[Sameraz]

• Where: Crater Lake and environs
  
• When: Summer 2008
  
• Experience Level: All
  

I have been discussing the possibility of arranging a group ride weekend sort of thing for interested folk with several other people. I recently spoke with the owners of the Rocky Point Store and Motel, and they said they would give a group of riders a "group discount rate" at their motel. http://www.rockypointmotelandrv.com/index.html (Geek warning, really overdone amateur site). If you would be more interested in camping, there is the Rocky Point Resort just a few miles up the road. There is also a "motorcycle campground", that is under some state of development. I can contact the owner and see how developed it is at this point.

The point would be to ride to Crater Lake, and spend time riding the Rim Drive. The Rim Drive opens anywhere from around the 1st of June to the middle of July. This depends, of course on the snow load and how fast it gets cleared. Other rides in the area could include scenic and twisty Highway 66, several other mountain roads, and could include rides out into the Oregon high desert.

I would like to know how many people may be interested in such arrangements, so I can contact the motel owners and the campground operator. Its a bit early to set a date, but is anyone out there interested? This will NOT be scheduled against the planned meet in the Arcata/Eureka area that EricR is planning (holy cow, I want to ride those roads again!!!!)

[ithaca00]

Depending on my location on the globe at the time I would love to join in on that! A buddy of mine moved up to that area (Wash./Oreg. border) and I wanted to make my up to see him and meander by the lake on the way... This would be awesome!

So keep me in the loop

Oh, and what is this Eureka ride?

*Edit - kind of wierd, my friend in the Washington area is from Arcata... ok, so it's not that odd but still.

[Eric R]

[ithaca00]

Ok. It'll probably be iffy then but sounds like it'd be a blast to ride in a group like that, over that distance/time

[ddennis669]

I would love to join in, depending on the date. Meeting up in Klamath Falls?

[Swoosie]

I was planning on riding cross country again (CA to TX) when I got the 650R. Maybe I can make a slight detour and meet up with you guys. Hmmm...how lovely that would be. I'll keep an eye on this ride announcement for sure!

[SKC]

slight detour?

[Swoosie]

so Oregon would only be a hop skip away.

[SKC]

Just buy the bike in Sac, then you save some miles, unless you're just crazy enough to want to do it that way.

[Izpep]

[ddennis669]

[Izpep]

[ithaca00]

Feel good that you got to see the scenery in a way that none of us will

[ithaca00]

Anyone coming in for this (or passing through anytime) is more than welcome at my place with a garage, pool and everything! I'll even make sure the roomie isn't worried about a bunch of hooligan motorcyclists from the internet

[FuelCell]

I'm in. I'm only 4 or 5 hours away from crater. Lol. Used to go snowmobiling up there a lot.

I would vote for a hotel... camping is fun, but I'm not set up to do it on a bike. You could also check on Diamond Lake, nice little resort up there. Not very far from Crater Lake at all.

[kiwi_outdoors]

especially if done after school gets out, circa 13th june, 2008

then my wife can drive the Jeep and trailer

you do mean Crater Lake in Oregon, right?

[ddennis669]

[Sameraz]

I am finding that EVERYTHING rushes up on me faster the older I get!

Okay, it looks like there is definitely enough interest...the last time I flew this idea I got about 3 "well, maybe....", from people up in Portland. Sorry, couldn't book campgrounds or reserve motel space with that.

I need to see when Eric's planned meet is happening, or if that is scheduled yet.

I've got the business card for the motel I noted...it might end up being one of those situations were people make their own reservations, but if you say the magic words "Ninja 250" you get the discount. I will also contact the owner of the "motorcycle campground" and see if it really exists yet. If someone wants to go MUCH more upscale there is the Running Y resort, but if people wanted to make reservations there for this coming summer, I had better hurry up and set a date...things fill up months in advance there. Of course there are various motels and inns in Klamath Falls.

I'll call the people I know at Crater Lake, and see what, if any prediction they are willing to make for the Rim Drive. Its probably a bit like using a crystal ball at this point, with 2 more months of winter, and occasional winter-like storms into May... but I will see what I can do. At this point, its a pretty "mild winter" in terms of snowpack.

Thanks folks, without your interest, I would have no reason to pursue this!

