Save the date

Mark your calendars now for the El Cajon Harley Owners Group 4th Annual Toys for Tots Ride.  It is open to all motorcycles and classic cars.

On 19 November, the ride begins at El Cajon Harley-Davidson and heads to the Del Mar Racetrack, where registered participants get parking, entry to the track, exclusive use of the Red Star Cafe and Patio, and grandstand access in order to enjoy the horse racing. 

Check out the website for more detailed information. 

There is also an opportunity drawing, with many terrific prizes, for example:

• Nuviz motorcycle Heads Up Display (HUD)
• Art from the Official Daytona Bike Week Artist, Mathew Hintz
• Gift certificate from 7Eye by Panoptx
• Gift Certificate from 94th Aero Squadron restaurant
• Legoland tickets from American Tire Depot
• T-shirts, patches, and decals from Bikers Against Drunk Drivers
• Gift certificate for buffet for two from Barona Resort
• Buffalo Wings gift car
• Gift basket from Cafe Moto
• Gift certificates from Cali Comfort BBQ
• GoPro camera
• Custom knife from Columbia River Knife and Tool
• Art from renowned artist David Uhl
• Teddy Bears in USMC Dress Blues from eMarine PX
• Tickets and t-shirts from Good Guys Rod and Custom
• Autographed book from Greg Gutfeld
• Helmets from HJC
• Autographed CD from Jason Aldean
• Four tickets to Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Race from Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Hats and t-shirts from Martin Brothers Customs
• Art from renowned artist Rick TImmons
• Gift certificates from Road ID
• Gift packs from RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring and Travel
• Tickets to San Diego Automotive Museum
• Discount certificates from Rude Dog Leathers
• Motorcycle Bag from Saddleman Leather
• Tickets to San Diego State University home football game
• Shirts and special gifts from Sgt Grit
• Round of golf and lunch for two from Sycuan Golf Resort
• Tickets to USS Midway Museum
• Gift package from Wizard Products
• Gift certificates from Wrangler Family BBQ

Saturday morning breakfast

Saturday morning in San Diego County, under overcast skies, with cool temperatures.  With my bride at an all day event, it was a perfect opportunity to head out for an early breakfast.

Can't say enough about the cooler weather, after fairly recent triple digit days.  This was near perfect riding weather.

Thinking about where to head, a favorite -- Descanso Junction -- came to mind.

As can be guessed, it is a place with a decidedly western theme.  But that's only one of the many reasons to head there.  More on that later.

So I slurped down a cup of coffee for the road, then geared up.  Having washed and polished the bike earlier in the week, it was fully fueled and ready for some fresh air on the open roads of San Diego's east county.  After getting on Route 94, turned on to Honey Springs Road, then Lyon Valley Road, and finally connected with Japatul Valley Road.  Once crossing under Interstate 8, it was a short distance on Route 79 to the restaurant.  It can definitely be described as off the beaten path, at least for those not in the know.

Seeking a restaurant on road trips has taught me to look for pick-up trucks or motorcycles.  Seeing a parking lot filled with either virtually guarantees finding good food at decent prices.  To clarify, this rule of thumb applies to looking for a restaurant, not a biker bar or hang out.  (If you need to ask the difference, you won't understand.)  At the Descanso Junction, the rule of thumb applies.  

Early this Saturday morning, motorcycles of various makes and types shared available parking with a good number of pick-ups.  Candidly, it was a bit of a surprise to see such a number of bikes early on Saturday morning.  After entering, I noted the gray beard bikers, like yours truly, were in the majority from the two wheel set.  Maybe it is because "more experienced" folks tend to rise earlier than the younger crowd.

          

Riding solo this morning, I opted for a chair at the diner style bar.  (Check out the horse shoes hanging under the bar.)  Just the right amount of chatter, laughter, and bantering with the waitstaff mixed in with subtle country and oldies music.  Near immediately I was told, "You look like you need a cup of coffee and a menu."  No argument, as I accepted both from the server Mary.

On the ride up, I knew it was going to be a choice between hotcakes and French toast.  This morning I decided on the French toast, with scrambled eggs and hash browns, for $7.  With coffee and tax, it was just over $10.  Can't beat it.

If wanting to dash in, choke down a meal, and dash out, don't go to places like Descanso Junction.  If wanting to enjoy well cooked and plentiful food, friendly conversation, and relaxation, mark this as a place to put your kick stand down.  To say it is biker friendly would be an understatement.  Good folks.  Good food.  Good service.  Good value.  Exactly right on this Saturday morning.

