This journey started up a few months ago when someone e-mailed a work discussion group for riders about this charity ride that he runs. I have been very blessed in my life and I believe that you should give back when as you are able. Giving back while doing something that you enjoy is even better. I didn't want to go on this ride alone as I have never been on a group ride before so I started to try and convince some friends to come too. I finally convinced my good friend Mark and we both registered for the 2013 Tulip Ride.
The dream of good weather and riding had to wait as it was still winter in Seattle and very wet and in the 40s. Then I received and update about the ride that made it even sweeter. Katee Sackhoff and Tricia Helfer, better known as Starbuck and Six from Battlestar Galactica, would be joining us for the ride. I was a huge fan of the show and now I was going to have the opportunity to ride with some of my favorite characters. Now I started to check the weather forecast and track the trends as I could not wait for the ride to start.
I woke up and thought that we would get lucky and see some sun and have a dry ride.
Finally, April 27th came and I awoke much earlier than usual to prepare for the journey that lay ahead. Traffic was very light at 8:30 AM on a Saturday in Seattle; however, the wind across 520 was out in full force. Waves crashing over the side of the bridge is always a bit disconcerting, more so when you are on a motorcycle, but I managed to get across without incident. After fueling up, I was on to meet Mark and then ride to Blazing Bagels for pre-ride food and mingling.
Bikes of all kinds were already there by the time we arrived and many more would show up before we finally took off. Everything was very well organized and I so happened to meet a few co-workers in the crowd that I didn't know would be there. Katee's flight was delayed so we had a couple extra minutes to walk around, chat, and just see what people were up to. Mark's friend, Monte, was able to join us as well on his brand new bike.
I arrive at the starting point.
Mark getting ready to enjoy some Blazin' Bagels
Finally, everyone arrived, the rider safety briefing was conducted, and we were off to suite up and ride. At about 10:15 AM our police escort was ready and off we went to 520 to eventually hop on 405 then 5 to get to our first stop where we would meet some more riders. It was quite a site to see around 200 bikes riding in the HOV lane on 405 and amazing feeling to be a part of this 70 MPH parade of metal and chrome.
Yours truly with the lovely Tricia Helfer
Taking in the photo op with Katee Sackhoff
Riding safety briefing.
And so the journey begins (Mark on point, me behind him, and Monte in the rear).
After about 40 miles or so, we arrived at Tulalip Casino. We had about 30 minutes to grab some coffee, warm up, change our gear, or hit the tables. I decided to just take this opportunity to stretch and warm up a bit. We were joined by about 50 more bikes so the final count was just a tick over 250 motorcycles. So far, the weather had cooperated with us. It was overcast and only in the 50s but still remarkably dry for a spring day in Seattle. Unfortunately, that was about to change.
Our three bikes at Tulalip. Monte would have to leave us as Mark and I continued.
With the break over and second police escort ready, we rolled out of Tulalip at around 11:30. Now imagine a mile long group of riders rolling down your local roads. That would be quite impressive in my opinion and some of the locals agreed as we had random people cheer us on from their front lawns. I was able to get a glimpse of this glory on a few straight roads with elevation changes. With this leg of the ride, we finally got off the interstate and onto the local twisties where the real fun of motorcycling is found. But of course now the rain decided to start.
This was my first time really riding in the rain. I have been caught in the occasional passing shower before but this was the first time I was not close to home and could not just pull over. Riding with such a great group made this experience much better as I had more confidence about the conditions ahead. The road was pretty wet and this became a colder ride than I imagined but I still was having fun.
We finally arrived at the Tulip fields. The organizers of the event arranged for parking on dry gravel/concrete which is much better than potential fields of mud. With the bikes parked, we made our way to the field's office to warm up for a bit. The rain was still falling and was picking up a bit but we had to make the short walk to the fields to be able to grab some food. The great thing about bikers is that we all share a common bond and friendly. I met a guy that rode up from Los Angeles to join us on the ride and he just gave me more inspiration to plan my next big adventure.
With the food finished, our bodies warmer, and conversations done, the journey home began. It was still raining a little bit but we had to get back to our normal lives. After a quick fuel up, we got onto 5 for the quickest route home as the weather was not cooperating. The rain quickly stopped but it was still cold so we stayed on the interstate to get home the fastest. About two miles from the 405/5 split, Mark and I pulled in a rest area to take a break. We talked about the rides past, present, and future. Names and locations change but the one constant was and is fun. I had a great time on the 2013 Tulip Ride despite the weather trying its best to ruin the fun. I plan on going on the 2014 Tulip Ride and some more charity rides between now and then.
Line up of some of the bikes.
Did I mention there were a lot of us