[mbiraguy]

Awesome. I'd love to come down to Crater Lake for a group ride. If this happens, you can expect me there. It would be my first meet with other board members!
Provided I don't have any gigs etc for those couple of days I'll be there. I'll be coming from Portland.
Let's make it happen!

[vksgeneric]

I've been contemplating riding to crater lake for quite some time, but it's a full day's ride from where I live. Free weekends this summer are going to be few and far in between for me, but if the date happens to be when I have free time, I'll definitely join.

[kiwi_outdoors]

folks can't commit without a time frame, its also needed for reservations at motels or campgrounds

the wife and I are in Peru July 28-April Aug 12, so a real early trip is proably the only way I can ride it (early = when school gets out circa June 16)

[Sameraz]

We've just had about the worst snow we've seen in over 20 years, and that may change the opening date of the Rim Drive. We can always get to the Rim Village, but the Rim Drive around the lake may not be accessible. Luckily, the weather is starting to conform to being a bit more normal for this time of year.

I'll scan the activities calendar for the summer, I would not want to schedule against our classic car weekend (no motels available in town that weekend). I will contact the motel I mentioned, make sure they are still open to something like a group/reduced rate. The last time I spoke to Crater Lake poeple they would not offer a guess when the Rim Drive would be opened....but there are a LOT of other fine rides in the region.

Sorry for the delays, I realize some people have to plan months in advance. Eric! if you are following this, have you gotten things firmed up for Euraka/Arcata yet?

[kiwi_outdoors]

[kiwi_outdoors]

if you don't mind a wee hike and clothing optional bathing

[Sameraz]

After looking at the calendar, and noting activities I am obligated to attend, and activities happening here in town that would mean no motel space, I am going to recommend the 18,19,20 of July. Late enough that there will be a good chance the Rim Drive will be open, and almost certainly late enough that at least the N. Park entrance will be open.

I've thought a little more. Finding motel space and restaraunts in Klamath would perhaps be better than a nice, but out of the way motel a ways out of town. I would be happy to make recommendations. As for camping, there is a KOA Campground in town, and several that are closer to Crater Lake itself, as well as campground in the park, should you want to go that route.

I like the idea of a side trip to Umpqua Hot Springs, as I haven't been there since early winter of 2006. But, it isn't just a little side jaunt. The main problem may be that its *small* the main pool is a large hot tub size. Very cozy for about 6 people. There is a new pool that has formed, but its of a similar size. But, there is PLENTY of other stuff around.

I am willing to look into local motel and restaurant info and can make a few recommendations.

I realized I couldn't make everyone happy, so there it is. If you can't make it on the proposed dates and you want a "native guide" or just want to meet up for a GRR, give me a week or two advanced notice and I can probably meet you, as long as I am not out of town on that weekend.

[ZX2Addict]

[Docpsycho]

[Sameraz]

That was something I forgot about, but I wasn't even planning on trying to attend this summer. Oh well, that's why I have a VCR I guess. (shrug).

Have fun. It used to be that I would plan way in advance for the one or two things I would like to go to each summer, anymore there is so much, that no matter what you plan, you are going to miss some stuff, since there is just so much more stuff going on.

[FuelCell]

If I can join up with anyone headed past roseburg or Coos Bay on their way south and east, let me know...

Joel

[teknokruncher]

so does anybody want to do it on july 12-13th? alan and i would be passing through that area about then... if we really have to we can miss moto gp - but i was looking forward to being at home in monterey for that

emily

[kiwi_outdoors]

as I am doing a week of camping and hiking in mid June and 2+ weeks in Peru in late July-early August

but I will watch this trip and join you riding in Oregon (by camping) if its possible

the timing is poor as my contractor will be just starting construction on a rather difficult project..so I can't be away all the time

[Sameraz]

If the bash at the beach trip doesn't work out for me, I'll be around, and probably up to a trip. Crater Lake is about 65 miles away from Klamath Falls, but nicer routes can expand on that. More than happy to play native guide for anyone passing through.

It looks like the motel and store I had mentioned that were refurbished and re-opened may have closed again. There are a few others, and a couple actually closer to Crater Lake if camping isn't your thing. LOTS of camping possibilities.

[Sameraz]

Its official. The motel I mentioned in the first posting on this thread is closed again, and the realtor's for sale sign in out front.

