Bill writes:

Tuesday July 18, 2006
Home at last. Mike Sapsis and I rolled in around 7 pm. The day was relatively uneventful. We rode for a bit. Then we soaked ourselves in cold water and rode some more. I lost count of the number of times we stopped. At the next to the last stop on the PA Turnpike, however, we realized there was a pretty big storm brewing up behind us. Now, Mike's back tire looks more like a racing slick than it does a street tire and it would not do well in the rain, so the race was on. We beat the storm by a good half hour but it took the last bit of energy we had.

Which pretty much brings the 3rd annual Long Reach Long Rider charity motorcycle ride to a close. We had another great time, proving that the first 2 weren't flukes. The 4th annual ride is already in the planning stages. Stay tuned for more details.

Thanks again to everyone that donated, helped, participated, organized, cooked, cleaned, or in some way added to the success of the ride. It was a pleasure.

Be well
Bill

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Loren writes:

July 18, 2006, our last day on the road. We got out early to beat the heat. Fortunately, the smoke and clouds conspired to thwart the sun and shield us from its wrath—at least until we reached Baker, CA. The infamous Bun Boy thermometer indicated 109 degrees—a good 6 degrees below what we rode through on the way out. We stopped for brunch and butt relief. We stopped again at the Cajon Pass for Coke-flavored Icys and again at Temecula and again for Coke-flavored Icys. One more leg, whew! On the way to San Diego, a dingbat in a silver Mazda changes lanes without actually looking and nearly collides with my bike. I drift with her and speed up until I can explain to her in visual terms that the lane is already occupied and I am not willing to share. She backs off, only to meet the wrath of Woodstock and Cutter Kate coming up quickly from behind. I believe she will check over her shoulder from now on. We all arrive, tired but thrilled with the journey, at Altakeep, my home in the little ridge-top community of Crest. And so ends the tale.

My love and deep respect to all my fellow riders and the well-oiled chase teams! We did something many will not—4,135 miles on the back of a growling Harley (or whatever), raised money and awareness for a good cause and had a little fun along the way. We are the Long Reach Long Riders!