Merry Christmas from Carpys Cafe Racers

Posted on December 25, 2023December 24, 2023 by Steve Carpenter

25 Dec

Jeez, another year gone and soon beginning a brand new one. Well, I hope that this finds you all well and happy? I wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas and hope that you get time to relax and fit the new parts to your ride. These last 12 months have rocketed by for me but I have a few more new parts in the making and hope to show them soon and will showcase them first.

Look forward to gearing from you and l hope that I can help you create the Motorcycle that you want in 2024.

Thank you all for all the business and I continue to push the proverbial envelope in more parts and some special one of Motorcycles that I will be selling too.

Here is a movie ya might want to watch whilst you are off for a few days.

Another movie if you have a Rainey day and want something to help the wet weather get by faster.

Moto Guzzi Service today

Posted on May 27, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 May

I get all sorts of machines in from time to time that need a service or other little jobs, I like these as it changes the day and keeps you updated on other machines. it is always nice to sample opther Motorcycles and these Moto guzzis are gracious machines that have a ton of History, unless you have ridden one of these, V twin opposed motors have their own transfer when you down shift and will feel strange at first as you feel the torque of the motor go from right to left as you accelerate and decelerate.

Today was the turn of the Italian steed, this 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 needed new tires and the fluids changed and I got right into it, seeing as it was a fantastic day here in La Miirada.

Fun thing is, the service manual is all in Italian, so after a little research from everything to Moto Guzzi website, you tube and forums, I had enough information to get this done in a timely fashion too.

Similar to an automobile set up, nothing easy on this, to drain the gearbox, you have to make a paper funnel shoot, else the oil will just pour out under the bike and over the frame, so I made a funnel and all was well. Albeit a little fiddly, but after a while, gravity helped me out.

Then there is no sight glass, you check the level from the side bolt and as soon as oil starts to seep out, then thats the level. Same goes for the drive shaft too, very antiquated but does the job and this is now all buttoned up and ready for a test run. These are fun machines, and have Linear power, a great center of gravity and smooth transition in gear shifting.

Costa Rican Aeronautical Cafe machine is right on the money.

Posted on December 23, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Dec

Nowadays, thanks to the rich volcanic soil, Costa Ricas well-known for its gourmet coffee beans with the famous Tarrazú considered among the finest beans in the world. Along with bananas, coffee might just be the most famous Costa Rican export. As well as exporting many farm grown fruits, there are small pockets of this part of the world that from a Motorcycle building perspective, that are absolutely mind blowing.

So, if you have a map and you want to know a very cool place to visit in Guanacaste, well there is an international airport located in this Tropical Paradise and not far from Gian Maria Traversone, where this man of many talents and interests is planted.

When Phileas Fog decided to circumnavigate the world in 80 days, he missed out one of the many wonders of the Motorcycle world when he took that trip,albeit over a hundred and 30 years to early, this would of been a fantastic stop in the Golden beach Blessed area of Guancaste.

If you are lucky enough to stumble across GMT Atelier, you will see a workshop that has a Plethoria of engineering skills and samples of epic proportion of Restored Classic cars and of course Motorcycles. With his talented crew Esteban and Robinson It’s also where he race preps his Lancia Delta S4 for vintage rallies. Yip, Gian’s a rally driver too…

Gian has many strings to his bow and I am sure he could play many Harmonic tunes to the sound of success in his long learned experience as a Builder, Designer, Rally driver and of course a pilot too.

So, we begin with the ride, and as Gian is a Mad aircraft aficionado- he wanted to create an aviation-inspired 1982 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Cafe bike and use all his experience in creating a eye catching machine that even I would love to have back in my Garage here in La Mirada California.

There has been ton’s of Aircraft inspired Motorcycles, some are pretty awful, but many have great design and style, but this machine is on another level, and I mean at 30.000 feet.

This bike has Attitude and Altitude and I love all the work that has gone into creating such a eye pleasing mode of transport and, if you cannot see that this guy is a Pilot, or at the very least, loves planes, then I am afraid its a lost cause for you.

