2008-12-27 CA, ??, Christmas STOCing

[George]

Okay, folks, this'll be number five. Saturday the 27th is well after Xmas, most folks will be off for the long weekend. Gifts opened on Thursday, left-overs consumed on Friday, lots of ball games on Sunday, but SATURDAY should be fully open.

Now, where to go. I need suggestions for SoCal, somewhere west of Salton SEa, east of I-5, and prolly between I-8 and I-10. That covers a lot of territory with many good roads and lots of good restaurants. I've ridden many of the roads but haven't hit nearly all the good eating joints.

Breakfast, 9AM, give me suggestions. (Borrego Springs, Tumecula, Julian, overlook above Lake Elsinore, Palomar General Store?????)

[motomac]

I was planning on Stagecoach in AL. Maybe I should change plans and stay in my back yard.

[BigTom]

All are good, no doubt. Best breakfast? Barett Junction. Just out of your parameters, highway 94 just south of the 8. Lots of places to ride, then. Some could be cold....

[AzDesertRider]

Awesome territory! Breakfast at Barrett then work our way north? Breakfast in Borrego Springs work our way west... sooo many options.

[George]

I've never been to Barrett Junction.

Tom, my parameters are pretty flexible, if that's a good place, why not.

Your choice of events, Mac. We can't do'em all.

Other input??

[motomac]

Carole says Barrett Junction is the best fish fry there is Hush puppies are terrific. They have an all you can eat Friday night. Family tables.

[Onicabbit]

hmm probably in NorCAL still.

[rickj]

George,

Put me down as a MAYBE. However, how about lunch if it's at Barrett Junction? Old Highway 94 is one of my all-time favorite roads, but here's another spot to consider.

Another restaurant that I think could be a good stop is the one that at the interesection of 371 and Highway 74. Great twisties in every direction from it! It's called PARADISE CORNER CAFE, and it's the one on the right side of the intersection as you're coming up on 371 from Anza where you turn left to go to Idyllwild or right to drop down in to Palm Desert.

Rick

[Capt_Gruuvy]

How about that place in Julian that sells SPAM for breakfast ?

I will need to get away from the extended family by Saturday ..... count me in.

[Follow]

Date Shake in Indio...Yummy.

[Keith R.]

Just throwing it out there.

"HELL'S KITCHEN", just two miles or so past the overlook above Lake Elsinore has a GREAT breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have plenty of room inside, out back, or out front. And since they cater to motorcyclist the food and atmosphere is GREAT!

[BigTom]

Quote by Captain Groovy
How about that place in Julian that sells SPAM for breakfast ?

That place no longer sells SPAM for breakfast. Just checked out the menu a couple of weeks ago....

I'm pretty easy, as you all know. I've never eaten at Paradise Corner, hate to think I've let a good one get away:) That is a stunningly good riding area, however.

[BigTom]

Hey, Keith.

Did you see my picture of "The Iron Pit Tootsie"? It's in my SeaSToc album under the little camera




<<<<<=======

[George]

Do I need to set up a poll with all the popular places listed? I've never done one.

[VFR]

Geez George, it's California ccccold out here then except out in the desert.

There is a pretty nice place to eat in Borrego Springs & a fair mexican joint across the street. There is also come camping down there as well. Keith R has a spot that they go to often but I can't remember the name of it.

I did a New Year's Day run across the 94 this year & darn near froze. It was really windy as well so that might have had something to do with it. I think we did a rest stop at Barrett Junction but didn't eat there. My eyes were frosted over & I was shivering so I don't remember a lot of the ride. Nice ride other than that tho.....

[George]

I like Borrego Springs, too. Good free camping east of there on S-22.

Okay, executive decision, brunch in Borrego Springs on Dec 27, around 10AM.

There's a good breakfast place in the "shopping center" around back on the parking lot side. I'll get the name and exact location soon.

See ya there.

Larry, how was your weekend camping trip? We had a good time at Santa Ysabel.

[VFR]

I like Borrego Springs, too. Good free camping east of there on S-22.

Okay, executive decision, brunch in Borrego Springs on Dec 27, around 10AM.

There's a good breakfast place in the "shopping center" around back on the parking lot side. I'll get the name and exact location soon.

See ya there.

Larry, how was your weekend camping trip? We had a good time at Santa Ysabel.


Morro Bay was great!! BlueByU knows ALL of the backroads in the area & he took us on most of them. Up the coast side of 101 to King City for lunch then back down the inland side. We did the Not 25 in the daylight this time. The weather was great except it started to get a little cool on Sat. night.

He is hooked on the penny stove & is building one....:D He brought a bunch of food & fixed a great breakfast both days. Need to do more of that!!

I can do Borrego. Are you going over there a day early??

