My Bike Tracks and Footprints

[247BlackOut]

So as some of you may or may not know, I'm in San Jose for the whole summer...maybe longer, don't know yet. Life is pending. :thumbsup: Anyways, thought I would share some lovely summer memories with my San Diegan friends whether it be motorcycle related or not. If mods feel like this this thread should be moved to off topic then feel free, but I will have moto adventures included here and there so hopefully this won't be completely off topic. It's rather long and I tried adding in some pictures so it might take time to load for some, but all in all I hope you guys enjoy the documentations of my summer adventures. Feel free to leave any comments.

So it's been a month since my summer vacation officially started, and I've been either busy with family or friends or just bumming around. Mostly bumming around :squid: ...anyways first stop is....

June 14, 2008 Wild Animal Park!
Being my last free weekend in San Diego before graduation Mikey, Greg and I decided to be a little wild. We've always ridden in the area, but we've always just passed up the signs for Wild Animal park on the way to Palomar. Now we have a chance to go...and it was smoking hot, but beautiful. Greg and I have never been there before so it was quite and adventure. (Greg, we should exchange pictures!)

Group shot in front of the giraffe feeding area. (Can you spot the giraffe?)
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080614/030040.jpg

Greg overlooking the "safari"
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080614/021242.jpg

Wat you lookin at? This ain't no donkey show. :whistle:
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080614/033738.jpg

June 15, 2008 - Father's Day Group Ride
The next day went riding past the Wild Animal Park. Pictures can be found http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13018

June 22, 2008 UCSD Warren College Graduation
I walked but I don't know if I'm actually done yet. :shocked: Few snapshots of with my family during graduation before we head down to Mexico.

Family group picture
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080622/101845.jpg

Picture with Mikey. Do you notice anything different about him? How about the fact that he chopped off practically all of his hair?!:eek:
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080622/101929.jpg

[247BlackOut]

June 22-24, 2008 Mexico Trip
A lot of people told me that traveling to Mexico is a dangerous at this time...but we didn't run into any problems and there was no danger.

No danger except maybe for me trying to steal food off Mikey's plate!
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080622/195830.jpg

Some shots from the car driving into Ensenada
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/130035.jpg
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/130032.jpg

Local fish market
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/133523.jpg

Walking along the restaurant stalls down near the fish market was quite and experience. Each shop had someone that stood outside and yelled for us to come sit down at their own restaurant and they all made such a ruckus that we just turned away and walked the opposite direction. Very intimidating....

In the end we found someone that was willing to cookup some 2 plates worth of crab legs that we bought from the fishmarket.
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/142643.jpg

Mikey grubbing on some chips and salsa
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/140803.jpg

Before and after shot of lunch.
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/134431.jpg
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/150123.jpg

Fish tacos were yum! All the tacos were a buck each and I swear the fish tacos were the same as from Rubios. :) We sat down at a place called the Laughing Taco (I think that's what it was) and the waitress was really sweet. As I mentioned earlier, they were willing to boil the crab claws for us, and they even offered to run and get my dad some wine from the liquor store down the street because they didn't serve any wine. Great place with great service. :thumbsup:

[247BlackOut]

Then we walked around the city and were quite the tourist.

Starbucks in Ensenada...they're everywhere.
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/153102.jpg

Mexican flag flying over a McDonalds...:shocked:
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/154549.jpg

*Disclaimer* Not so work/children friendly picture here... (http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/152427.jpg) :roflmao:

Back at the hotel Mikey and I found a little visitor. Who can tell me what he is?
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080623/205338.jpg

Little video clip of me chasing him outside can be found here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=UkMDuiHJ4KY).

