Today started off a little on the chilly side. It was in the upper 50s when we arrived at the Devil Mtn shop around 6:30. We were greeted there by Owen who had come in early to see us off on our ride. Thanks Owen!!
After having coffee and donuts we headed for Elk Grove with 32 bikes. We rode up Hwy 160 to Twin Cities Rd, over to Hwy 99 and up to Elk Grove from there. We parked the bikes and made our way up to the registration table to sign in. Then we were off to find the coffee and donuts.
When everyone had finished socializing we were off on the poker run. The first stop was at the dealership, so we got that stamp before we set out on our journey. The route to stop #2 took us back over to Hwy 160 and Walnut Grove. Instead of turning and crossing over the bridge leaving Walnut Grove, we continued straight on Walnut Grove Blvd, crossed I-5 and pulled into the Chevron station on Thornton Rd for stamp #2.
We found ourselves a little 'directionally challenged' when we departed stop #2. We turned north on Thornton Rd instead of heading east on Thornton Rd. Yes, I said that correctly. Thornton Rd makes a 90 degree turn at the intersection, and we went the wrong way. We rode a couple of miles north before we figured out where we had gone awry and, once we identified the need, we made a course correction to get back on track. As we rode back to the intersection to get on the intended route we passed a bunch of other riders that had done the same thing. They too turned around and fell in behind us to get back on course. From there we rode down to Pletier Rd, over to Hwy 88 and into Locke for stamp #3.
We departed the Chevron station in Locke and zig-zaged the back roads back into Elk Grove for our 4th stamp at the Chevron station on the corner of Grant Line Rd and Wilton Rd. From there it was a quick trip down Grant Line Rd and a right turn on Stockton to the dealership.
Once at the dealership we got our 5th stamp and receive the news that we did NOT have a winning card. Bummer! Oh well, we were off to get some food. They had tri-tip sandwiches, beans, chips and salad. That was what we needed to quiet the rumbling in our stomachs. Now we were ready for the bike games and raffle.
The bike games consisted of a slow ride while staying on a board, a ride where the passenger attempted to scoop up stuffed animals with a fishnet, and a ride where the passenger attempted to place tennis balls on the tops of some cones. Mt Diablo participants performed valiantly, but with the exception of the plank slow ride, won by Ron Stevens, we were denied a victory. I must add that Carrie K. did well on the plank ride too. Way to go Ron & Carrie!
It was now time to head for home. We reversed the route we had used to get to Elk Grove and rode along the river back home. Another great day spent riding with friends.
