Wednesday, July 4, 2012

ALR PGR July 4 th Redood City Parade  and Tom Ballards

Pics are top to bottom, click on a pic twice for full size, text for a pic is under the pic.

Ernie H got ALR, PGR and WWR invited to ride in the Redwood City Parade so off I went!  There were a bunch of parades today and I'm sure plenty of folks attended.  We had 7 scoots and one 2-up, Ernie and Sherry. 


We staged at Post 564 and 5 hearty souls showed, Ernie and Sherry, Bunker, Larry and the Cranky dude.   0920 we went to second stage and nobody showed, so off to find the parade.  We found a bunch of parade, finally a lady took pity on us and told us where to go.... nicely!  To the front of our block we went!

The parade spokesperson told us "no excessive noise!!!".  I asked Ernie, how can you do that!  We were just ourselves!!!  GBG  Great parade and we managed to make a little noise!


We joined the other 3 scoots that we thought were going to be at second staging.


Bunker in center checking out the line coming in from the left.  You can see our number on the street 501, and of course, I have to say Blues!


The rest of our block behind us.


Some nice old cars!  I forgot to get a pic of the double articulated bike that was being peddled.  The rear seat twisted like a unicycle, and the front tire also turned.  The rider was doing some unnatural riding!

They also had some recumbent bikes, they are called bents, and I explained the two types, USS and ASS.  Under Seat Steering and Above Seat Steering, just wowing folks with my "vast" knowledge, har.....


Even had some air support!


The blocks to our left were emptying out....


After this group, we were up!   We didn't make any excessive noise, I don't know how Ya can do that!!!!  GBG  We just had a good time and lots of waves and toots!  Lots of folks attended, the streets were lined many deep.

Well, Bunker was headed over to Tom Ballard's  place and Larry and I followed.  I like having fun with Bunker!   He said he was taking 84 over, and that was my intended route also and off we went with Bunker in the lead, right over 101 and headed north...  now 84 was south of us but nothing could be done, so I followed along to see where would wind up!  GBG  Well, he recovered nicely and we went over 92 and I think it was an even wash on distance, but I still had to give him a little "stuff" about a new 'nic "Wrong Turn"!!!  


Made it safe and this is by far the most scoots I've seen at Tom's!!  Great showing.


Tom's blocked parking for PGR was full so we parked across the street.  Must have been a dozen plus scoots!


Well I chatted a bit up front and went back to say hi to Tom, and HE PUT US TO WORK!!!!!  GBG (Great Big Grin) We had to put the cover over the tent frame for some sun shelter.


Got back up front and saw the smart guys!!! Cajun, Larry and Sgtmaj.   Great day and I had to get moving or I could see me eating a lot of good / bad for me stuff!!!  Thanks again Tom for doing this!!! Good to see Ya!

While inside the home visiting, Tom introduced me to a couple folks, one was named Rosy....   AKA: Rosy the Riveter!!!!  Quite an honor!!!! 

Saturday, April 7, 2012

ALR - 4 th Annual Dos Palos Easter Basket Run

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic or right mouse it and left mouse it again for the largest pic, text is under the pic.

Well, Bunker has been awarded a mission for life!  GBG (Great Big Grin)   Easter Baskets for Dos Palos.    He has done a great job in organizing and has had pretty good attendance.  Tho, last year was a banner year and spoiled us,  maybe next year!

A bit cool on the start but the day got much better, beautiful day by time we arrived.  I rode in by myself and when I arrived, someone was at the off ramp giving directions.  The place we were supposed to meet was unsatisfactory so we moved over to a local restaurant.    IMHO, a much nicer place.


District 13 ALR was just pulling in and shot some pics... I belong to the group but didn't want to ride the wrong direction to start the ride and went by myself.


Mike, right center, getting off his scoot.


As the location had changed, they decided to "put out some markers" .  I don't think many would miss a bunch of scoots!


Just shooting some pics, we had quite a few cages also. 








Slick John got the honor of carrying the baskets that were put together at American  Legion Post 564 in Santa Clara.  Nice haul and thank you!!!


More, his van was completely full!   But the need was much and I'm sure we could have used twice as many.


We have a basket thief!!!   GBG  One of our Dist 13 riders wanted to take his own in...


Well, Dist  28 finally got up and made here!!!  GBG  Had to poke Gene B a bit!!!


And more... quite a nice addition to our group!!  Much appreciated!!!


Just keep coming in...


Getting parked as we wait for another group and police escort...   They and we also like to parade around town a bit and "wake the town up!!!!"   Many folks came out and gave us a wave and it was much appreciated!