The rear seat Cowl was hand made using high quality Resin and Fiberglass matting and this has some lovely lines to accent the Gas tank too.

Take a look at the seat upholstery, not the standard Flat seat you see so many of, time and creativity paid off big time as that Worn look is not Faux, it is the real thing, using an old Leather jacket for the Medium, Bravo Sir! Bravo!

The subtle lines are just really flowing and take a look at the Gas tank, this was hand formed to made the Knee recesses just right and follows the lines of the bike and tapers in a streamlined fashion, to the same contours as a planes fuselage, thats no easy task and I for one know how hard it is to get this right, many hours of nail bleeding arm aching bashing with a hyde hammer to get anywhere near, then to Plenish it with an air tool l to get anywhere near this complex form, is just great to see.

The bike is a good looking Platform anyway to create as a Caff Bike, I have only owned a couple but back home in the UK the parts were Bloody expensive so I chose to go with the Honda’s for affordability but- all that said the Guzzie is such a smooth riding machine, its a brilliant bike to ride and takes no real strength to ride, so understand Gians interest in this Italian Stallion.

Some New 14.5 inch aluminum and Black rear coil overs with a stiffer preset were chosen and then the Original Rims looked cool anyway, Gian decided to just change the Tires, this was done using some stock Michelin tires and then lettering they’re sporting Pirelli P Zero logos, as that goes back to the Racing days.

To give this machine a little more aggressiveness, Gian changed the Rake of the frame at the front by cutting at the neck, changing the degree and then gussetting and strength welding back again, this gives a way better look and will fall into the Corners a little easier as well. That’s a time consuming job and done correctly as geometry is key to any motorcycle and remember, Moto Guzzi spent many many hours in the RNR room getting the right angles for this machine for a Road ridden machine, so Kudos to Gian for having a go and getting it right on the money.

The brakes were all replaced, Calipers rebuilt and the use of Aircraft brake lines make sure this Aeronautical Twin Disc Caff machine stops in a short time when needed.

Now onto the Power plant, The V2 Four stroke motor was removed and this was then boxed up and taken to Team Guzzi Motobox—specialists in Spain who prepare Le Mans engines for endurance racing. They treated it to a head job, and rejetted the carbs. Back home, Gian Fabricated a set of Old School free breathing new mufflers,Then Coated them with high temp paint in Traditional Black, then added a pair of velocity stacks with built-in filters to the Carbs etc. He also modified the intakes to get the carbs to sit at a better angle aesthetically.

Once back together, Gian and the team re configured the wire harness, as the stock version has so much spaghetti, that it needed to be changed for a more easy to understand set up and also to keep everything basic and what is only needed, no fancy buzzers and whiz bangs here, then the New Lithium Lightweight Battery was added but this time it was moved from the stock location to be hidden behind the bulky transmission.

Having a closer inspection, I only notice on the electrical side that there is a front headlight but I do not see a tail light or turn signal location, so maybe a back to basics set up but If I do see anything else I shall add it n the blog, but take a look at the cockpit area, its very minimal with a couple of Custom micro switches to get this Motorcycle functioning as he wants it to.

The speedometer is a classic all the way, an actual Air Speed dial in Knots that was from an aircraft and to make this work it correctly the team fabbed up an old air speed style conical Nozzle to allow the correct CFM to enable the speedometer to read the correct amount of flow to give the correct amount of speed, no easy calibration task but the gang pulled that one off and it is as Aeronautical as you can get.

As you can see the uncluttered top end is great, using modern master Cylinder, some cool Clips on and new grips to follow the seat style and of course on the gas tank a New Monza cap was fitted to make sure it shows a little more Italian Racing.

Now, bring me onto the gas tank-Gian looked to the Italian Navy’s acrobatics squad—Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale—for the Moto Guzzi’s final finishes. The Navy insignia in the place of the ‘O’ in the logos on the sides of the tank is an obvious hit, but the paint job’s also littered with warning messages and markings you’d find on planes.

