[rckendall]

First of all, I want to thank Jeff, Ivan TT, Wheelie Boy and all the riders from Z Rated for hosting a GREAT ride. A few months ago I contacted Jeff Williams to see if I could join the ride. After exchanging a couple emails I was accepted and had the ok to invite my long time friend and best ever riding buddy. Paul is the one who rides the Multistrada.

I arrived at the Motel 6 on Thursday and Paul and his wife arrived a short time later. They camped at a KOA near Avila Beach. They brought the toy hauler so Mary could hang out while the boys rode. It was great. We went to Avila Beach for dinner a couple times on our own as well as once with Jeff, Mike and Tony.

Jeff led Paul and I on a short 130 mile ride on Friday afternoon while waiting for others to arrive. After breakfast on Saturday morning, and a short rider’s meeting, we headed out. I was really impressed at how many from Z Rated looked out for the group. We rode up the coast in the morning and then turned inland where it was much warmer. We stopped several times so everyone could get a drink or a snack and just get a rest. I am accustomed to following so I just went along not knowing where we were, really. I have been working out of state for the last two years, and I found myself questioning “Where are we anyway (what state is this)?.

Dinner was in SLO that evening, and Paul’s wife Mary joined us. It was a blast. We ate good food and enjoyed sweet fellowship, took a walk for ice cream, and made plans for the ride on Sunday. Oh, by the way, Saturday’s ride was about 250 miles. Sunday, Wheelie Boy gathered us together in Atascadero for a ride east on 58 to Taft and back. Another 250 mile ride. It was kind of hot and we needed quite a few breathers to rest our horses. The average speed was kind of high most of the time. There was a great section just past halfway that made the trip totally worthwhile.

Paul, Mary and I had dinner at the beach again and just soaked up the evening. We were all so happy that we had come to take part in this event. And I say event, because it is so much more than just a ride. Yeah, the ride was awesome, put on by some very warm and accommodating folks, but that is just the center stage. The area has so much to offer, I just can’t wait to go back.

My trip home took a little over 4 hours for the 260 miles and my rear tire still has some tread left (I was worried a little). The only incident was the Postwoman who backed into my bike at the Motel parking lot. She was a stand up person and hounded me until we came up with a solution. So, in the end, I did not lose except for time.

I met some great people, hung out with my friend and his wife, enjoyed the beach weather, and had some really awesome riding.

Thanks again to everyone,
Richard