The hotel we stayed at was pretty nice despite the fact that we had an unwanted guest in the hallway. Actually this is the same hotel I've been staying at ever since I was a little kid when my family made mexico trips. All the rooms there had an ocean view which was really nice. :)
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080624/090204.jpg

Last picture in Mexico.
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080624/120002.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Loading up for San Jose
So right after we got back from Mexico, Mikey and I loaded up his (new to him) truck and tested the truck's load capacity. :eek:

Bike? What bike? :whistle:

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080624/190344.jpg

Truck and everything on it made it back safely to San Jose. Maybe Mikey can chime in on how much mpg he got for that trip. :p

[247BlackOut]

June 28, 2008 - Oakland Police Invitational Motorcycle Skills Competition
Okay, so now we get to the exciting moto adventures. So Mikey stayed with me in San Jose for two weeks until the Hypercycles trackday and we actually found a lot of random things to do, including this really cool event. Took the drive up to Bob Dron's Harley Davidson for their annual Motorcycle LEO skills competition.
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/114734.jpg

Event was a great day overall. Aside from the competition, they had little booths set up. Ladies of Harley had a bake sale and were giving away free soda and popcorn:popcorn:, and there was also a Starbucks van giving out free drinks.
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/114708.jpg

They also had a bike wash. :banana:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/111554.jpg

Don't hit this one or it's game over.
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/112415.jpg

Buell O_o
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/112444.jpg

This one is for Anthony. :)
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/115756.jpg

Who says Oakland isn't safe?
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/103339.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Okay, now onto the competition. The day was divided into mainly three events: timed course races, top gun, and drill team performance. Different officers from all different skill levels and different departments across the bay area were allowed to participate in this competition for a small fee. Most of the motorcycles we saw that say were either Harley's, BMW's, or Honda ST1300's.

First to better understand the picture, here's the course from two different views.
Looking at it from the stands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IrkycyVmrQ
View from the left end: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zspKqA1p0Nw

Officers getting their lean on. :rockon:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/105614.jpg

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/123516.jpg

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/125556.jpg

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/110323.jpg

Scraping everything possible...
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/122011.jpg

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/122042.jpg

Smoking the competition :rasta:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/121604.jpg

The Alameda department had great uniforms...
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/124053.jpg

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Some got too much of their lean on :runforit:
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/123802.jpg

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/123310.jpg

I think this guy was the one who actually kicked his bike...:steed:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/125606.jpg
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/125609.jpg
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/125615.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Next competition was Top Gun (not sure why it's called this) and the rules are pretty simple. It's a game of follow the leader (they flip a coin at the beginning of the round to determine roles) and within a 2 minute time limit, the two riders try to make the other DQed. You lose by putting your foot down or hitting a cone or at the end of 2 minutes if the leader didn't successfully make the follower dq himself, then he's out. Hope that makes sense. Anyways, I only took videos because I figured the videos would be more exciting.

My favorite video of the day :bringit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCzGN815ZPY

Here's a full 2 minute run with a little surprise at the end. :hammer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLUThVD25dc

Last event of the day was a performance by the drill team. They closed off the street in front of the Harley dealer and put on a show for us. :clap:

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/152330.jpg

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/152355.jpg

Now that's what I call a stand up. :squid:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080628/152138.jpg

Videos of the drill team performance.
Sirens galore! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYnpmdn_Smo
:ko: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaBGZUJnoE0
:ko: :ko: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JShWfddwv9E

And there you go, that concludes the Oakland LEO Motorcycle Skills Competition. Hope you enjoyed those pictures and clips because I know Mikey and I had a great time.

[HondaRider22]

Wow! Nice write up. Didn't realize we did so much fun stuff. Good time Good times :)

[Bryant]

+1 :thumbsup: Nice write-up! :)

[thehowchow]

haha, looks like alot of fun

i would fail that obstacle course so bad...

[BenelliPaul]

Back at the hotel Mikey and I found a little visitor. Who can tell me what he is?

Look at the teeth. Can't you tell. It's a RODENT :roflmao:

[247BlackOut]

Look at the teeth. Can't you tell. It's a RODENT :roflmao:

I know that much. :p At first we thought it was a rat, but the tail was too short and it had a hamster face. Tail was too long to be a hamster though...I think it was a gopher.

[247BlackOut]

June 29, 2008 - SBR Mellow Pace Girlie Ride

So the next day, Mikey and I went on South Bay Rider' (http://www.southbayriders.com/)s Mellow Girlie Ride. The forum was recommended to me by Matt Fong and I swear they have a ride going on every day of the week. Makes me scratch my head and wonder what everyone does for a living, besides ride. So the girlie ride was actually started a while back when one of the guys attempted to surround himself with a bunch of girls on a group ride. (In the end it was 13 guys and 1 girl...hehe) So the name just kind of stuck. Mikey and I decided to check it out for our first group ride in the bay area. Since the Ninja was left in San Diego to undergo repairs, we only had the SV, so we went two up for the ride. No route was really posted, it seemed like everyone was already familiar with the locations and they just kind of did everything on a whim because there were so many great roads out there connecting to another great road.

