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Report From Keith aka PokeyV65

I would like to start by thanking all the attendess for an excellant experience. I'm so glad you joined up for this ride. All the riders are what made it a group adventure and a bunch of fun.

I'm also thankful our 1282 mile, 5 day ride was accident free. Everyone rode to there own abilities and comfort level making for an enjoyable time for all. Some riders rode from start to finish and some dropped in only for a few hours. We enjoyed every minute they were there.

The roads were even better than I had hoped. They ranged from superslab freeway to ultra tight twisties. Lonely back roads, long forgotten 2 lanes, banked sweepers, roller coaster straights, massive elevation changes, hairpins, narrow one lane bridges, a touch of gravel, - we experienced it all.

We toured amazingly diverse areas of California. Often, quick changes from one climate or environment to another. Sandy shores and rich farmland often gave way to twisties traveling along cliff sides with jaunts across windswept valleys to more cliffs. The strange trees, shaped by the constant ocean breezes. We raced through aromatic forests. Rolling costal mountains provided beautiful backdrops. Riders were dwarfed by old growth forests at "Avenue of the Giants". Riding amongst these monster trees was awe inspiring. Then we hit the Lost Coast. Deep narrow valleys lead to the sandy, windblown seashore that seemed a million miles from "civilization". Twisty runs straight up the low mountains of pasture land were very different from the old growth, but impressive in their own way. The ride from the coast to the north central part of CA started with delta like flatlands and proceeded through rolling hills, to undulating forest roads, to high country mountains. Ending in ag valleys at the base of Mt. Shasta. National forests broke in to high chaparal and high country desert. Open land dotted with small lakes gave way to volcanic mountains and terrain with breathtaking vistas. Culminating in a run into the high Nevada desert. Such a wide range of experiences in just 5 days.

The weather. We expected hot, very hot for 5 days. What we got was mid 60s along the coast with plenty over overcast. A couple of clear sunny days that did reach the highs we expected. And a day or two of being chased by thunder clouds that never actually thundered or rained - effectively keeping the temps very reasonable.

There was too much food, and it was too good. Aside from a couple of mediocre meals, we weren't disappointed. I'd be willing to bet, every rider would tell you we all ate to much.

The lodgings were okay - nothing spectacular. I like the Hi-Lo in Weed. Good food, excellant view and decent rooms.

But what made this ride was the returning riders (from the MRA West Rally 2004) and the new attendees. What a great group of people. I look forward to future adventures with all of them. Magna riders should plan on joining us next year. Thanks to everyone!