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If you were to ask a biker back in the 60's and early 70's where they would ride too and party at in So. Cal., one name would come up every time. Kernville. The Rustic little town, located just north of Bakersfield back then was a haven for bikers. It had it all, scenic rides, a cool rustic town, biker friendly bars, warm summers, hot vacationing babes out camping with their families, and the Kern river. Maybe it was the towns original name of "Whiskey Flats" that brought them to this town. Whatever the case, it was the place to ride too.
I grew up in that era and spent most of my life growing up on the Kern River going on family trips to this paradise. As a kid I remembered going into the quit little town to buy some fishing tackle or just hang out with the other vacationing kids. I would watch with excitement as the bikers would ride into town like out of a scene from an old western movie.
The bikes would thunder into town on their steel horses with the bikers dressed in dirty jeans and vest like outlaws riding into an old west town. They would pull up to the sportsman saloon while people in the town looked on with an uneasy feeling knowing they were not a part of the normal society.
While on the river we would see them camping along the river in secluded places keeping totally to themselves. Parents would tell their children to stay away from them as if they were the boogy man or something.
While fishing the river or riding inner tubes down the rapids you would pass by their camps and see them partying and having a good time. We would sometimes catch a glimpse of the biker girls swimming naked or walking threw the camp which for a young kid was a huge turn on. Which now makes sense as to one of the reasons why parents didn’t want you to be around their camps.
I also watched as the bikers stopped riding to this perfect place in the high sierra's. It faded away like most of the hippie movements did making way for a new type of rider called the white water riders.
It was the place to ride too up until the town got fed up with the "biker hooligans." Just like the reason they changed the name from Whiskey Flats to Kernville. The town's folk wanted to be a respectable place. So slowly but surely the bikers were given the unwanted message and they just stopped going.
They may have left but, like many kids I found their whole mystique and their carefree lifestyle to be very cool and that image stayed with me to this day. It helped shape my style of riding and beliefs.
As time passed and I grew up I rode to all of the well-known bike events and rallies around Southern California and I noticed a common trend happening.
All of the runs but one, were cookie cutter events with the same old vendors, bike builders, money hungry promoters and worse of all dumb ass rules and cops to enforce them for the sake of making their own money off bikers who were only looking to have a good time with other bikers. Those rules were made to apparently save us adults from each other.
What they forgot is that true bikers take care of one another and their own problems. These events were supposed to be for the riders not the promoters to get rich on and the cops to make excuses to get rich on overtime pay in the name of public security using one sole event in Laughlin as their banner for out of control bikers. Which is still in debate as to who really lit that fuse.
That one run that kept the true "biker lifestyle" feeling alive was the "Redwood Run" up in Northern California. There was nothing in Southern California like that.
My wife Patricia and I totally enjoyed going to the Redwood Run and it made me want to give the bikers in So Cal that same kind of experience but, get back to the roots of the "old school bike run" like the Redwood Run but, make it even more back to the basics.
I never stopped going to Kernville to enjoy what this sleepy, rustic old town has to offer both for sportsmen and for bikers. I remembered the old days of the bike runs to Kernville and when I did go to Kernville I spent time talking to old bikers like Sam and Rocky who still live there. They remembered those days and they passed on to me what those days were like camping out on the Kern with other bikers.
So Patricia and I decided it was time to bring it back. The town could use the revenue as well. It puts on events like Whiskey Flats days in the winter where the entire town goes back in time to the 1880's where gun fights in the streets and saloon girls kept the gold, silver and quartz prospectors' company was all common place back then, so why not bring back the Biker Days.
We wanted to give bikers a place to come and experience what it was like back in the 60's and early 70's. Back then bikers just rode up to the river, found a spot to camp and just party with friends and other bikers under the stars and clear skies. No fees, no promoters, no vendors, just ride and have a good time. They didn’t need someone to show them how to have a good time and make a buck off them doing it.
