Calaveras Big Trees Picnic Ride Report

Yep, this was another beautiful day for a ride. We had 11 bikes in the group as we departed the Devil Mtn shop in Pittsburg and headed east. We jumped on Hwy 4 and took the bypass down to Balfour. Just before we rejoined Hwy 4 in Brentwood one of the riders in our group dropped out, he was not feeling well and decided to pass on the rest of the ride. The remaining 10 bikes continued on Hwy 4 to Stockton and made our first scheduled stop at the Chevron station on Charter Way.

After our break, and peeling off a layer due to the rise in temperature, we continued through Stockton and on toward Farmington. As we rode across the valley on Hwy 4 I couldn't help but notice the tall corn in the fields along the side of the road. I was thinking that this is probably the same scenery our Milwaukee travelers are seeing on their trip across the plains.

When we reached the twisty, narrow stretch of Hwy 4 between Copperopolis and Angels Camp we had a sheriff's car come up from behind the group with lights flashing. There really wasn't any place for us to pull off the road so we just slowed and pulled as far to the right as possible, let him pass, and then continued on our way. We made a fuel stop in Angels Camp and the proceeded east on Hwy 4. As we rode toward Murphys we had another sheriff's car approach the group from behind and pass us. Wow, twice in one ride! We later discussed this and decided that he must have been in a hurry to get to the doughnut shop ;?)

We made a stop at the Deli in Arnold and bought sandwiches and drinks for our picnic lunch before continuing on to Big Trees Park. We arrived at the park, paid our $6 entrance fee and made our way to the parking lot. We didn't find any picnic tables but we made do with the benches at the theater.

After eating someone had the great idea of walking down to see the big trees. I won't mention her name, but her initials are Carrie. This was supposed to be a 'short' trail of approximately a quarter mile or so and a bunch of us took the bait. We wondered through a small grove that didn't really have any big trees and then found out we had to go down this other trail. So off we went, down this 'quarter mile' trail, which went on forever. We looked back and the people that originally came up with this idea were not with us. Hmmmmm ... But we forged ahead. I'm not sure exactly how long this trail is, but I'll bet it's a mile or more. It wasn't all bad though. We did get to see some awesome trees. Some of the trees were so tall we couldn't see the tops. Others were so huge that after they had fallen they were hollowed out and tourists go through the tunnels that they make. And still others that are still standing have arches cut through the trunks that tourists walk through as the make their way along the trails. Definitely worth the long walk.

When we got back to the parking lot we discovered that the others had already departed and just our 3 bikes remained. One bike opted to take an alternate route home so it was just the two of us returning on Hwy 4. We pulled over for a short break in Farmington and while we were standing there along the road here comes the rest of our group. Turns out they had made a 'refreshment' stop and we had passed them. They decided to get something to eat there, so it was just the two of us the rest of the way home.

This was a great ride. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold, and traffic was relatively light.

See you on the next ride ...

Jamestown Train Ride Report

So, where were you on this day in history?

We were on our way to Jamestown to check out Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. There were 14 bikes as we departed the Walnut Creek shop. We rode over Ygnacio Valley to Concord and then via Marsh Creek Rd to Byron where we joined Hwy 4. The temperature was in the low 70's so most of us had either light jackets or sweatshirts on, and the skies were absolutely clear.

In case you were wondering, the construction on Marsh Creek Rd is complete, at least for now. The loose gravel has been completely removed from the roadway making the ride between Clayton and Deer Valley Rd quite pleasant.

There were some old cars in Clayton Park when we rode by. Evidently the beginning of a car show.

Hwy 4 between Discovery Bay and Stockton has not changed. It's still a rough ride no matter what you're riding. When we reached Stockton we pulled into the Valero station on the corner of Hwy 4 and S Fresno Ave. There was road construction in progress on S Fresno and we had to cross over a lane of gravel to get into the parking lot. Some of us fueled up here and some took this opportunity to remove a layer as it had warmed up a little on the way over. I chose to keep my sweatshirt on which I would regret later.

After our break we continued on down S Fresno Ave to the Hwy 4 crossover to Hwy 99 south. When we exited the Valero station we decided to exit the other side so the group wouldn't have to cross over the gravel section again. Much to our dismay we found that there was a huge puddle of water in this exit. Some of the riders decided to ride through it while others opted to circumvent it by exiting via the entrance. I was one that opted to circumvent the puddle as I have not yet installed pontoons on my sportster ;?)

We turned south onto Hwy 99 and picked up Hwy 4 again as we continued east. The farther we rode the warmer it got. I was beginning to regret my decision to keep my sweatshirt on when we reached Farmington. By the time we turned off Hwy 4 at Copperopolis on Obyrnes Ferry Rd it was officially HOT. Our ride down Obyrnes Ferry Rd was scenic and took us past Tulloch Reservoir where we could see numerous boats pulling skiers as they skipped across the water.

Our next turn put us on Hwy 108 heading east into Jamestown. We rode past Jamestown H-D and turned right onto 5th Ave at the north end of town and rode to Railtown. The parking lot was already full and we parked here and there wherever we could find space. As we were parking we heard the train whistle signaling the train's departure from the station.

We made our way into the station to find the ticket booth closed. Signs posted on the wall and the attendants informed us that the next train would depart in an hour. Bummer! Some of the group decided to take this opportunity to ride back into town and get lunch, then come back to catch the train. Others went on the round house tour to pass the time. I opted to forgo the train ride and headed for home.

My return route took me down Hwy 108, through French Camp, and then back onto Hwy 4 for the remainder of the ride.

Another fantastic day in the life of Mt Diablo H.O.G.

August GAR Report

August GAR Report;

Well, we had six bikes show up at the Devil Mountain shop for the August GAR to Suisun City. Not a bad showing considering that we have numerous members on the way to Milwaukee and had over 20 bikes leave early this morning for the Gold Rush Run.

Our group departed out the back of the parking lot onto Leland and followed that over to Bailey Rd. We rode over the hill to Concord and made our way via Concord Blvd, Farm Bureau Rd and Port Chicago to Hwy 4. We merged onto 680 north and proceeded across the Benicia bridge taking the Lake Herman Rd exit to our scheduled stop at the Jack In The Box/Gas station. The wind was gusting a bit when we crossed the bridge, but other than that the weather was perfect for a Saturday morning ride.

After a quick cup of coffee and a short break we were back on the road. We crossed over 680 and turned north onto Lopes Rd, following that all the way into Cordelia. Then we turned right onto Cordelia Rd and made our way east to Suisun City and Babs Delta Diner. Babs has good food, good size portions, great service and reasonable prices. What more can a hungry group of HOGs ask for ;?)

After eating we made our way back to the bikes and prepared for the ride home. We rode up Main St to Hwy 12; HEY! Where did the on-ramp for 12 East go? The only signs, and subsequent on-ramp, was for 12 West. We had to make a course correction (no, not a U-turn), ride back under 12 and turn left into what looked like a parking lot. This street took us to the on-ramp for 12 East and we were back on track. We took 12 back through Rio Vista and then 160 back into Antioch.

Great food, great ride and great company. How I love this chapter ...