Ducati Monster Forum

This ride is 2-up friendly, but it doesn't mean that you have to have a passenger.  The point is to devote the ride to a pace that might be a bit more appealing to that special person in your life that thinks that you ride around with your hair on fire all the time.  This ride is a good one for newbies or people that want a nice cruise, too.

Safety stuff:  OK, in case you don't get it, this isn't a "balls out" type of ride unless your passenger is down wit' it, and even then I'd suggest that you try to do most of the thinking above the belt--this goes for the chicks, too.  Crashing your own sorry butt is one thing--taking someone down with you is beyond uncool and it's twice the slippery blood and guts for the rest of us to ride through.   Get your bike in shape suspension-wise for taking two people, too.  I'd like to emphasize riding "The Pace."  http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/flashback/122_0911_the_pace_nick_ienatsch/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/flashback/122_0911_the_pace_nick_ienatsch/index.html)  For those of you who want the Cliff Notes it means that you ride within your limits, your lane and the speed limit for the most part.  Wick it up in the corners, but keep it reasonable in the straights.  We do this to allow folks to catch up and to avoid tickets.  And PLEASE try to get your passengers geared up for safety and warmth as best you can.  I have an extra Aerostich that I can lend out, gloves, and a few other armor odds and ends.  And if anyone else has gear that they're willing to lend out please post up and I'll put your name on a list.  

Who's in:

1. 'Belle (lead if alone, sweep if with passenger)**
2.  Enzo/Jocelyn* (lead or sweep?)
3.  Nick/Kelly (friends of Belle/Enzo- tentative)
4. Tigre/Beckie
5. Spidey**
6. Mr. I (Somegirl can lend helmet)**
7. Desmoquattro/BikerGoddess
8. Michael Moore - can take a pillion and I can personally vouch for the smiles-per-mile goodness of the scoot.
9. smducman/his woman
10. PhoenixS4R
11. Desmostro**
12. Thunderpuppy/Pam
13. Rafa
14. Sally101
15. Meltz


*     needs gear
**   has gear to lend

MEET SPOT: Tam Junction: 247 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley  7:45 MEET, 8:15 DEPART  I know it's early, but trust me, it's worth it.  The fewer the cars the better, and the less DY passing we have to do with pillions on board.  

Brief safety speech, dividing into groups as necessary and identifying of leads and sweeps done here.

This is the basic route (the normal North Bay Loop):
Over Panoramic into Stinson Beach
BRIEF STOP Bakery just past Pt. Reyes/Petaluma Rd. (don't know the name of it, but it ain't the Bovine Bakery in Pt. Reyes.  Bathroom here.)
R at Tomales-Petaluma Rd.
R on Chileno Vly.
R on Wilson Hill.
L onto Hicks Vly Rd.
R onto Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd.
L at Nicasio Vly.
LUNCH STOP: The Cheese Factory, Nicasio (Bathroom here.)
L onto Lucas Vly. Rd to 101 and home... 101S back to SF and S. Bay.  E. Bay folks can hook up with 580E to the Richmond Bridge.

Total loop is about 100 miles, not including travel to get there--very doable for passengers.  

I've got extra gear.  And if the Blonde doesn't come, I've also got some extra girl-specific gear.

I may be in, but obviously, I'd be riding solo. I don't mind taking a passenger if there be an excess. I'll be on the little bmw, which isn't bad for a pillion.


Perhaps P would be willing to loan gear.

Sweet.  Specifically, I need a small or extra small helmet for my friend, Jocelyn.  Medium might work OK, too.  Gloves and boots are always in high demand, but not as critical.

I *might* join you on the BMW.  If we need leads then I might just go solo. 

Maybe!

It s fun , we should be in .

Pillion spot available here too. Vespa or Streetfighter - 22hp or 155 - your choice.  ;)

Happy to loan gear, bummed I can't go on the ride.  My helmets are XS.

Let's go buy a Ural.  :-*

awwww....  [laugh]  thanks for the gear offer, P.  I think I might have my friend take you up on that if I can't find something closer.

Out for the ride...likely in for the races at Chez Tigre.

sounds like much fun, but
damn, out of town.

on vaca though.
maybe next time.

I have no one to ride with, however I'd enjoy to see you guys, I'd like to attend (work permitting, will be more assuring as the date approaches)  I apologize but I have no gear to lend out.



Crazy.

Potentially out, but for a very good cause to be explained later...

Wait a sec...this is on Sunday. Scratch what I said. The very good reason may happen Saturday.