Take a closer look at the tank, and you’ll notice that it’s adorned with some pretty unusual graphics—the maneuver diagrams that PAN pilots keep in their cockpits while performing. A tattoo artist friend of Gian’s applied these using a transfer process. Boy did they pull off a superb set up, this just screams Aircraft and so nice to see a different graphic style to the many out there, making this a unique paint design that you will not see in many places I am certain.

I am not sure on what the time scale was on the creation of this 1982 Italian Road hugging caff machine but I tell you, it was worth it all, and with a New Set of rear sets added, the riding stance is now bang on to math the raked front end, I would dearly love to ride this around and I am Jealous in a good way to have seen this motorcycle build.

The bike was taken to an old crop Dusting hanger to give that whole Aircraft feeling and boy does it catch the moment.

Thanks to Bike EXIF for the photos and maybe one day when we head out to Porto Rico, we can drop in on the Crew at GMT Atelier and see this Motorcycle and all the other great Nostalgic bikes and vehicles as well as old planes etc. Great Job mate I loved it all.

Merry Christmas to all my Customers and friends around the world, I hope you have a fun time at Christmas and maybe even get out on your Motorcycle to get the tinsel and Christmas wrapping out of your hair.

Girl Meets Bike Movie very strange Independant Movie

Posted on September 12, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

12 Sep

I am all for Movies that have motorcycles in and saw this a long time ago but I cannot find the whole movie but, here is the trailer and thought that you may want to see this on Two Wheel Tuesday.

Instead of a wedding dress, the girl buys a motorbike that not only becomes her great love, but also the mount on which she embarks on the most difficult journey – a journey in search of herself.

A motorbike for an average citizen and consumer of pop culture is an attribute of individuals in one way or another socially maladjusted. Or it involves aggression and crime (bad gangs in sensational movies usually appear on black motorcycles) or is a tool of unrealistic and doomed to fail, a utopian escape from reality (as in the movie Easy Rider). Eric Tretbar, an American independent filmmaker, screenwriter, filmmaker and filmmaker, inspired by the story of his acquaintance who, after divorce, re-emerged with a motorcycle, has created an authorial, artistic film about a woman who finds the courage to search for his own way and life according to your rules.

Thus, he broke three stereotypes at the same time. The first, common in the cinemamainstream: women rarely do so (and usually, punished and repentant, they give up this way). The second: that in an artistic film can not show motorcycles. And third: that a motorcycle movie can not be artistic.The announcement of “Girl Meets Bike” appeared in the summer of last year on the MotoRmania portal . It raised a lot of interest, as well as some fears that the film would not duplicate the stereotype of a girl who does not have a machine and rescues her male colleagues. Not wanting to bet too much, I will mention only that since the plot deals with the beginning of a motorcycle adventure, it is not surprising that the freshwater does not deal with everything from the beginning, but the matter does not end there.

The main character, Kat, is not the only motorcyclist in this story …

The story of the rise of “Girl Meets Bike” also proves that thanks to human kindness and support, even in times of commercialization, beautiful projects can be created. Eric Tretbar finished photography in the summer and sought funds for post-production. This was achieved through the idea of social funding. On the Kickstarter portal, 182 people have declared their willingness to support the film, and since it has managed to raise the required 10,000. dollars, work on editing, sound, music could move on.

The supporters will receive a DVD with the film (when they are finished) , as well as various gadgets, such as original shirts (repainted with a garage method and packed for shipping in a small author’s room;) Eric emphasized that the fabrics and paints are non-toxic and the manufactory wind energy).

Low budget independent films rarely have language versions, but different volunteers undertake the translation of the film, it will have subtitles in Spanish, French, and even Chinese! Actor Ralf Schirg, who plays one of the main figures – Martin, has translated the dialogue into German. On the other hand, a team composed of Polish competitor Gymkhana Oscar Kubicki, Magda and me, created a Polish version of the inscriptions. Eric Tretbar, a fan of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s work, would also like to see the film on a big screen in Poland, so we hope to meet at the cinema. MotoRmania has offered the media patronage of this beautiful initiative.