[George]

I'll be in east of Borrego Springs on the afternoon/evening of the 26th. My new orange tent should show up great. My chosen spot is about 5 miles west of Salton City, on the north side of s-22. Also, there's fone signal there. 928-530-2120.

[Keith R.]

The place George is talking about is Kendals. Food is good but nothing special. Last time through (SeaSTOC) we were able to parked right up inside the mall where we could keep an eye on the bikes.

Kendall's Cafe at the Mall
587 Palm Canyon Dr.
PO Box 2334
Borrego Springs CA 92004 -2334
760-767-3491

The Mexican food place is across the street and I believe (could be wrong) is Carmelita's, GREAT! food. I do know they aren't open for breakfast. We just passed throught there a few weeks ago on our way to SeaSTOC.

Carmelita's Mexican Grill & Cantina
575 Palm Canyon Dr
PO Box 2107
Borrego Springs CA 92004-2107
760-767-5666
carmelitasmexicangrill@yahoo.com

[VFR]

Mall??? In Borrego??? I definitely missed that!! I have only eaten at two places there, both right off the circle. One was a saloon & restaurant (name started with a C, I believe) & the other was a mexican place across the street & up a couple of doors. Both are pretty popular with bikers. I don't get there early enough for breakfast and rarely stop to eat there at all. Only times were on rides with guys from other forums.

[VFR]

I'll be in east of Borrego Springs on the afternoon/evening of the 26th. My new orange tent should show up great. My chosen spot is about 5 miles west of Salton City, on the north side of s-22. Also, there's fone signal there. 928-530-2120.


George, I just got word that I won't be able to camp on this trip. My wife is going on her annual vacation & I have to take care of the dog. I will make a day run down there though.

[George]

The "mall" is the only place in the center of town with a parking lot. IIRC, it's on the south side of the main street (whatever they call S-22 in town) and the parking is on the back side. Looks like Palm Canyon Drive, west of the circle, on the south side. Google Maps has it labeled The Mall (http://maps.google.com/maps/empw?url=http:%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fms%3F ie%3DUTF8%26hl%3Den%26msa%3D0%26msid%3D10935023723 0762641077.00045cc2b867e1a3e362d%26t%3Dh%26ll%3D33 .254856,-116.376135%26spn%3D0.01143,0.022402%26output%3Demb ed%26s%3DAARTsJqKMUQ4zTatCtEp3EweBzjL9G72Sw&hl=en&gl=us).

I'm thinking Kendall's Cafe at the Mall for breakfast fairly early then cause I'll only be camping only 20 miles from there, then <edit> Juanitas Mexican Restaurant for lunch at noon. Ride in between times. Show up for either or both. See youse guys there four weeks from tomorrow.

Prolly better send me positive mail so we can give'em a heads up. How many this year? We've been averaging around a dozen folks.

Keith, thanks for the restaurant info.

[BigTom]

The mexican joint that Larry is talking about is Juanicto's or some such. Pretty good. I know the Steak house he's talking about, never eaten there.

My opinion, Juanicito's or whatever beats Carmilata's. Price and food:) A double whipping!

[George]

The mexican joint that Larry is talking about is Juanicto's or some such. Pretty good. I know the Steak house he's talking about, never eaten there.

My opinion, Juanicito's or whatever beats Carmilata's. Price and food:) A double whipping!

I bow to the knowledge of those who have been there. I've never eaten at either of the Mexican places.

[rickj]

I'm going to try to make this one.

Rick

[VFR]

Yeah, that's the place - Juanitas. It's the second building on the left on Palm Canyon Drive after the circle. the restaurant/bar is the first one on the right. Parking out front is usually full of Harleys - we had to park in the lot next to it.

Juanitas had good food, lots of it & very reasonable prices.

[George]

Yeah, that's the place - Juanitas. It's the second building on the left on Palm Canyon Drive after the circle. the restaurant/bar is the first one on the right. Parking out front is usually full of Harleys - we had to park in the lot next to it.

Juanitas had good food, lots of it & very reasonable prices.

Okay, edited my previous post to show Juanita's instead of Carmalita's. Gonna cross post this to ST-Riders, too. See ya there three weeks from today.

[VFR]

Hey Big Tom!!!! You and Bob in for this one??? Short run for you guys.

[womantriker]

it ALL sounds good to me...
Carole

[BigTom]

I can't speak for Bob, but I'm in. I think he's planning for it also. He's been so darn busy being Grandpa that I haven't seen a thing of him for a couple of weeks....

I'm thinking camping, too. I got's a new table and a sleeping bag and a chair to test.

I'm thinking this is the place, but Borrego Springs isn't so big that I can't find or be found:)

[AzDesertRider]

Yes, I'm gonna try real hard to make this one... Riding, camping & eating...a few of my favorite things.