But this is the route that we ended up taking. Click on map if you want a closer look at the route.(A/K is the meeting location)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Picture1.png?t=1216152125 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=14553758746036420204,37.236640,-121.962590%3B10450688699467253715,37.198883,-121.881986%3B14051968868473805054,36.956090,-121.727410%3B15506591913699625862,37.022309,-121.766858%3B5603786211889237734,37.045780,-121.938780%3B732519425398714118,37.124938,-121.938153%3B2717277449354566747,37.144536,-121.970597%3B1965088949849345170,37.253167,-122.116995%3B16434409138347292191,37.253550,-121.957510&saddr=798+Blossom+Hill+Road,+Los+Gatos,+CA&daddr=Los+Gatos+Blvd+%4037.236640,+-121.962590+to:Hicks+Rd+%4037.198883,+-121.881986+to:new+almaden+to:oak+glen+ave,+ca+to:H ecker+Pass+Rd+%4036.956090,+-121.727410+to:Hazel+Dell+Rd+%4037.022309,+-121.766858+to:corralitos,+ca+to:37.062301,-121.825676+to:Soquel+San+Jose+Rd+%4037.045780,+-121.938780+to:Summit+Rd+%4037.124938,+-121.938153+to:Old+Santa+Cruz+Hwy+%4037.144536,+-121.970597+to:black+rd,+los+gatos+to:Skyline+Blvd+ %4037.253167,+-122.116995+to:saratoga,+ca+to:Unknown+road+%4037.2 53550,+-121.957510&mra=dpe&mrcr=4&mrsp=8&sz=12&via=1,2,6,8,9&sll=37.024621,-121.854&sspn=0.13431,0.21183&ie=UTF8&ll=37.102289,-121.823273&spn=0.536687,0.847321&z=10)
The route red line is the route that we actually took, but it isn't on google maps so I had to draw it in. I'll explain why a little bit later.

There were two group rides planned that day, but I picked this one because it was a closer meeting location to my house. In the morning we all met up Peet's coffee and it was interesting to see the riders that rolled up. We had all different sorts of bikes and riders: sport bikes, cruisers, even a Goldwing, classic bikes, new bikes, old bikes, duel sports, Japanese and British bikes, young riders, old riders, mohawks, non mohawks, full leathers, full textile, aerostitch, jackets & jeans, anything you can think of it was probably there. Only thing the group lacked was anyone wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I was amazed at the diversity and the sense of safety that everyone expressed. :thumbsup:

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/095438.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/095449.jpg?t=1216151911

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/095506.jpg

We had about 35 people that showed up to this ride, and they split into faster group ahead and slower riders in back of the line. (they ended up splitting groups after lunch) Their group ride etiquette is to always make sure the rider behind you knows which way you are turning so that no one gets lost. You always take your own pace and the rider in front of you will wait for you if there was a change in the general route direction, if not then just continue straight. Interesting huh?

Suited up and lining up...getting ready to head out
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/101454.jpg?t=1216152075

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/101543.jpg

What's really cool is that you in the picture above, you can see the stoplight which we make a right turn at. After making that right turn, you're thrown right into the twisties. No crazy freeway commute to get all scattered all over the place on, no scorching hot road to get to the good stuff either. :headbang:

[247BlackOut]

(Sorry if pictures and of the action shots are blurry but I was trying not to get in Mikey's way because the roads were unfamiliar to both of us so I didn't want to distract him.)