Unfortunately, the premiere scheduled for the end of November has now been postponed to April-February – a lot of trouble has spawned a hurricane paralyzing New York City, which houses copyrights and recording studios where music was to be recorded (in the garage of the sixties R & B ).

(105 min / USA) – A high school shop teacher buys her first motorcycle with her wedding dress money, leading her away from her controlling fiancé into a new circle of motorcycle friends who are attracted but threatened by her new found freedom. As she learns to ride, she must interpret their offers of riding advice: are they subtle forms of control? Or crucial knowledge, without which she might get herself killed? (GirlMeetsBikeMovie.com)

License

Standard YouTube License

Music

“Wisdom” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre

Glemseck 101

Posted on September 11, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

11 Sep

Our definition of the Glemseck 101 after eleven successful rounds:

The Glemseck 101 is a European »motorcycle happening« taking place in Germany with tens of thousands of visitors, guests and participants who represent the full range of the motorcycle scene and who live the »Spirit of the 101« for three entire days.

In Round 12, for three days and two hot nights, we will again revive this special »Spirit of the 101« for with loud, powerful sounds and full throttle. 2017, you will again find a grand stand at our legendary 1/8 mile and for the individual 101-sprints we are realizing new ideas – with exciting and spectacular bikes from throughout Europe plus their brands and designers. The Glemseck 101 in its 12th round will once again be »THE European Bike Festival« and »the place to be« – a happening of the wildest and best bikes, personalities and brands throughout the bike scene.

Make your own mind up, but looks like fun.

We need to have a 3 day weekend like this, on some private land where you can tun 1/8th mile and have some fun sprint racing.

Bung a few hay bales up and some speakers to let the public know who is racing what machine and where they have traveled from etc, would be a great idea.

So here are some photos that Marco Latorre took of the 2017 event in Germany.

looks like they have it every year and the meet gets bigger and bigger, one of these days I hope to travel to this as I get invites from time to time.

Just the sound of different engines revving and then taking off, whipping through the gearbox would be a cool thing to see and hear.

There could be all sorts of classes to make it fun and give you the opportunity to wring the neck out on your ride against somebody like minded.

Have a look and see what you lot think, looks like a win win to me.

I think if we ran something like this in Oct/November would be perfect as it will be overcast and not too hot.

I shall be doing a little investigating on what it would take to organize a meet such as this as I truly believe there would be plenty of interest in such an event for motorcycles.

So Monday I thought that at least you could look at a few pics and below there are a few videos to get your week off to a good start.

Drop me a line if you have any ideas too, the more the merrier. carpy@carpyscaferacers.com

I had better get back into the garage and knock some work out, have a great week everybody and hope you enjoy another Blog on here.

Meet Up with us through out the year and Ride.

Posted on September 7, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

07 Sep

Well, I have had a meet up for a few years now, we try and find great places to visit and ride there, it usually a fun event or something you do not often see, anyone can come out with us and thought I would share it on here, you can see the link to the meet up below.

https://www.meetup.com/Carpys-Cafe-Racer-Meetups/

I love 2 and 4 wheeled vintage stuff and if you like things from Vintage bikes, Chris Craft Boats to ww2 Airplanes, then this is the meet for you to take part in, no attitude, just great days or mornings out and something to look forward too.

So if you know of a great place to visit, i.e, a Museum, Motorcycle shop or venue, Custom car show etc, then drop us a line and we may make a big ride out of it.

Nobody races, so if you want to get your elbows in the tarmac, then carry on and we shall meet you there, we have a great bunch of people, Male and Female and different styles of bikes, but all have the same interest. Motorcycles, and if you like the same thing, we are going to get on well. A Mixture of professions too, from Teachers to Dental Specialists, thats what makes us so entertaining.

No attitudes at all. so come have have fun and see some interesting places, I am sure you will return for more.

People always seem to be happy and enjoy the ride to where ever we end up, so if you want more and even know of some cool places to check out, let us know.

You can call or even Tex me on 714-598-8392 when ever you like too.