[VFR]

Good Deal, Guys. I look forward to seeing you there.:)

I'd like to camp too, but I can't this time. My wife gets her one vacation a year & is going to spend the holidays with her daughter & grandkids. I am the designated dogsitter.:rolleyes: Soooo, gonna be an out & back run for me.

[Capt_Gruuvy]

I'll need directions from this landmark:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=270

I'll see you at 10:00 .... like it or not.

[motomac]

Well, I have made a very big decision. I will be at Christmas STOCing instead of Stagecoach. Carole and I will be there, probably won't camp cause she having an operation on her shoulder the 17th.

[womantriker]

Mac.....Don't count camping out just yet...we'll see....
But I'll need the best air mattress if we do camp...
carole

[WarBootie]

been tracking this one. I may actually attempt some riding.
Im sure your watching the weather... snowwwwwww

[George]

been tracking this one. I may actually attempt some riding.
Im sure your watching the weather... snowwwwwww

Fingers crossed.

[ST_Jim]

If the weather cooperates I'll try and make this one. I'll probably go for breakfast at the Overlook by Lake Elsinore, then meet everyone for lunch in Borrego Springs.

Unless SWMBO changes my mind...



- Jim

[BigTom]

Here is the current official NOAA forecast for the edge of the desert area. Forecast is for Friday, December 26.

Friday: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 57.

Looks like it should be OK at the bottom!

[BigTom]

Well, I just keep moving the pointer until I find a place that is over 40 at night. Here it is:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.786120011700625&lon=-116.09870910644531&site=sgx&smap=1&marine

We actually have a day or two until the 'real' forecast gets up, it might improve some:)

I just checked weather underground, it's no better. Accuweather anyone?

I'll make Borrego Springs, but I'm guessing I'll be wired by then:) Got a new vest...

[George]

Here's the Hazardous Weather forecast from the site Tom listed.

"A SERIES OF WEATHER SYSTEMS WILL MOVE THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
THIS WEEK. THE FIRST ONE IS ANTICIPATED TO PRODUCE SNOW ABOVE 4000
FEET MONDAY NIGHT WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF LESS THAN ONE INCH ABOVE 4500
FEET. SUBSEQUENT SYSTEMS WILL LEAD TO A CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION OFF
AND ON THROUGH FRIDAY WITH LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLE ABOVE 4500 FEET."

Hope we can all make it over the hills to Borrego Springs for lunch on Friday. See youse guys there.

[motomac]

I just looked at how to get there from OB and we have to go through Julian. We may not get there!!! We were just up at 4,000' yesterday and the road still had a crust of about 2" of packed snow(ice) and we were still on Sunrise Highway!!! If they get any more snow up there, we won't be able to get across the hills on the bike. May end up in Carole's 4 Runner or on her trike!!!

[BigTom]

Mac

You could take the 8 or the 10 over the hill to get yourselves back down to the desert. No where near such a pleasant ride, but if there's snow on the top.....We could ride into and out of Borrego Springs a bunch of times, there are some (rare) low altitude corners there:)

[motomac]

I was just discussing this with Carole and they may have 78/79 open now. Sunrise Highway isn't the main road over the hill, so the main ones may be cleared. If we get rain instead of snow it will be OK, and yeah, the 8 will be passable. I haven't run S2 yet, so you are more knowledgable about that part of the desert. Unless we get a horrendous amount of snow, we'll be there, and if we get that much snow, noone else will be there either.

[the_suspector]

S2 thru Ranchita is about 4000 feet, passing Ranchita and proceeding to Borrego Springs is a great road, all downhill of course. You can see the vegitation change as you go from about 4000 to the desert floor. Love it up there!!

[womantriker]

And I love S2....we gotta ty to make this one!
Carole

[George]

S-22 from S-2 to Borrego Springs is a great road, too.

[motomac]

I have looked at S2 and S22 as roads that I would like to check for tags, but just haven't got to in the short period of time I've been out here. I have hit quite a few, but haven't ventured that far east yet. I will get to them in time. Probably when I get John Diego's tag tomorrow!!!

[George]

Found THIS (http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_scrash20.45f29c1.html) over at ST-Riders, posted by a new member (Carl.) <edit> Tim Shevlin recommends breakfast at Hells Kitchen, just a couple miles west of the Overlook _if_ the Overlook is closed. Anyone know fur sure?

I'm doing both breakfast and lunch in Borrego, so see youse guys there for either or both.

[VFR]

George, the Lookout is closed. The owner was out of town & some of the employees had closed the place & went on an errand when the car hit. Someone said it hit in the cold storage area but pretty much trashed the place. Don't look for it to be open soon.

I've stopped at Hells Kitchen a couple of times with others. I never ate there but the others did. It is mostly a Harley Hangout.

