NorCal Biker Party: The Aftermath

Well Judy & I left Sierraville at 7:15 AM today & made it home at about 1:00 PM. The good news is that we partied with some wonderful people, had a great 4 days of riding, plus managed to run balls-out almost all the way home without getting busted. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

It was a wild ride down I-80, partly due to the ripped up road in places, and partly due to the really nice road in others. We actually only hit the ton once or twice on I-80, but many, many times on highway 99 we burried the throttle for all it was worth. We topped out around 115 several times when there were large gaps between the packs of traffic. WooHoo! In spite of moderate traffic we had not a single incident of concern save one joker in a Honda Pilot who should have his license revoked. He got a big wad of slimy Dentyne for his trouble, once I finally managed to evade his stupid maneuvers.

The cruising through the Gold Country was rather more sedate, except the last stretch coming down from Lake Almanor where we cranked it on pretty good, being desperately in need of a cold beer.

The weather was nearly perfect, with just a handful of raindrops on Saturday afternoon, though it was very hot for Judy & I on the ride from Clovis to Rocklin Thursday (where we met up with the rest of the riders) and it was fairly hot around Lake Almanor and Chester, where we ate lunch on Sat.

Redeye hauled all of the heavy artillery, like barbecues and food and charcoal, propane and chairs, and plenty of food and beer. Redeye cooked twice for us all, and I guarantee that you should not pass up the chance to eat his cookin' should you be lucky enough to have the chance. Also, if the cooks in the confederate army could make gravy like Redeye's, the South might have won the Civil War. I swear, that was gravy worth fightin' for!

Valdez's & his wife Patty cooked at their home for Redeye, Judy and I, on Thursday eve, and I've got to say that as a home decorater Patty makes Martha Stewart look like Edith Bunker. Also she can cook as well as any of those snotty Cordon Bleu types you see on TV. I had such a good time that I was in no shape to ride the Nomad afterward. I probably would have just passed out on Patty's floor, except that Redeye was kind enough to stay sober, and ferry us around to our motel in his truck.

Friday AM, we all met at Denny's in Rocklin. In attendence were Judy and I, Valdez and Patty, Redeye and Anita and their grandaughter Samamtha, their son Tony, their friends Alex and Jennifer, and Jennifer's uncle Bill. Redeye & Anita towed their bikes up along with a 2000 lb. load of party necessities. Valdez & Patty rode a Nomad 1600, Judy & I the Nomad 1500, Alex & Jennifer rode an Electraglide Ultra, Bill was on a Honda VTX 1800 and Tony rode a Silverwing Interstate 650.

We rode up to Sierraville by way of Downieville, and had a nice lunch in Downieville at The Wooden Trout. Unfortunately they did NOT serve beer, so half of the clan wound up eating at the Grubstake Saloon across the street. Downieville is a very picturesque little town, and I wished we could have stayed longer.

Friday night Josh rode in from the coast on his A-model Vulcan Classic. He just made it in time for Redeye's masterpiece barbecue, and our major bonfire party in the Sierra. Josh made a 1000 mile round trip for this gig, PLUS the 220 miles to Chester & back, so he was roundly worshipped as the Iron Butt of the Excursion. We all had a great time that night. I'm afraid there was rather a lot of drinking and some actual howling at the full moon, but we somehow managed to avoid starting a forest fire.

By Sunday morning almost every one was sober enough to enjoy a quick breakfast of Redeye's killer biscuits & gravy and then make the 220 mile round trip up and down the Yuba & Feather River canyons to Lake Almanor & back. Afternoon thunderstorms threatened us for a couple minutes up around Indian Valley, but it all cleared up with narry a sprinkle.

Sunday evening we hustled back to Sierraville for a beer at Sid's tavern, and then all ate a Mexican meal like few have ever seen at the Dos Hermanos, right around the corner. We had a more restrained fire and party that night, or at least I think it was more restrained, because I retired by 9:30, being fairly well drained from all the riding and eating and a modest dose of vodka. Also, I'd promissed Judy we'd leave at the crack of dawn today to avoid riding in the afternoon heat of the San Joaquin.

Unfortunately I haven't had time to look at all the photos & video yet; but expect to see some pics up soon,
Cadd.

[oldbikers]

Sounds like a hell of a good time Cadd can't wait to see the pictures http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Cajunrider]

Sounds like you all had one heck of a good time. Anxious to see the pics. Glad you all made it home safe and sound.

[audiogooroo]

Wonderful! Sounds great!

[aj]

Sounds Great!!
(Lucky bugger!)