East Side Moto Babes show

Posted on August 1, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

01 Aug

Well, Riding motorcycles has always been a massive part of my life, I also support many Motorcycle events and wanted to support my Girlfriend Jennifer as she rode to LA, to the Peterson Museum to attend East Side Moto Babes event that is trying to raise awareness to Homeless Women.

This event is benefiting the Downtown Women’s Center and their mission is:

The Mission of the Downtown Women’s Center is to provide
permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community
fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability,
and to advocate ending homelessness for women.

For women living on the streets or in night-to-night shelters, our drop-in Day Center provides a respite from the rigors of the street while also providing essential services.

East Side Moto Babes, established in 2010 in Los Angeles, is an all-female motorcycle club that rides and races motorcycles.

By encouraging and promoting camaraderie and community between female and male riders alike we build skills, confidence, and bonds that extend all over the world.

We challenge stereotypes and build bridges through our events and rides that promote safe riding practices. By being inclusive we encourage others to come along for the ride which for us is more about challenging oneself, facing fears, personal courage, and empowerment.

The ride down to LA was a bumpy one, the 5 freeway is not a friend of ANY 2 wheeled machine and my vertebrae thanked me later when I got home.

But there was a cool turn out, music was blasting, people were chatting and food was cooking, with Many Vendors offering their wares too, this made out to be a really fun get together and ALL for a super cause.

http://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/

Plenty to see, and do, it was great to see so many women who ride Motorcycles, I am always pushing to see more girls on machines and today was really a good vibe going and of course a very worthy cause at the end of the day.

http://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/ is the website address and if you want to Simply Donate, or even become a volunteer in this worthy Organisation then this is the place to get all the information, I cannot emphasize the importance of being homeless and even more so for women, please try and help in anyway you can bu either donating, organizing fund raisers or just awareness of this, it will make the world just a little bit more happier. http://www.downtownwomenscenter.org/volunteer

It was a Blast and I thank you for letting me be a part of this great event and thanks to everyone that donated

today.

So ride safe everybody and thanks for reading my Blog.

59 Club O.C. takes a Ride out to Palas Verdes July 9th.

Posted on July 12, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

12 Jul

Well, July came in fast and Hot, so hot infact I wasn’t too sure if I should jump on the Trumpy but once I slung on My leather jeans and boots, I knew I was committed to doing this ride and to be honest, even though it was crazy Hot here in La Mirada, we were riding to the coast and will at least get some Sea Breeze to help us cool down.

I really enjoy going out and riding with a bunch of friends and today was no exception.

So, we pulled the Triumphs out, I fueled up early in the Morning, Jenn went off and got hers whilst I lubed my chain, checked tire pressure and did a visual inspection on my Thruxton, as everybody should really do when they are going on a ride. Once that was completed, we waited for Tim Albright who is a mate of ours, and is a 59 Club member as well as living just up the road from us, soon as he pulled up, we got ready to make the trip to the Meet up, of which that was a few miles up the road at a Burger joint.

Plenty of people turned up for this July ride and was great to see some Newbies that had seen our posting for a ride and have them come hang out and see what the 59 Club is all about.

Fellow Brit Brendan Cowman turned up on his Thruxton Ace, he is originally from Birmingham and an Aston Villa fan, I cant hold that against him though. LOL.

We all made sure we had fuel and discussed quickly the route that we would be taking, going to Palas Verdes will be a nice change and, even though it was hot as hell right now, I knew the sea air would be a lot cooler as we got closer to the beaches etc.

Jennifer lead for a bit and I was super stoked to see her take the lead, its fun to see everyone having fun, we had fun right out of the Bat as Amanda forgot her license, so whilst she went and got that, we got ready and then left a few minutes later and turned up outside her house, such a blast as I am sure the neighbors must of wondered what the hell was going on as 16 riders pull up on Triumphs and Moto Guzzi and stop outside Amanda’s house.