I was at Santa Ysabel on Sat. No snow there but cars were coming from Julian with snow on them. There was snow & ice on some of the curves on Mesa Grande and sand & rocks on others. All of that could give ya a pucker moment.....

Not sure yet, but if the weather is decent I'll run over on Sat.

Merry Christmas to All,

[George]

So, youse guys coming from the west have a decision to make: where's breakfast?

Gunnar and I will be at Kendall's Cafe at the Mall for breakfast fairly early , then Juanitas Mexican Restaurant for lunch at noon.

[VFR]

So, youse guys coming from the west have a decision to make: where's breakfast?

Gunnar and I will be at Kendall's Cafe at the Mall for breakfast fairly early , then Juanitas Mexican Restaurant for lunch at noon.


Easy one for me. I eat breakfast before I leave on a ride.....

Y'all have a Merry Christmas and a safe ride..:)

[John_Diego]

George,

Where are you camping Friday night and when do you plan to be there?

I may join you, John

[motomac]

Carole and I are going up Friday and camping also. What time you haveing breakfast George. I doubt I an get her going that early, but maybe for lunch.

John, when you going up? Maybe we can hook up if you don't mind riding with a Wing pulling a trailer.

[John_Diego]

Carole and I are going up Friday and camping also. What time you haveing breakfast George. I doubt I an get her going that early, but maybe for lunch.

John, when you going up? Maybe we can hook up if you don't mind riding with a Wing pulling a trailer.

I'd be happy to ride up with you and Carole. I have no plans nor have I decided on a route, so I'm wide open for suggestions.

John

[motomac]

If the John in San Diego on the RAN is you, I'll call you later today.

[John_Diego]

If the John in San Diego on the RAN is you, I'll call you later today.

There are several Johns in SD. You want John Mapes.

John

[George]

Guys, there's a flat spot on the north side S-22 a few miles west of Salton City. Gunnar and I will prolly get there around 4/4:30.

That whole desert area is popular with the off-road folks. If it's decent weather, there will be some there.

[VFR]

There are several Johns in SD.

John


Ummm, you might want to rephrase that..... :eek: :D

[illzoni]

I'm not gonna make this one. Have to turn around and coach the next morning. And don't feel like dealing with dodgy weather crossing LA twice.

I do intend to go riding on New Year's Day:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54535

[DonP.]

The weather is looking better for the weekend, sunny and 59degrees Sat.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.23868752757414&lon=-116.35208129882812&site=psr&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

I might be able to make a run to Borrego Springs, for lunch. Not too familiar with the area but I should be able to spot a herd of ST's allright. :D

[George]

The weather is looking better for the weekend, sunny and 59degrees Sat.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.23868752757414&lon=-116.35208129882812&site=psr&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

I might be able to make a run to Borrego Springs, for lunch. Not too familiar with the area but I should be able to spot a herd of ST's allright. :D

Weather in Kingman sucks right now. Wind howling, rain and sleet pelting down, clouds all the way back to <looking> the coast. There's three squall lines (north-south) between here and Barstow, moving this way at about 35 MPH.

Tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday are looking better, tho. Hope this all blows thru before I head out in the AM.

[motomac]

Carole and I just returned from Ladera Ranch and ran in rain down to Oceanside and it stopped raining, but the winds are really howling. We will wait until morning to decide whether we will go Friday and camp, or do a day ride on Saturday. And yeah this is really Motomac typing this!!! A lot depends on what happens in Julian tonight also.

[George]

Here's what I'm looking at as I get ready to roll out this morning. Wind has stopped but temp is still only at 30. It'll be warmer down by the river and up in the 40s later. <wait>

Already 38 in Julian, 29 Palms, and Amboy, 48 at Salton City, and 41 at Yucca and Needles. Once I'm out'a Kingman (over Coyote Pass) I'll be good to go. See youse guys tonight or tomorrow.

My drive: 40088

Looking west on the road out'a here: 40089

Looking back toward the CattHouse: 40090

I'm gonna wait an hour (9 AM CA time) and see if it warms above freezing here. Not really ready yet anyhoo.

[DonP.]

Wow George, watch out for the black ice! And 36degrees here in the foothills of OC this morning, hope it's a little warmer Sat going over the Ortega.:eek:

[Ozark Rider]

Can someone shoot out the address for Juanita's Mexican Restuarant where everyone is meeting up for lunch if that is still the destination.
Thank you,

[motomac]

Carole and I are in Borrego Springs. We will be in the Tamarask Campground on S2. Carole has enough food for a bunch. so stop and see us.

[DonP.]