If a proposed ski area had been approved, that would have been a busy little motel, but since the ski resort didn't happen, the motel must not have been able to maintain operating expenses either.

Figured I should supply an update just in case anyone was still considering that motel.

[Eric R]

http://www.unioncreekoregon.com/
I've stayed there in the cabins before. I rather like the place, and there is a lodge that is good for groups.

Though I had to cancel on arranging the Humboldt gathering this year, the credit situation looks like it might be okay after all !

We're hoping to make the Crater lake meet, but won't know for a little while yet.

[FuelCell]

Do we HAVE to do this over the MotoGP weekend? The local sportbike club wants me to go down with them...

[teknokruncher]

that way we can all ride down to monterey together right after the crater lake ride - right?


and that way my mom can come too!

emily

[Sameraz]

Okay, as far as I am concerned, NO, it does NOT have to be over Laguna Seca weekend for Moto GP...

The previous weekend I am supposed to be attending a meet of sorts on the beach, and if I don't show up, some people are definitely going to be disappointed. Between that and seeing Eric R and Fuelcell again, I would rather do the Crater Lake thing, but that is, in part, my just being lazy.

The following weekend is my wife's high school reunion, but the whole high school thing doesn't mean much to either of us. We've kept in touch with people we cared about, and just about everyone else was some variety of jerk or asshole anyway. Actually we feel that adults who look back on high school as the most exciting and wonderful time of their lives lead sad and pathetic existences... So, the following weekend would work for me as well. That way I don't have to indulge in hypocritically smiling and nodding at people I don't know nor care about.

Union Creek is very nice. I've started to think that maybe Klamath Falls might be better for people who want to do the motel/shop/dine thing, since Union Creek is fairly remote, not that there is anything wrong with that either.

[teknokruncher]

I've taken the liberty and reserved a nicely sized cabin at Union Creek

Here's the info:
cabin #13 - (1) King - (2) Queens - (2) Doubles - (3 Bedrooms 1 1/2 Baths - Laundry)
dates: july 11th and 12th
http://www.unioncreekoregon.com/

The total for the two nights: $450 ($225/night)
Oh yeah and it comes with couches - but if we have a way larger group - they also have cabin #12 available - which is the same number of beds

So far I have actually heard from as being able to go (even despite the forum being down):
AlanS
momma (LaurainMonterey)
ithaca00
ddennis669

Please don't flame me for taking the liberty of reserving the cabin!!! The cancellation policy is 48 hours, and there was no deposit required. But honest, this was the most likely weekend for me and Alan to be able to attend, especially since we really want to see motoGP the following weekend in monterey!

And Union Creek looks like a great choice - thanks guys for recommending it - I'm looking forward to building a cozy campfire like the one they feature on their website

And I am totally super excited about going to my fourth long-distance well-attended ninja meetup this year!!!

emily

[Sameraz]

I am perfectly cool with this, no problems, thank you, etc!

I have been pretty useless about doing anything about this, and I am sorry. My wife has been suffering from a medical issue, and my attention and focus has been on her and my family. Thankfully, it has turned out not to be serious, but continues to be somewhat problematic.

EricR and I have been talking about maybe having another later go at Crater Lake in August as well. I am *really* supposed to be attending another meet on the coast that weekend, but between you and me, the people I have met via the N250RC site have just been wonderful people, and many good, if long distance friendships have resulted.

There is a small chance that I really may need to attend this other meet, but I haven't promised anyone beyond voicing interest.

Snowpack at the Rim Village is currently 80 inches. Unsure if the Rim Drive will be open, historically the Rim Drive and the N. Entrance open around "mid July". I am thinking about a ride to see a friend this coming weekend, that it will take me nearly past Crater Lake...so if that happens, I will see what is what!

Please rest assured, your initiative on this is totally appreciated. No toes feel stepped on, no fault, no foul. I was considering dropping by Union Creek soonish anyway to check things out.

Sorry if this writing comes off odd or goofy, my wife has been having to go to work extra early, and our younger son is sick, so I pretty sleep deprived at the moment. Yeah...and such...its cool, its cool.