I was impressed with how empty the roads were too considering it was a Sunday morning...
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/102925.jpg

Really cool sign, too bad I couldn't take a picture of the actual road. Reminds me of the uphill left hand sweeper at Old Julian. ;)
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/102954.jpg

Rolling up to the stop sign with a twisty sign in the distant future
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/103219.jpg?t=1216152381

As a the second group rolled in they all stopped to take some group photos. Twisty sign in the background which we just came from. :squid:
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/103601.jpg

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Uvas Resivor (I think first shot was taken mid turn?)
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/104041.jpg

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/104102.jpg

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/105919.jpg

Afterwards we pulled into the reservoir parking lot to wait for the rest of the group to catch up
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/110019.jpg

Bike enjoying the serenity over the reservoir
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/111321.jpg?t=1216152688

Leaving the parking and we found some Uvas!
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/112359.jpg

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/112406.jpg

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Another group shot rolling up to the stop sign...how many heads do you count? A few more behind me too.
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/113152.jpg

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/113214.jpg

Yet another change of scenery...changed from yellow grass reservoir to lush green forest.
http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/113422.jpg

http://media4.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/114310.jpg

http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/114558.jpg

Went through the forest of trees and through Mt. Madonna County Park, which took us to elevations above the city. Pretty smoggy right now due to all the wild fires. :(
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/114909.jpg

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Bottom lineup as we wait for others to regroup after Mt. Madonna
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/115220.jpg?t=1216154298

Stopped in a little town called Corralitos for lunch. This picture is for you Bill. Wish you could have enjoyed this cup of horchata with us.
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080629/123554.jpg

That's all the pictures I had from this trip. After we left Corralitos we went on the uncharted territory. We went up Eureka Canyon where there ended being concrete barriers that looked liked they had previously blocked the roads. (This is the red line I drew in on the map (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Picture1.png?t=1216153755)) There have been wild fires up north and I guess this was one of the roads previously closed. Either way, it was open now, but it was a site to see I wish we weren't in a group or else I would have asked Mikey to stop and pull over so I could take a picture of this road. The pavement in front of us turned to dirt, concrete dividers on the side of the road, and even signs posted saying do no enter road closed by order of the county of Santa Clara. We passed over a short segment of unpaved road and started through Eureka Canyon. All of Eureka canyon was narrow and signs posted for one way roads, and they were soooooo bumpy. Few of the riders were out there on dual sports and I was sooooooo jealous of them. Roads up here are perfect for exploring and going on off roading adventures.

Not my own pictures, but this is pretty much the route we took, and it was completely isolated when we went as well.
http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37691&d=

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37687&d=

Most of the trails that we took had wonderful views, but I also noticed that they were quite dangerous, and not to mention bumpy. A lot of the roads had signs that said they were one way roads (like the road down from Mt. Madonna) but in reality they weren't! :ekk: They were really roads that could fit one car at a time, but maybe we were just lucky that day, but we didn't seem to run into any problems with cars going in the opposite direction when it came to these one way roads.

I think the riding up here is really meant to be relaxed and chill, and for you just to enjoy the view. All the riders I saw out there (in our group as well as other riders passing by) all just seemed to ride for the enjoyment on being on a bike, and not about going fast. However, that doesn't mean that the roads are boring either, quite a challenge in some spots if you ask me.

In one day we covered the grasslands, "wine country" (too small to really be a country), forest, off roads trails, and we could have hit the coast too if we didn't call it day. Honestly...you can get any better than that. :woot:

[247BlackOut]

July 4-6, 2008 Hypercycles Track Day.

Don't need to describe this since you guys were pretty much all there for yourself. Picture thread here. (http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13106).

Aftermath of the trackday. Too much fun in 2 and 8. :-p
http://media3.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080710/101925.jpg

Also, I have full size images of Brenden's pocket bike crash, actually posted up on a different forum, so if you (or someone else because I don't know how often you're on hypercycles) could PM me your email, I'll send them right over to you. :thumbsup:

http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/106968/20080705/151454.jpg

July 11, 2008 - Newbie Exploration 1
Decided to take the bike out for a little exploration. Didn't want to take the bike too far because I still don't know it's electrical condition and didn't want to get stranded somewhere, so I went on a road close by that was also super newbie friendly.Nice Motorcycle park only 8 miles away from my house that I've been meaning to check out for quite some time now.

