The Thacher Motorcycle Trip was a Blast!
We had a great trip up the California coastline this past summer! With seven motorcycles and one support vehicle (i.e., the "extra stuff hauler"), we cruised a total of 1, 375 miles in six days. Our group vroooomed our way up from Ojai to San Luis Obispo, on to Carmel followed by Fort Bragg, and then through the Napa Valley as our northern-most stop. Heading south, we stopped in Sonora (in the western foothills of the Sierras) on our way back in Ojai, via many windy,twisty roads – perfect for true Toad Road Warriors.
The Thacher Motorcycle Trip was a Blast!
by David Oxley CdeP 1979 and Marganne Winter Oxley CdeP 1978
We had a great trip up the California coastline this past summer! With seven motorcycles and one support vehicle (i.e., the "extra stuff hauler"), we cruised a total of 1, 375 miles in six days. Our group vroooomed our way up from Ojai to San Luis Obispo, on to Carmel followed by Fort Bragg, and then through the Napa Valley as our northern-most stop. Heading south, we stopped in Sonora (in the western foothills of the Sierras) on our way back in Ojai, via many windy,twisty roads – perfect for true Toad Road Warriors.
In San Luis Obispo, our casual reception with "Friends of Thacher" at Mother's Tavern was especially enjoyable due to the attendance of the entire Wynn Family (Greg, Tori, Aubrey CdeP 2006, Sarra ’10 and their siblings) and Fred & Shannon Bond (parents of Kaitlin Bond ’09)who joined us in celebrating our first stop on the way. In Carmel, we enjoyed seeing Bruce Poole CdeP 1974 and his wife Melinda and their sons, Stewart Allen CdeP 1979, and Liz and Skip Lord CdeP 1954 on the deck of the beautiful Mission Ranch.
The next day we wound our way from the Golden Gate Bridgeto the coastal town of Stinson Beach where we were hosted by Cecilia Herbert,"Thacher Mom" and current Trustee, and her daughter Deirdre Herbert CdeP 2006, for a fantastic lunch. That night, in Fort Bragg, our motorcycle group relaxed together, reveling in the enjoyable rides and stops so far.Included in our riding group were: John Clarkson CdeP 1979, Jeff Carr CdeP 1974,Steve Smith CdeP 1978, Brandon Chase "Thacher Dad", Mona Wilson and her husband Rick Wilson, Director of Development and, of course, ourselves.
When we stopped at Don Giovanni's restaurant in the Napa Valley the next day, we enjoyed the company of many friends including Tom May CdeP 1952 (grandfather of Hailey May Everett ’12) who plied our road-weary group earlier in the day with fine cheese, lemonade and fresh peaches just off the tree at his Napa Valley home, Michelle and Will Wyman CdeP 1978, and Liz Herr, “Thacher Mom” to Lucy CdeP 2006 and Alex CdeP 2005 and Wife of Andrew Herr CdeP 1973. Great wine and food were enjoyed by all!
Heading south from the Napa Valley, we were very pleased that Steve Smith CdeP 1978 joined our motorcycle group riding his cool BMW motorcycle. Sonora was hoppin' as we enjoyed the local fare at the Outlaws BBQ & Steakhouse.
Overall, the weather was friendly to us and the scenery was fantastic! Some additional highlights included visiting the sea lions at San Simeon and viewing the high cliffs of the incredible northern California coast. One wistful alum who did not get the chance to ride with us (but who said he would LOVE to join us next year) participated from afar by graciously donating five, top notch, motorcycle helmets from his workplace, Spar X Helmets. Very COOL! Many thanks to John Kim CdeP 1989!!
Would you like to join us next year? Whether for the whole week, just a day, or for an evening gathering...you are welcome to become a summer Toad Road Warrior! Keep an eye out next spring for a Toad news bulletin to see the schedule for the summer of 2009. In the meantime, Many Happy Trails and Trips to you!
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A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12
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