The "mall" is the only place in the center of town with a parking lot. IIRC, it's on the south side of the main street (whatever they call S-22 in town) and the parking is on the back side. Looks like Palm Canyon Drive, west of the circle, on the south side. Google Maps has it labeled The Mall (http://maps.google.com/maps/empw?url=http:%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fms%3F ie%3DUTF8%26hl%3Den%26msa%3D0%26msid%3D10935023723 0762641077.00045cc2b867e1a3e362d%26t%3Dh%26ll%3D33 .254856,-116.376135%26spn%3D0.01143,0.022402%26output%3Demb ed%26s%3DAARTsJqKMUQ4zTatCtEp3EweBzjL9G72Sw&hl=en&gl=us).

I'm thinking Kendall's Cafe at the Mall for breakfast fairly early then cause I'll only be camping only 20 miles from there, then <edit> Juanitas Mexican Restaurant for lunch at noon. Ride in between times. Show up for either or both. See youse guys there four weeks from tomorrow.

Prolly better send me positive mail so we can give'em a heads up. How many this year? We've been averaging around a dozen folks.

Keith, thanks for the restaurant info.


I belive Juanitas is actually Jilberto's Taco Shop on the same side of the street but closer to the circle from the breakfast stop at Kendalls. Went there with VFRguy last New Years Day and it was cold due to no heater inside. ;)

http://sandiego.chowbaby.com/restaurants/BORREGO%20SPRINGS/Jilbertos%20Taco%20Shop
Riding up in the morning Joe???

[VFR]

I belive Juanitas is actually Jilberto's Taco Shop on the same side of the street but closer to the circle from the breakfast stop at Kendalls. Went there with VFRguy last New Years Day and it was cold due to no heater inside. ;)

http://sandiego.chowbaby.com/restaurants/BORREGO%20SPRINGS/Jilbertos%20Taco%20Shop
Riding up in the morning Joe???


You remember that do ya???? I didn't notice that the heater was off as it was much warmer there than where we came from. Brrrrrr

Are you going over Ortega? I had considered going south & across the 76 to the 79 then down Montezuma. I really don't want to go through Julian. Ortega might be the better way.

[VFR]

Can someone shoot out the address for Juanita's Mexican Restuarant where everyone is meeting up for lunch if that is still the destination.
Thank you,


Hard to miss. It's the mexican place two doors away from the circle. Usually a bunch of sport bikes parked there.

[DonP.]

Hard to miss. It's the mexican place two doors away from the circle. Usually a bunch of sport bikes parked there.

Larry, let me know your prefrence of routes we could ride over together..

[Ozark Rider]

Don and Larry,
Don , yes heading out in the morning.
What time are you planning on heading over Ortega?
Maldos might go also, he and I are going to talk tonight.

[VFR]

Well, we could meet Joe at the bottom of Ortega. Say around 8:30 to give the ice a chance to melt....

[DonP.]

Well, we could meet Joe at the bottom of Ortega. Say around 8:30 to give the ice a chance to melt....

Ok, how about the Starbucks east of the 5 on the Ortega at 08:30. Same as last year Larry:)

[VFR]

Ok, how about the Starbucks east of the 5 on the Ortega at 08:30. Same as last year Larry:)

Same place but last year was at 0630. Ccccold & dark.

I'm in - See ya there

[Ozark Rider]

Don and Larry,
So My plan will be to be there at 8:30 Is this Starbucks right on Ortega ?
Will either of you have a cell phone with you in case something comes up ?
( I was pulled out of bed at 3:00 a.m. by work this morning.)
See you in the morning,
My cell works on the bike 951-966-3600 in case you want to reach me.
Joe

[AzDesertRider]

As I was heading home with a cage full of grand-girls & a new puppy, I Spied Big Tom heading west to C-Mass-STocking.

Y'all have a great time.

[VFR]

As I was heading home with a cage full of grand-girls & a new puppy, I Spied Big Tom heading west to C-Mass-STocking.

Y'all have a great time.


Whoa!!! :eek: That would definitely make me want to take a ride - Real Soon, Real Fast.....:D

My wife went to her daughters to visit her grandkids. I'm goin' riding.....

[VFR]

Don and Larry,
So My plan will be to be there at 8:30 Is this Starbucks right on Ortega ?
Will either of you have a cell phone with you in case something comes up ?
( I was pulled out of bed at 3:00 a.m. by work this morning.)
See you in the morning,
My cell works on the bike 951-966-3600 in case you want to reach me.
Joe


Yeah, that used to happen to me too, back when I had a real job.

My cell doesn't - And that's why......

You have a pm.

[Capt_Gruuvy]

See you cats tomorrow.

I'll hook onto a group if I catch one.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Capt_Gruuvy]

Got home just a minute ago. Exchanged the Hostage for a new T-Shirt and some stickers !!!

Way to go Bill.

SVL-1300 was my Wing Man all day and did a great job.

Great ride, great weather and everything safe.

Even got to meet George .... how good is that ?

