I just returned from Northern California for my 27th annual POW Golf reunion. The highlight of the trip was hooking back up with my good buddy and childhood friend Dave. I haven’t seen him in such a long time we couldn’t even nail down how long it was, but at least 5 years. You know you have a good friend when you can not see each other for years and pick up where you left off like you just ate lunch yesterday.
Dave lent me his 1984 BMW 1000 CS, he rode his KTM, and his two buddies Rob and John rode a KTM and GS adventure, respectively. It was really fun to ride the old airhead (and I don't mean my wife), bringing back memories of my long gone R75/5. The CS had plenty of power and performed well. The handling isn't like my 05 RT, but still a fine machine.
Here’s a shot of the route map. We took HWY 36 from Red Bluff to the coast, then up HWY 1 to Eureka for day 1. We continued on HWY 96 to Yreka for day 2. Then day 3 was HWY 89 to Lassen Park and back to Red Bluff on HWY 36.
These guys are good riders with a lot of off road experience. Dave seemed to spend about half the time popping a wheelie. There are several good stories but I must exercise discretion since he’s a California Highway Patrolman. Let’s just say it’s good riding with the CHP!
The roads were great. Cool along the coast and in the mountains with many twisties and small towns along the way. Coming down from Lassen Park back to Red Bluff was like driving into a blast furnace. The mountains were pleasant but it was 100+ in the valley and very dry.
Here’s some pics.
Here’s the four of us. Me, John, Dave, and Rob.
Nice KTMs:
Here we are taking a respite in Lassen Park:
Remember the Bull Slapping scene from Wild Hogs? I was tempted, but this bull was wide awake!
You know how Goldwing riders have those little dolls they put on their bikes? Well, it started out innocently enough but we are sick pups:
I think this is Happy Camp:
Here’s the CS with Mt. Shasta in the background:
Make your own joke here:
An antique steam engine in the town of Shasta: days long gone now.
Somewhere along the way we visited this long underground cave:
Back at Dave’s house, we admired his Grandfather's old 1930 tractor (still runs great)
And just to prove we actually did golf, here’s yet another shot of me with my pants off (a sad recurring theme on this board!)
