Mariners Riders

Ride report for last Saturday, the 21st.

We gathered at the church at 10:30 am. There were approximately 8 motor cycles and one BMWZ4 roadster because my battery had a dead cell. I went on a ride before with a dead battery and was requested by those that pushed my 900 pound beast, not to do that again. Hence, Patti and I came in four wheels, with the top down.

Recall this was a worst hand poker run. The perfect hand would be 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. We all drew a card and took off for the first stop, Crispy Cream donuts on Tustin avenue in Orange. Of course we got there in a round about (surface) way.   The second card was drawn prior to departure.   Rick and Joyce the ride leaders had passed out the menu for where we were to have lunch. That was a great idea.

The route took us through carbon canyon heading out to Chino. Very nice ride and good scenery. Then it happened. Paul was riding drag and I was behind Paul in the Z. Paul got through the light and I couldn’t. But this light was the “Mother of all lights”. I didn’t time it but had to be three minutes. At that point, I learned something. It was my job to take the brochure passed out at the first stop, for the lunch stop called Farmer boys something.   I failed to do that.   I didn’t even pay attention to where we were going because I didn’t think I could be left behind. Wrong again. When totally lost and driving around in circles I overlooked having Paul’s cell phone number recorded in my cell phone. About the time I had driven 15 miles out of my way going all the way to the 60 fry and back down the 74 to the exit where I lost the group, and blaming the ride leader for not putting out a Rand McNally map for all of us to follow, I got a phone call from Paul. He was only able to do that because I had called him 19 phone calls earlier (like two days ago). The next incoming call it would have wiped out my number and he would have been unable to contact me. So it was God that granted me privilege of having lunch with the group.   Patti and I were very glad to join back up. A word to the wise, if the route is not printed out and handed to you in the beginning as some are, then it might behoove you to pay attention to the next planned stop.

After lunch we drew another card and was off again. Next stop was a coffee house on Weir Canyon road. Short stop, got another card and then we headed out.   By this time, I knew that my luck had been all used up just getting to the lunch location, because I was not going to win the low hand with a Two, a Ten, a King and a Queen.

Another lesson learned was, take sun tan lotion. I never use it on rides but dah, I have a full-face helmet on the bike. In the car, my face and arms took a beating. It is now summer time. You might want to take in all this information so you too can be comfortable next time.

We took Santiago Canyon road around Irvine Lake and headed to Cooks Corner. Probably arrived there around 3:OO pm. That is where the final card was drawn. Then for a dollar you could buy another card. The fever of excitement was building. Not to mention names but with the right card, one member thought his hand was a winner. So it was one more dollar, one more, just one more. Now remember, it was for a good cause, so that is good. The hands were thrown down and sure enough, the winning hand (or so he thought) was a 2,3,4,5,6, even better than the 7 I mentioned in the beginning. Only problem is, a “Straight” is high.    Paul won the hand and then he donated it all back to buying more tee shirts I believe.

At that point some of us were hard pressed for time. We departed and I am sure the group left shortly there after we took off.

It was another great ride. We had a new rider this trip that was a friend of mine and I just hung up the phone with him. He praised the ride and the people. From that conversation I would say that our purpose to spread the word worked. He is looking forward to the next ride. So come join us next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your truly,

cowboyjj, Secretary.