An open letter to BKCa7
AND
The 25th Annual Spud Run
In recent years, various CA7 chapter leaders have asked member volunteers to put on “additional rides” throughout the year to elicit membership participation. All such requests have met with deaf ears!
We all have a different definition of what constitutes a “ride”; for the sake of full disclosure, I have a disdain for local single day treks, something I did for 20 years on OPD Motors. Three or more days on the road to clear the cobwebs is my minimum. Now that we’re having true confessions, I am unapologetically a “Sport Touring” rider, one who prefers to use freeways to access the far more interesting and technical hill and dale curvature of America’s scenic secondary roads, and pick up the pace. By my loose definition, “Touring” riders do so at a more leisurely pace out of choice or by limitation of their motorcycle design; for safety sake, a noble and wise decision I strongly encourage. Also know that I abhor close-quarter “formation” riding because few of us, if any, have the practiced skillset to do so safely. As speeds rise, I advocate much greater spacing in a very loose staggered “formation” allowing for better visual scanning and acuity.
More revelations are in order. For more than two decades and across 10 states, I have led other annual group rides of 12 to 38 participants, mostly broken into the two group format noted above and with great success. I find it much easier to manage, creating less angst and apprehension, and far safer for all. We’ve always arrived at the same waypoints 100+ miles distant within 5-10 minutes of each other. If enticed, I have a couple very capable “Touring Group” leaders in mind.
My question to you: If I spend almost 40 hours of route planning, research for food and fuel stops, negotiating reservation guarantees and posting to the web for a mid-June 2017, 3 or 4 weekday, 2 or 3 night tour, will you come? Know that I have contempt for last minute cancellations, i.e.: I couldn’t find a babysitter for Fluffy, I developed a hang-nail the other day, blah, blah, blah.
While on my soap box, let’s segue on to our 25th Annual Spud Run to Boise. Ca7 has one of the largest Chapters in the Conference, yet year after year we have one of the most dismal turnouts in Boise, percentage wise or not. Thankfully, our ranks don’t look too decimated when we pull into Boise as brave souls from Napa 5 and Monterey 22 have joined us in recent years on our excellent adventure. Causative factors? Let me see if I can remember back 20 plus years and bring up the printable and more laughable excuses: 1) It’s too cold, it’s too hot (!) and it’s too wet. 2) You ride too fast, you ride too slow (!) 3) Work obligations. 4) It’s a boring and repetitious ride. And, last but not least, 5) The hotel sucks.
Whew! By category, I have always encouraged everyone to bring 4 season gear because, while not the norm, during an 8 hour ride day a 45-50 degree temperature swing is possible over several elevation and geographic changes as are very infrequent light rains, most often not worth donning rain gear. About 12-14 years ago we had one trip where it rained 65-70% of the time, highly unusual as most years there has been no measurable precipitation. Then there were 2 years where we had a light and cold snow dusting through Oregon’s 5300’ Blue Mountain Pass north of McDermitt….but no rain! Your pace can be adjusted by picking one of the two riding groups previously mentioned. Your priorities of ride or work is a personal choice, camaraderie or dollars? I find no aspect of the 2 routes to and from Boise (via Lakeview, Or. or Winnemucca, Nv.) boring with the exception of the 135 mile stretch of I-80 between Fernley and Winnemucca. Repetitious perhaps, boring, no. And Hallelujah, last year Oregon changed most their draconian 55 mph stretches of US Highways to match those of most other contiguous states, 70 mph, including US95. Moreover, as a motorcyclist as opposed to poseur, I find any distance ride invigorating and fun. And, what to say about the Riverside Hotel? It is a beautiful venue, amenities rich and a quantum leap from the very good University Inn of yore, let alone the interim s+%t-house we occupied for 3 years before Karl Hutchinson, Bob Seelye and committee found the Riverside 4 years ago. Kind of like the difference between Hillary and Melania, eh? The new outdoor bar and grill and live music arena adjacent to the pool featuring local and traveling artists has proved an upbeat and overwhelming success, and the hotel’s on-site restaurant is complimented by the fun ambiance of Joe’s Crab Shack 100 yards distant.
I hope I’ve struck a chord with previous attendees or cleared the air with those hesitant to participate in a new venture. If you’re in the Chapter, you are a motorcyclist. Our rides are inclusive; solo, paramour or pet farm animal, all are welcome. The journey is about camaraderie, socializing and the open road, and I promise you will rekindle old friendships and make new alike. Weather got you down? A chase vehicle or 2 is not a stigma, but a place for us riders to store our refreshments and perhaps a blowup doll or two. If I’ve incited you to riot, switch voter parties or flee to Canada, eh, then I got your attention. Let the discussion begin on this forum, at the Annual Christmas Party or if you’re shy, hos6350@sbcglobal.net. The question remains, do you want to ride?
Here’s your 2017, 25th edition of the Spud Run and note that adjacent and supportive Chapters Monterey 22, Sacramento 1 and Napa 5 are receiving the below itinerary.
All reservations are noted as the “Blue Knights Spud Run” and each hotel is fine with a 24 hour cancellation clause, if necessary. In all cases, if you’re going to bunk with a roommate, pick and choose and 1 person make the reservations.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 @ 0800 we’ll leave from the Chevron/Starbucks parking lot, 4490 Central Way, Fairfield, 94534, stop for fuel at Nyack Shell and then a 1200 brunch at the Silverado Casino in Fernley, Nv. before overnighting @ The Winnemucca Inn and Casino, 741 W. Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, Nv. 89445. (775 623 2565). I have 10 rooms reserved @ $89.00 Dbl. Qn. and $79.00 King plus tax.
Thursday, May 25 through and including Saturday May 27, 2017 we’ll board at the Riverside Hotel, 2900 Chinden Blvd., Boise, Id. 83714. (208 343 1871). Our host hotel rates are $83.00 King and $89.00 DBL Queen + tax. I suggest you reserve early if you have a room preference, i.e. 1st floor courtyard overlooking the pool, etc.
Sunday, May 28, 2017 we’ll leave @ 0800 for the Super 8, 1350 W. Newlands Dr., Fernley, Nv. 89408. (775 575 5555). I have 10 rooms reserved @ $59.99 King, $70.00 DBL Queen. Again, the earlier you call, the better chance you have of getting a room preference.
Monday, May 29, 2017 is Memorial Day and we’ll be in the wind by 0530 to beat the traffic home, but not before a stop at Sweet Peas in Auburn for breakfast.
Veterans of this trip know weather patterns may be questionable so bring 4 season riding and personal clothing. Please RSVP to hos6350@sbcglobal.net if attending.