Posted by Frank on November 21, 2000 at 06:53:35:
Ok, I left off as we were pulling out of Glendale Harley Davidson at 9:30 am. We were in the second pack to be released but as we approached Interstate 5 we were single` filed into two columns. If you've never ridden in a group (a large one at that), It can get a little intimidating. As most of us are aware, bikers are not followers by nature. Everyone started deviating from the lines and tried to find their own course. It was a lot of passing and being passed at close range. We tended to jumble up and then smooth out all the way to the freeway. We never got above 2nd gear until we entered the on-ramp. I was concerned about the abuse my clutch was taking as I feathered it in and out. With no tach on the Savage and not being able to hear my own engine, I had to rely on my indicated speed to shift. Bridge was oblivious to all of this as she was busy pulling Public Relations duty by waving at the TV cameras and the people lined up along Glendale Blvd waving back. It made me feel proud that all these bikers were participating in a good cause and getting recognition for it. Anyway, we finally pulled onto the freeway heading North for the fifty miles to Castaic Lake. As we got up on the freeway it was all bikes. We swarmed over the hapless car people that happened be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I couldn't help but think as we dominated all five lanes and probably 15-20 thousand more behind me that this was nice payback. Every day I commute to work on my little Savage and every day I'm surrounded by 3 ton cages trying to cut me off and clogging up the road way. Today, just today, the tables are turned. It was great looking in their windows and seeing the expressions on their faces as loud Harleys and other Japanese cruisers roard pass them. The look of shock was satisfying as they checked their rear view mirrors and seeing no end of us. Many just gave up and pulled over. Others tried to get a little agressive but quickly realized that was not a good idea. There was not much timidity among us. If a car got too close, others would surround the vehicle and give "not-so-friendly glares". I don't want to give the impression that this was a "mean" crowd. On the contrary, every one seemed to feel festive. There was lots of reving of engines and waving passengers. It was just a good feeling to own the road. On every overpass, people were hanging signs of thanks and encouragement. It was truly a great experience to be a part of.
We rode like this for the next twenty or so miles. Bridge and I (while trying to kick the smoking habit) wanted to pick up some smokes, so we pulled out of the mayhem and exited to a nearby gas station. Even in the gas station there were huge packs of bikers. The gas station was filled with them inside. Other bikes were riding on the side road that runs along the Interstate. As Bridge went inside to make the purchase I was thinking about the two older guys back at the starting point. While we were waiting to start back in Glendale, these two guys (must have been in their sixties) walked up and stared at the Savage. They used to ride singles back in the sixties. I forgat what brand. They could not believe street cruiser singles were still being made. They loved it and asked all kinds of questions about little suzy. I didn't see any other Savages the whole trip. If anyone else was there on this forum, let me know. Anyway, Bridge came back out and mounted up. We pulled out and headed back out on the freeway. We were at the gas station for a leat 20 minutes and still the bikes were rolling by with no end in sight. We joined back into the procession and rode the rest of the way. At some point I noticed a group (about 20 or so) riding by themselves in the slow lane. Only they weren't going slow. On the backs of their leather vests and jackets was the word "Mongols". I don't know too much about outlaw bikers. Only what I used to read in "Easy Rider" back when I was a teenager, but it was evident that they liked to stay to themselves. They were "clanish" even at the Lake. I don't think they care much for the Yuppie Harley Riders.
As we neared our destination, we started to bunch up again. With the off-ramp still over a mile away we slowed to crawl as masses of bikers began to bunch up. State Troopers were everywhere directing cars away from us and trying to get us moving off the freeway. The Savage wasn't happy at this point. Whith both of us on board and haveing to feather the clutch, I could feel the clutch heating up and slipping some. It took us about twenty minutes to finally get off the freeway. As we learched forward through the town of Castaic toward the lake, bikes lined the streets and more people were cheering us on. We finally made it too the park as ride officials checked our wrist for entry bracelets that we recieved when we turned in out donations. We were directed into the park which is very hilly. As we pulled in to park on a grass slope I looked up and down. From the top hill to the lake shore, the ground was covered in a sea of wheels and crome. It was awsome! Well, this is about it for tonight. I'll post Love Ride Part IV soon. Until then, for those of you closed up for the Winter, I hope this helps you get through it. For those of you still riding, be safe
Frank