Palos Verdes Run
July 3, 2005
By Tom Lovejoy
July 3rd dawned a little foggy here in Gardena, but the sun
started breaking through early in the day. So we were feeling good about the
day as my Dad and I made the preps for the club members arrival. Good ‘ol Hobo
John showed up first and we were grateful to him for supplying the trouble
truck. When the time came to head out we were a good mix, we were a little late
getting out as I waited for some no shows longer than I should have. Not to
mention I was having fun chatting with folks. When we fired up to head out for
P.V. the neighbors got the chance to hear Flatheads, Knuckleheads, Panheads,
Indians, Harleys and 2 awesome sounding Ariel square fours! Oh Yes and a Yamaha
185 Exciter with good 'ol Dad aboard. 12 machines total for the run.
Right away things
started clearing up and we did not hit hardly any fog, it was nice enough that
several members made the ride in shirts and no jackets. There were only minor
problems encountered with two of the machines. Which of course Homer Knapp
corrected in short order. Good thing too, cause one of them was Homer’s
machine. Hobo John and I stood right there and tried to assist by watching some
pretty ladies go by and acting like we knew what we were doing, don’t know if
we fooled anyone though. Chuck Walton
was on a ‘56 Square four - which he bought new! How cool is that? That Ariel
sounds as good as ever too Chuck! John Gayton rode in on a ‘44 Knuckle which
looked real sharp and sounded as good. John just recently got the bike rebuilt
after a 20 or so year lay off to take care of family matters. Now John's back
at it with the families support, right on!! The day went well and we hade a
nice ride around the Palos Verdes coast line.
We were behind as
usual on this run and a few had to depart early, to many things to do on the to
do list. They were Dave Williams on a sharp ‘56 Harley KHK and Ted Litvin an
active member of the chapter from decades ago. Glad to have you back out amongst
us Ted, Ted was on a real pretty’ 54 Panhead. Restored in the ‘70s and still
looking mighty good. The rest of us keep up the pace and made a quick stop at
Walkers. We made it that far this year before loosing anybody, which is way
better than we did last year :-) First
off our trouble truck - once again aptly named - had trouble. Hobo's radiator
was having trouble holding water, luckily though Hobo had a container full.
Which he had to refill a few times, John made it in fine form though a bit
behind the group. While at Walkers I noticed good ‘ol Dad was missing, he
apparently got a little tired of following behind all these antiques and
decided to blaze his own trail. Which he did making it home long before me, but
he missed out on a fine lunch at Toscos.
After that we
started back breaking into groups as people headed home. Mary Joe decided to
ride back with Hobo, which Hobo enjoyed - however he enjoyed it so much that he
forgot about the antique two wheelers he was to keep watch on. :-) Oh well all made it back fine I’m glad to
report and so ended another great day with friends. I have not been as active
as in years past, but I sure enjoyed it and had fun seeing you all. My Dad and
I sure appreciate all you folks who made the effort and showed up. Hope to see
ya all soon at a upcoming run, till then take care, Tom.