Thanks folks for another terrific event.

[John_Diego]

Got home a few minutes ago. Another great ST event, Thanks George!!

I took the S2 to I8 to get home. 39 degrees and windy on I8.

John

[BigTom]

Hey, I'm in, too.

How about that! I took the 78 to S2 to the I8 to get home.

Another great gathering of the Clan. What a good gang. Nice to meet some new folks and as always good to see the everybody.

We might need to start a new thread. Coldest campsite of the year!

[motomac]

Well, Carole is still editing her 300 pictures and told me to tell ya'll she'll be posting a little later. Great turnout, and I think 28º will be tough to beat in CA for camping temps, but it was a DRY cold!!! LOL, not a bit of frost!!!

[illzoni]

... 39 degrees and windy on I8.

...I think 28º will be tough to beat in CA for camping temps, but it was a DRY cold!!! LOL, not a bit of frost!!!

Yeah, I'm thinking I made the right choice skipping this one. Hope ya'll had a fantastic time!

[VFR]

Back before sundown. Time enough to change clothes, walk the dog & put the bike away before dark.

Nice ride over & back. Got to test out my new camo (non-electric) gear which worked well. A little breezy up on the 78 at S2 but not bad.

Always good to see everyone & meet new folks. That is the best part of these gatherings.

I was looking at Big Tom's bike. I know he had less stuff for SeaSTOC!!! Must have been a TV & Jacuzzi in there somewhere...

Thanks for setting this up, George - also glad you were able to make it out of the snow.

See everyone at Turbo Tom's in a couple of weeks.

[DonP.]

Got home about 4 this afternoon, nice to see everyone again and meet Joe,Tonya and Don! We lost Larry north on the 15 but sounds like you got in ok. Nicer ride coming back, sunny with mid 50's once over the mountains. Looking forward to Carols pics of the "homestead" last night in the desert.:p:

[womantriker]

George...THANK you for setting this up...I had a great time...only my nose and my toes froze! Am posting LOTS of pics...probably have to make several posts...but some are SO GOOD!

Company was fabulous..food was great...and scenery was the best! Can't believe I have never seen those sculptures before...and I know I have not seen them all.....have to get back to see the rest!

The campsite was beautiful, and thank heavens we had a roaring fire going....
this was a COLD WONDERFUL TRIP! Enjoyed meeting new STer's. Hope to see you all again soon on another ST event!

Carole

OK...my patience is at its limit..I've reduced size of all pictures I want to post, but they won't upload...I quit for tonight...will try again tomorrow...or post on my smugmug for all to view....

[womantriker]

wow...it took five...onl about 40 more to go
carole

[womantriker]

wow...it took five...only about 40 more to go
carole

[womantriker]

5 + 5 make 10
carole

[womantriker]

10+5=15
womantriker

[womantriker]

This is an exercise in dealing with frustration, and developing patience...the two things I put on my new year's resolution list....never been good at either before, and if this is my first test..I'm not going to get any better!

Carole

[Ozark Rider]

O.K. My Turn.....:D
Tanya and I had a great time meeting up with Don,Larry and Don and riding out to meet you all.
Don, you are right it was a bit chiily this morning on the way over and much better on the way back.
It was great to see some familiar faces and see meet some new people.
George ,
Thanks for pulling everyone together and I hope your ride home is warm and safe.
I look forward to our next meeting until then ride safe.

Joe

[womantriker]

It's a good thing I love you guys
It's a good thing today was terrific
It's a good thing Mac tells me I can't curse on the board!

womantriker

[womantriker]

Well..I've had it for tonight...I've gotten more than half posted..maybe letting the computer rest until tomorrow is the way to go. Mac and I are riding with
our local club, so it will be early in the AM or after we get home....
oh well.....that's all for now folks!

Carole

[Svl-1300]

Thanks Everyone! I'm one of the new guys. I don't get out to often because I work weekends. It was nice to meet you all. Thanks for making me feel part of the group. Hope to see you all at Turbo's. Gruuvy, I'll be your wing Man anytime! ...("Get in there MAV!!")...( "I will not leave my Wing Man"..."I will not leave my Wing Man!!")...even when he's doing 90+ weaving through traffic on the 10 through Palm Springs. After we got off the 10 Gruuvy says to me.. The 10 is usually pretty boring, but that was fun. Go figure!! Anyway it was a fast fun ride home.

Bill
Posted via Mobile Device

[womantriker]

Guess who?

[womantriker]

Computer's in a better mood this morning...

[womantriker]

one more to go

[womantriker]

will double check they all posted..
hope you enjoyed the pics...we sure enjoyed the meet!

Carole

[azlife4me]

Great photos! Thanks for sharing them.

