The Breakfast Club: Hendy Woods Campout

Sunday – Wednesday, 5–8 May, 2024

Pictures start here

Harry and Mike write:

Sunday:

Carl, Rob, Mike, Dan, Harry, Chris W, Thom, Marc, and Simon all arrived at the breakfast rendezvous, Giaco’s. Those who stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge viewing area (photos) were treated to Jan Koum, the Whatapp founder’s 75 million yacht motoring in under the bridge. Dan Bockmier arrived on a cute little 75 dollar scooter from San Francisco to join us in San Geronimo for breakfast.

After breakfast, it was Goodbye to Dan and Carl, while the rest of the gang followed Simon over to highway 1, Point Reyes and up to visit his new Valley Ford ranch. Gazing at his new tractor and farkle attachments, with the price totaling that of a new 2024 BMW GS 1300, we bid adeiu and the six of us set off for sandwiches in the town of Elk 95 miles north on hwy 1.

Thom and Mark took their sandwiches back to camp while Rob, Chris, Harry and Mike enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful views Elk offered. Rob departed to Fort Bragg, leaving the three of us to travel the beautiful PhiloGreenwood road, only to be greeted at the doorstep to Hendy Woods Campground by the wonderful, friendly rangers. (Hello Morro Bay)

Tom and Mark checked into their campsite number three, while Chris, Mike and Harry checked into their campsite number six, leaving the third campsite (reserved by our MIA current boot holder), empty. Our Campground host delivered the required wood, and with sandwiches and beers consumed, the bonfire roared as the BS blazed. By 9:30pm it was tents and zippers after a fantastic day in the saddle.

Monday:

It was a bit chilly that night and morning as we had breakfast in camp, but the coffee was good. Suited up, we hit 128 where halfway we pass Rob, who makes a u-turn to join up with us for lunch ride to Fort Bragg, where he had just ridden from. After a great meal at the Mayan Fusion, directly across the street from the north Coast brewing Company, we visit Noyo harbor and peek as passing Rob’s college roommate’s house overlooking the harbor, where he stayed the previous night.

Back down 1 to Comptche-Ukiah with our annual photo shot at the Comptche store, we headed to Ukiah on Orr Springs road in hopes of replacing Chris’ old broken camp chair, gifted by Alberto at a New York Rally years ago. Rob departed the group to head home on 101, as we head to Walmart thanks to Mike’s excellent navigation skills. With a new chair tied on and a very unusual flavored bag of Doritos, we were off to 101/253, campbound. Thom and Marc in the lead, zoomed past cars heading up the twisty 253. But in doing so pass a hot headed Volvo driver that being quite upset at motorcycles passing, glued himself to Marc’s rear wheel. Harry wisely followed the Volvo, not brave enough to get in front of it.

We stopped for provisions at Lemon’s in Philo and had another great dinner in camp, with a roaring bonfire, hitting the tents again at 9:30.

Tuesday:

Harry and Chris finally got their share of Thom’s famous heartburn special chorizo and eggs, which lasts all day long. After coffee and breakfast in camp, it was kickstands up at 10:45 and out to the coast and up highway 1 to Fort Bragg where we stopped for gas and a respite from the howling headwind.

Fueled up, we continued North and found highway 1, where it curved inland, got twisty, and found to be either under construction or covered in gravel. Between white-knuckle riding in the corners, we also got stuck in two 30-minute lane closures before finally making it to 101 and the Peg House for lunch.

Giant burgers and cookies were had and while we ate, the group discussed with stopping in at Ran Bush’s house in nearby Laytonville. However, when Thom led the group away from the Peg House, he missed the turn and we beelined it down to Ukiah, where we stopped for gas.

At the gas stop, Chris asked to take a break, but Thom didn’t hear him and we carried on to 253 and back to camp again.

In camp, Thom complained that he was having trouble getting his bike into neutral on the day’s ride. Chris said it was probably his clutch cable and when the group went to inspect it, we called Fred Meyer for advice on how to fix it. (It turned out to be the clutch cable, Chris’ wise suggestion proved true)

Following Fred’s directions, we adjusted the cable, and when Thom took it for a test ride around the campground he was thrilled to find his bike able to shift precisely, until POP, just as he pulled back into his campsite the cable snapped.

A call into Ran Bush and a message went out to all the airhead riders of Northern California. Before the hour was up, we had half a dozen clutch cables on offer from as far away as San Rafael and Redwood City. But, we held out hope that the Zen House shop in Point Arena would have the cable we needed, since it was only an hour away.

We enjoyed an evening of campfire and music, all Canadian bands, and we in tents by 10.

Wednesday:

In the morning, our calls to the Zen House were returned when they opened at 10:00. But after both sides measured their cables, Thom once again, won the measuring competition and they didn’t have one that was as long as his. With that hope dashed, he called Fred back and asked for a trailer pickup, making it the second consecutive year for Thom to make his return from Hendy Woods with help from Fred.

Marco left camp first to head home, while Chris, Harry and Mike kept Thom company for another hour or two before departing for Booneville and the Redwood Cafe for lunch. After lunch the three split up to go their separate ways, Chris to Ran Bush’s, Harry to Colusa and Mike back to the Bay Area.

It was a great half-week of riding. Fred proved his value as a stand-in for AAA, and Thom made a great campaign move to winning the first repeat Boot award.

Side note:

On Friday, Chris W, Mike, and Harry regrouped at the CCBR Spring Fling, held at the wonderful river resort, Camp Lotus. We three arrived home Sunday, after a perfect week of riding, camping, good food and conversation.