I should be back in time. Coming in Sat AM.
I've got an extra helmet SM and gloves Med  + seating for one SMALL.
Anyone got an extra sweetheart?  ;)
Hopefully I won't be loopy with jet lag, other wise I'll jump on the back with mostrobelle when she's not lookin'. (somebody's got to be the pregnant dog [cheeky])

Sounds great! I'm currently waiting for Pam's response, she's thinking about it...otherwise I can go alone or take a passenger on my multistroodle

I have a perfect condition Vanson 2 piece, size 38, if anyone needs smaller gear. I'll be in Dana Point with the Vanderkitten team for the weekend, so at least I can throw in some gear if needed.

IN!  [thumbsup]


Scratch that, I forgot I have to work that day  :( 

Have fun ya'll!
  

I'm in.  The Blonde is out.  Anyone have a chica for me? 

You can just pick one up on the street...like you did last time.

That worked perfectly.  She was cute and a great passenger.

Cool, everyone... looks like we're going to have a decent-sized group!  Will probably let the single folks head on out ahead and leave the couples to do their thing in back.  I can lead/sweep anyone of the groups. 

My biggest thing right now--- I really, really need a small/medium helmet in either the SF or Oakland area that I can borrow for my friend.  Somegirl has offered, but I need it in my hands on Sunday morning and I really don't want to go two hours out of my way to go get it.   ;D

I've got an extra helmet -- in both small and xtra small.

Small will do.  Muchas Danke.  I'll work out a pick-up time with you later. 

I have small & medium spare buckets if needed.

Thanks, DuckWrench - I think I've got it covered, but it's good to know that there's a back up.   [thumbsup]

I'm in riding solo,on my Aprilia Dorsoduro.

Early forecasts call for rain on sun.

Yeah, I'm seeing that too.   :P  We'll keep an eye on the forecast.  If it continues to look foreboding we'll push it back a week. 

I shouldn't have said anything, now it looks like rain all weekend.   [bang]

Less  [moto]
More  [drink]

Rain happens.  No biggie.  We'll move it to a week later. 

Bump... I'm reading anywhere from 70-90% chance of rain on Sunday...oh, and wind.   [laugh]  I'll keep my fingers crossed, but this isn't looking good.  I'll make the final call on the ride by Saturday afternoon. 

More importantly, is the MotoGP Viewing Party still on?

Yes!  The GP viewing is still on.  PM Tigre for exact info, but I'm assuming it's pretty loose as always.  Enzo and I plan on being over there a bit after 4 with something to toss on the grill and beverages of the unhealthy sort. 

If it does rain, and gets bumped to next week, I'm in.

I'm not sure I can wait til 4 to watch it if we're not riding earlier. 

There's always Ace Cafe.

Rain? Dang... Hey Ive got a gig in Fairfax anyway...Maybe next week?

With dark clouds looming outside my window and a solid call of 80% chance of rain tomorrow I think the ride is off.  We'll move it exactly one week back.  Same time, same place.  Tigre is still hosting the races - see first post. 

Sorry everyone!  We'll see you next week hopefully.   [thumbsup]

Maybe put CANCELLED or RESCHEDULED in the title?

Yah.  Done.

What time at Ace?

They're showing 125s at 10AM, Moto2 at 11:15, then playing by ear on showing either the MotoGP race or WSBK Valencia. I think those times are live.

Official start time on viewing is 5pm.  We'll start grilling and drinking at 4pm.  If you were to watch live, the race doesn't come on until ~1pm-ish local (evening race in Qatar).

I bought 6 hamburger patties and 4 italian sausages (and as many buns).  I stocked up a bit on beer.  I have some chips and salsa.

Depending on how many folks want to eat/drink -- we may need more, but can augment with the corner store down the street.

PS -- check out qualifying results -- looking forward to the race!

Cheers,
Tiggy

Steve...are you going to Tivo Moto2 as well?

In.
Back fron the rest of the planet, bring beers  [beer]

I was trying to save electrons, but since you asked...  Yep, I'll nab that, too.  It doesn't come on until later, so it can only be watched if people maintain consciousness.

I'm probably gonna watch it live at Ace in a few.

Good call on the ride...it started coming down over here about 45 minutes ago.  I'll see some of you at Tigre's place later on.   [beer]

I'll see whomever over at Tigre's at 4...

I'm gonna bring some extra sausages and buns.

I've got hummus and pita chips...because there won't be quite enough stink in there with two cats and a room full of dudes full of beer and pork. 

Is that like Doritos for furners?!?  Keep all that French surrender food to yerself, wuhmun. 

You want orange food, too? Cuz I can pick up a bag of something processed, dyed and full of transfat if we want. 

Thanks, Tigre, for hosting the races.  I'm very full and hoarse from yelling...good racing.   [thumbsup] 

Looking forward to next Sunday's ride. 

