34 years ago

34 years ago, terrorists attacked the Marines in Beirut. 

Among those killed in the blast was Major William "Bill" Winter, USMC, with whom I had served at Marine Barracks United Kingdom. 

Last spoke with him at Camp Lejeune a few weeks before the MAU shipped out. 

RIP brother and Semper Fidelis.

California wild fires

The tragedy of this year's California's wild fires compels  comment.

Periodically writing about the benefits of being a biker living in California, what with the normally good-to-super riding weather, I am heartsick at the loss of life and property destruction.  Airborne drone based videos showing the devastation, like that in Santa Rosa, are compelling in displaying the tragic impact on our fellow citizens.

Having ridden through the area multiple times, on Routes 1 and 101, memories of the natural beauty abound.

These latest fires have wrecked havoc.  So, it will be hard to even imagine riding through the region in the future.

Our earnest prayers go out to all those impacted by this tragedy, particularly for the families who lost loved ones.

Riding year 'round

For much of the country, the riding season is coming to an end, much as the sun starts setting at the end of a day of riding.

But for those of us in SoCal, riding is year 'round.

Yeah, we have the lousy traffic in large mega-urban areas with which to contend.  And we definitely have a higher price for gasoline, poised to become even more expensive by a rushed-through-the-legislature new tax in this land of endless taxation.  But there relatively few days when I can't crank up the Harley and hit the roads.

So, brother riders in less hospitable areas, prep your bikes well for the winter storage.  Wash and wax, polish, protect the rubber and leather.  Consider a gas stabilizer.  Make sure the battery tender is plugged in.  And maybe cover the bike to keep the dirt off.

Out here we will be washing, waxing, polishing, shining, and riding!