[womantriker]

It was a pleasure to finally get them shared...with such good subjects they'd have to be great! Glad you enjoyed them!
womantriker-Carole

[BigTom]

Well, I'm not going to post many pics after seeing Carole's:)

You can go to my Webshots site if you are interested in seeing all of them.

http://community.webshots.com/user/bigTomW53

Christmas STocking and Borego Springs Sculpture are the new ones.

Now that I've warmed back up, I know it was a great time:

Just a teaser or two:

[gunnar]

It's a good thing I love you guys
It's a good thing today was terrific
womantriker

It was a great day, and thanx for taking the pictures!

Good to finally meet Mack and Carole, Big Tom, and a few others.

Camping on the desert in winter is simple and great, everyone should try it sometime.

Next year!!

[gunnar]

http://community.webshots.com/user/bigTomW53



I like the camping pix, the fuzzy must be due to the cold, right? :D

nice shot of the bikes on top of the grade, too.

G>

[BigTom]

I think some of the pixels froze to their neighbor cutting the total number of available pixles.

[rickj]

Looks like you guys and gals had a COOL time! I had planned on going on this ride since it's my neck-of-the-woods, but I had surgery on my foot a few days back. It's far too swollen to get in the boot! A few more days and I'll be riding again.

Great job, George. I hope you do it again next year!

Happy New Year!

Rick

[womantriker]

Hey Tom...really enjoyed your photos! You should have posted more!
Especially enjoyed the camping picture of George and Gunner...with all the orbs!

Carole

[motomac]

All those pictures she took and didn't get one of the three of us off-roading in the desert on our street bikes and me with a trailer!!!

[AzDesertRider]

Good stuff guy's n gal.

[George]

Hey, Carole, I _know_ you took more than 3 pics, that's all I'm seeing. rode home with Gunnar yesterday afternoon, good dinner from Trish, kids liked their gifts.

Gunnar did omelets and hash browns this morning then I headed generally east. Cold Ride. I ce on the puddles and some snow in the meadows across Antelope Valley. Made it home at 7PM after a small mishap near Victorville. I'll post my pics shortly.

[motomac]

George, go back a couple of pages, she has lots of picture posted!!!

[womantriker]

Mac...I kept calling you to slow down so I could get pics...but you were moving through that stuff as quickly as you dared to get through...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
George was in and back before we had even gotten there....so was Tom.....Guess we'll have to do it again. Let's wait til doctor clears me to ride my trike...you won't be able to leave me walking in the dust then, and pictures will be taken!

carole

[womantriker]

George...don't like to hear the word "mishap"....but I know you got home okay! That's what really matters....
Carole

[George]

Gonna try this again. Had 'puter problems last night. Here's some pics

My favorite of the whole weekend, penny stoves perking away while Tom's Coleman sets cold and forlorn on the table. :D
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Tom and Gunnar waiting for the coffee to heat up
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Camp site at Ocotillo Wells Recreation Area, about 20 miles east of Borrego Springs on S-22. It was chilly. Dirt bikers' RVs parked in the background.
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Salton Sea just east of us as the sun comes up.
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Mac and Carole camped at Borrego. It was chilly-er. :D
40263

Tom rode in from Yuma. Pic is in the parking lot at Kendalls Cafe in Borrego Springs. Really good biscuits 'n gravy.
40264

The five of us rode S-22, this is near the top with snow in the background.
40265

More snow, fewer people.
40266

We rode S-22 to S-2 to CA 78, had hot apple cider in Julian, then east on 78 to S-3 and back to Borrego. Along S-3 and on to Borrego Springs Road there's a gallery of these steel critters. All the property is owned by the Avery family of Avery Label fame. The ol' man commissioned these sculptures over the years. Carole says the Mastadons are about the oldest.
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Pretty much the whole crew ordering lunch...
40272
...at Carlees in downtown Borrego Springs. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.
40273
Silly me, I carried the West Coast banner and completely forgot about it!

There were 15 of us, I'm not even gonna try to remember all the names! :eek: VFR Larry, Don P, Don J, Joe and Tanya(?), Mac and Carole, Steve, Tim, Gunnar, Big Tom, John Diego, me, and two names elude me. Good turnout for Xmas STOCing #5.

So, after lunch we all split up. As gunnar and I made the left to stay on S-22, a deputy turned right in behind us. Gunnar pulled off let him go by. We let 5 or so STs go by then took off up the hill at a reasonable pace. I guess the sheriff kept his lead 'cause we didn't see anyone pulled over. :D

A couple 2-lanes and several I-States later we made it to Simi Valley. Trish did us a good dinner and I had a good time with the kids. Took off Sunday morning for home and _almost_ made it. Ugh. Pulled off to gas up at Stoddard Wells Rd on the north side of Victoville and BOOM! Leaned right, brakes on for the stop sign, hit a bump and the front end tucked under. See the divots in the roadway in the second pic.
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Those divots show up on Google Maps street view, too, so they've been there a while. I didn't see'em 'til _after_ tho. I think, with the brakes on, the front wheel hit both divots and the wheel locked, came down and skidded and that's all she wrote.