This is the route I ended up taking.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/Picture1.png

Headed over past the Silver Creek Valley Country Club, and ended up on San Felipe Road. Passed through the residential areas until it turned into some nice scenic roads.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0641.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0642.jpg

A little further up the road there was a nice change of scenery. Nice deserted road on a Friday morning.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0646.jpg

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Stopped at the fork in the road to snap some pictures, and looked like I wasn't the only one who wanted to take advantage of the empty roads in the morning.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0650.jpg

Few shots from the side of the road...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0647.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0648.jpg

Went down Metcalf road and ended up here....Santa Clara Motorcycle Park (http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/parks/parksarticle?path=%252Fv7%252FParks%2520and%2520Re creation%252C%2520Department%2520of%2520%2528DEP%2 529&contentId=9d545e7505e21110VgnVCM10000048dc4a92____&cpsextcurrchannel=1)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0653.jpg

What's really cool is that not only is the park only 8 miles away from my house (I don't even need to take the freeway to get there!) it only cost $6 per vehicle. Meaning doesn't matter how many dirt bikes you have in your truck and doesn't matter how many riders, it only cost $6 for parking at the park with you vehicle (if you have a trailer it's an extra $6). How awesome is that?! I need to get a dirt bike now. :thumbsup:

Track includes:
* Motocross competition track
* Mini-motocross track (100cc engine size or less)
* Beginner''s oval track
* 12 miles of main trails (beginners/intermediate)
* 8 miles of single track enduro (expert) trails
* Hill climb area
* Trial courses
* Shaded picnic areas, restrooms, visitor center, food/drink vending machines
* A 1/20th mile paved oval track operated by the Baylands Quarter Midget Racing Association, for quarter midget racing and practice.
* Cruising Cafe (food vendor on weekends only)

Here's a map of the park.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/pic103966.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Got in and saw another bike parked in the shade and decided to keep him company while I went around snapping some shots.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0651.jpg

The place was so crowded everyone was fighting for a parking spot!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0655.jpg

Here's a few signs that caught my eye.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0657.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0664.jpg

For the little ones to play....
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0659.jpg

Just in case you missed the first one they posted...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0658.jpg

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These little guys had the whole track to themselves
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0661.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0673.jpg

This little one had a mishap on his bike and I guess his dad called it a day.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0677.jpg

I really like this shot. Can you spot the lone rider?
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0679.jpg

Track looks pretty dead, but in the spring time it gets a lot greener. Here's a shot of Andy (The owner of SBR) on Trail 1. I like how you can see the contrast on all of the trails. Hopefully one day I can post up my own photos from the trails instead of from a parking lot.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/andy_sbr.jpg

Left the park to continue down Metcalf. The road was tight and technical due to it having no shoulders on the hillside. Only had only one turn off which was already occupied by a car, so I have no shots of this road, but it was nice and fun. Here's a view of the road taken from an airplane.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/2449459585_76dd0dbb54.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Crossed over the highway and ended up at another park.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0681.jpg

Tail bag fail all afternoon. :(
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0680.jpg

Bike enjoying the view from the bicycle path.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0687.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0683.jpg

Have to bring my bicycle back here and ride the trail.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%201/IMG_0689.jpg

After that I took off for home. It was a successful trip with no blown fuses, and bike started right up each time I stopped. :wub:

[247BlackOut]

July 14, 2008 - Newbie Exploration 2: Evening Adventure

So hanging out on SBR I found a few riders that apparently go out on evening rides. With about 3 hours of sunset after work and twisties less than 5 minutes away, why not? ^_^ Met up with a few guys to take off on my very first evening ride in San Jose.

Route was similar to that of the Girlie ride Mikey and I did before, but this is the condensed version, and this time around I got to ride the roads for myself.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/Picture4.png

Headed down Hicks and made a pit stop at Mt. Umunhum Rd. (Yes...that's the actual name of the road)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-0.jpg

What an odd bunch of bikes :-p
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-1.jpg

Anyone care to take a swim?
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-4.jpg

Roads were completely deserted...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-5.jpg

Until we came through...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-7.jpg

Shooting our laser beams?!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-8.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-10.jpg

[247BlackOut]

We pulled over to say our good byes...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-11.jpg

And enjoyed the sunset. :bowdown: (Wildfires produce the best sunsets.)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Newbie%20Exploration%202/attachment-12.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Non motorcycle related event, but I'd thought I share with everyone what a traditional Vietnamese wedding looks like.

