The inaugural BIASD North County Chili Ride

By Dave L.

The inaugural BIASD North County Chili Ride was successfully held on
Sunday, with 7 riders participating: Will I on his BSA 650, Will II on
his Triumph, Lars on a primo 71 Trident, Frank S on his Commando,
Scott R (new member) on his like-new 74 red Commando, Phil L
on a speedy 51 Triumph 650 and I on my trusty 75 Commando.

6 of us rallied at the Park-N-Ride on the NW corner of I-15 and Deer
Springs, reviewed the ride map and plans, admired Scott’s shiny Commando
and Lars’ bargain-priced Trident, and departed about 10:35AM under
partly sunny skies and 60 degree temps. About 100 yards later, Phil
L joined the procession, having waited for us at the NE corner of
the same interchange. We set forth North on Champagne Boulevard then
took Circle R Drive to curvy West Lilac road, stopping on the very high
West Lilac Bridge overlooking I-15. From this vantage point riders broke
out the cameras and captured some video and photos while I checked with
everyone on pace for the ride.

BIASD North County Chili Ride

We proceeded at a quick pace along West Lilac to the intersection with
Camino Del Rey, then north on Olive Hill road. Generally we were in
horse property country and thoroughly enjoying the scenery and twisty
roads. Once we got to Sleeping Indian Road we proceeded South at a
leisurely pace safely behind a Ford Excursion. The Sunday drive speed
allowed everyone to drink in the views from this road into Camp
Pendleton and even the Pacific Ocean.

We returned to Bonsall along the River/Mission road, then picked up
Camino Del Rey back to Old Highway 395. We tested the speed limit a bit
here and there as conditions permitted. All the bikes were running
soundly. Phil’s Triumph, with its fine patina of flaking metal rust was
particularly impressive with its hot motor. Beware the wolf in beggar’s
clothing!

Our next leg was on Gopher Canyon and North Twin Oaks Valley road, then
a return to our start point. When we reached the Park-N-Ride, we
congratulated ourselves on a ride well done. I called the home front to
get the cornbread started, and we dashed the 4 miles down Jesmond Dene
to the entrance of my subdivision. The last 100 yards of this 50-mile
ride I had to coast along as the clutch cable on my steed parted at this
pretty opportune moment. The ride was finished and so was my bike.

We got to my house and soon dove into the chili and cornbread and
libations which was a welcome end to a somewhat chilly morning. As
usual we indulged in some bench-racing and lie-swapping until it was
time for Frank and Phil to head back and pick up bikes at Lakeside. So
the event came to an end with the promise that we will repeat this type
of ride on the club’s northern fringes and hope that we can entice more
riders with better scheduling and probably warmer weather.