In September 2006 we brought back the "Kern River Run."
We found a spot on the river that was open to the public, no government fees to camp, no camp managers to tell you to be quite at 10PM, no rules but the biker rules to follow (all bikers know what those rules are. Don't disrespect your brother, take care of one another, don't touch anything which is not yours unless it is offered, and most of the time what is yours is mind except for my bike).
The spot we chose has it all, a cool scenic camp away from the public's prying eyes, a great place to park your bike, a sandy beach with a lot of shady places to pitch a tent, an awesome swimming hole, room to party in private, the giant sequoias a few miles ride away and food n drink services close by at the legendary McNally's.
The first year we put the run on we did not advertise except on our new web site and word of mouth. That year we had a total of 7 riders. It was a slow start but, what we saw in the riders that attended was the type of biker who we were looking for to experience this run. They were there to get back to the basics (especially old school bikers like Johnny G).
That seven soon grew and word of mouth about our run and idea of putting on an "old school, back to the basics" run in So Cal also grew and in the following years the attendance grew. All of the riders who come to this run were looking for the same thing or idea. No more cookie cutter runs and rallies. Just ride and party with other bikers looking for that old school vision of a run. After all that's what it should be about and nothing more. Somewhere along the way that vision was lost.
Last year was the 4th annual Kern River Run and based on the response from all of the riders, (many of them who were actually around to experience the days of the Kernville runs) told Patricia and I that we successfully created a time machine for riders to experience what it was like to be a biker back in the hay day of the 60's and early 70's riding and partying on the Kern River.
Every year on the weekend following Labor day we host the "Kern River Run" on the upper Kern River, 14 miles up river from the town of Kernville. The campground is called "Calkins Flats" a mile south of McNallys general store and restaurant.
It is a run open to all riders with the idea that this is an "old school run" and all that it entails and biker rules apply (past photos and run stories on our web site “Lifestyle Rider” gives all interested riders insight as to what that actually means so to keep those who don't get what that means from attending).
The only ”No” in our run is, No problems, No drama, No issues, No money needed for attending. And one other big one... NO COLORS.
We understand in the old days clubs showed up and partied with everyone. We would like to have clubs come to the run and party together and forget what ever issues they may have but, unfortunately in this day and time some clubs have made it to where it can bring a uneasy feeling to the run. The whole idea of this run is to have a good time and relax and forget about the crap in your life for at least the weekend. We do actually have some old and current members of clubs attending the run but, you would never know it because they do not wear their club cuts or even soft colors (T-shirts). They are just there having a good time with other bikers. “They Get it.”
Also the local law enforcement and forestry department (with police powers) have come through camp and have not bothered us because they don’t see the “colors” there. But you better believe the day when clubs disregard our request and come with their colors the free pass will end. Like all runs they will crack down on us and look for reasons to end this run like all the rest. That would just suck.
As of the 4 years putting this run on, not one word has been spoken in anger. Just a lot of laughter, old story telling, old scooter friends reuniting, new friendships being made, partying, drinking, eating like kings and of course biker babe fun in and out of the water. The way bike runs are meant to be.
The following is a review of this years run.
Every year on the weekend following Labor day we host the "Kern River Run" on the upper Kern River, 14 miles up river from the town of Kernville. The campground is called "Calkins Flats" a mile south of McNallys general store and restaurant. It is a run open to all riders with the idea that this is an "old school run" and all that it entails and biker rules apply (past photos and run stories on our web site give all interested riders insight as to what that actually means so to keep those who don't get what that means from attending). Most importantly this is a no colors run. No problems, no drama, no issues. Just having a good time with other bikers.
Patricia and I always come up to the river the day after Labor day to start setting up the camp and holding ground for the run since it is open to the public. It has always been a daunting job but, this year we had a lot of help. Riders came up early this year to help us set up and hold the camp for the 3 day event over the weekend.
