Calistoga - May 10, 2008

[Tyler]

We met for caffeination in Los Altos before heading north to the GG Bridge Vista Point pickup spot. It was a cool but glorious day and the roads beckoned us to ride… so we did!!

Fari’s new look – bad to the bone – almost didn’t recognize him!




Tim was ready to roll


Donna on her beautiful new V-Star – turns out she and Fari have worked together – small world!


Joann on her trusty Sporster

[Tyler]

Crossing the GG Bridge – this big ole GS was following me everywhere


We hooked up with the rest of the group at the Vista Point – I can’t remember when I’ve seen so many people out to enjoy the views of SF – lotsa kids groups too!


After a quick gas stop, we headed out through the Marin backroads – Lucas Valley to Nicasio Valley




Wilson Hill

[Tyler]

Chileno Valley




The poppies were still out in full force along Chileno Valley lining the road on both sides in some sections like the Yellow Brick Road

[Tyler]

They even brought Tim to his knees




Amy and Linda


Dona was having a blast playing leapfrog to catch up with the front group after waiting at the turns for the more mellow group

[Tyler]

Amy enjoys the day


Joann looks like she’s gonna start some trouble


Linda practicing her meditative poser shot


But Tim took the award for best chillin’ poser shot

[Tyler]

We continued along Valley Ford Freestone, Bodega Hwy, and Bohemian Hwy until we came to rest at the Union Hotel for lunch in Occidental


Great food – something for everyone

[Tyler]

DC Ladies pose…


While Tim cleans so he can pose later


Bikers at bay

[Tyler]

After lunch, Fari and Donna split off for their respective day’s destinations while the rest of the group headed for Calistoga via Graton, Vine Hill, Mark West Springs Rd, Porter Creek, and Petrified Forest Rd. before gassing up just outside of Calistoga. The roads were surprisingly free of traffic for the most part and the weather was a bit on the warm side but cooled off a bit after passing through Calistoga.

Tim shares his wisdoms on electrical stuff while Dona and Amy try to figure out what he’s talking about – he was a handy guy to have around, educating us all about the proper way to install a tail light bulb.

[Tyler]

We had originally planned to head for Lake Berryessa but the day was running short so we took an alternate/shorter route along Silverado Trail – the vineyards were in full greenery mode, roses lining sections of the road and the sweet scent filled the senses as we rode past








Shadow and texture of the land

[Tyler]

Final leg of the journey took us along 121, Wooden Valley Rd., and Suisun Valley Rd. where we stopped on more time for a chat (couldn’t get these guys to shut up!), bio break, and get ready for the slab ride home… and Tim got to practice his Harem Master look (and Joann got to practice, um, well, something!!)


Great day, great roads, great people – can’t wait until the next one!!

FIN