John Eagles High Desert Run
April 3-4, 2004
By Tim Graber
Craig Dillmann and I decided to team up
and make the 29 Palms run happen this year. Known as the Eagles high desert
run, the ride is planned in April to take advantage of daylight savings and to
provide an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Joshua Tree National Park.
After much discussion, Craig decided to do it just as in the past few years
cause he had fun that way. I meekly agreed to his approach. Craig made contact
with the Dolores motel and reserved all the rooms. He also called the Chamber
of Commerce and found places to eat cause he does not like Mexican food. He
made arrangements for the group to eat. He also promised good weather. Well, when riders decided to participate and
called for reservation at “Dolores” the manager said they were full! “Mr. Craig
did not send us a flyer so we cancelled out his reservations and sold out the
entire hotel to bike club from Long Beach”! So Craig made arrangements for all at Motel
6 complete with hookers and marines, Huhhh Rahhh! Craig and I met up at Hutches
for lunch on Friday at 1 pm. He was
supposed to lead an early ride from the hotel at 2
pm. He didn’t make it. Somthin’ bout Phil not being ready. It
didn’t matter cause the wind was blowing, the thermometer was falling and the
rain was wet! The ribs were good on Friday night and the locals were mad that
our table had been saved as requested, thanks Craig.
We left the motel on Saturday with
promises of clearing skies. About 15 of us headed out including Musgroves,
Suchers, Starks, Hutch, Cook, Byers (on a new 31 101) Eagles (yes, he made it
this year), Colver and a couple from San Diego. As we approached the summit of
the road in the park, I had to turn my lights on cause the blue patches cleared
to pure cloud down to the road! My knees were cold and the road looked
dangerous. Frank Colver was seen going the other way leading a pack of returns
(mostly English machines) to the motel. I would have returned with him but my
duty was to see that all who started found there way back. I was leading the
trouble truck and we had to sweep the course. (Maybe we were wiping the
course!) Ok so all made it back safe, some of us in the wrong part of the
trouble truck. Dinner on Saturday was at the 29 Palms Inn
in a tent! Nice job Craig! The tent had heaters and the food was super! I left
after dinner and drove home to greet visiting in laws on Sunday morning. I am
told the ride on Sunday was beautiful with lots of sun, Nice job Craig! Thanks
for all of you who showed up for the fun times and stories. We couldn’t do this
without you! We will try again next year, call Craig for details!