The ride this month was relocated in search of dry roads and clear skies. At the suggestion of Rich Mample, we met at the L&M Restaurant, First Street, Livermore for breakfast.  Northern California ride coordinator, Jeff Smith, agreed to the location change and met us in Livermore. We picked up discussions carried over from our time at the welcome booth at the Cycle World show in San Mateo. I think we resolved the health care problems, but it seems that Congress is not listening.

After your editor gave directions to the 76 station for those needing to top off, we discovered it is now a Chevron Station. It still works for fueling; now I know.

Escaping Livermore into the southern wine country, we turned on the much favored Mines Road, hoping that this winter’s storms had not left too much debris on the road surface. It was clean with occasional gravel from vehicles returning to the pavement and evidence dirt from removed landslides.

The first stream crossing was shallow enough, but the second was surprisingly deep and moving fast, causing wet boots. Hopefully, feet stayed dry. Then, there was the very round one ton boulder that took up the right third of the road to get our attention. All-in-all, we arrived at The Junction in very good moods and the sun peeked through the clouds enough to warm us as we visited with a BMW RSport rider with plenty to talk about. Ownership of the Junction Saloon has changed and the schedule for opening under new ownership not yet known.

Rich decided to return home to Belmont, and Jeff Smith to Cupertino via Mt, Hamilton. Despite concerns about road conditions following the winter snows the guys found a clean road all the way. However, they did not get the warmth of the sun I found riding east down Del Puerto Canyon Road to Patterson.

The road soon narrowed and the surface deteriorated, but was enjoyable as it followed the very full creek. Just as the pavement improved, it was covered with very wet mud. Fortunately, the road was straight and it only resulted in mud spray up the rear of my Bandit. Several grazing cattle had escaped fences but none crossed my path as I covered the brake lever. Whew!

After a short lunch break, I headed up I-5 and I-580 to Corral Hollow Road for my ride west. Despite threats to close it, Carnegie California Offroad vehicle State Park was full of enthusiasts of all ages and every size of dirt motorcycle.

Leaving San Joaquin County, the road name changes to Tesla and climbs up out of the canyon on a series of easy switchbacks. Signs of civilization increase at the top and down into Livermore valley. As I passed Concannon Winery I decided it was time for coffee in downtown Livermore.

A great day riding with friends and chasing the sun. – Leonard Lloyd