We took off down 680 to the 101 (all boring stuff) and hit HWY 25 in Hollister.

25 (Airline HWY) was clean and made for a quick ride to HWY 198 which took us over some great hills into Coalinga.

We met some guys (OK... I did) that spent some time trying to convince me to ride into Mexico.

Once we were on our way again, we continued on 198 all the way in to 3 Rivers.

A nice ride even if it was pretty hot. The middle part of 198 took us through lots of old farm country and there were many interesting sights to see. The road was pretty straight though.

Once at the cabins, we were the first to arrive, we scoped out the place and went out to a swimming hole.

I was really hot from the ride and the cold water of the river felt great. Dean joined us a bit later.

Just as we were getting back, the SoCal contingent showed up.

After a lot of hellos, talking and hanging out at the big cabin, and drooling on BaggerBob's new bike we decided it was dinner time.

No amount of bribe was going to get pizzas delviered so we went into town and raided the local pizza spot.

While trying to figure out how to strap 5 pizzas to Bev's tourpack, a very friendly local (Hank?) offered to bring them for us in his truck.

Actually, he insisted and told us we were crazy :)

After some hmm's and haaa's we decided we weren't in kansas anymore and trusted the guy. Good thing too as I don't think we would have made it.

Pizza and beer consumed, we started to drop off like flies.

Marc had a bit of trouble with the air conditioner but his Jedi skills took over and he got it straightened out.

Saturday morning we were off up the General's HWY and into the mountains. The early part was fairly slow going, but great views.

We stopped at General Sherman (big tree) and half the group got duped into checking it out down some long steep path. Bill and I went around to the handicap parking where the tree was just a short walk away.

Since Bill wasn't impressed, I decided to forgo checking it out.

Back at the top we waited for the crew to make the trek up the trail.

Then we were on to lunch...

From lunch, it was time to see King's Canyon. Certainly a highlight of the trip. If you haven't been and you live in CA, you need to go. Sheer granite cliffs, nice river, great road carved into the cliff sides and little traffic.

At the bottom, i found another water hole to splash around and cool off in. Most everyone else was busy looking at some water falling down the mountain side...

A little drama on the way back where Bagger Bill's new Ultra lost rear brakes on the downhill. Marc used the force and managed to pass the power on the Bob. He made it just fine and with only one small incident involving an unintended dismount that damaged neither rider nor ride.

Cora was passed around a bit and got to ride with both Bob and Bev since Dean's bike was riding a bit low for the switchbacks with her on the back.

Dinner was cooked up by Bill. Steak, potatos, corn and bread with even more beer. Great food! Bill sure can cook! Thank you Bill!!!!

Next morning Cora cooked up breakfast for the whole group (she did Saturday as well for some of the guys). Thank you Cora! Great breakfast burritos.

We said our goodbys while Don and I were planning our route.

We decided to head over to Fresno then take some scenic rides. Route below.

At one point near Bass lake, there were signs that said road construction ahead. Then unpaved road ahead... unpaved my ass! This was a red clay road that had been watered to keep the dust down. After several miles of slipping and sliding, the road returned. This was just in time to reach a sign that said it was the center of California. Onward and upward around the lake, then on HWY 41 and 49. Lunch in Mariposa at a great little burger place that had the biggest menu I've ever seen. Hwy 4 through Copperopolis (my bike wanted to visit being a coppertop and all) and we were home.

We had a great time, I think the best one yet that Bev has put on. She is truly a master tourguide. Bluemom was great to meet and never complained once about either the riding or the testosterone in the room. Oya, country fried tv is some funny shit.

Don's bike is filthy and will require its first bath ever. I have requested video of this momentus occasion...

I'm looking forward to the next one real soon!