[teknokruncher]

: )
it'd be sure nice to have a large group of excellent ninja enthusiasts
especially when you were the one to suggest the ride in the first place!
thanks for the kind support
and hope all goes well with your summer plans

oh yeah and snow - mom was telling me she saw a picture from last june with snow on the trees around crater lake - i can't hardly even believe that! but considering the snow that swoosie and ithaca00 had on their trip at zion... its not that hard to imagine...

is it me, or has it been a coldish year so far?
emily

[ithaca00]

How weird would it be to have an All-CA meet, in Oregon? I'm not counting the fellow from NJ since it's Jersey

[grbruner]

Can't say for sure right now but I would love to make it up there. Summer school ends on the 10th so this would be a perfect end to the semester.

I'll keep ya'll posted,

Greg

[FuelCell]

Dang. I can't make it guys. I'm in Turkey right now and wont be back in time. Its really a shame cuz i would love to meet you guys and I live like 4 hours away from there.

[FuelCell]

Dang. I can't make it guys. I'm in Turkey right now and wont be back in time. Its really a shame cuz i would love to meet you guys and I live like 4 hours away from there.

[teknokruncher]

guess alanS is out since he wants to go ahead or lag behind or whatever is in the official cross country schedule

however, I will still be making it, regardless of official schedule - especially if we can get a nice group together - and it sounds like maybe some people are interested in going if they can

keep us posted! hope you all can make it
emily

[AlanS]

I have the days planned in my trip, they are just not the same as the ones emily planned.

[FuelCell]

I wish we could push it past the 16th... I'm in Turkey and won't be back until then! What a shame to miss this I was so looking forward to it.

EDIT looks like my first post worked. Sorry about that.

[Sameraz]

Okay, Joel, you realize we are talking July, right? I thought you said your family's tour is 2 weeks long?

For any hanger's on for which the July meet will not work, I have two options...one, is, when you are wanting to ride around Crater Lake, let me know, during the summer, it is very possible I can just ride up and at least meet a person/people.

Also, there is a distinct possibility of a later meet in August, depending on if EricR can manage to make it up for the one in July.

[FuelCell]

Whew, way to not panic Joel!

Thanks Sam I was seriously upset about that.

[capt_bugaloo]

I rode up to Crater Lake several years ago, so I looked in my trip journals and found this:

Mon., June 21, 1999:
(...snip...)
As I approach within 50 miles of Crater Lake the pavement starts to climb in altitude and there are many logging trucks. This stretch quickly becomes heavily forested. I start to notice patches of snow on the side of the road. Soon I?m riding a clean dry road with snow banks on either side that are four to six feet deep! The sky is partly cloudy and in the shady forest it starts to become cold. I realise rather quickly that I?m not going to be able to camp: normally the Mazama campground opens in late May, but right now it is still closed with four feet of snow! Note to self: next time try phoning ahead to see if the campground is actually frigging open. I ask about getting a room: they cost about $95 US per night. I think about it and decide what the hell.

After dropping off my gear in the room I ride up to the Rim Village. When I look into the huge volcanic caldera I can?t see a thing due to fog. I overhear others complaining that it has been foggy all day. I check out the visitor information center; when I walk out fifteen minutes later the fog has miraculously lifted, giving everyone a fantastic view. You can see the whole of Crater Lake.

This lake used to be a large volcanic cone (Mount Mazama) that erupted and then collapsed to form a six mile wide crater about 7700 years ago. Within three centuries the crater had filled with water forming a deep lake. A road runs all the way around the crater?s rim but because of the heavy snow drifts only the south-west quarter of the circular drive is currently open. I spend three or four hours snapping photos and enjoying the views. I also notice a fair number of other motorcycles; again, mostly BMWs.

[teknokruncher]

okokok
so i am pushing back the starting date of my cross country trip - since im changing travel partners from alanS to blazerhair - so that pinches on my plans to get up there in time
alan wasn't going to make it anyways to crater lake
and mom is available to ride in august

ddennis? does august work for you?
ithaca00? what about you?

it seems like august might be a better bet
lets start hashing out some real dates, and I'll change the reservation on our cabin

thanks guys - i really hope we can make this ride happen

emily

[Sameraz]

First 3 weekends would work well for me...FWIW. I think this would pretty much match up with what EricR and I were considering anyway.

[Eric R]

We were working out the July dates, but August is better.

Is a double bed available in the cabin, or should we be calling Union Creek about another cabin?

