California's Indian Summer returned today - with blue skies and a hot
day ahead of us. We gathered as a group at 9 am, with the van drivers
heading off to pick up their rides for the week, and the riders
beginning a morning of group riding and safety briefings.

At 9.30am one of our greatest supporters, Sergeant Price from the
California Highway Patrol arrived, along with Officer Ruiz to give our
group a first class safety and rider skills training briefing.

Sergeant Price was as entertaining and informative as always - we learn
something new every year and it takes our individual and group riding
skills to another level.

At 10.30 am the bikes arrived and the group excitedly headed outside to
the car park next to the hotel to meet their rides for the week.

Already the sun was beating down strongly and the temperatures rising
but nothing could dampen the excitement and enthusiasm.

We took our new bikes for a short test ride around the car park under
the watchful eye of Sergeant Price, who also demonstrated some of his
own phenomenal riding skills. Then it was off for a quick lunch before
heading out on the road.

The city streets of LA were slow and steaming in the heat, but after 15
minutes or so we were able to cut down to the beach and ride in the cool
breeze with incredible views along beaches that stretched for ever.

Eventually we cut back up to one of our favourite dealers, California
Harley-Davidson, for a much needed cold drink and stretch, before
returning back along the water to our hotel.

The group rode perfectly in formation and effortless changed lanes - our
experienced riders bring so much depth to the group, and all of the
practice our new riders, particularly the Australians riding on the
opposite side of the road for the first time, really showed.

Tonight we went out as a group for dinner to celebrate. The restaurant
was on a beach on the marina and had set out a long candlelit table
right next to the sand for us. It was a beautiful warm night with a
full moon overhead and we all enjoyed a terrific dinner before heading
back to the hotel for a well deserved night's sleep.

Tomorrow - out of LA and on our way to the start of the ride at Ventura
on Saturday.