Morning ceremonies in which the groom comes to offer gift to the bride's family in order to take her away.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/n1099778265_79161_2751-1.jpg

Mikey was able to come up and be my date for the day. :)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/IMG_0701.jpg

The newly weds...awww how cute. The bride actually changes her dress about 3 to 4 times during the reception. O_o
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/n1099778265_79166_4171.jpg

[247BlackOut]

After a night of partying at my cousin's wedding, and Mikey's last day in San Jose before he has to head back, (also, since Mikey and I didn't have MotoGP tickets) we decided to go on a mini ride. There was a mellow group ride planned on SBR (http://www.southbayriders.com) but they were leaving pretty early so I just PMed a friend to head out for a later ride. He met up with us half an hour after the other ride left, and we figured we would just do a short pie run and make it back home to watch MotoGP.

The original route...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Picture2.png

So in Norcal, we don't have Julian, but we still aren't missing out on our share of Apple Pies (or strawberry goodness) not to mention fresh squeezed juices! Gizdich Ranch (http://www.gizdich-ranch.com/) is where all of the riders go for great pie with newbie friendly roads to get there.

Highlight of the newbie friendly twisties. Mt. Madonna County Park
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Picture3.png

So, from Mehran's girlie ride, we did a route through Mt. Madonna that was nothing like this one, it was actually down Old. Mt. Madonna which featured lovely one way roads and bumpy pavement. This route is more mainstream which is less scary, but just the same I would, say since there are a lot of cars traveling the road this way as well.

By the time we got to the bottom of Mt. Madonna, Uzzi had convinced us that we should try going further to explore, and will still make it back for pie and home to catch MotoGP. So we said sure, why not?

We ended taking the same route as the group before us.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Picture4.png

[247BlackOut]

By the time we reached the Summit Store for a pit stop, we ran into these guys. The original Mellow group ride posted.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1260.jpg

Uzzi (Katana), Mikey and I pulled up and said hello. http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1265.jpg

An updated version of my bikes. :roflmao:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Library-9182.jpg

A few different varieties of bikes out in the group that day. (These pictures were taken earlier when the group met up in the morning)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1233.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1234.jpg

Uvas Pit Stop
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1242.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1244.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1249.jpg

[247BlackOut]

So the guys waited around at Summit while others swapped bikes around and did some test rides on other bikes. Their ride had pretty much come to an end, and everyone was getting hungry. The group had originally planned to go to Milpitas for lunch at the Taqueria, but I was still dead set on getting some PIE! The ranch has a deli, so you're not eating just pie for lunch (but hey...why not? pie is yum). I ended up jacking the whole ride and everyone headed back for some pie. :woot:

Of course, by the time we left the Summit Store, it was already 12:30 so I had to call my brother to set the Tivo because who could say no to pie?

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1270.jpg

Usually on a normal day this place would be packed, but today because of MotoGP, we were basically the only customers there.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/IMG_1271.jpg

The guys ended up ordering a whole half gallon of vanilla ice cream and a whole pie to split. Pie slices are about $3 which I think is actually a lil pricey, but it's delicious! So it makes it all the more worth while when you buy a whole pie and share it with your friends. ;) All this talk about pie and unfortunately I don't have any pictures. We were too busy eating it all up. Mikey and I got a box lunch sandwich that came with a cup of fresh strawberries, chips, cookie, and a drink (got fresh squeezed apple juice of course, and it was to die for!) all for $6. Mikey actually ordered a whole pie himself too and brought it home for the family. :) Right on the ranch they also have a pick your own fruit area. (http://www.gizdich-ranch.com/pikyorsef.html) which I have to try someday. I :wub: this place!

After we stuffed ourselves with pie, we played around on their "race track" for tiny tots.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Library-9206.jpg

Uzzi dragging knee
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/MotoGP%20Pie%20Ride/Library-9208.jpg

[247BlackOut]

The next few set of pictures I have to sort through first because I just couldn't stop taking pictures, everything was so beautiful. So I just leave you with this picture. Where am I?

