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UncleMark
Jul 16th, 2007, 2:27 pm
A truly gorgeous ride put together by Tallyho... My compliments and heartfelt thanks for a most enjoyable 3 days. Good riding, good companionship and way too much good food...

The Expresso Riders left North Sacramento for three days of some of the best M/C roads in Nor Cal. The Feather River canyon ride with it's big sweeping curves was just the start. And it isn't even a fun trip unless you have a train greet you on the trip.

We traveled along the southern tip of Almanor lake and then "tip-toed" our way through Lassen Park (never fails that we would have a road crew spewing fresh pea gravel all over the road from front gate to the Lassen Peak trail head). We overnighted in Redding, CA.

In the morning, it was Hwy 36 to the coast; one of California's best "twisties" type roads. Wouldn't you know it... they are straightening portions of that road out... damn shame too!

Once in Eureka, we had to visit the Lost Coast brewery and then on to Samoa Cookhouse for some good old fashioned comfort food.

Upon leaving Eureka the next morning, we headed south in a light drizzle, eventually breaking out of the fog at Fortuna. We side tripped into the Avenue of the Giants. This was a Sunday morning spent in the Cathedral of the Giant Trees... Awe inspiring!

800+ miles later, we were back in Sacramento.

No one got hurt, no got left behind. I think everyone had on helluva great time. Good friends, good food, great scenery, and good times...

Some of the pictures of the trip for those interested...

http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z93/UncleMark4/Norwester%20BMW/

:)

messenger13
Jul 16th, 2007, 4:02 pm
How'd you come up with the name "Expresso Riders"?

Tallyho
Jul 16th, 2007, 10:57 pm
The 2005 nucleus of the group is a set of couples that started doing dayrides by meeting at different coffee houses in and around the Sierra foothills. Eventually, we started using them as rally points and occasional morning "coffee breaks" during extended weekend or week long rides. Of course, the "x" is a play on our express form of transportation and a deliberate misspelling of "espresso." We were once characterized publicly as a group that "just likes to ride to Starbucks" somehow indicating in a less than complimentary fashion our rides were short and uneventful. While we are not loyal to any coffee chain we can certainly tell you where the good ones are and the backroads to get there in the 46,000 square miles that makes up our home stomping grounds in Northern California. We do seem to have developed a dedicated following of like-minded souls, couples and singles, that prefer our touring at a moderate pace, sightseeing stops, prefer spouses or SO in company, sleep indoors, sarcastic humor, plan ahead but keep it loose, enjoy coffee in all it's glorious forms, quality victuals from local establishments, belly laughs, exceptional brews from homespun taprooms, and gawd forbid an occasional cigar!

"If it's posted you're invited."

messenger13
Jul 16th, 2007, 11:03 pm
Of course, the "x" is a play on our express form of transportation and a deliberate misspelling of "espresso."OK, just checking. Wished I lived just a wee-bit closer. I'd be right there with y'all.

As a side...In Italy, an "expresso" is a fast train. Seems a bit appropriate, eh? ;)

Tallyho
Jul 17th, 2007, 1:03 am
As a side...In Italy, an "expresso" is a fast train. Seems a bit appropriate, eh? ;)That's a good factoid to keep under my helmet. :cool:

UncleMark
Jul 17th, 2007, 8:36 am
The 2005 nucleus of the group is a set of couples that started doing dayrides by meeting at different coffee houses in and around the Sierra foothills. ...and gawd forbid an occasional cigar!

"If it's posted you're invited."
Well said...

I had the cigars... just never got a chance to break 'em out! :(

hallzee
Jul 17th, 2007, 11:35 am
Well said...

I had the cigars... just never got a chance to break 'em out! :(
Great pics, thanks Mark! I'll post mine when I get back to the office - on the road again, in sunny Palm Springs!

UncleMark
Jul 17th, 2007, 11:45 am
...on the road again, in sunny Palm Springs!
You lucky dog, you! I get duty in Newport Beach... Temp is.. well... cool!

Can't wait to see the pics! :D

hallzee
Jul 18th, 2007, 1:59 am
Great ride - if you ever get the chance to ride CA 36 from I-5 to the coast, do it before they straighten it out any more!

Avenue of the Giants was breathtaking!

Links below:
1. Start of over 110 miles of twisties on 36.
2. Sweepers Steve and Mia.
3. Samoa Cookhouse; an old Logging Cookhouse that has been in operation since 1893.
4. Cruising the Avenue of the Giants.
5. Why they're called Giants! One tree by our rest spot was about 24 feet in diameter, and TALL.

hallzee
Jul 18th, 2007, 10:35 am
Mark, just wanted to let you know the weather conditions in Palm Springs, while you "freeze" in Newport...