Rekindling the Pash'n

[Loki]

Joyce who is a MSF instructor contacted me last night me and asked if I wanted to go on a ride to Bass Lake. Recently, she and I had the opportunity to teach a class together. At that time, we both spoke of losing our passion to ride. I mentioned to her that I wanted to sell all my bikes and buy an American muscle car. The one I have in mind is the AC Cobra. The last time she rode was in the summer of 2005. I couldn't believe it was almost an entire year since she last rode. The photo story I posted of my first Spring ride was the last time I rode. Almost another month had passed since my last ride. Obviously, my passion for the ride is diminishing. In the past, I would never go beyond a week. Well, I said yes. But, I was hoping she would call and cancel. She never did call. Around 1100 hrs, I met her at her home. She told me the route she had planned to Bass Lake. Joyce told me since she hasn't ridden in a long time, the pace would be slower than she normally rides. I said that's fine. It gives me a chance to day dream.

I have gone riding with Joyce in the past. She rode her Ducati like a Bat out of Hell through the twisties. I don't think there are very many people who could keep up with her. Anyway, Joyce led us out of town with a pace that was a lot faster than I believed she would set. We took 168, Sample Rd and stopped at Humphries Station where I bought a bottle of water and Joyce bought a bottle of Gatorade. We met a few riders. One was on a BMW-GS. He had a big tool kit out and was working on his bike. We spoke with 2 other sport bike riders. They belonged to a local motorcycle group. They spoke to us about joining their group. One of them happened to be a math teacher at the college Joyce is attending. Small world.

Joyce and I continued with our journey. We rode on Tollhouse Rd to the top of the 4 lanes. Joyce asked me to take the lead at that time. I led to Auberry where we stopped for a few minutes. She told me the pace I had set was faster than hers. So, she led the ride on Powerhouse Rd to North Fork where we stopped for fuel. During our ride to North Fork, I had noticed I would lose rear wheel traction while cornering. I just kept thinking I wasn't smooth enough on the throttle and caused the rear to break traction. While at North Fork, I looked at my rear tire and saw chain lube on it. Now, I knew the reason why the rear would slide when cornering.

After our fuel break, it was onward to Bass Lake. We stopped at Ducey's for lunch. As we entered, a lady approached us with a big smile. She said, "You 2 must be riding and enjoying this beautiful day." I wonder how she knew Maybe it was our riding gear that gave her the clue. She was so ecstatic to see someone riding, she was jumping up and down with joy.

After being escorted to our table, I took off my mesh riding jacket and Joyce took off the top half of her riding suit. She wore a back protector under her suit. I wore wore a vest with a back and chest protector. We sat outside in the patio which overlooked the lake. It was beautiful. We didn't want to leave. As we finally forced ourselves to leave, a guy started a conversation with us. Apparently, he was fascinated by the protectors we wore. He asked us question and he mentioned he use to ride, but didnt have gear like ours. He finally stated that we must have crashed. I told him I did 2 years ago on the track. Joyce had the same reply. I guess there must have been something ominous about the word track because he had a momentary look of surprise. He then ended the conversation with a "Have a fun ride."

We left Bass Lake and headed towards Oakhurst. In Oakhurst, we made a left at the Bear (Rd 426) from 41. Another fun twistie road. We rode home taking Rd 426 to O'Neals, Friant Rd, Millerton Rd and 168.

During the ride home, Joyce made a comment. She told me she didn't want to go home. She just wanted to ride. I believe the passion was rekindled. After the day was done, I believe we are both glad we did go on this ride. I'm glad neither one of us canceled.

we stopped at the bridge on Power House rd for photo ops. Here's one of our bikes.



Here's one of Joyce taking a photo of the bikes. Notice she is wearing her Ducati leathers.



From the bridge, I notice this snake sun bathing on a rock.



Here's a view of the river from the bridge.



One of the things that made the ride beautiful was the view of the Sierras with snow.



Here we are parked at ducey's



This is a photo of the mini mart in North fork. On the wall are the names of North Fork residents who are currently serving in our military.

[Loki]

In the valley, everything is beginning to turn the California golden color. but, as we rode to higher elevations, it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was still green and the wildflowers were still in bloom.



Here's someone fishing at Bass Lake. This is the view we had from our dining area.





Here's one of Friant dam.

[Loki]

Here is a map of the route we took. The total distance we rode was approximately 140 miles.

[kluts]

Sweet!!!

Great report. I learned how to waterski at Bass Lake. Won't tlell you when. But I can say that Ducey's has changed a lot-- and moved! It used to be about a mile or so west. Burned down sometime in the 70's. It was a casino in the 30's and 40's when California's gambling laws were a bit different and it was legal in Madera County. Thanks!

[Pwrslave]

Great country side to sat the least. I'm going to have to make it to California someday.

[Loki]

Originally Posted by Klutschengrabber

Sweet!!!

Great report. I learned how to waterski at Bass Lake. Won't tlell you when. But I can say that Ducey's has changed a lot-- and moved! It used to be about a mile or so west. Burned down sometime in the 70's. It was a casino in the 30's and 40's when California's gambling laws were a bit different and it was legal in Madera County. Thanks!

I have had friends who grew up in the area tell me the same thing. But, they never mentioned it was a casino. They do mention that b4 it burned down, it was a great place to hang out and party.

[Loki]

Originally Posted by Pwrslave

Great country side to sat the least. I'm going to have to make it to California someday.

California has some fantastic roads to ride, but the fuel prices may scare you.

[exwingnut]

Originally Posted by Loki

California has some fantastic roads to ride, but the fuel prices may scare you.

All the more reason to forego that Cobra...I have always wanted one of those!

[katana_ron]

Originally Posted by exwingnut

All the more reason to forego that Cobra...I have always wanted one of those!

I fell in love with the Cobra the first time I saw Gumball Rally, still one of my favorite all time movies.

"who needs a rearview mirror, what is behind me is not my concern."

[Loki]

Originally Posted by katana_ron

I fell in love with the Cobra the first time I saw Gumball Rally, still one of my favorite all time movies.

"who needs a rearview mirror, what is behind me is not my concern."

In Feburary and March, I was in San Jose going to school. One of the guys in the class has a Cobra. He has all the original paper work. Carroll Shelby's signature on the dash. the only thing not original is the transmission. That thing hit 150 mph in a heart beat. Blew the doors off an Enzo Ferrarri. The guy asked if it was a brand new car. He had never seen one like it. My buddy told him it was an older car. the guy asked if it was a 2004.