Indoctrination

[Scar]

So, yesterday, I went into Cycle Gear on Convoy Street in San Diego. Justin, one of the employees there says: "Scar...I have a message for you", then he starts ruffling through some papers.

He pulls out a card with someone's contact information on it. "Guess what this guy just bought?", questions Justin. "A 'busa", my reply. Justin's eyes light up. "Right, the '08 charcoal/black one, just like yours!", and guess what he's putting on it?", another question. "I'm guessing 2Bros CF exhaust." "Right, again."

"He wants to meet you and your group to go for a ride." "Great," I say, at which time I retrieve my cell phone, select a nice pic of my new '08, plug his number into the address bar, and hit send.

Within moments, the new 'busa owner called me. We chatted for a bit, and I invited him on a ride this morning.

We're meeting at 9:30 PDT (Starbucks on Mira Mesa Blvd.) where I will fit his chatterbox headset into his helmet for him.

I'm taking him out to check his riding capacities and determine if he's ready to meet the rest of my group (dang bunch of track hounds). They're a super-fast bunch, and I don't want the newb (Derrick) to get in over his head (it's been our experience (twice) when their skills are not verified before venturing out with us).

I'll take a couple of pix and post 'em up after we get back. Additionally, I'll make sure he has the .oRg's web address so he can shout out on his own.

If anyone wants me to deliver a message to the youngsta, put it up & I'll relay your welcomes (or cautions

) in advance.

Thanks, Justin; Congrats, Derrick.

Wish us well, ya'llz.

Scar

 

[cesarb]

Very hospitable of you to take him out and fit his headset. Also excellent idea to check his ability level before riding with the group.. You are a good man!

 

[Mr Bogus]

what a ride leader

 

[BigBSBusa]

Good on 'ya, Scar!

 

[twotonevert]

Good deal bro, dont let him over power the fresh tires until he gets a few miles on them. Waiting on the pics!

 

[Bird Hunter]

Nice going Scar...

 

[gotgixers]

Now that's the way it should work... alot less newbs would be in the ditch if more ride leaders did this sort of thing. PROPS to you Scar, you really are a good group lead...and welcome to Derrick.

So- how did it go???

 

[Revolution]

ditto

 

[8Daytona8]

 

[Scar]

Well...the new guy, Derrick, flaked.

Too bad, too, as I was really looking forward to seeing him get off on the right twist. I'm sure he'll do just fine.

When my friend James and I got to the Starbucks, there was a text message for me, from Derrick, saying he wasn't going to make it as he couldn't get out of work 'til 12:30... Must have been a last minute development, because when we made the plans, there was no mention of it.

James and I had a 300 mile day, getting out through Gopher Canyon, Rice Canyon, Couser Canyon, Highway 79 into Ramona. Took 79 out to S2 to S22 down the mountain-side into Borrego Springs for lunch The S22 is a twisty spaghetti-bowl giant which is smooth as silk pavement, clear of debris. It's nearly 20 miles from the S2 to Borrego Springs. At first, it's high-speed country road, then as you approach the side of the mountain, it starts out sweeping, then gets tighter and steeper, and more and more fun!

Anyway, we went from there into Julian (for it's world-famous apple pie ala mode). It was brisk there, probably somewhere in the mid-40's. Made it back to SD just before nightfall.

I haven't heard another word from Derrick.

Today, on the other hand, a group went out from Greenfield through Crest, Harbison Canyon, and headed out toward Japatul. It was a fast hard ride. We all had a blast.

Here's a couple of pix from our stop at the Lyon's Valley Trading Post.

After we finished up there, we headed back toward home, ending our ride on Telegraph Canyon road.

A great day, a great weekend, a great holiday vacation. 2500 miles on my '08 in less than four weeks riding.

Thanks for your interest in Derrick, all. I will relay your good wishes when I hear from him.

Scar

 

[Scar]

2nd and only other pic from the ride, today...

Doug, Cody, Chuck, (me), and Sharon.

Thanks, Jimmy, for snapping the shot!

 

[Wag]

The North part of that route used to be one of my favorites. Yer makin' me homesick, man!

Bummer Deryk flaked on ya. Hope he gets with you some time; he'd be doing himself a huge favor.

--Wag--

 

[Scar]

Sorry, Lou...

I cannot resist sharing these shots, too (taken from the lower deck at my house; in the distance, Point Loma and the beautiful Pacific Ocean). The sun has just set and, while we don't usually have any clouds, tonight they graced us with a spectacular show marking the end of the first day of what will undoubtedly be another spectacular year.

Happy New Year, all.

Scar

 

[Scar]

Daylight waning...