Star Knights

I had been on this ride before, the year before infact, and while it was a wonderful moving ride, it was during the daytime, which as I found out can tend to lose some of the effect that the night ride holds.

We started our adventure from Visalia and made our way up the 99 freeway to various Veterans Memorials: In Atwater we stopped at Castle Air Force Base. Here we gathered around the memorial stone and heard stories about the base from vets that had been stationed there. We also heard stories from other vets about their time in service. We saluted the flag, said a prayer for our servicemen, we laughed at some of the stories told, some of us cried a little to remember those who were not with us...And on we went, northward stopping at the Citry of Ceres Memorial. We paid homage here, even talking with passing motorists explaining what we were doing.

We had lingered at each memorial longer than intended so we needed to get going on to Sacramento. It was a wonderful ride. Good weather. Good companions. Reaching our final destination in Sacramento, the Vietman Vet Memorial. We were met by several members of our armed forces headed up by Jason Podesta, son of Steve Podesta. They had snacks, some homemade, and beverages for us, and yes they even had coffee and it tasted great!

(If you get a chance please go to the memorial the gardens alone are well worth the trip.)

As you enter the memorial something starts pulling at you as you realize how many names are on that wall and that this is just one memorial around the country. When I read the names from Visalia, I realized that except for three names, I had gone to school with each of the young men listed. How time can dull the memories of just how many there were missing out of our graduating class. I could barely speak and when I tried to express my thanks and love for the servicemen, I choked and nothing came but tears. Many members spoke, some who had sons and daughters in Iraq or Afganistan or were soon being deployed soon. It was a time when nothing mattered but the love of our fellow man. The hugs were honest and true and not to be forgotten.

Our time was coming to an end and we needed to be homeward bound. The trip home was, compared to the evening before, uneventful except for the fact that we kept taking about everything over and over at each stop we made.

I know that I was not the only one tired after this ride and that some had to work early the next day but it was a ride that I will gladly do over and over until I can no longer.

05/16/2010 Humphreys Station Friends Ride

We had about 12 bikes meet for a trip to Humphrey's station. We knew we were in for an adventure when our scheduled road captain had to work and missed the ride. Ray jumped right in and offered to lead the ride; had directions set, map in pocket, bikes gassed up and everyone ready to roll. (one rider on a new bike another rider just fresh out of her MSF class and only the 7th time on her bike) We headed towards the hills via Sanger and Academy (as per RYAN's instructions). Nice little ride through the country and farms until we hit the sigh that said "Pavement ends 500ft" it should have said "Pavement ends right NOW" because suddenly we were in dirt and gravel! First time for dirt and gravel for a few of us but we all got right through it just fine, got through Sanger and hit another patch of no pavement. Got thought that with one stall but no other issues. Quick stop at Chevron and off we go.

We got to Humphrey's station with hunger roaring and ready for some lunch. We got to sit outside on the patio, where we were surrounded by beautiful pine trees, green grass and a stream. Lunch was great, service was great all and all a very welcome stop. With it being sort of early yet no one was ready to head home so we rode up towards Pine Flat with a little break at Doyles, then off through the old favorite, Wonder Valley and a gas stop in Squaw Valley. Still not ready to head home most chose to keep riding so off we went through Dunlap and to Mountain House for some ice tea and a rest. Really needed the rest by then. It was a warm day just made for friends and riding. Everyone had a fun day, and we all went home tired and smiling.

05/08/2010 Jamestown Sanctioned Ride

It started out a lovely warm morning, some leather felt just right. We met at D&E Yamaha, headed up 99 towards Merced. We did have a little drama on the way with a members saddle bag catching on fire and going up in flames. Luckily he was ok, some damage to the fender and seat, dead saddle bag and contents but the bike was still ride able, so on we went! With a quick stop for gas, we picked up one more chapter member and off we went again. The ride was beautiful, clear, clean roads; green and flowers everywhere. Our first scheduled stop was the Steam Train in Jamestown where we met some family members and all went for a train ride and learned a bit about the train and railroad history. Afterwards, a fantastic Mexican lunch in Jamestown then on up to the historic town. We spent some time walking through the museum and historic shops, watched the horse and buggie roll through town and just enjoyed the afternoon. After some debate we agreed to ride home via 49, knowing it would add at least an hour to our ride home but decided it was worth it to have more twisties and less freeway. What a great decision that was! All in all it was a great day to ride and a great stops planned by our Road Captain. Kudos Greg!!

05/01/2010 Happy Hearts Benefit Ride Friends Ride

The Happy Hearts Ride was to benefit Children’s Hospital of Central Ca.
Chapter 163 had a good member attendance, showing our support! We met at Flyers, rode over to Visalia Harley Davidson where those of us that didn’t pre register got that business taken care of. The ride took us to Dinuba, Tulare and Lemoore. We were fed a very nice lunch at Tachi Casino.

