Wednesday, Aug 12 2015
Chris writes:
Five riders gathered at Brother WWWobble’s place this morning. Upon my arrival Wobble and Alberto were ‘out’n under’ with Alberto’s motor. It seems ‘Mr. Clean’, aka ’ wwwobble’ didn’t like the looks of Alberto’s chain. Alberto, being the ‘wrench’ that he is, said ‘Really!’ Delay #1, chain cleaning!
A few minutes later, ‘Crash Hendricks’ arrives in a tither. He’d just dropped it on the off chamber turn onto Bunker Hill. The big city detective (good looking one too!), noticed leaking break fluid from a loose connection at the reservoir. Ergo, delay #2 to wash m/c and tighten fitting.
We got started. I was asked to lead and keep it ‘down’. Easy enough. However, we still didn’t have the ‘act together’ until about Alameda De Las Pulgas. Marcus had a loose saddlebag lid, we waited out on the freeway and were underway before it was noticed that Alberto’s saddlebag lid was flopping. Still not to Alameda De Las Pulgas yet!
Thereafter very pleasant ride to Palomares Road, to Niles Canyon, past Sunol to the water temple which is only open M-F. Brother Burns wanted to eat, ergo back into Sunol, a 5-600 yard backtrack and a great breakfast, albeit at Noon. Next, Calavaras Reservoir to Feltzer and down into San Jose after taking scenic pics at 200+’ elevation (so says Garmin). Around San Jose where everyone split-off for their respective routes home.
Pics from Chris
High up enough
We found shade
Sunol Water Temple
Alberto Studies for Exam
Crash Hendricks sits atop
Around the Calavaras Reservoir
Straightaways are few!
Dam that wire!
San Jose from 2000’
Crew at 2000’
Downtown #2
Mt. Hamilton
Notice the board sag
Alberto must add:
Okay, let us say that Brother Weld’s “telegram” report is accurate. Nothing is missing. To the point!
Now, my take of the events.
When I arrived at WWWobble’s (AKA Bob’s Service Station). Mr. Weld had already arrived. He was attempting to convince for the delivery of coffee and croissants. Which I concurred, unsuccessful on the croissants, the coffee however was superb!
Mr WWWobble had noticed that Alberto’s chain, for lack of a better term, was shameful. Yes, it is his bike and so what-da-hay, but it offended his sensibility. “Alberto, put this on”, and hands him a pair of rubber five-fingered-condoms. Tight fit, but I was okay with me. I was about to get a motorcycle maintenance lesson. Please understand that my maintenance capabilities were put to a test the first time deciding to inflate the tires by an extra 3psi. In the process I dropped bike and broke the clutch lever. How could I do that? Do not ask…. But I digress.
Bob got a rag, a chain degreaser-degunker, got down on his knees and did the first six inches of chain. ” Alberto, do the rest of the chain, just as I did”. To say that I was petrified does not commence to describe it. But, wanting to learn got the best of me… On my knees I went. Twenty minutes later… I was impressed! Next, Bob applied from a tooth-paste tube some grease. Markus gave the final admonition, “do this every 200 to 500 miles, or whenever you do maintenance”
I cannot be grateful enough. Thanks!
Just then arrives Randy Hendrix. Motorcycle does not look happy, neither does Randy. Sheepishly he announced, “Dropped the bike, guess I leaned-it more than I normally do”. After analysis we all concluded Randy had taken a turn on a cambered ramp and his engine guard hit the upper side of the road. Conclusion, rider is good (we all know that); road design could be improved. He considered bailing out of today’s ride on account of 1/2 gallon of adrenaline running through his body. Nah, tough guy he is, went over to the appointed leader and simply requested a “gentler pace”. Done!
Mr Weld impatiently announces, “well, the intended departure time will not be met”. Hmmm… We were supposed to depart at 10:00 am, “What time is it Chris? ” - 10:04 am came the reply. I will say no more, you all know the Captain’s punctuality penchant. Wonder where he acquired that?
We took the hint and, with his leadership headed out. Short lived! Markus had a saddle bag top aflappin’. We had to stop on the road were the traffic was fast flowing. (Bootable offense if you ask me! - repeat, serious bootable offense) [Ed: One of these days Alberto will learn that the Mid-Week Riders are NOT the SMBC even though many riders belong to both groups. The Mid-Week Riders don’t have a boot to award.] In little time we got back on the road…. Again, short lived! A genius was at it this time. His saddle bag was completely open! You’d imagine that after the first stop, people would learn… Yes? Not a chance!! But, this is different, not a bootable offense, not ta all. This smart-handsome-impressive individual was practicing the art of driving unbalanced. Yessiree, practicing. And as such commendable! Second time in four days his saddle bag is open… Ahh, this guy is good. (Thank you Alberto - you are welcome Alberto).
Thence, the day flows without transgressions of any kind. Brother Weld has told, in his telegram report, all events accurately.
Pictures from Alberto
Pictures from Markus
