Fort Bragg Ride Day Recap

26 April 2009

Holy smokes, what a turnout we had for this run. There were somewhere between 20 and 25 bikes in all, for what ended up being the biggest rides we have had in a while. Now, we always have a good turnout on our runs, but this was just one of the bigger ones. The members met a half hour earlier than the norm. We thought a little extra time would be a good idea, plus we knew this was going to be a special day and we didn't want to rush through it at all. At right around 09:30AM we had a quick riders meeting and went over where we would be stopping for breaks and of course and the route naturally then it was time to get this big pack of bikes down the road. Once we had everyone ready to go we got all lined up and we rolled out. Our first stop was the gas station in Hopland, where we always stop for a snack or much needed fuel from time to time. We took about a 10-minute break there which gave us time to start shedding some of that warmer clothing, as temps were starting to climb.

Once the break was over it was time to head north. What a beautiful day we had for this, it was perfect, at least in this area. We weren't 100% sure what to expect when we got to the coast, just what was predicted. We got back on the road and headed to our next stop, which was Willits, for fuel for those that needed it and to shed some more clothing, cuz it was getting warm. We got to Willits without incident other than I think Bob had gotten stung by a bee. Good thing he's not allergic to them. While in Willits, besides fuel and a striptease, we also took the opportunity to start putting on the sunscreen. We knew that we could all suffer later if we didn't protect ourselves. Then it was time to get rolling again.

The next leg of our journey is one of my favorites and from the numbers of members we had on the run I would say that it's a few others as well. Hwy 20 towards Fort Bragg is awesome riding through the redwoods and the scenery was just spectacular, and it didn't hurt that as we got closer and closer to Fort Bragg the temps started to come down, but just enough. Not so much that we needed to pull over and add more clothing, just enough to make it very enjoyable. We got to Fort Brag and opted for a new eating location that Bob had recommended, a place called Silver’sAt The Warf. I hope I have that right, if not, sorry. So eventually we rolled in to our ending location and what a nice treat. The temp was about 72 degrees and clear as a bell, with not even a breeze. To make it even better, when we got to the parking lot we were all able to park together. There was a small pack of bikes already parked there and you know that's a good sign that the food is probably good.

We got to eat upstairs, above the water, overlooking Noyo Harbor, we got to sit all together and they did separate tags, it doesn't get any better than that. We had a great time joking and laughing and taking tons of pictures, and the food was great. I think everyone really enjoyed their meal, I know I did. While we were finishing our meal I got a call from a guy and his wife, "future members" that we (the club that is) met at the Vee-Twin Run that the club had done recently. It seems that he just purchased a brand new Honda Goldwing, two days before and his name is Hans. Oh boy another Hans, what’s the chance of that happening? Well pretty good, let me tell you. Anyways, during the call he told me that he was looking at another great looking Goldwing in a parking lot in Fort Bragg at a restaurant called Silver’sAt The Warf, I told him to come in and go up stairs and meet the club. He was a bit surprised but not shocked when he saw the huge group at the table. After we got done with lunch went outside to check out his new Wing.

Once we got done jabbering about everything motorcycle, we had to say our farewells as they just had got there to eat and couldn't do the ride back to Sonoma County with the club. We discussed the route back and opted for going down the coast until we reached Hwy 128 that would take us to Boonville. We had a great ride down the coast. It was a picture perfect day on the coast, that's for sure. We made our way to Hwy 128 and took it all the way in to Boonville, but not before stopping half way between, for some more Kodak moments, deep in the middle of the Redwood Forest at a camp ground for some nature photo's and a really cool group shot done by the current member Hans, our webmaster (See the Photos page). We must have hung out there for about a half hour just enjoying the scenery and the quiet. Everyone needs to get back to nature once in a while, that's for sure. But as much as we didn't want to, it was time to continue on and our next stopping point was to be the town of Boonville for a break with water and fuel. The temps of course were starting to climb fast and we needed to keep hydrated.

Then it was to finish the last leg of the run, but while at the stop in Boonville no-one was really that much in a rush to get going it seems that we were having such a good time that we really didn't want it to end. It really isn't an end just a pause until the next ride. We got back to a very warm Sonoma County without any problems what so ever. The run ended and I'm sure all members would agree that this was one hell of a good time. Thanks to all the members that showed, we have the best club and members north of the Golden Gate.

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Redwood Riders M.C

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