Wow! Here it is August already and the pandemic just rolls on. I don’t think any of us saw this long running train wreck going on and on like it has. But, it has, and unfortunately we have to live with it as a hopefully temporary new normal. I am ready for the return of the old normal. Until then, we just have to do this and wait for the pandemic to settle down. Sooner than later WE hope.

The good news you ask? We own motorcycles! We can’t meet as a large group but we can still ride. I have managed to ride the better part of 5,000 miles in the last month and through all those miles things felt normal. Until we stopped. You know, masks, social distancing etc… We as riders enjoy that freedom and in this difficult time we should embrace it and wear out some tires and burn some fuel! Several riders can still enjoy great days of riding and it is possible to get a good lunch, as many establishments are serving outside these days. Coupla weeks ago we rode 162/Buck’s Lake road to Graeagle for an outstanding burger and on to 49/Downieville to home. 324 miles and home by 4:30. Currently, many camp sites are open. I personally have stayed at a number of KOAs throughout the western states. This can be done while observing pandemic protocol. Often you hear people refer to motorcycle riding as freedom. There you go, and it is true. The daily grind disappears when I am riding and if it doesn’t for you then, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG!

I hope this column finds our members healthy and, I haven’t heard anyone is ill, so I’ll go with no news is good news. I posted months ago that ALL club activities were indefinitely suspended until further notice and nothing has changed in that regard. Until we are cleared to meet in large groups I am seeing the year 2020 as cancelled. Pretty sure none of us like it, but it is today’s reality and until the situation improves we will have to roll with it.

Major League Baseball just started their truncated season with no fans in the stands and now we hear, because of Covid positive tests of players that the season may end before it really gets going. Strange times folks, strange times! My advice would be, go ride your bike. Now. And a lot. Everything is better during a ride. Until we meet, take care and be safe!

Mike