Getting to be a decent group of folks!!  We finally tallied over 65 scoots and cages.


We are at the court house and it's looking fine!


More...


Well, folks were going to head to the local Legion Post afterwards for sandwiches but I always carry my own.  Heading over to my sweet Ruby to get it now...  I gave a member a few bucks to put in the tip jar in thanks for their support.  Their support is very much appreciated!!!


Just shooting around the parking area.





Down the street towards the court house...


Doug was taking a rest at the bus stop.  I kinda joked, I need a pic of the sign to know where I was!!!  GBG  The gent on the left was a local.   The scoot in front is a 2000 Kawasaki Nomad.  I run a 2001.  The rider did not know about VROC, Vulcan Riders and Owners Club.   WWW.VROC.ORG  An amazing and supportive group.  If Ya own a Vulcan, go there and look at the techtalk forum.  Outstanding!!!


Working my way to the court house...  As always a line of kids with their parents.


... and around the block...


Looking back down to where I came...


This little guy, I later learned his name was William, same as me, came up and wanted to sit on my scoot.. Of course, I said Yup!!!  He wanted a pic, gave Mom my card and said "send me an email for a copy", well not too enthusiastic of a pic...



Tried again....  that is NOT the smile of a scoot rider!


So I got Mom to step in...   still not there...


Ok, I prepared to take a pic and told Bill, "this is day 1 of a 15 day trip, the wind is in your face and life is good!!!!"   That boy WILL have a scoot in his life!!  GBG


Bill get's around!!!  GBG\


Always try to take 2, as the expressions always change...  and I tend to take lousy shots.... sigh....


My new friend with the 2000 Nomad got into the act!  Great on Ya!!!


Something about 2 pics....


They were standing in line!!!  GBG


Now who do we have here???!!!  GBG  

Great run Bunker!!!  Great on Ya and all that rode!!!  Maybe Gene B and get 28 to be on time next year!!!   GBG  Just had to do it!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

ALR - Manteca and Modesto Wonder Treats

Pics are from top to bottom, click on a pic for a larger pic, text for a pic is under the pic...

Bill (Bunker) Roller started supporting the Dos Palos community a few years ago and we take Easter Baskets to  give to the kids.  It is a real pleasure to see their faces as they come out carrying a basket!  They are tickled pink!

Last year, Wonder Treats gave Bill 300+ baskets for the cause and we are very grateful for the support!   Bill wanted to present a plaque to the store owner and has been trying for months to deliver it.

Today is the day!  And he had to take an unexpected trip south, so his wife accepted in his place, and she was quite pleased, as were the other employees!  Thank you again!

Well, we threw in some fun miles too, took the back way thru Livermore and over Patterson Pass road, nice to get off the freeway!



We staged at Post 564 to take off about 1000...  Charles, Gary, Sherry, Sandy and Bunker..


A shot of most of the bikes, missed one, Gonzalo's, IIRC.


Getting ready to take off...  7 scoots and one 2-up, Ernie and Sherry.  Gonzalo was the third bike back, in front, the one I missed....


We stopped for a rest pause at the end of Patterson Pass road before we got on the freeway...  headed the wrong direction.... roundabout and off we went to Manteca for lunch and a visit to the Bass Pro Shop


Sandy and (if wrong, someone correct me) Jon checking the water out....


Nice little fountain...  The animals in the background looked to be made of antlers... Impressive!


The entrance was impressive, got to walk thru a big ol' tree!  A better pic later...


Quite the place, I wandered thru a fudge place and got out fast, it smelled real good and it is a definite weak spot for me....


Nicely decorated...


One of my "special" fuzzy pics, sorry...


Water fountain feeding a pool....


 

...of nice fish!  Think that one in front is a small Sturgeon....


A better shot of the tree...



More fountain by the exit...  and off we went to find Wonder Treats... with a little difficulty, but made it....  That way we get to see more of Modesto!  GBG

At first we thought it was closed, but a young lady opened the door, and I'd guess with mild trepidation... We really look a lot worse that we are!!!  GBG  But I assured her that we were "good guys"....



Once we got inside, Bunker and Ernie made the presentation to the owners wife.


She was quite pleased and also pleased to help out those more unfortunate, she said the like to do that whenever they can.



Nice lookin' scoot, bit small but good work!

Well, we just HAD to get a pic out front.  Great visit and we thank them VERY MUCH for the support!!!


IIRC, this is sister in law, and she REALLY wanted a pic on a scoot, she picked Gary and Sandy's nice scoot!!!  Think I can see a biker in that smile!!  GBG

Great visit for a great cause!  Thank all that rode today and all days!