The ride today started out a bit ominous.  I think everybody encountered a little rain or sprinkles on the way to our breakfast place. I was the first to arrive, followed by Doug Bingham.  We grab a table inside and shortly thereafter everybody else showed up.   At breakfast there was Jack Zollar and his grandson Dieter, Susie Ellsworth, Mike Smith, Doug and myself. 

After breakfast Attila and Karen Benko and their navigator dog showed up, followed by Thom Irwin.  Mike lead the ride and took us for a scenic ride through Bouquet canyon up along and behind Lake Hughes area.  In spite of the cooler weather, we were able to see some of the colorful poppies and wildflowers blooming this time of the year.  We took off the main highway and traveled down dirt roads for almost twenty miles. This was the first time that Attila took his rig off the pavement.  I think he thoroughly enjoy what a sidecar can do off road.  Traveling some distance on the washboards, Mike and I notice that we had lost the rest of the group. 

So we turned around and found that they had stopped to help Thom, who had blown a fuse.  Bending over Thom's bike like a skillful surgeon was Susie.  Luckily for all she carries spare fuse's and such! (way to go Susie!)  A couple of minutes later and presto, Thom's bike started right up and off we went.  No further incidents happened during the rest of the ride.  We stopped just outside of Shea's Castle to take a view of it. The Castle was closed to the public, so that was as close as we could get.  Onward to The Rock Inn for some much needed HOT Coffee and Hot Tea.  Had some lunch and headed home.  Though the weather was fairly cool, it was still a nice ride.  As in most group rides, it is the people that make up that group, which makes it all fun and memorable. 

I cant think of a more desirable group of riders that I'd rather ride with!  (and I belong and ride with many groups) 

I guess that we sidecarist are a unique section of the motorcycling community, that share a special interest.  The pictures attached were taken by Susie Ellsworth.  (Thanks Susie)