[ddennis669]

[vksgeneric]

I am not 100% sure about my August plans yet, but there's a pretty good chance I could join you guys in August. I'd say later Auguest is slightly better than early August.

[ithaca00]

I can't plan that far out but it might be a possibility I hope that I can make it.

[grbruner]

[teknokruncher]

So I changed the reservation for the cabin at Union Creek

Here's the info:
(same cabin) cabin #13 - (1) King - (2) Queens - (2) Doubles - (3 Bedrooms 1 1/2 Baths - Laundry)
dates: august 9th and 10th
http://www.unioncreekoregon.com/

The total for the two nights: $450 ($225/night)
Again it comes with couches - but if we have a way larger group - they also have a few of the small cabins available that weekend.

They also told me it should be even nicer weather in August - yay!

Yay for big ninja meetup rides
emily

[Eric R]

So far it sounds like you, your mom, ddennis, Sameraz, and myself (with Erin, of course).


We are planning on it for sure now, and I will put in the leave time from work either tomorrow or one day next week.

[Sameraz]

On the news tonight the park service announced that they opened the N. entrance to the park today. Usually this means that the road along the "west" rim is open, since it wouldn't make much sense to open the N. entrance if you can't go anywhere. They finally also announced that the entire Rim Drive should be open sometime in mid July. I guess there is at least 2 feet of snow at the location where they measure the official depth.

So its looking good now!

[grbruner]

And I'm good with a patch of floor or a couch.

Also, I'm planning a ride leading up to Crater Lake which you can see here.
Its just a ride up the coast from SF to Seattle and then back down to Crater Lake.

Greg

[grbruner]

[FuelCell]

[teknokruncher]

hey y'all
sorry I've been so MIA, I just got back on saturday night from my cross country ride

we have five beds, and I think that none of my sisters are coming to this event, so we'll only need one bed for me and mom

I'm not sure whether I should be asking for deposits, so late, but that's usually how these ninja meets work to reserve beds...

Who's all still coming?

emily

[Eric R]

So did you want payments sent to Paypal? Checks? Might not be wisest to send $90 via post, but it can be done...

[JPOnion]

Dammit. I only knew about this from Sam, never even thought of looking for a forum thread on it. Been looking forward to it since Jan...but I've got friends staying over here during Hot August Nights, and the last weekend falls on the ride dates. Looks like I wont be coming.

Have fun without me

[teknokruncher]

does that mean you're in reno? are you up for showing ninja pride at street vibrations?

i've been meaning to visit my uncle in sparks - apparently he was in dc for the 4th of july fireworks same as me and I had no idea!!!

too bad you can't go to crater lake

emily

[Sameraz]

Well, I am still planning to be there! I think it would be very bad form not to show up after this was sort of my idea.

Looks like I will be on my bike for the day, may have my wife and sons in our Subaru.

Life has been...not bad, but complicated...it would make more sense over a few beers or whatever. Eric and Erin - it will be REALLY wonderful to see you guys again. I am looking forward to meeting everyone else. Chris - bummer, but I understand.

What is this Ninja Pride / Street Vibrations of which you speak?

[teknokruncher]

oh hah
its a harley type meet
you know...
you've been to one you've been to em all
hollister, ocean city, sturgis...
full of choppers, poker rides, drunk people, umbrella girls in chaps and hot pants
its hard to rent a bike trailer that weekend

happens every labor day in reno
sounds like fun neh?
emily

[Sameraz]

Ah, I see.

hrm...never been to one, but the closest thing that happens around here is "The Klamath Cruise", which books the motels pretty solid. Not being a huge fan of overly loud music, or drunks, or crowds in general, I honestly try to be out of town that weekend! Its not even a very large even.

As for the general appeal, it doesn't sound very...appealing. But for hanging out with other Ninja 250 folk I might try upping my BS tolerance.

[JPOnion]

Actually, I tend to avoid large gatherings like that. I accidentally rode through one a few weekends ago, the entire town of Virginia City was packed with cruisers (and a couple sport bikes), so much so the town ran out of parking room. Heh. If I could make it, this Crater Lake ride is about as large a gathering as I can handle, especially since there would be people I know, even if only from the forums.

Also, my Ninja is still without a chain

But yeah, I'm up here in Reno.