OK, the first round of photos:

1. The rustic Canyon Ranch Resort. OK, it's not the Wuksachi, but it's not $260 per night either! Plus we got free firewood.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv22.jpg

2. We stayed in this cute little cabin: The Lazy Bones Den
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv5.jpg

3. Yup. We had runnin' water. (Trout too.)
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv4.jpg

4. Nice...
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv7.jpg

5. Redeye and I consider the liquor situation.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv6.jpg

6. This flock of wild turkeys had the run of the place.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv3.jpg

7. Lone Juan Valdez mounts the Bridge of Death.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv23.jpg

8. Old bridge at the upper Yuba River overlook.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv10.jpg

9. Patty, Valdez, & Redeye on the arch bridge:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv1.jpg

10. Baggins
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv12.jpg

11. Valdez's Nomad 1600
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv13.jpg

12. Uncle bill's VTX 1800
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv11.jpg

13. Tony's Silverwing.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv14.jpg

14. Alex's 'Glyde
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv15.jpg

15. Bikes line up at the Sierra Valley overlook.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv20.jpg

16. From the overlook:

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv2.jpg

17. Historic Downieville
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv18.jpg

18. Bridge in Downieville
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv19.jpg

19. Lake Almanor
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv9.jpg

20. The crew at the Indian Valley Monument (counterclockwise from bottom left) Josh, Valdez, Anita, Redeye, Judy, Patty, Alex, Jennifer
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv25.jpg

Oh, guys, we had a hell of a good time alright. I wish you could have been there. We had to hurry back today, and so we missed the last day's ride, which was along the shore of Lake Tahoe. I just heard from Valdez, and it sounds like that was beautiful and went off without a hitch. We got in 850 miles of riding without the Tahoe leg, so I cannot complain a bit.

More photos after I rest up a bit. ;)

[billmac]

Sounds like bikers alright. Cruising, sightseeing, food, beer, fellowship, and more beer. I hope we all get to make some of these events. Thanks CaddmanQ for the description and photos.

[Kawhead]

Now thats what it's all about!! I'm glad y'all enjoyed yourselves. And thanks for the pictures.

[Idaho]

Hey CQ, great pix and sounds like you all had a wonderful time together. I'm starting to wonder about your blitz getting there. 115 two up?!?!? ARE YOU NUTZ? Geez man, I thought you were safer than that.

There, that is out of my system. I promise not to yell at you again. Unless you get killed, then watch out.

[chainsaw]

Very nice pictures and looks like a beautiful ride.

Idaho, if it'll soothe your mind, I've done 135 two-up on a bike. Many times too. The Nomad is not nearly as fast, and doesn't need to be because I've slowed down a lot in my old age. So if I'm nutz, well, at least I'm a little less nutz than I used to be.

Now go and yell at Dan Lund for a while, hey? ;)

PS: Alla youse other guys? Do as I say, not as I do. In other words, I do not hold myself up as the posterchild for safety. I'm an old fart trying to recapture my mis-spent youth with a motorcycle. At least that's what people are telling me.

[josh]

Nice pics Cadd, Btw don't give me to much credit, it was only 285 miles each way. Working on building my first ever blog as I write this, so will have some pics up soon.

[refugio]

Looks like you guys had a great time.....Lucky Dogs!!!!!!!!!

[Cajunrider]

Great pictures Cadd. Thanks for posting them. One of these days.........

Nice pics Cadd, Btw don't give me to much credit, it was only 285 miles each way. Working on building my first ever blog as I write this, so will have some pics up soon.

My mistake. I thought someone said you rode 500 miles to get there. I may have actually done 50 miles more than you.

A couple more pice...

Crankin' it on in the hills:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv26.jpg

Anita, earnin' her wings:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv24.jpg

Judy hikes down to the Yuba river, but does not swim.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv16.jpg

Uncle Bill, who did go for a swim there.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv17.jpg

Bill & Valdez, checkin' out the historical plaques.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/sv21.jpg

[cactusjack]

Wow, looks like a great time. I wish I could have made it. 900 miles one way was a tad far for me.

Sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe next year.....

[rksaw]

Definitely sounded like fun...I'd love to join you sometime, sounds like you and Valdez planned a great trip. Glad that you are home safe. Great pics,
Rich

[redeye]

How can you not have a great time? Top notch people on flawless motorcycles, abundance of food & drink, and a fantastic party atmosphere in a rustic environment.

CADD, as scenic as Saturday's ride was, SUNDAY would have blown your boots off. We rode around Lake Tahoe which is always beautiful. After a fuel stop in State Line, Valdez took us up over Carson Pass (7990') on hiway 88. You feel like you are on top of the world looking down.

We ended the ride in an old gold rush camp, Dry Town. With a few toasts of cold beer to celebrate the end of an incredible weekend we said good by to Uncle Bill, Alex & Jennifer.

Thanks all who attended & made the party what is was.

AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Valdez for taking the reins to organize & lead the NORCAL Biker Party.................-RICH

Looks like a nice weekend was had by you guys. Glad it went well and everyone got home safe and sound. Thanks for the pictures.

