Why I Ride
Andrew pretty much sums it up in this short video. If you ride, you get it, if you don't, you might definitely want to reconsider...
Free from Andrew Quinones on Vimeo.
Andrew pretty much sums it up in this short video. If you ride, you get it, if you don't, you might definitely want to reconsider...
Free from Andrew Quinones on Vimeo.
Several years ago I discovered West Coast Thunder by accident. I was out at the Riverside National Cemetery photographing the Memorial Day services when the unmistakeable rumble of a large group of motorcycles could be heard in the distance. What I witnessed was a fantastic display as thousands of motorcycles, many decorated with flags, and their riders rolled into the cemetery to pay their respects.
A couple of years later I purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and joined the local HOG chapter that birthed this annual event and have been participating since.
This is not a Harley motrocycle event. All makes and models are welcome!
Sally and I are again registered for West Coast Thunder and this year we're volunteering behind the scenes to help make it happen.
I know where we'll be on Memorial Day this year. Where will you be?
Come on out and join us in remembering and honoring those that have sacrificed everything to preserve and protect the freedoms we enjoy.
Semper Fi
This is a mantra I hear quite often as that I'm an avid cyclist (of the motor variety) but when I rode bicycles, that community used it too (and still does).
So why is it that its only sems to go one way? I was out on my cycle ('06 Softail Classic) yesterday morning rolling through the hills around Lake Mathews when I came across a cycling (as in bicycling) club out for a ride. My bike is by no means quiet, my wife says she hears he about 5 minutes out when I'm heading home. So, I was either unlucky enough to come across a club of deaf cyclists or a group that doesn't comprehend that "Share the Road" goes both ways.
They were doing about 25 mph (in a 45) on a moderate downhill when I came upon them. They were stretched out over about a 1/4 mile in several clusters. The problem was these folks took the entire lane from shoulder to double yellow line. I eased up behind them, giving them space and waiting for them to give me a little room to squeeze by so I didn't have to cross the double yellow. After about 45 seconds and no one had budged, I pulled in the clutch and rev'ed the engine just in case they hadn't heard the stacatto popping of the exhaust as I used the engine for braking. Nothing! A few more seconds go by, a young lady riding second seat on a tandem looked back over her shoulder and then turned back without even a hint of acknowledgement that I was there or that they'd yield.
I waited for the next straight, crossed the double yellow, passed and dropped back in as there was a car coming uphill. Again, no acknowledgement from this cluster, had to wait for the next straight and again crossed the double yellow to get around them. As I looked in my mirrors I could see a line of unfortunate car drivers stuck behind the rear cluster.
So, if you're a Riverside based cycling club and someone blew past you yesterday morning (around 0900) on Cajalco Road please remember that "Sharing the Road" goes both ways.
Highlights from the Stars & Pipes ride to Red, White, & Cruise at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.
As part of Red, White and Cruise on the 4th we were able to do laps on the NASCAR oval at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Here's the view from my Helmet Cam.
Saw this definition today:
Propaganda is biased information spread to shape public opinion and behavior.
Its power depends on:
~Message
~Technique
~Means of Communication
~Environment
~Audience receptivity
Proganda
~Uses Truths, half-truths, or lies
~Omits information selectively
~Simplifies complex issues or ideas
~Plays on emotions
~Advertises a cause
~Attacks opponents
~Targets desired audiences
I thought this sounds like MSM when "reporting" on taxes, cuts to social programs or education, global warming, global cooling, climate change, etc. just pick the cause du jour.
What is was was part of an exhibition called "State of Deception-The Power of Nazi Propaganda" at the United State Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
Parties and issues have changed but the methods they use try to shape public opinion are tried and true.
Just a short slide show to remind of the deeper meaning of this holiday weekend and its true cost.
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West Coast Thunder originated in May of 2009. After viewing the movie “Letters from the Trenches” an Inland Empire H.O.G. member called a few fellow members and organized a ride to Riverside National Cemetery for their annual remembrance ceremony. |
| After the ceremony they decided to make it an annual event. With the financial support of Skip Fordyce Harley Davidson the attendance almost doubled each succeeding year to where today there are over 7500 motorcyclists participating | ![]() |
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The ride still goes to the Cemetery but because of the size of the group it splits, with about half stopping for the Remembrance Ceremony and the other half heading out to Soboba Casino. |
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And why do we ride? We ride toRemember |
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to Honor |
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to Support the Legacy |
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to Pay Tribute to those who have Fought and Fallen to Preserve Our Freedoms |
| Proceeds will benefit the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee. West Coast Thunder has been the major contributor of funds to the Riverside National Cemetery via the Support Committee. Completed projects include construction of the National POW / MIA Memorial (dedicated in 2005), repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, financial support to the RNC Memorial Honor Detail, and funding each July of the Concert for Heroes. | ![]() |
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Lastly, these financial gifts have funded cemetery projects to include purchase flower cones and the honor of indigent and unaccompanied, homeless Veterans buried each month with placement of a bouquet of flowers and an American flag on their final resting place. For more information about the proud, volunteer-based RNCSC, please visit www.rncsc.org. |
| If you'd like to participate or volunteer your time please go to West Coast Thunder XII and click on the appropriate link. | If you don't have the time to participate or volunteer you can still help by donating to the cause at West Coast Thunder Donations. |
Sassy Shine is online! www.sassyshine.com
Sassy's started off with a goal of bringing back this dying industry with a new Kick! With Our themed Portable Stands we can add that additional "shine" to any event! The Sassy Staff grooms to each event according to its theme, with this new "Sassy" image it attracts attention anywhere our portable stands are located.
Great for Bike Nights, fund raisers, corporate events, etc.
Check them out and let them know how they can help you with your next event!
Let's welcome Jerry Birchfield and JBC-Constuction to the web.
Jerry's company is based in the Inland Empire and has been serving the community for over 30 years. JBC-Construction are your Home Improvement Experts.
Be certain to check out their new website and call him with your home improvement needs.
AgentZ
Let us help you with your online needs!