3rd Annual NorCal Fall Colors/Polar Bear Run

[redeye]

I told Valdez, after this weekend, he should rename this the Polar Bear Run.

Can you believe 22 degrees? That was the coldest it got Saturday on the top of Kit Carson Pass. After that, the weather warmed up gradually to a high of 38 over the next 100 miles. When we checked into the MeadowCliff Lodge in Coleville Calif. it was back down to 30*.

All though it was bitter cold, nobody was miserable at all, as everybody was prepared for the polar like conditions. Heavy jackets, winter gloves & face masks were a necessity on this ride.

We had 10 people on 5 bikes & one warm pickup as a support vehicle. Roll call included two Nomads, Valdez & Patty on one & myself on the other. One Honda VTX 1800, Uncle Bill. One BMW 1200, Les & Lorie. And one Harley Ultra, Alex & Jennifer. Anita & Sam drove the support vehicle.

Saturday night Valdez & his wife Patty hosted a party in their room that included a buffet style Mexican dinner that warmed everybody from the inside out. The burritos were delicious & the Margarita's from the blender were an added bonus. All the while NASCAR blasted from the TV.

Sunday morning we woke up to bright sunshine & a cold 23* outside. After a great breakfast we found out our return route & alternative, Hiway's 89 & 108, were closed due to snow & ice on the road. (I knew I should of packed that tire chain). So we back tracked over Carson Pass. This time the temperature had warmed up to a balmy 37* at 7990' elevation.

All the bikes ran w/o any problems in the cold. Not even a starting problem Sunday morning.

A big Thank You to Ron Valdez & his wife Patty for a fantastic & safe ride.

I cannot post pictures now due to my computer is in the repair shop & I'm on a loaner as I type this. Maybe Valdez will check in later with his pic's.....-Rich