Soon as we did that we took a couple of pics and made our way to the cooler part of SoCal, even if it was only a couple of degree’s, it would make all the difference., the ride was pretty hot to start of with but the closer to the Sea you got, the better the air was becoming, something I think we all needed with this crazy weather pattern we have now.

The ride was fun as we took side streets and only got separated for a few seconds as having 16 riders can take the road up and the traffic lights caught us out, but being an organised club, soon as they notice missing riders, the main group pull over to wait for us. It worked out really well and enjoyed the ride through the back streets, although long beach was an eye opener but fun none the less.

We rode up past terminal island and into Palos Verdes, the smooth winding Coastal roads were a nice change, although we did have a huge Van going slow for a few miles, but laughing at the people playing Gold at Trumps place made it worth while.

We stopped off in this parking lot opposite the sea and found a really cool Pub that was tucked in the corner of a bunch of Nail salons etc, called OFlahertys Tap House and boy was it a fun little Bar, the Barman was a great laugh and made us all what we wanted, we stayed there at least 90 minutes, soaking up a few suds and having some food, looking at old Platinum albums and cassette tapes in frames and vintage guitars, it suited the barman who was with out a shadow of a doubt an old school headbanger.

Although Steve Fellon Below looked like he had one too many! LOL!

It made for a superb stop to be honest and gave us some time to cool down and have a chine wag with everyone, and after a couple of Lager Shandys, I was ready to get back on the Tarmac once more and have a fun ride back.

There were 16 Riders and it was a good turn out, everyone was great, no issues and no break downs, and as we went up through the twisties I took a video or two just to keep and show later on.

A fun day out and more to come as we head on into the riding year with many great places to visit.

We always have fun, no pressure, no attitude, just a great time with all.

If you want to come and ride with us sometime, always check out our schedule at:

https://www.meetup.com/Carpys-Cafe-Racer-Meetups/

Thanks for looking and if you need any more info, you can drop me a dime at.

714-598-8392 Text or call.

or email at:

carpy@carpyscaferacers.com More than happy to help.

Thanks again for reading my Blog today.

Jacks Hill Cafe Ton Up Day

Posted on October 15, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Oct

Well today, I thought I would add a video of Jacks Hill Cafe Ton Up Day, always a good turn out there in rain or snow.

Located in Towester in Northamptonshire, this place has always been a Regular stop for Motorcycles and Trucks, known to us in the UK as a real “Transport cafe” Jacks Hill has seen so many Ton Up machines over the years, if you put them wheel to wheel, I am sure it would circumference the world many times over.

This building Originally built in 1850 – Owned by Mr. Ridgway of Ridgway’s Tea, it then became a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) hospital providing medical assistance during World War 1, before being demolished following a fire around 1930.In 1945, following a severe snow storm where Towcester was marooned, travellers along the main thoroughfare sought refuge at Jack’s Hill (or the newly built ‘mansion house’ as it was known). The owners tended to the travellers with teas, coffees and overnight stay. It is thought this was the origin of the cafe before it then became one of the Tower Cafe group.

If you are ever in the area, pop in, the people are awesome and has a wonderful atmosphere.
I have been there many times on my Motorcycle, as I rode past there either as a Dispatch rider or with the lads going to a Motorcycle show.
A number 1 one stop if you are touring in Britain as well as the Ace and Busy Bee etc.

If you are wanting great food and service, as well as some cool history, then you have to drop by, have a cuppa, buy a shirt and enjoy the Nostalgia.

Jacks Hill Transport Cafe
A5, Watling Street
Towcester
Northamptonshire

In more recent times, the cafe has been used not only as a backdrop for the BBC‘s Top Gear, but also as the venue for an edition of Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge! It also featured on both the BBC‘s Songs of Praise and Timeshifts.

Help Support this Historic Venue.

Oh yes, Love the “Special they have on the menu Tonight”

We have Grilled Lambs Liver on the menu tonight 15 OCTOBER 2015 AT 3:33 PM

59 Club Ride to Mount Baldy.

Posted on May 23, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 May

Well, I got to the shop this morning and looked at the clouds, they seemed to be as Grey as our Economy, but, being a Motorcyclist and from the Mother country, I have grown up with this despondent looking weather and knew that what ever happens, we will ride today.