[teknokruncher]

anyone who wants to join us should let me know if they want to meet at the cabin for some breakfast

mom and i will be arriving at the cabin on saturday
and we have plenty of room - in case people would still like to go

i think david dennis is still planning on going - in case you guys were wondering
I am really excited to get to see this amazing crater lake and meet you all!
emily

[teknokruncher]

so... mom and i were wishing to ourselves, gee wouldn't it be nice to get more people into the cabin
and then she said oh wasn't there a guy named grsomething? who said he was going to come?
and i said, no he broke his bike
and then she said but emily we own 4 ninjas
and then i said - mom you're such a genius!!!

so we called greg, and he says he would be happy to come to crater lake on one of our fine ninjas

there you have it, grbruner gets to go again

anyone else need to borrow a ninja?


emily

[ithaca00]

[teknokruncher]

i hope we aren't rubbing it in too much, by visiting you on our way

i hope you get better soon ryan!
emily

[FuelCell]

Haha, sure, I sold mine!

I'm currently without a bike

I live over in Coos Bay (Four hours from Crater) but im leaving for school here in about a week so I can't make it. I hope you all have a great time.

[klr142]

So, what exactly is the plan(directions/locations/times)?

I'm up in Portland, just told a friend about this, and I MAY be up for it. MAY. I assume riding down on Sunday, going for the ride, then heading back up on Sunday would be too much, thus meaning I'd basically HAVE to come down on Saturday, spend the night in the cabin, and so on... Yeah?

[mbiraguy]

So, what are the dates ya'll will be riding? I'm a maybe at this point.
Big thanks to the people organizing it.

[Eric R]

http://www.unioncreekoregon.com/

Sameraz Conceived it and got the ball rolling, teknokruncher is making it happen (she's made the reservations and fronted the money for lodging, as well as loaning a bike to someone who had theirs break down).

[teknokruncher]

hey mbiraguy,
it would be great if you could join us!
i am thinking that on saturday mom and i will be arriving at the cabin
and then on sunday i am thinking that it would be great if we all could ride around the lake
hope you can make it
emily

[teknokruncher]

what you describe sounds like a great plan!
i am thinking that we will be riding as a group around the lake on sunday
let us know if you can make it

emily

[klr142]

I just looked up the times and distances, and I'm sadly not going to be able to make it... My father's birthday is Saturday and I'll be hanging out with him until later in the evening. That'd be too much riding in 24 hours for me...

Wish I could come out and ride with some other 250 owners though!!!

You guys better have some good fun!

[mbiraguy]

Great!
I'm only possibly available Sunday, I will try to come down. Looking forward to meeting you guys!
When do you expect to start riding on Sunday? (Or, what time should I be there by, assuming I can)
-Eric

[Eric R]

*Can* you drive your car yet?

[ithaca00]

I would love to be up there and visit with everyone. I'll be getting a mini-dose of it when the coastal people make a pit stop at my house tonight.

I just got the go ahead to drive last friday but it still takes a bit of effort and marginal pain, only because I drive a manual transmission car. I'm not sure how well I'd take to driving 600 miles...

It's too late now to ask for the weekend off anyways. Next time for sure...

[Eric R]

Here's Erin's next suggestion:

Call in sick and ride up pillion with Emily or her mom.

They're there right now, right? What do they say?

[Sameraz]

Hey!

We have had thunderstorms roll in about 4 am twice this week. We needed the rain, that was good. The rain also cleaned the smoke from the air that has been plaguing us from the fires in N. California. Also, since there was enough rain coming down, it looks like we got lucky and no new fires arose from these storms. It also helped move the sand off the streets here in Klamath. Some genius decided that all the cracks on the main streets in town needed to be tar-snaked and sanded, so it has been REALLY bad in town.

Sadly, the smoke from the fires in California rolled back in hard and heavy early this evening.

Weekend temps should be near 80 F with night-time lows in the mid 40's. There is supposed to be good upper air stability, so there is a decreased chance of thunderstorms for the weekend.

There are a couple other things to note. This is high enough elevation that I definitely have noticed a bit of decreased performance when you are up on the rim. Cloudcap overlook is apparently the highest paved road/area in Oregon..no Pike's Peak by any stretch, but still sort of cool. There are plenty of nice side roads and backroads if you want more riding.

