Tri-Chapter Run /Atascadero/August
3-5
By Jim Falk
The long-awaited
run combining all three present AMCA chapters in California
turned out to be quite enjoyable for all in attendance. There were a total of 31 (thirty-one) people
in attendance, 22 machines on the road (one person brought two bikes). Fourteen (14) of the attendees hailed from
the LA Chapter, totaling nine bikes (plus the extra). The So Cal Chapter also
boasted fourteen (14) in attendance with ten bikes. The remaining three hailed from the Ft.
Sutter Chapter.
Day one was the
arrival day, and those who arrived early took a nice ride to Morro
Bay and Cambria
for the afternoon. By late Friday night,
everyone had arrived. The Saturday ride
was the long trek of the run. We started
out on the back roads to Morro Bay, where we encountered dense fog. Proceeding north on Coast Highway, there was
a brief gas stop at Cambria. The ride
detoured briefly along Moonstone Beach and continued north to the small town of
Gorda, where we were delightfully greeted with gas priced at over $3 per gallon
and meals starting at $12 for a grilled cheese sandwich! Some folks opted for the deli next door, and
we proceeded north to the smaller alcove of Lucia. Our own faithful Dave Niederhaus led the way
ahead of time and had his lunch there instead.
The return trip retraced Coast Highway to Cambria, where we headed
inland via Santa Rosa Creek Road. This
is quite a twisty challenge, and unfortunately, George Hood of the LA Chapter
missed a turn with passenger aboard and dropped his JD roadside. Both escaped with only minor injuries, and
the bike suffered a broken headlight.
There were two breakdowns as well, so the trouble truck came in
handy. At the end of the ride, many
people relaxed for a swim before dinner.
The Saturday
dinner included 30 people at a local Brewery, where a great dinner was served
and each chapter toasted the others.
This was a great example of camaraderie between our three AMCA chapters,
and everyone felt unified as part of the group. The evening subsided with some late-night
socializing at the motel.
Sunday morning’s
ride was shorter but quite interesting.
We headed inland this time to the tiny hamlet of Pozo, where we stopped
at a famous saloon. Craig Taylor of the
LA Chapter led the ride, as he had the others, being the main organizer of the
event. While in the saloon, he was
summoned to his bike outside, which had caught fire! Apparently he had left the ignition on and
the battery fed the coil too much heat, igniting and melting it! Trouble truck to the rescue – Craig’s wife
and daughter! He was loaned another bike
and completed the ride, winding through some scenic hill country back to
Atascadero.
The day
concluded about Noon or 1PM, with everyone exchanging farewells for the
event and heading for home. This was a
great event and a memorable run; everyone agreed that it should be repeated
next year. It was a grand example of the
unity between various chapters of the AMCA who came together with a common
passion for the road with their steeds of yesteryear!