Ride to Ocean Shores

Dick Lamphere's new Harley is also red...

Gathering before the ride...

My new Gold Wing is a good place to rest...

Quinault Casino parking lot

Having our Chapter Meeting at lunch...

Ready to wander the shops of Ocean Shores



I was up early on this beautiful mid-May morning, and rolled out of the driveway in plenty of time to gas up the Gold Wing and make it to Brother’s Power Sports ahead of the rest of Chapter 403. Dick Lamphere was already there with his new Harley. He was unable to join us on the ride, so he showed up for the meeting (which we didn’t have until later in the day) and to wish us a safe ride.

After milling around Brother’s parking lot until we were sure we had everyone accounted for, eight members headed out on six bikes for Little Creek Casino where we met up with the members from Port Townsend (another three bikes with four members). We finally hit the road with twelve members on nine bikes. We left Little Creek in two small groups, and enjoyed the two lane back roads through McCleary, Elma, Satsop, Brady, and Montesano before we were funneled back onto the main highway into Aberdeen.

Traffic was moderate through Aberdeen and Hoquiam, and fairly light along Washington 109 all the way to our turn off to Ocean Shores. We made one short pit stop just prior to the turn off, and then headed for the Quinault Casino for lunch. At this point, I have to say something about motorcycle clubs that exist as a social outlet for members who are generally older than younger… we ride to eat! We have discovered (in Washington State) that Native American Casinos will always serve you a meal to be remembered for a fair price. Some do a better job than others, and the word gets around in either case. We currently have ten chapters of Star Touring and Riding Association throughout Washington State, and every member knows which casino within a couple hundred miles is worthy of the RTE (ride to eat). To be fair, I haven’t found a bad one yet.

After lunch, we rode into Ocean Shores and wandered through a few shops…used the public facilities…gassed up our bikes…and headed back toward home. As we were headed away from Ocean Shores, a long string of bikes and riders were turning into the small community. It was an impressive parade, but I would not have enjoyed being the cage driver behind them trying to get somewhere quickly. It is almost as frustrating as being held up for construction, and as more and more motorcyclists join clubs…it will only get worse.

We found a different back road into Shelton, and then stayed on Highway 3 through Allyn and into Belfair. Doug Mountjoy and I turned onto the Old Belfair Highway, and made our way into Port Orchard where, close to home, we stopped for a cold beer before calling it a day. I closed my garage door around 7:00 PM, and gave up all thoughts of making it to the Pool League Banquet I was already two hours late for. I was much more interested in a nap (because I am old…).