I don't ride that often and my skill level is not even close to where it used to be when I rode a lot, so a "spirited" ride as perceived by me is likely not that agressive for a more adept rider. Point in case, Dana had no trouble staying with me even though he had his wife on the back. We had nine bikes in the group and there was traffic, so we did stop several times to re-group and see how people were doing. We also had folks with radios in the front and back of the pack to keep everyone linked up.

Riding style is completely subjective and I strongly feel that everyone should ride well within their comfort zone at ALL times. Any time you have a large group riding together riding styles and abilities will always differ. However, I've found this ST community to be very cooperative and respectful of their fellow riders, and these differences in abilities or style don't seem to be really significant issues on rides.

Thanks for your comments.

Rick

[Bashy]

George it sounds like your riding at my pace :D I don't ride aggressive anymore like I did years ago. I'm just enjoying the scenery and I'll get there when I get there.

[dmulk]

George,

Well, I hadn't intended to bring up this debate, but these are valid issues that you bring up.

After buying my '03 ST I organized and led a few rides in order to meet up with fellow St'ers. I quickly determined that I didn't really care for riding in a large group, in part for the reasons that you bring up. I now ride mostly with 2 guys that I feel comfotable riding with (Don and Joe), and that share my view of the sport. We sometimes join in with or add a rider or two to our rides. We enjoy riding together, but tend to ride too conservative for many, and we do stop and smell the roses often. We occasionally ride "spirited" when conditions are right, but we ALWAYS ride out own ride. Through this sport we've developed a nice friendship that centers around the ST.

I've developed friendships with several others that I don't ride with that often. However, I do enjoy getting together with them from time to time at events like DesertSTOC or CreSTOC, and we do link up on the road occasionally.

In actuality, my comments about our "spirited" ride behind Don was more directed as a compliment to him. He recently put Z6s front and rear and is getting comfortable with them, and it shows in his riding. I don't ride that often and my skill level is not even close to where it used to be when I rode a lot, so a "spirited" ride as perceived by me is likely not that agressive for a more adept rider. Point in case, Dana had no trouble staying with me even though he had his wife on the back. We had nine bikes in the group and there was traffic, so we did stop several times to re-group and see how people were doing. We also had folks with radios in the front and back of the pack to keep everyone linked up.

Riding style is completely subjective and I strongly feel that everyone should ride well within their comfort zone at ALL times. Any time you have a large group riding together riding styles and abilities will always differ. However, I've found this ST community to be very cooperative and respectful of their fellow riders, and these differences in abilities or style don't seem to be really significant issues on rides.

Thanks for your comments.

Rick


Well put, Rick. I really did feel that was the case. Other than my need to make it back to the BBQ by 4 to help out, there was, at no time a feeling of "Pushing it". We adjusted the route accordingly (and Safely!), and I must add that you did a wonderful job of managing the time.

It really was just great weather, great people and a great time.

One other thing to note. And this is probably the difference in a successful (and, again, "Safe and comfortable") group ride and one that isn't so: The radios and the placement of the riders with the radios.

Bottom line: You suggested at the beginning of the ride that we spread the radios evenly through out the riders. This, combined with the natural tendency for the faster riders to want up front and the slower to gravitate towards the rear created the great ride we had on Saturday.

Anyway, you, Don and Joe did a great job. I hope I get to cruise with you guys again soon. I really liked learning about the roads you guys have found. You all are such a wealth of knowledge! :bow1: So thanks, again!

Now... about that Autocom parts list.... I'd love to pick your brain on what's out there. The three of you guys had such a great setup!

STony- It was great meeting you and Bobbi!! Thank you so much for joining us in that new "Prototype 4 wheeled ST version" (aka - Mini van) ;)

And to the rest of you, (Fred (Finewest), Fred, Shari, Rob (Ron? Rich? Roland? - ;) ), Karen, Dana, Vicki, Byron, Pat, Jim, and anyone else I forgot - It was a really fun time. Had a blaST and it was because of the people as much as the ride.

<D>
PS: I'll try and get my CreSTOC report up tomorrow sometime. Uploading the pics to the server right now.

[Byron]

It was a couple of days with some great people and some fun rides. Dan thank you and May, her daughter and your brother Lee for making this a great event.

[Finewest]

You guys can thank Veronica in talking me into surprising you at The Lookout. She whined and whined that she wanted to be with her buddies again, so I had to give in! LOL. It was great and very theraputic to hook up with you all again. Really neat! We'll pull together a Pie Run real soon. That will be fun. And then you all can ride there at your own pace and style. Woo Hoo! PIE!

[rickj]

Rick,
Thank you for taking the time to explain about your group rides. With considerate riders, such as yourself, and like you described, a group ride would be safe & pleasurable.

Do you often take your wife with you on your rides? Kitty is with me 99 % of the time. This is why I ride mellow and stop often for sights, drinks, restrooms, etc.

If invited, we would like to ride with you and your crew.

Thank you,
George R.


Hi George,

The main reason I bought my ST was so that I could bring my wife on rides, and that she'd be comfortable. Prior to the ST I had an FJ1200, which was a great bike but less than ideal for 2-up riding. Unfortunately, Marilyn only rides with me about 20% of the time now, but I'm hoping she'll start riding more often. In particular, I'm hoping to get her out this summer on a couple of "long" rides where we stay at motels overnight. (I won't try to talk her in to camping...) I could probably convince her to join me on a ride to Monterey or the Grand Canyon / Zion area as I think she'd really enjoy that. She does enjoy the comraderie and meeting folks when she does go out on the local day rides.

Safety is paramount and as you heard GMRS radios play a big part in it on our rides. When Don, Joe and I ride we are always in radio contact. In addition to enhancing the ride, it allows us to warn each other of obstacles, dangerous cagers and the like. In a group ride setting like CreSTOC it allows someone to keep track of all the riders no matter where they are in the pack. Sort of like have a facilitator in a business meeting. If someone gets separated for any reason, we can maintain continuity of the ride by staying in radio contact or opt to pull off and wait. (We've tested our GMRS radios and have over a 5-mile range!)

That being said, I still prefer a small group over a big one. We had nine bikes in our group and had talked about breaking it in to 2 groups. However, since we had so many radios and were going to be spending a lot of time in the back-roads we decided to see how it would work with one group.

Like many, I like to see these organized RTEs or Meet & Greet events where small groups can form and ride to the event. I will say that the ST community in Southern California is great. For the most part, responsible and safe riders that are out for the shear fun that this wonderful sport offers.

I'll keep in touch with future rides.

Best,
Rick

[pincro]

I had a great time and look forward to riding with or at least trailing you all again. Let me know when the next ride is, and I'll try to make it.

Robert

[SupraSabre]

I'm sorry I had to miss this. What pisses me off the most is the fact I didn't get hardly anything done I needed to! :mad:

If you put one together in September, Dan, I'll make it a point to be there. :biker:

As for group rides, I find it better to have at least a couple of groups so one can go at a slower (and less ticket prone) pace. While the other group knocks themselves out trying to have that "Spirited" ride...:D

[dteel]

I had a great time, can't think of anything to add that hasn't been said, I agree with everything said. It was great riding, chatting and just enjoying the friendship.

My hat's off you to Dan for doing such a great job!

As for the mighty trio, Rick, Don and Joe, you guys are tops in my book, I'll ride with you any time. I can see now that I'm going to have to figure out how to join you on the radio.

Always fun to spend time with my ST friends.