Again, great thanks to everyone who has stepped up and helped make this happen. Looking forward to meeting all of you. Safe journeys!

[ithaca00]

If I were to try and hand on to a bike for 500 miles I would be in a world of pain that only strong drugs would be able to cure. Not my idea of fun riding

[AlanS]

[ithaca00]

[Eric R]

[Eric R]

Stopping in Tulelake, CA to visit a friend tonight. We'll swing through Klamath falls and collect Sameraz tomorrow on our way to Union Creek. Safe riding to all.

Just in case: our cell phone is: 707-337-1889

[AlanS]

[Sameraz]

It was good. We were north of the smoke from the fires in N. California. The "cabin" turned out to be a very nice modern 3 bdrm HOUSE (I am thinking it was for family housing for forest service or road crew people).

Crater Lake was in particularly good form. Fantastic visibility, just a few clouds, the lake was an intense blue that looks nearly artificial. The riding itself was quite good (IMO), and hanging out with other forum members was really great.

I am the first participant home, I still need to download pics from my camera and upload them to my hosting. Erin was the photo expert on the trip, and I expect a whole album from her.

I think I will post more later this evening maybe under ride reports or the like.

[teknokruncher]

it was amazing - not only seeing the crater, but also the lava formed bridge, and the beautiful ride to the coast

and that's not counting all the amazing folks we've met

hanging out with everyone at the cabin was great - good food, fun conversations about firefly, heinlein, and of course star trek what a fun vacation!

we got to meet bokonon! he happens to be in oregon, and so we got to run through grants pass to go hang out with him and claire

we also met up with amigoviejo tonight

anyways right now greg is suffering from something flying into his eye earlier
so we're hoping that he feels better for tomorrows last leg into san francisco

pics when i get back home
emily

[ithaca00]

[AlanS]

[Swoosie]

where he's not holding up a picture of a 250?!!!

[Sameraz]

[Eric R]

We're back in Napa, have been or a few hours now, but I've been busy taking care of plumbing disaster since we got back.

As Sam mentioned, Erin has been uploading pictures to our webshots album:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/565427046ICiBjy

Details will be typed up in the next few days.

[grbruner]

I had a wonderful time. Special thanks to laurainmonterey for lending me one of her beautiful ninja 250s.

[Eric R]

[Sameraz]

Saturday was a fairly short ride for me compared to the rest of the crew, only about 80 miles to Union Creek. My wife and sons came along on this trip in the family Subaru. As I am mentioned, super nice digs for the night.

The next day we rolled down the highway about a mile to where the Rogue River goes underground and flows through a lava tube for a couple hundred feet. After that, on down to Prospect for fuel, and back up to Crater Lake.

First stop at Crater Lake:


View of the lake and Wizard Island from our first stop:


We continued to ride around the lake clockwise, if you looked at a map. At the next stop, almost directly on the western edge you get a nice view of Wizard Island looking nearly due east:


If you stopped at every pull out even for just five minutes, you would spend hours just riding the Rim Drive. I definitely wanted to stop at Cloudcap Overlook...Highest vehicle access on the rim. Cloudcap is on the NE edge of the rim.


A view of the road S. of Cloudcap:


Not all of the wonderful views are of the lake. Looking north you see Mt. Thielsen, "Lightning Rod of the Cascades".


Our last stop was at the Phantom Ship overlook. Phantom ship is an interesting rock formation island in the lake. Yes, the white stuff is snow. As we made our way around the lake, on the north side we rode past snow on the side of the road in several spots.


After riding the rim I needed to ride home, as my younger son hadn't been feeling well much of the day. I also needed to get contact info for Bokonon and call Eric. So, one last shot, it looks lonely, but actually my family was in our car behind me.

[AlanS]

[grbruner]

[amigo viejo]

Though I didn't do the ride to Crater Lake, I was fortunate enough to have five, count them, five,
board members drop in on me on their way back from CR. Had a very upbeat time with them over dinner and waved good bye as they headed down the Freeway. Just think, all those GRR points and I never had to leave home. Sad part, though, was that I missed meeting up with Bokonon and his lovely wife in Grants Pass, OR, which was a wonderful and unanticipated add-on to a great trip.

Way to go, folks.

Amigo

[Eric R]

Our thanks to all who were there. Another truly fantastic ride

http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=700718#700718