With a full belly a comfortable time later, I paid the bill, left a generous tip, and headed to the bike.  As I and another couple of older bikers were preparing to pull out, four riders of the younger persuasion were pulling in.  Brought to mind a changing of the guard, so to speak.  The early risers, mostly solo riders, were heading out as younger riders, many two up, were arriving.

Regardless of age or bike ridden, they all had one thing in common.  Breakfast at Descanso Junction this Saturday morning.      

American values on two wheels

OK, you might wonder about the lead, "American values on two wheels."  It isn't that mystical, however.

The MoCo, the Motor Company, aka Harley-Davidson, introduced its 2018 softail line of bikes.  Gone are the Dynas, sort of.  Actually, the Dynas have more or less been incorporated into the new softails.

As the MoCo seeks new generations of riders, while remaining loyal to the usual Harley touring bike riders, it made a bold statement with the Fat Bob 114.

And the Fat Boy 114.

Muscular.  Aggressive.  Powerful.  Unique.  Independent.

Those adjectives can also be used to describe traditional American values.  

With these two (and other) updated models, the MoCo stakes a claim in the biker market, dramatically declaring to the world that it represents American values.  And by representing American values, it speaks to the ultimate freedom offered by riding a motorcycle.

Not a 50cc little around-town-putter, but a pavement tearing ride appearing to be in motion even while resting on its kickstand.

Appealing to the X-Games crowd and, as one Harley-Davidson dealership co-owner described it, seeking out the younger dirt bike rider, older dirt bike rider who realizes he doesn't bounce as well as he once did, and BMX rider looking to hop on a motor, MoCo is laying a bold, indisputably American value based claim on the market.

The single word dominating their advertising -- freedom -- captures that statement of American value.  

At the invite of a local Harley-Davidson dealer, I will be taking the Fat Bob 114 for a test ride this week.  Can't wait to explore more freedom, American style.

On the open, road, drop into a corner, point my chin where I want to go, and grab some throttle.  That captures the American definition of the American value of freedom.   

  

   

Poignant

In addition to this blog, I do a little free lance writing, mainly about veterans and motorcycling.  Doing so brings me into contact with some truly amazing people, including Marine Corps veteran Ana Sanchez.

A veteran of our most recent wars, it was my honor to interview her, which produced this article.  It tells her story, including being a member of the Marine Corps Female Engagement Teams in ground combat, thus earning the unique recognition of being a Lioness.

Most sadly, Ana passed away recently, succumbing to cancer and leaving behind her husband, a daughter, and a son.

Her passing underscores that there are fantastic people who come into our lives, if only for a short period.  They are extraordinary, simply because they are average, patriotic folks like most of us, working hard to live happy and productive lives day-to-day.

They are not individuals written about by the main stream media.  They are not people about who various pundits and self-appointed experts speak.  They are not the rich and famous.  They don't travel in limousines or chartered aircraft.  They don't appear on talk shows.    

They are our fellow Americans, pure and simple, who have served their country.  They do not seek handouts.  They stand when our National Anthem is played.  Their families are the centers of their lives.

They are male, female, white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American.  They come from every part of the country.  They like all kinds of music.  They live in blue states and red states.

Remember, I suggest, these folks when tempted to complain about this or that.  The paths of our lives cross for a bit, adding richness to each.  This is the human experience and deserves recognition.

Just as Marine Corps combat veteran Ana Sanchez deserves our respect for her service.  Her life mattered, not just to her family and friends, but to our nation as well.

Semper Fidelis 

  

California dreamin'

Spinning off from the 1960s song that spoke of dreaming of California weather when the "leaves are brown," this California dreamin' is about that next ride.  The next motorcycle.

Dreamin' about the next road trip, riding along with my buddy of more than 50 years, as we roll on to new adventures.  Riding Harley-Davidson soft tails for the past ten years, it is now time to move up to a touring bike.  The challenge is making it happen.

As another riding buddy said, buying the next ride can be afforded, but can it be justified?

But once justified and the new ride parked in the garage, then the fun really begins.  Planning for the next road trip.  There are so many options here on the west coast, event and non-event centered: Hollister Rally, Lighthouse Run, Why We Ride Quail Run, and Routes 1/101 up the California and Oregon coast lines.  Or maybe it's time to head back to Sturgis?

Dreamin' again.  Open roads.  The harmonic sounds coming from the exhausts of two bikes rolling along together.  Small towns.  Mom and Pop eateries.  Sights previously unseen.  New acquaintances we haven't yet met.  The ultimate expression of American freedom.  Encountering the unexpected, from the quaint to the sublime.  That first cold beer after a long day in the saddle.  Dreamin' again.