July 7th was the big day this
year for my Dad and me. We did not expect many riders this year as it was the
4th of July weekend. There’s a lot going on all over California, especially on a Holiday weekend like that.
Once again though we were pleasantly surprised, folks started showing up around
8:30 am. They kept on coming in almost right until the 10:00 am departure. Dad and I had again picked up some donuts and
drinks and the members made good use of them as we all gathered around our
faithful old machines and chatted.
The British machines were out in
force. There were enough sharp looking and good running Ariel square fours to
make one think that the factory was still cranking them out. Really classy
machines, that sounds even better than they look. It is quite a treat to be
running behind a couple of those machines, music to the ears. More than one
member of our Chapter has fallen under their spell, after ridding amongst them.
After hearing those notes and seeing those graceful lines, even the engines are
a real piece of art work. After a ride with those machines, folks just seem to
have to have one. If you dont believe me ask Dave Cook, he was smiling ear to
ear on his newly acquired Ariel Square Four. Rumor had it there was also a
Square Four in the Moore household as of recent, lucky fellows. Triumph's a few,
one a ‘68 TR6 ridden well by Susie Ellsworth, always like seeing the ladies out
amongst us on their own machines. One very sharp BSA gold star, and a sharp
looking Norton single too - the Brit bikes are alive and well in this
hobby. :-)
The rest of our group was made up of
Harley's and BMW's, both old and new and three Indians. Kevin Spear was once
again riding his battered J model, which I keep telling him - as been born
again. That J is looking worse for wear, yet it is usually the machine to
attract the crowds. It was the oldest machine and it was running mighty good
and Kevin was eating it up, even on the 91 fwy on our return home, it was
running strong - way to go Kevin! Jeff Moore rode out on his beautiful ‘41 WL
Harley, made the run and then rode home, good job. Almost 3/4's of the 19
machines rode out to start the ride, way to go folks. That’s saying something
in LA's traffic! Harry and Vic Sucher
were out in fine form on their new Russian Ural sidecar rig? I am not sure, as
they flew by me at speed - a blur really. All I saw clearly was a big grin on
Harry as they went by. :-)
Our lustrous leader Tim Graber along
with Larry Ramos and Steve Sorenson all stopped by to see us off. It was a
pretty sharp looking line as we headed out. Vahan Bandoian drove the rescue
truck, supplied by Craig Dillmann. Thanks guys that made it possible for me to
ride my Scout. Despite a few turns at getting lost now and then, we all made
the coast. Though at times we could hardly see it, the Sun waited most of the
day before it finally came out. We stopped by Walkers cafe for a break and just
hang out a bit.
While there, Indian John rode in on
his Indian Chief chopper. Though no where near stock, the Chief runs very
strong and John really rides it! I have been told it's his only transportation.
In the 12 years or so I have been riding my Scout around PV, his is about the
only Indian I have seen running along the coast, way to go John! After just a
short pause we were off again, up through PV drive East and then over two
bridges - the Vincent Thomas and the Gerald Desmond into Long Beach and over to
Gunther’s yard for lunch.
We were greeted by George Gunther
and his son Bruce. George is one of our chapter’s founding fathers and he and
Bruce really go out of their way to make us feel at home. George has been
collecting for many years and has got tons of neat old stuff. Most of which he
and his sons have got in working order, it is with much delight. That we all watched some of the old creatures roar to life once
again. I think for most of us this is a high light of the run and we are
grateful to the Gunther’s indeed for their kindness. Good ol’ Dee Cameron also
greeted us and all were glad to see him, still hurting but hopefully getting
better. We had a hot dog lunch cooked on the spot with a few little catches; I
left the buns at home. Craig saved the day and had buns in short order and Vic
jury rigged a tool we used for everything from getting the hot dogs to spreading
the relish and what ever else we had, way to go Vic! All took it in good humor
and I think a good time was had by all.
All too soon, it was time to head
out and we said our thanks and good byes. We headed back after a great day
among friends on our great machines from the past. Of special note - we had
three people show up, not chapter members. All got the info from our web site,
way to go Marc! Clay Langhurst on a ‘55 Norton and Nancy and Fred Davis on a
‘2000 BMW from Ohio! Members of the Ohio Valley
Chapter, way to go - is that cool or what?
Only very minor problems occurred on any of the machines and it ended a
good day amongst good friends. Thanks very much to all that participated, until
the next one take care all. Tom