Minor damage, worst is the broken lens in the right turn signal. Right side Piaa isn't working now either, don't know if it's just the bulb or what. Tip over wing cover is well ground down, and a pretty good scrape on the right pannier. Nothing that can't be fixed, and no damage to rolling functions.

Also, bumped my right hip pretty good, holed the pants and jacket I was wearing and holed my big blue camping bag. Nothing structural, tho. As I was pulling the gear off the back to lighten the load, next car pulled up and the driver helped me get'er up. Two others stopped to make sure all was okay. Thanks to the Good Samaritans.

Bad side is I didn't really need gas. I usually stop in Barstow. Ah, well, such is life.

Made it home in good order after rolling thru Oatman (the best road in my area).

Thanks to all for helping to make this RTE a success. We'll do it again next year. Hope it's a little warmer, tho.

There was snow and ice along the margins the whole way home on Sunday, besides all the snow 'n stuff we saw on Saturday. There's still snow in my yard from the little bit we got last Thursday so it didn't warm up here all weekend.

Carole, ask me nice and I'll tell ya how to do more than 5 pics at a time. :D

[motomac]

That stretch of 66 thru Oatman to Kingman is one of the best in the country!!! IMHO!!! And Carole has a Mac for a computer as well as me.

[Mellow]

Glad you're okay George, that's all that matters... man, you leave in snow and ice and the dry stuff gets ya, I suppose that's how the dice roll sometimes.... so, how many times can you reSTore ReSTored? I'm thinking Phoenix might e a better name...

[motomac]

George, I had the other banner in the trailer and forgot I had it also.

[Capt_Gruuvy]

At that exit George those gas stations are always $1+ per gallon more. Exit on D street and hit the AMPM on the west side of the freeway. Besides that the Queens motel has the contract with the DOC and is a drop off for recently released felons. Don't stop in this area unless you want an adventure.

Sorry to hear you went down on those divots. They are a permanent fixture of the off ramp. Been there as long as I remember.

Next time you hit the ground that close to my house give me a call.

BTW, the Taco Chon at the end of the off ramp is good grub.

[BigTom]

Quote by Motomac
And Carole has a Mac for a computer as well as me.

Brother. I knew those Macintosh people had the next best brand loyalty, right up there with Harley Davidson. But don't you think that is pushing it just a tad?

[VFR]

George, it looks like you weren't the first to have a mishap in that corner. Look at the DO NOT ENTER sign in the background. It appears that someone did... I usually don't stop there either. I'll stop before or after.

Thanks again for setting this up. And that pic of the penny stoves is classic!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

[George]

To add insult to injury, the gas station was on the wrong side of the I-state anyway. After getting righted, I just went on north on the parallel road to the next entrance and got back on, went on to Barstow.

Besides the DoNotEnter sign, there's a marker pole down, too. You can just see it laying behind the bike in the second pic. I didn't hit it, tho. It was a bad choice on my part to even take that ramp. I was running on auto-pilot, just commuting. The good part of the weekend was over.
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Mark, didn't realize I was that close!

[adamk]

Pulled off to gas up at Stoddard Wells Rd on the north side of Victoville and BOOM! Leaned right, brakes on for the stop sign, hit a bump and the front end tucked under. See the divots in the roadway in the second pic.


Argh. :( Never like seeing a bike laying on it's side :mad:

[DonP.]

George, just glad to hear your OK! ;D
Posted via Mobile Device

[BigTom]

Boy, George. I'm really glad that you are ok.

Would you consider filing a suit against the State of Colliefornia? Some times a suit is the only way to get sh&* like that fixed. You have a claim for damages, and that fixture has been there for a long time. It might get somebody else before it gets fixed.

A nice little old lady got the RR crossing nearest where I grew up fixed when the Great Northern found out what Volvo PV44 wheels and tires cost:) She didn't sue, she filed an "intent to sue", they paid for the damage and fixed a long term problem!

[womantriker]

George...AM SO GLAD you weren't hurt...but seeing your bike down is not good....it looks so forlorn! Minor repairs are a way of life when you travel th way you do....know you'll have your bike, and yourself, in tiptop shape asap!

Regarding loading pics...Im asking nicely...WHY it wouldn't let me upload more than five when I have done it before????and it seemed to take forever to load just five!
Enjoyed your pics by the way,..thanks for sharing!

Carole

[womantriker]

Hey Tom....it's not pushing it...just getting the best in both man and machine....MAC's all the way! A woman can ask for no more!

Carole