FINALLY!

The Pictures From

Santa Barbara

March 4-5, 2006

Gettin' The

Fresh New Ride

Left Davis around 4:45AM and rolled into Wayne's place in Santa Barbara at 11:15AM. Whoa. Actually, the ride wasn't too bad. Jack was the ultimate trooper. Wayne and his wife seemed somewhat sad to see their 650 leave, but they knew it was going to a good home, one with plenty of other motorcycles to play with. And Wayne scored a GREAT deal on a BMW 1200 GS. We both came out winners.

Wayne took plenty of pics before the ol' bike rolled out. Notice that Jack's bike is in the back of the Yukon. He INSISTED that we bring it to show the guys in Ventura and hopefully get in a ride. The ride didn't happen, but the guys were highly impressed that a 4 year old was riding it without training wheels. Rock on, Jack!

One last picture before we turn the key and find out the truck battery was dead. Damn. Fortunately, Wayne's neighbor rolled up with a battery charger pack (official name?) and we were off in a matter of minutes. After many thank you's and handshakes, we were off to see the guy's at Ventura BMW.

The inside of the Ventura BMW dealership. We walked in and spotted Austen first thing. He gave us the high sign as he was busy helping a customer. Next spotted Pete in his office, surrounded by his entourage. He saw us and immediately came out, arms wide open, huge smile across his face. Very cool. My boys!

Terry spotted Pete's bike right away, the one that saved our butts in the middle of the huge wash in Death Valley. His bike has so many extras and modifications. It is truly a beautiful BMW adventure ride.

Jules working hard, makin' the sale(s). Didn't want to interrupt, but knew that we'd eventually get a chance to chat.

Cool Austen fact...the gray bracelet on his wrist was slapped on him after he crossed the finish line at IronMan Phoenix. No, seriously! The dude did IronMan! Rock on, Austen. Promise not to leave me in the dust for the Century Ride?!?

Gotcha, Pete! The man who hauled my big ass outta the canyon. Hey, nice how you're just browsing through mags while poor Jules is out there selling his soul. Nice, Pete, nice. Seriously, Pete flew for the Air Force (South African or USA? Forgot to ask.) and for the Red Cross. Truly a huge heart.

Finally! I found a 10 second window and got a shot with Jules. Sorry, sir, you're going to have to pick out your own damn helmet. I have to get a pic with one of my guys.

Awwww, Pete, you CAN smile. See? You just have to sneak up on him when he's busy perusing the mags...

And the man who promises to not leave me too far in the dust. Austen, anytime (When!) you're up our way, you don't have to pitch your tent in the front yard...the back yard is MUCH nicer. Seriously, the guest bed is always available, dinner and breakfast included.

This is a series of very rushed pictures, totally raw. We took off around 5:30 AM as Mr. Jack was not well. He cried because we cancelled room service! I was a little teary, too. I ran to the front of the hotel and just started snapping away. And honestly, the lighting was really good. Thisis the boardwalk and the end of State Street. Some joggers out, the homeless people not up yet. Yes, there are a lot of homeless in Santa Barbara. Hey, if you were homeless, wouldn't Santa Barbara be a much nicer choice than say Minneapolis?

The oil rigs are in the background while the fishing boats are taking off in the foreground.

The entrance to the hotel, Harbor View Inn. I highly recommend this spot. A little pricey in the peak season, but centrally located with great rooms.

Can you spot the morning jogger? Me neither. Hey, wait, he's right....

The man, zoning out. Poor thing worked himself into a coughing frenzy and puked up a bunch of snot and muck around 5 AM. Sleep? Overrated. He FINALLY zonked out after about an hour. A truly adventurous spirit. How can you not encourage that?

We're home!!! And this is my new/used 2003 BMW 650 GS, complete with custom seat, Jesse bags, GIVI top case, and many, many more extras. How could we NOT snag such a beautiful piece of machinery? I know, dad, we didn't HAVE to, but that would go against everything I am and who you taught me to be. Are you really THAT surprised? I'm sure a lecture email is to follow, Mr. Jet Pilot.

And here's the permit!!! Yes, it took me 2 tries, but it's mine. Terry, I know, I know! I WAS NOT supposed to change any of my answers on the first test (I would've passed with only 3 wrong but decided to change 2 answers that were, ahem, actually the right answers). Hey, you got a huge belly laugh out of it and it just proved you were right. Only missed 3 on the second test... Now, if it would just stop raining!!!!