2010 California District Rally @ Mammoth, CA

One of the best District Rallies that I can recall since NorthStar at Tahoe (2004). Bill & Rene Johnson and the rest of the District Staff did an incredible job putting this great event together. CA2Q had a fair contingent of fourteen; Shirley & me, Steve & Jacque, Linda & Rich, Bruce & Susan, Carol & Vern, Victor & Barbara, Susie Coles and Larry Heisler.

The weather cooperated and provided us with a very pleasant weekend. The ride over to Mammoth of course had us going through Yosemite and what a spectacular ride it was. Lunch at the Mobile station's famous Deli (can't recall the name...) just outside Lee Vining then back on the road just minutes from Mammoth. Our condo suites at Mammoth Village was perfect for our group gatherings and dine-ins. The Mammoth Village management went out of their way to make our Rally a spectacular experience for GWRRA members. Most of the businesses/restaurants had some form of discount for member attendees. There was so much to do that our five day weekend just seemed too short.

We had a soiree our first night (Thursday) at the Fosters', Sciacqua's & Edgren's suite. The next morning we were up early for a morning ride in the area led by Victor Tibbs. We rode through and caught some of the areas beautiful mountain sceneries including a run over to June lake. That evening we were up at the top of the mountain (lodge) for the opening ceremony. Part of the night included the presentation of the COY/IOY competitors. Our own Bruce Howland was on stage giving an excellent talk about himself and how GWRRA has affected his life.

Saturday was a very full day. Our Chapter had duties of minding the District Store as well as Registration. Shirley and Barbara were our stalwarts here. But they weren't alone. Larry manned the Store most of the morning as well as Linda, Carol and Susan helping out in the afternoon, and me too. The others were heavily involved in the Advance Riders Course, Trike Riders Class and later the "Amazing Bike Challenge". There was also the "Angel's Drill Team" demonstration early afternoon (I got video!).

As a "thank you" to our attending members for their support attending the Rally and also for their hard work manning our Chapter's designated duties, the Chapter treated the group to a barbecue dinner from the Village's "Smokeyard BBQ and Chop Shop". For a more relaxed atmosphere we brought in the food to the Fosters', Edgren's & Sciaqua's suite to enjoy.

Sunday morning had Shirley give her Leadership Training seminar on "Chapter Organization & Structure" that most of our members attended in her support. On the otherhand, Steve, Jacque and I were at the Operations Officers Forum. I couldn't have been at Shirley's presentation anyway, she barred me from attending (I wonder why???). The early afternoon had most of us on a ride to do the "Mayor's Loop". It's a ride taking us south on 395 to catch Benton Crossing Road and on to Hwy 120 then back on 395 to Mammoth. It's about a hundred miles. The early portion of 120 had the "whoopty dos" that I've always enjoyed. Shirley... not so much. The rest of 120 back to 395 is also incredibly beautiful.

Sunday night's closing ceremonies also included a lot of the awards presentations. CA2Q did pretty good with Susie and Victor each taking home hardware from the Bike show. Linda & Rich Sciacqua did financially better with a portion of the 50/25/25. But the biggest treat for all of us was the award won by our team competing in the "Amazing Bike Challenge". They didn't win the event but they were awarded the "Most ChallengED"competitors. It was given in good nature and taken in good nature but also with great fun.

What a wonderful time we had. I don't know if Bill can top this one next year, but I'm sure he'll work hard at taking it to the next level. I think our Chapter members should give it a lot of thought to attend next year's Rally. You should have a pretty good idea of what you missed out. - Alan

 

Video clip of Ride to Mammoth

Video Clip Gold Angels Drill Team Demo

Video Clip of "Whoopty Do" Ride

Video clip of CA2Q @ Mammoth continued

 

	The fun is just getting started.
Rich got a delicious looking steak sandwhich.	"Whoa Nellie Delli" and their famous fish taco.
		View from the Fosters, Edgren's & Sciacqua's Suite
Our Thursday evening soiree.
	One of the neat fire pits around the Village.
Vandalism at Mammoth!	On Bill's bike no less!

 

 

Day Two @ the Rally

The morning after...	Bill hurried his Staff to clean up his rig...
	On our Friday morning ride.
		Mountain serenity...
Opening Ceremonies.		COY competitors present themselves.
	Our Bruce Howland did a fine job on stage.

 

 

Day Three @ the Rally

Advance Riders Course	Steve & Jacque
Victor Tibbs		Susie Coles
	Bruce Howland
Trike Riders Course	Linda & Rich Sciacqua
Linda & Rich had a little pin striping done.		Bike Show -Victor's ride in the Open Class
Bike show - Susie Coles		Angel's Drill Team
The "Amazing Bike Challenge" walk through.	Larry Heisler making his run.
	Steve diving in.	Rich Sciacqua on his run.
	Our BBQ dinner is about to be served.
	Bruce & Susan had a mural painted on their bike.	Line-up for Ice Cream at the Social.

 

Day Four @ the Rally

 

Riding the "Mayor's Loop" route
"Whoopty Do" is right!	At the closing ceremonies.
		"Most ChallengED"?!?!
	Show her the "Money"!!!	CA2Q's big haul!