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Weekday%20Excursion/IMG_0791.jpg

[grimfandango]

i'm glad my tail bag is treating you so well :)

-L

[ireimers]

The next few set of pictures I have to sort through first because I just couldn't stop taking pictures, everything was so beautiful. So I just leave you with this picture. Where am I?

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Weekday%20Excursion/IMG_0791.jpg

I'm gonna have to go with Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe.

[247BlackOut]

I'm gonna have to go with Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe.

:werd: Did a roadtrip with my aunt and uncles and mom's friend. My uncles are visiting from Vietnam (they came to attend my cousin's wedding) and so on a random weekday we're off to Lake Tahoe. My Aunt and Uncles don't speak english, so I played translator for the whole trip (mom's friend only spoke English). This was my first time coming to Lake Tahoe in the summer and it was soooooo beautiful I want to do a motorcycle/camping trip up here one day. Who's with me? :)

Pictures to come shortly.

[247BlackOut]

:shocked: for amazing views!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0785.jpg

My Uncles enjoying the view.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0814.jpg

Yay for timers on cameras.:nerd:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0834.jpg

Wouldn't hurt to ride here...:thumbsup:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0843.jpg

Despite the fact that I'm on vacation w/o my bike, I still feel surrounded by all things motorcycle related. :p For example, the
random things you can find in the hotel lobby gift shop.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0798.jpg

^^^It's a greeting card that you can pop out and assemble to turn into this...(although this picture is missing the front wheel)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0799.jpg

Gotta love the shirt. (Friction Zone Magazine t-shirt)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/P1010369.jpg

[247BlackOut]

I had a really hard time trying to get my feet in the lake. Most of the stops around the lake was scenic stops with views well above the lake. Coming up from South Lake Tahoe we tried stopping at different spots to find the "beach" and play around in the water. Most of the spots we had had to pay.

I actually got kicked off of this beach after I took the picture. Private property of Hyatt hotel. :hammer:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0851.jpg

Didn't even get a chance to stick my feet in the water so we just took off. On the way back, I came across this bumper sticker and it made me think of Jae (cuz the avatar) and Joe PITTL!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0855.jpg

So we continued our way to the north end of the lake, and finally arrived to Kings Beach. No need to pay for parking, and no worrying about private beaches.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0859.jpg

Finally!! Didn't realize all of the trouble I would have to go through to get my feet in the water, but it was well worth it.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0861.jpg

Water felt amazingly cool and refreshing, too bad there wasn't enough time to go for a swim. Definitely would like to do another Lake Tahoe trip in the summer. :)

[247BlackOut]

Random shot, but this was right outside the Truckee airport on the way home. Poor thing didn't make it to the runway :(
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0874.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/IMG_0875.jpg

[247BlackOut]

My attempts of a panoramic shot of the lake.

Mini version:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/tahoe.jpg

Link to bigger version:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Lake%20Tahoe/tahoe-1.jpg

So I highly reccomend making a trip out to Lake Tahoe for a summer trip. If you're into the outdoors nature scene, this is the place to be. My pictures don't even capture the beauty of this place. :wub: I will 100% be back here again during the summer.

[247BlackOut]

Meet Suave.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/3.jpg

Meet Liz and Suave.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/6.jpg

Now listen to their story. :) Liz is a fellow rider that I met on SBR. That is her '89 VTR 250. Very unique isn't it? She actually crashed her original bike (whose name is Rico) and a bunch of members gathered together to get her bike out of the tow yard and into the home of one of the board members who happens to be experienced with VTR's, Mike. After posting pictures of the work in progress, ANOTHER board member realized they have the same bike sitting in their garage collecting dust in non-running condition. They donated the WHOLE bike (now Suave) to Liz, and Mike fixed the bike for her. In return, Liz donated Rico to another board member who needed a bike for his wifey and Mike also got it to working condition.

