Almond Festival Recap
14 March 2010
I would like to thank all of the members that showed up for what ended up being a spectacular run, I knew we would have a nice size turn out for the run with temps expected to hit near 70 degrees that and a great bunch of people is all you need for a great ride day. Since we already had our destination in mind all that was left to do was come up with a route it didn't take to long before the group decided on getting over to Esparto via Lake Berryessa. We rolled out of Coco's in one large group and hit most of the lights leaving town which is always nice, the route was a simple one we would take Hwy 12 through Sonoma then over to Napa on Trancus and stop at the Chevron that we almost always use as a potty & butt break if needed. It was a nice ride down Hwy 12 the Sun was shinning and the sky's were blue this had all the makings of an awesome day. Wow it was really amazing we were able to keep the entire group together even going through the town of Sonoma, the motorcycle gods must have been with us today. We continued out Hwy 12 until we reached Hwy 29 then got over to the fist stop without any issues.
We took about a ten minute break in Napa shed some of that winter stuff as the temps were starting to rise then got back on the bikes and headed North on the Silverado Trail until we saw the sign for Hwy 128 to Winters, which just happen to be our next stop for fuel for those that required it. What a gorgeous ride through the country side and around the lake, the temps were by this time in the low to mid sixty's and compared to what we had been riding in just a couple of weeks earlier it was almost like summer. We got to Winters after a great scenic ride and stopped for our last short break and fuel before continuing on to Esparto. Once we left Winters the route was a simple one we got on to Hwy 505 until we reached Hwy 16, which got us where we wanted to go. I had a feeling that the event was going to end up being a big one because once we got on to Hwy 16 we got maybe a 1/4 mile into it and hit stop n go traffic the next couple of mile trying to get into town. Well that did end up being the case there were people everywhere, holy moly and bikes well hundreds all over the place parking where ever they could find a spot, we lucked out I saw what looked like a high school parking lot which for whatever reason wasn't really be used so I guided the group over to it and we got great spots and were able to park all together that was sweet.
We got rid of the jackets weren't going to be needing them for awhile, decided on a time to meet back at the bikes to continue our ride that's right this was not going to end in Esparto more about that in just a bit. Once we had the bikes secure it was time to explore they Vendors, two or three different area with live bands bikes everywhere not counting a really cool car show, I had forgot to bring a camera but was able to take some pics with my cell phone which I hope will get into the Newsletter. Anyways as were heading into the middle of things the first thing that caught my eye or I should say my ears was the sound of a jet car perhaps a motorcycle going down main street oh my god it was neither it was a jet powered bicycle I took a couple of pics of that cuz I didn't think anyone would believe it. We continued checking out all of the vendors, bikes and custom cars for a bit over an hour then a few members tried to get a bite to eat they succeeded kinda after waiting a half hour in line we had agreed that those who wanted to would meet back at the bikes then head over to Cache Creek Casino for lunch. We got to the bikes and didn't have to wait to long before other members showed up to go to our next stop on our journey.
We got out of town which took about 15 minutes or so because of traffic once we got back on to the Hwy it still took a little times due to the next little town was also having and event with even more bikes, holy smokes for those of you who didn't attend this run you missed a great one. We got to the Casino and got parked and headed inside and actually decided not to eat in the Buffet but opted for a Cafe with much better prices, we had left a note on the members bikes that had stayed behind in Esparto trying to get a bite to eat and advised them where they could meet us if they so choose, we weren't in the cafe for more than 20 minutes when the remainder of our group showed up. We finished our lunch, which was really good by the way and headed back to the bikes to continue on with the return trip back home. The group opted to continue on Hwy 16 to Hwy 20 then through Lake County on to Hwy 53 towards Middle Town. What a beautiful ride out Hwy 20 with temps now pushing 70 degrees this was freaking awesome what a perfect ride day it only took about an hour from the Casino until we reached Middle Town where we took our final break and said our goodbyes, as this would be the last stop before members arrived back at home. I would like to thank once again all who showed I feel this is the beginning of one hell of a riding season & I look forward to see you all on the upcoming runs.
Tours & Events Director / Information Officer
Redwood Riders M.C
24hr HOT LINE 707-568-7745