Good times  [thumbsup]

Although next time it'd be great if we actually had the race ready to watch :)

Sorry I had to leave early, but I did my fair share to screaming at home for WSBK 2 and MotoGP.

Thanks for hosting, tigre.  Lots o' meat was served.   [thumbsup] Suggestion:  next time record the races beforehand.  There's this Tivo thing I can tell ya about if you're interested. 

Well with any luck the weather will at least be decent for the weekend, as it's the last before I go on call for the week.  Can't answer the phone/can't ride :(   lol

In... Pending weather.

Just me, no cupcake...  [moto]

BTW: Sally101 -- is that someone lighting a cigarette off a light saber in your avatar?

I think I'm in!

Of Course! How do you light yours?  ;D

List updated; ride still going ahead as scheduled.  Spidey, I'll be coming by for that helmet on Thursday or Friday.  Will confirm later. 

Bring wimmenz.  We make pRon video.  Sell lots.  Split 50/50.  Then buy more Ducatis.   ;D

Does Jocelyn need any other gear?  We've got pants, overpants, jackets, gloves, boots, etc.  

I'm in if it's dry & not too freezin'.  Forecast looks good.  Just 1UP though.

Should be dry, probably will be "brisk" weather regardless of how nice the day turns out to be.  At that hour and that location that's how it goes.  Dress warmly and/or layer up.  First post updated.   [thumbsup]

I will probably see you roll through Pt Reyes and/or up in Tomales, but probably won't make it out early enough to join you in Tam Junction.  Have fun if I don't see you.  Wheelie for safety! 

It sounds like there will be 2-3 groups:  a two-up/slow group and a faster group and maybe another slow group as well.

How about a 2-up fast group...otherwise known as the brown underwear group?

                         ll
                         ll
                         V

Not that it matters, since I'll be one-up anyway...hopefully on a new bike ;D

We'll see what people want to do, but my thinking was that one group wouldn't be 30 minutes ahead of the other(s).  Not a big deal, so if there is a contingent that just wants to go crazy, then maybe we'll just use the ride origin as a gathering spot, but then you guys take off and do your own thing.  It's too hard to keep track of everyone otherwise.  I need to hang back a bit with the slower groups, because I've got friends coming out for this in those groups. 

And since the subject is sort of coming up here: I've had a person or two pass me (the leader) without earlier notification or warning to go riding with a faster group up ahead on a couple of my chill rides.  Lame--Super-lame.  That's crap riding, quite frankly.  Don't show up for a tame paced cruise if your plan is to pull that kind of thing after the ride leader has specifically asked you not to do that.  It's really not that hard to state your intentions prior to executing ass-hattery.  I was going to wait to say that during the initial safety talk, but since the probability of it looks to be increasing here I thought I'd toss it out.  I don't mind a bit of clownin' around in a smaller group with folks who are familiar riding with one another and abilities are more evenly matched--but this isn't that kind of ride. 

Don't mean to pick on you at all Joe, but you gave me a good spot to air my grievances with past rides.  ;D You've basically stated that you want to stretch the new horse's legs and I have a feeling that you're going to get some company out there.  You want to take responsibility for this quicker group? 

I'm not too worried about stretching the new bike's legs...if I have it by then ;D

Happy to lead a group if that develops...on either the Supersport or the new bike [thumbsup]

Excellent.  Thank you, Joe.  One less issue I need to worry about.   [thumbsup]

Well, the good news is that I have a definitive answer as to what's been plaguing my bike all winter.  The bad news is that I don't have a ride for Sunday unless someone wants to dump a new starter in my bike over the next couple of days.  Not a big deal hopefully, since this *is* a two-up ride, I can hop on back with someone I assume?   ;D  Is anyone coming from East Bay/Oakland area by chance?  If not, I'll be caging it to Tambux. 

I'll take you, snookums.  [cheeky]  I'll even come over there and get ya if ya need.  I get up at baby hours anyway.

Oh dear lord... I'm wearing YOUR helmet if I'm riding with you.  Perhaps it will be incentive for you not to crash.   [laugh]

(You do know that we need to leave here by, like, 6:45/7:00 right?  And that means you'll be leaving your house at 6:15 to come get me?  I'll buy you a whole cup of coffee at *bux as a thank you, but I won't hold you to it.  That's ass-early.)

If I happen to get my new bike Sat, you're welcome to ride the Supersport Sunday. It's a fantastic 2-up bike.

You can still ride.. We'll just bump start ya.. no big  ;)

Belle, you're welcome to ride my monster. Or we can do 2-up on the Vespa like last year. Or was that too terrifying an experience to repeat?  ;)

I'm fine with bump-starting the bike, but we've got a few stops...and unless y'all want to push me a bunch then that's not really reasonable.  Besides, bump-starting on old, cold 944 on a cold morning is damned near impossible.  I'm hoping to drop the old girl off at the shop today.  Changing the starter out is a bit of a bear as it involved removing a case cover and getting behind the alternator or something like that.  I need to find a starter somewhere.  IIRC they can be expensive fresh from the factory. 