After the Happy Hearts event, a few of us headed up to Mountain house just to get a little twisty time in for the day.

All in all a beautiful sunny day just made for friends and riding.

04/31/2010 Mesquite Motorsports Friends Ride

In support of Mike Kornweinder and his new shop, Mesquite Motorsports. Chapter Members met and rode over to the open house for a BBQ and tour of the new place.

Way to go Mike!

http://mesquitecustomcarts.com/

04/30/2010 Vejars Friends Ride

Once it starts getting warm, we try to plan "friends" rides on the Friday evenings where no chapter ride is scheduled. These rides are open to everyone that would like to attend.

We had a quick ride to Tulare to Vejars for dinner. After a bit of a wait, the meal was fantastic and worth that wait. It was a nice warm evening and wonderfully spent with friends, food and motorcycles.

04/25/2010 Cambria Friends Ride

Started out around 8:30 Sunday morning. We had eleven friends meet for a day of riding and generally enjoying the company of one another. The weather was cool, just right for riding with minimal protection from the elements. While stopping in Kettleman for a "pit stop" we found that some of our group had ridden thru an oil spill. While it was wiped off a best as could be, others thought that running their bike through the dirt covered property across from the gas station would be a better fix. Both must have worked because we had no problems caused by oily tires. It was a beautiful ride through the mountains, the grasses have not turned brown and we saw splashes of color everywhere. Next stop was in Paso Robles for gas and then we headed for our destination. Down Highway 101 for a quick sprint then turning off onto the road to Cambria. Another great road slowly winding through the coastal mountain ranges, plush with greenery every where you looked. We turned off onto Highway 1 and entered into Cambria, after just a short ride we arrived at the Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, where a magnificient view of the ocean greeted us. This restaurant is located across the street from the bay and not only do they have they great view, the food is wonderful also. It was at this same time that we met up with one of our group that had been up north, Bringing our total to 12 people. After our lunch a few of the riders had to get back to Visalia, some wanted to go to Morro Bay. Both groups went riding off leaving the the rest of us remaining to rummage thru the stores in downtown Cambria. We found some exciting buys and many, many beautiful items to numerous to pack on my bike even with my many stashes of "bungee cords". After roaming around for a little over an hour we headed home. Again a beautiful ride home, albeit somewhat warm. Arrived home a little after 7 pm, tired, dusty, and thoroughly satisfied with the days riding. Thanks to all the friends that shared this day with me.

04/24/2010 Renegade Friends Ride

We had a beautiful sunny warm day. With Carol as our road captain, some of us rode to Renegade in Clovis and picked up some biker goodies then stopped for a wonderful lunch at the Buckett Cafe in Clovis. Great food, great service (two thumbs up!). After lunch the question of how to get home. hmmm... we could hit the freeway and roll straight home (B-O-R-I-N-G), or follow Ray through the hills. Well of course we rolled right up that hill. Up to WonderValley where everything was beautiful and green and the twisties were particularly fantastic. Then a quick stop in Squaw Valley to discuss the further ride or home... still sunny so up the hill we go! Stopped at Mountain House, then Super Taco in Woodlake. All in all a pretty great day.

And a little side note. With Carol as the RC on the ride to Clovis, we went over all of our hand signals before rolling and Carol put us through the paces on the ride. Traffic was really quiet so we spent some time changing lanes and making sure signals made it to the tail gunner. GREAT JOB Carol! We can never be reminded of these signals too many times, the hand signals are in place for the safety of us all.

In the beginning...

Or maybe Once Upon A Time... In a place far far away...



Chapter 163 has decided to start a RIDE BLOG; this way we can delve more in to the adventures of Chapter 163's rides, meetings and general camaraderie. Be patient with us while we see how this thing works. And please keep in mind this will be authored by several Chapter Members and will in general be an overview of rides and some upcoming rides & events.



A very brief explanation, for the complete times dates and details along with further explanation, see the Chapter President. Our Chapter Meeting is held the second Tuesday of every month and we will schedule Sanctioned Chapter Rides twice a month. We try for one Saturday and one Sunday ride along with various "Friends Rides" thrown in when ever possible. The difference between the two are the Sanctioned Chapter Rides are formally on the chapter calendar and recognized by STAR Touring & Riding Association as official Chapter Events (we will abide by all of STAR's rules and guidelines), where as a Friend Ride is a ride of any kind that any chapter member may be going on and just wants to throw out there for anyone what would like to come along. If you want to get the word out on a ride you will be going on let the chapter president know.