September 2008
Words and Photos by Dick Zunkel
Chris Weld’s report and photos are here
Chris Weld hosted his Old Station retreat and motorcycle-touring odyssey the weekend of September 26 – 27. Chris and Bill departed early Friday with a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, then on to Pete’s restaurant in Petaluma for breakfast. They proceeded eastward across Mount St. Helena and Silverado Trail where they met up with Mike and Marie on the venerable GS 1000 at Clearlake. The trio of BMW’s continued eastward stopping in Red Bluff for provisions. Late in the afternoon they crossed the winding road of Mount Lassen and arrived at Old Station in time for R & R. About midday Dick departed from San Jose on his mega-cylinder Goldwing headed north on the boring, but speedy I-5 hoping to arrive at Old Station in time to join in the evening barbecue. His ride through Mt. Lassen National Park was spectacular in the late afternoon haze. He arrived at Old Station only a half hour after the others. The group spent the evening telling lies and burning meat before retiring.
Saturday morning’s ride began in the brisk mountain air… thirty-two degrees according to the Goldwing display. Breakfast at JJ’s with hot coffee and monster plates was mighty welcome. After breakfast Road Captain Chris led us northwestward to McCloud where we visited the McCloud museum with artifacts from the town’s lumber and railroad days. We continued in the presence of Mount Shasta through Gazelle to Callahan for a rest stop and photo op. We wandered about the Trinity Alps until we came upon the village of Etna, home of the oldest brewery in California. The beer and food menus were broad and varied. Both were “world class.” Chris led us on a loop brought us to Yreka. We explored the quaint 19th century village and came across the “Hospice Shop” where Dick made a contribution and came away with a binocular camera. We made our way back to Old Station for dinner at local Chinese eatery… mixed reviews. The troupe retired early after nightcaps.
Sunday began back at JJ’s after a vote with Mike dissenting. He thought an hour ride before breakfast was in order. With Marie nearly frozen after the short ride to JJ’s, he had to admit that maybe the hour ride before breakfast wasn’t such a good idea after all. We rode more less southward through the day that included a thirty mile stretch that should only be attempted with four-wheel drive trucks or a company car. At the end of a spectacular, but bone-shaking crossing we arrived at Route 20. Mike and Marie departed to their home in Ukiah at the Route 53 fork. Chris, Bill and Dick continued southward back through Napa wine country and joined the weekend warriors on I-80 at Vallejo. We split up at I-780 where all headed for home. A fine weekend if there ever was one. Mileage on the Goldwing clock… 1067.
callahan
mesmerized
line
ice water
mike marie
group