Sorry I missed the Tahoe Leg, Redeye, but I promissed Judy I'd get her home fast on Sunday. I've been up on Carson pass several times though, and it is an awesome ride.

Here's a photo of you and Samantha that I stole from Josh's blog page. I didn't get any good photos of you on your Nomad, but there's still hope. I haven't scoured and edited the videos Judy took. Some good still shots may yet be recovered.
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh269/caddmannq/Sierraville/redeye.jpg

Oh, yeah. I corrected the caption on my first photo. It said "Sierra Ranch" but now correctly reads "Canyon Ranch Resort".

[schoeney]

115 MPH 2 up! Geeez I am a wuss....haven't had mine over 90 with one up.

Well, I'm sorry to say that a lot of the video Judy took of the group actually riding didn't come out at all. I did get some brief clips with good action footage though. I'll try to put together a little movie of around 5 minutes or so from the 30 minutes she shot showing mostly trees and the back of my helmet.

[slots]

Cadd....

Looked like y'all had a fun time. Wish I coulda joined you. Next year for sure ! Thankya for the update.

Slots
Reno, NV

Yeah, I really can't remember the last time I was drinking around a bonfire out in the woods. It may have been literally decades ago. We had running water right there, just in case, but fortunately nothing got away from us.

[josh]

Just added another short vid to the blog

[donguer]

CQ, I'm jealous! When I grow up can I hang with you guys?

Yeah you could, Don, but living in New York would be a serious inconvenience for you.

[donguer]

The only inconvenience would be NOT to be there,Man!

PS: What's this "When I grow up" nonsense? You were born the same year I was. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

For any who haven't seen it, here's a link to Josh's Nomad blog site.
http://vulcanlately.blogspot.com/

[donguer]

PS: What's this "When I grow up" nonsense? You were born the same year I was. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

LOL, You got the edge on me CQ, in experience in riding I mean.
Glad you caught that! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Canyon Ranch Run: the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIOPVxdHVdw

Be sure to click the "watch in high quality" option if you have broadband.

[rlfaubion]

I want to thank everyone that attended the run. It was a fine time!

A special thanks to Redeye and Anita who went way out to make this a great event with the BBQ dinner and breakfast the next morning for all of us.

Here's a few more pictures

On the Road
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6110.jpg

Yuba River
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6107.jpg

CaddmanQ & Judy
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6101.jpg

Redeye supervising over the kitchen
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6124.jpg

Anita pretending to BBQ Tri-Tip
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6142.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6131.jpg

Fish'n in Cold Creek
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6127.jpg

Cocktails?
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6140.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6160.jpg

On the Road
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6170.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6178.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6179.jpg


Sid's Place in Sierraville
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6193.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6195.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6197.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6203.jpg

Saturday night out for dinner
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6205.jpg

Lake Tahoe
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6214.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6219.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6215.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6226.jpg

Red Lake Carson Pass
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6227.jpg

Sunday Brunch
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6234.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6236.jpg

Highway 88
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6238.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6239.jpg

Last stop for Blues, Beer, Bikers & Babes
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6242.jpg http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6246.jpg

Hope to see you here next year
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s31/rlfaubion/Sierra%20Gold%20Run/Sierra%20Gold%20Run%20Forum/PICT6152.jpg

Oh, man, GREAT PHOTOS VALDEZ!

I remember drinkin' at the Kirkwood up on Kit Carson Pass about 3 years ago. I don't think Josh coulda turned around in the bathroom there either.

PS: Patty looks great on a Drifter. Where did you see that? Out back of Sid's place?

[rlfaubion]

Yes, it belongs to Mark & Leslie who own Sid's Place. 2006, 800cc Drifter

[redeye]

http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj117/RedEye1620/Sierraville%202008/?action=view&current=164ce6d3.pbr

Here is our photo record of the Sierra Gold run. My grand daughter, Samantha took most of the pictures & my son made the slide show. In some shots you can see Sam's reflection in the mirror. Not bad for a 10 year old first time with camera..........-Rich

[chainsaw]

Great, great pictures everyone. Time for a road trip for sure.

Redeye, tell Sam she did a truly wonderful job behind the camera. The photos of me came out particularly well. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[redeye]

Redeye, tell Sam she did a truly wonderful job behind the camera. The photos of me came out particularly well. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

I had a feeling you'd say something like that.....-Rich

Tell Sam that the cutest picture was the one she took of herself. She's gonna be a real heartbreaker in a few more years buddy.

[rlfaubion]

Yeah, that was good for sure! Good job Sam taking pictures, and Tony for put'n it together.... I'm a wish'n we were still out there man!

[redeye]

How lucky were we to see that OLD INDIAN Motorcycle parked next to that old Ford Hot Rod as we were leaving Dry Town? The end to a perfect weekend I say........-Rich