Long story short, people helping people = :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Before she crashed, she was posting group rides for pie runs almost every week. After she crashed, she wasn't able to go on a pie run so the guys decided to keep it alive and do a pie run for her and deliver her some pie. Much :wub: for these riders.
http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=179531&d=1215556360

[247BlackOut]

So basically this ride was her first ride back since her crash and she wanted some newbie friendly roads, and PIE! (Click for Map of Pie Route) (http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showpost.php?p=179399&postcount=27) She posted the ride on a FRIDAY morning and look at how many people showed up. :eek::shocked:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/8.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/7.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/5.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/4.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/2.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/1.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Trying to gather the masses for the rider's meeting.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/11.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/10.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/12.jpg

There were so many riders we had to break up into three groups, the usual A,B,C groups. Except this time they were "Deathwish, Spirited, Mellow". :lol:

First pit stop at Uvas Reservoir
Mellow Group - We actually had a female lead and sweep!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/15.jpg

Spirited
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/14.jpg

Deathwish -
Notice anything odd about the deathwish group?
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/13.jpg

[247BlackOut]

How about the fact that they have a GoldWing in their group?! Wayne is awesome and I was shocked when I first saw this, but apparently he drags his highway pegs to death. He said he's looking for a shirt that says "I may be riding a GoldWing, but that doesn't mean I'll sweep" :roflmao:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/16.jpg

So we ended up invading the Pie Shop
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/17.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/18.jpg

I got my sandwich and asked them for a cup of fruit (but not part of their bag lunch) and they gave it to me for FREE!! They're so sweet...of course they said it was a one time deal, but I don't mind. Yum for the Money Shot!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/VTRLiz%20Pie%20Ride/19.jpg

Last part of the ride we ended up merging the left over riders (those who didn't just head home after lunch) into one big group, and I was able to a quicker pace and we went all over the map so I can't provide a little niffy map of the route. :( We went through back roads and all the possible twisties you can imagine! I still can't believe that that many people showed up on a Friday morning!! :wub:

[ireimers]

After she crashed, she wasn't able to go on a pie run so the guys decided to keep it alive and do a pie run for her and deliver her some pie.

I bet they did.




Looks like a whole lotta fun.

[247BlackOut]

The Stinking Rose Festival. Yum! Howard (theHowChow) was also up in San Jose area this weekend, but we had a communication fail and was unable to meet up at this event. But either way, it was good times and yummy food! They were even giving away free samples of Garlic Frozen Yogurt which I didn't like too much. LoL. They had garlic corn on the cob, garlic kettle pop corn (my favorite) and other odds and ends. It was a bit pricey to attend since it was $12 to get in, and then you have to pay for your food too, but in a group everyone just kind of buys different things and that way we got to taste a little bit of everything.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0913.jpg

Sister waiting in line for garlic bread..
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0914.jpg

Hungry yet?
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0922.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0920.jpg

Don't remember what this was...some sort of stuffed mushroom, but it was delish!
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0927.jpg

They didn't have only food....there was

Cooking Contest
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/attachment.jpg

Garlic braiding (and princesses)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0930.jpg

Moto Cops! (Sorry couldn't get a better shot of them...)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/attachment-1.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0944.jpg

Motoparking was right near the entrance but you had to ride through a HUGE dirt lot...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/Gilroy%20Garlic%20Festival/IMG_0946.jpg

[247BlackOut]

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/images/smilies/wtf.gif
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/IMG_5272.jpg

[247BlackOut]

Good times, good friends and good food.
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/IMG_5281.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/IMG_5278.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/IMG_5282.jpg

Then the next day I went snorkeling here. Of all the years I have been living in San Diego I can't believe I didn't do this before. It was soooo much fun. Maybe next time I'll invest in an underwater camera. :)
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/IMG_5285.jpg

[247BlackOut]

So in a post I made earlier (http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showpost.php?p=178901&postcount=23), I stopped by a bicycle path with my motorcycle and said I should come back and bike it...and I did! :thumbsup: The trail spans through 2 cities parallel to 101, from San Jose to Morgan Hill I believe...Anyways, here are some shots.

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0947.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0948.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0949.jpg

I think this has to be the best part of the trail....sitting on the fence dividing the residential neighborhood and the bike path. :shocked:
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0952.jpg

Reminds me of Palomar Mountain. :p
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0953.jpg

Mandatory "bike and crazy site on the road" picture...
http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0954.jpg

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k479/247Blackout/San%20Diego%20Trip/Bicycle%20Adventure/IMG_0955.jpg