So, we met up at Aleas cafe as planned and even though everyone was texting us NOT to ride, we thought to hell with it, if its bad, we simply turn back, so we all gathered outside Aleas for our Morning ride to mt Baldy.

A nice little turn out, despite the weather and we were all eager to get going and see what Mother Nature could throw at us, but I was looking forward to it immensely.

So, with an eye on the weather, we all suited up and got ready to ride out to mt Baldy and with Gray clouds moving quite fast and our way, we wanted to just ride and see what happens.

Once we got through the 57 freeway and Bare leading, he got all discombobulated and we ended up going back on ourselves a few times, but we got to the 210 freeway and got off at Azusa and boy is it nice up there, with plenty of curvy bends and a 5000 feet elevation, this was sure to be an interesting ride.

Anthony on the left was a New rider on a Stock Thruxton, so I kept behind for the upward journey just to check he was ok, he rode fine and I told him not to think speed is key here.

After a few miles, the lads pulled over to let the slightly slower riders catch up, it was also good to have a chin wag and check out the environment as it sure was fresh out here as the temps were in the 40’s.

The weather had not changed and I could see low clouds in front of us so I was expecting some Fog at some stage but what ever we find will be a great experience for the lads.

Ok, we saddled up again as the clouds were coming in thick and fast and we had a long way to go, so it was now time to get together and just make our way up the mountain.

Well, My FOG light came in really handy today and was super stoked to be able to use it to its fullest capability and let people know we are on the road as it was thick fog!

We had 2 mishaps, Dietricks bike slipped away from him on the Median and also bare completly came off his bike and landed on the floor, but he shook it off and we picked him up.

What we call “Pea Soup” back home and this was as far as we could go to be honest as visibility got down to about 3 feet and at 5000 feet up and wet, not a good thing.

Plenty of fire trucks and Paramedics were over shooting where we were parked and we redirected them to where all the other Emergency vehicles were heading, just hope they were all on the same call.

Matt, James and Anthony survey the area and for Anthony and Matt this was a first experience of what I would call ” European weather” But great experience for them.

So, we decided to go back down the mountain and ride another way back, as it was pretty wet up here and the roads were getting a little slippery and of course zero visibility.

We redirected the Ambulance as they missed the turning but after even 10 seconds after the paramedics left us, you could not even make out the flashing lights in the fog!

Only 20 feet away and losing sight of the Ambulance, so that was a prefect indicator for us to jump on our machines and head down the mountain, to drier area.

Mike and I wait as the rest of the lads get ready to jump back on their machines and we head down to warmer climates but it was so quiet up there it was eerie!

Plenty of great scenery to look at as you ride down the mountain and I really enjoyed my self today, nothing like getting on your motorcycle and clearing your head.

We all pulled over by Azusa canyon and waited for everybody to catch up, before we heading onto another part of Mt baldy as there is plenty to ride and the weather was better here.

A great shot at just some of the bikes that were part of our entourage today and want to thank them all for coming out and taking a chance on the weather today.

We pulled off at the top of another great area and it was such a really cool view, Plenty of places to ride up here but the Fog was up on the next ridge, so we rode another way.

Miles and miles of Canyons and nice to see it is still green up here, it feels good to be out in the California countryside and these sights are everywhere here for all to see.

Road does narrow in places and, as the sign says, it so narrow that there is no divider line so be careful when you are up here as people are hauling arse some days.

So, the road ahead is the one that we voted on taking as that brings us to the bottom of the mountain but plenty of curves and switch backs, many almost caught me out!

You can see one of the roads that people travel on, and I really did enjoy what these roads threw at us, but you must also be awre of rocks and Dirt that fall onto the road too.

Time to get back on the machines and travel down the hill and get some grub at the end of the run, well deserved thats for sure.

James Matz cool Yellow Trumpy enjoyed the Twisties today and I think everybody became a little more road wise after the ride and thats always a good thing.