Thanks for all the offers of two-uppin'.  I might spread my cupcake around.   [cheeky]  While riding two-up isn't my favorite way to travel, it's perfect for this ride.  I had a blast last time and would/will happily go again with MM and don't mind hopping on the back of anyone else's bike.  MM, no need for another bike for the ride, but I might take you up on it for a return trip to Oakland(??) Sounds like I might have a two-wheeled way to Tambux, but I don't want to ask Spidey to go all the way back out.  We can discuss on Sunday. 

It'll be just like college.   [cheeky]

High school actually.  I only dated... well, now that I'm counting...maybe it will be just like college.   [laugh]  I married the last one I met in college, so if this ride goes that well I'll be a happy gal.   [cheeky]

Tail Chop.  Girlfriend Swap.

(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u291/enzo76/dml-shirt.jpg)

Where can I get this shirt?

My hubby designed 'em.  Just gotta get the file and go to CafePress or something like that. 

Suppose I should get off my ass and clean my bike for this run, gahahaha i've been putting it off for a long time now.

clean your chain and fill your tires to the appropriate pressure.  Everything else is gravy.

See everyone bright and early tomorrow!   [moto]

I'm already cold  ;D

Sorry guys. Very long day, and the start is a bit early for us. We need to sleep in.

sorry sweethearts... But Dang, Ive gotta work today :'(

Have some fun  [moto]

I'm heading out at 9 with a friend of mine, if you want to join with your gorgeous new toy!  [clap]

We may be a little later than that. But we might run into you guys on the road...look for the Supersport, the Scarabeo, and the streak of red and gold that vaguely sounds like a Ducati ;D

Twas fun, thanks guys/gals!

Nice riding with everyone. Gorgeous day, little to no traffic, no tickets, all good.

Thanks for organizing Belle.. I had fun.

Here are the pics! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbmoore/sets/72157623884566232)

Good to finally put faces with the names.  Already looking forward to the next one!   [thumbsup]

Mellow pace, good weather, great roads... Just a really nice chill ride.  Thanks to everyone who showed up (and didn't ride like nerds.)   [cheeky]

A big thank you to Spidey (for coming to get me this a.m.) and MM for haulin' me around all day and taxiing me home.  Way above and beyond the call of duty.   [beer]

I owe you both.  Spidey, I still have your helmet in my truck--brought it over this afternoon and there it sits.  You need it back soon or is sometime this week OK? 

Nice ride and a BEAUTIFUL day.  Marin was soooo green.  Real purty.  I was trying to set a not boring pace for the 'single' group but make sure everyone was within their comfort zone.  We had some newer riders among us and some who didn't know the route.  Hope it worked.

Thanks for organizing, mostrobelle.  Lately, the only rides I've been doing are "get-out-and-do-solid-twisties-and-don't-stop-to-talk" rides.  It was nice to hang out a bit at the stops, and with the early start, to still get back at a reasonable hour.

Good to meet new-to-me folks (some whom I may have met before) -- Meltz, Sally101, Phoenixs4r.  And great to see some long-lost faces turn up.  Yeah, I'm talkin' about you, Juan and Raf.   Funny that all the people who bailed were the two-ups.  Then again, they were the ones who had incentive to stay in bed.   ;D  Still, we had a dozen folks out there.  A good number to form into two easily manageable-sized groups. 


No rush. 

Man I was really missing a good ride already. Thanks Heather for organising such fantastic ride.. good to meet the new people, and very happy and glad to see the old friends there.... I really hope my schedule will easy up a little to enjoy riding with you guys..!!

Sweet pictures michael..!  [thumbsup]

Great seeing you and Raffie out there!  Hope you two had a good time.   :)

It was a blast,Cheer's to you Heather for putting this ride together,you couldn't have timed it better/excellent weather.Always good riding /You,MM,Warren,Evan,Steve,Juan,DrunkenMonkey,and nice meeting Meltz,Sally101,PhoenixS4R,Rebecca,and Evans pillion passenger(sorry to forget your name).

I didn't do anything...this was Steve's pillion's ride, Beckie.  I will give her the honorary screen name of "The Beckster" since she can't defend herself.  I just copy/pasted from an old ride, waited until the thermometer said 70 degree F, and rode off for some pretty mountains.  [thumbsup]  Definitely fun meeting the newer people or just catching up with them.   We need to get together for 748 parts!   [wine]  (Evan's pillion was our friend, Jocelyn.) 

OK,let me know when you're in town.