Day Two – Thursday, September 21 – The  Bikes Arrive!

Some of the group had a restless night in the unfamiliar and occasionally noisy environment of the youth hostel, while Karen finally got on top of her jetlag and had a full night’s rest!

After breakfast we took the support van down to Marina Del Ray where a semi-trailer full of beautiful gleaming Harley-Davidsons awaited us!

Those using the bikes generously loaned by HD couldn’t hold back the grins as they checked out their new rides, and took them for a familiarization spin up and down the road and around some circles.

An hour later the support van drivers Lori and Mercedes arrived, and we took our first ride as a group back to our base at the youth hostel – the first taste of LA traffic for some and Karen’s first ride on the right hand side of the road!

The group rode beautifully and we arrived back at the hostel after a short five miles to grab a quick lunch before our major safety briefing.

Sergeant Price, the head of the Motor Officer division for West Los Angeles arrived looking like a vision straight from CHIPs on his police bike in full uniform.  With over 19 years experience in the job as a Motor Officer, and many years as an instructor, Sergeant Price gave an incredible safety briefing that taught all of our riders, experienced and new, invaluable tips for navigating the state’s highways and byways.

A passionate biker himself, we had a great time as well as learnt a lot, and spent well more than the hour we’d planned asking questions and listening.

Afterwards, we headed downstairs and geared up ready for our second practice ride down to Hermosa Beach.  A longer ride this time in different conditions – heavy traffic, and some straightaways where we could reach 50 mph. 

Once again the group rode well together, and the benefits of Sergeant Price’s briefing were evident once the group arrived, as all joined in a debrief and analysis of our ride and worked on ways to improve our cohesion and safety.

A beautiful ride back along the beach as the sun began to set, and back to Santa Monica.  Tonight was a free night with several members of the group catching up with family and friends before our second practice ride on Friday.

Gene delivers our bikes in Marina Del Rey


Sargeant Price - our motorcycle safey speaker


The gang in Hermosa Beach during the first practice ride 


Relaxing in the evening - Natalie, Stacy, Lori and Gigi


Shooting Pool