Anthony did extremely well today as a Newbie and I am so glad he chose to come out with the 59 club and get involved with motorcycling that we do here in the O.C.

What an awesome sight as we pulled over to take in the View, and the dam is clearly visible atop this ridge and a good stop to be able to take a photo to show you lot.

So, next time you go out for a ride and you are in So-Cal, try out Mt baldy as it has many roads and curves that you will enjoy as much as we did, what a blast lads, Thanks.

look us up at www.meetup.com for many more rides that the 59 Club O.C. will be doing, be great to have you aboard.

Below is some photos that I had on my other camera and took briefly and wanted to share, I love riding with everyone and making new acquaintances and sure look forward to meeting some of you who are reading this Blog.

This where we finished up after the ride and boy was a brilliant time, I actually enjoyed the cold and the Fog, as it reminds me of home and how lucky we are here in Southern California when we have Tee Shirt weather most of the year round.

A fun bunch to hang out with and we clocked up over 100 miles today so a big hats off to you all for daring to come out when everyone else said dont do it, we conquered!

The roads were pretty good today, a few higher up had surface moisture on it and of course, the road up in the clouds were wet, but halfway down was great fun and I loved it.

It was a brilliant time as far as I was concerned with plenty of Triumphs sprinkled in for good measure, sure looking forward to some more rides, so keep checking the site.

This was the very end of the ride but to get to this point, you had to negotiate some cool twisties and switch backs and I loved every minute of this ride on my Thruxton.

I just took photos here and there to try and show what was at the ride and who was there, as many of you email me to say you look at the blog with interest, so here you are.

BS Corner, where we swap stories on how bad ass it was to the ” oh my Arse was in my mouth” part of the ride, that was my part I think and it was true !

I am sure looking forward to future rides with you all and hopefully many more people that want to become part of the 59 club as it is all about having fun and getting on the road.

My Wing Man Big D- he loved the ride on his 904 cc Thruxton and the camaraderie is second to none, which makes this all the more to having many events and rides.

The Highlight and headlight of the day as we reach a small plateau and stop for a photo or two as this was the last part of the ride before we headed home for the weekend.

Bare- the man- the Myth and the legend, this guy has fallen off more times than a derby Jockey with vertigo, but- he gets back up and on his machine with not a care!

We try and stop at a few points, either for a photo opportunity, or to take in the great views California offers, and even just to take a breather as some of the bends certainly a wake up call.

Thats my Green Thruxton and she performed brilliantly as we took corners that were unbeknownst to me and handled it with ease, so glad I have a steering dampener though.

Seems Mike and me are always in the dirt, but doesn’t bother us a bit, a quick scrub on the road cleans them off and we are back into it like a kitten with a ball of wool!

Time for a good chinwag and laugh about the near miss we had with a push bike or just the way a corner came out of nowhere as that was heard many times today!

Ha Ha, it looks like Dietrick and James are ready to go at it in hand to hand combat, but I think it was bloody cold up there and James was warming his mitts up quickly!

The other side of that hill was a bloody massive drop, I would hate to be the fella on the wrong side of that at 100 MPH and I am sure people at some point here have done just that!

Mike surveys Big Z’s mad machine, this bike had more tricks than a Magicians hand book and the rear tire was fatter than a Sumo wrestler and sounded so crisp!

Big Z explains the size of Burrito he is going to Demolish when he gets home after this ride in the mountain, I think he will accomplish it too, big lad and great fun !

The 3 Amigo’s discuss the days events, Anthony on the left is a Newbie but a great day to learn how to take corners and bends and deal with different weather conditions too.

Matt the Trojan, this USC lad loves to ride his Bonneville all over the place and enjoyed his day out and will be looking forward to the next one thats just days away!

If you did not shut off coming up this way, its a long drop the other-side, so many places to ride up here but- don’t let the roads fool you into making you go faster.

Thanks to James, Dietrick, Zach, Mike, Matt, Bare, Tom and Anthony for coming out with me. It made my day and always fun to hang with everyone.

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