With the much appreciated help from John n Jerry (Paddywon), Joy and Gary, Ken, Jim n Patty, Paul and Dream Walker, Glenn, Roy, Holly and Chris we were able to get things set up much easier this year. There are 5 main areas of the camp, the upper camp, the main camp and lower camp, the party spot and the jungle.
The main camp are for bikes, tents for those who like to sleep next to their bikes and areas for support vehicles. The upper and lower camp is for support vehicles and overflow tent camping. The jungle is the beach along the river and literal jungle of shade trees with cool private places to pitch a tent. Then there is the party spot. It is a wide open area on the beach. All of the jungle and party spot are hidden from the road and public eye.
Every year Patricia tries to come up with a new idea for entertainment and this year she really stepped it up with having a stripper pole and a Wet T Shirt contest. With the help of our neighbor we were able to build one and have it right on the beach at the party spot.
We had no ladder to attach the upper part of the pole so Jerry (Paddywon) was lifted up to do the honors of securing the pole. This also secured him a place as a judge for the wet "t" shirt contest and his father and best friend John was awarded the position of pouring the river water on the girls.
We had a make shift D.J. booth set up in the party spot so the girls had the right musical inspiration for the pole, the wet t shirt contest and the nights festivities around the camp fire. Who needs a band when you have an IPOD with 2,000 biker tunes. Plus it was decided bands cost money and they bring the wrong attention to the event. That and in these days unlike the 60's and 70's, you need entertainment permits for a band.
The first couple of nights we spent with our early small group getting to know one another and enjoying the quite nights with clear skies of an ocean of stars unobstructed by city lights and buildings.
As we sat around the fire and got to know one another an incredible thing happened. Two veteran bikers who did not ride in together and all for all purposes did not know each other began to exchange stories of long ago runs. Then after 45 minutes of sharing stories it dawned on them that they not only knew the same people but, each other and they use to ride together over 25 years ago. Time had changed their appearance from young turks to older experienced men but, in that moment it was as if it was back in the day. It made the hair stand up on our arms and I had to say to Patricia, "this is why we have this run." If it hadn't been for this run these old friends may have never met again and it hit even harder when they mentioned the names of all of their riding buddies with the life sobering response, "not with us any more."
We had many request from vendors to come to this run and we had to tell them this run was not about vendors or making money. We even had an offer from a paratroop team from S.C. who offered their services of dropping in to our run. We had to tell them we were not that kind of run. Once again everyone was asked about vendors and it was a resounding "Hell No." If we want food and drink we will bring it or go get it up the road a mile.
A vendor did show up all the way from Tombstone AZ. who normally sells patches, flags and other biker trinkets, but Paul and Dream Walker knew the deal and they still came to just experience the old school run. Paul was a big help to us all and he supplied the power for tunes during the day and his fire tending skills at night. He and Dream Walker are a very down to earth couple who gave our run much needed flavor, entertainment and shirt off your back kind of biker friendship.
Gary and Joy both ride and rode in early from Porterville to help us set up and party early with us. The area of Kernville is home to a native American tribe called "Tubatulabal." It means" those who go out and gather Pinyon nuts". They were referred to by other Indians as (no lie) the 'happy talkers' because their language was lilting and full of laughter. This totally fit Joy to a tee.... Everyone who knows her or met her on the run would agree with this. Gary is a quite cool dude who is more then ready to help out with what ever needed to be done. He, without being asked, carried the heavy concrete dance pole base down to the party spot. He totally earned a wet t shirt judge spot for this.
Ken (Horse) came in early from Oregon, to attend the run. We had spoken several times on line about the run and he was there to help set up camp. He crafts jewelry and he graciously gave the girls necklaces he made. He also earned a spot as a judge for his being there to help out.
Throughout the week, more riders came in early to get a jump on the run. Everyone offered their help to get things ready for the weekend. In the past years we were always alone for the days leading up to the run and when we left on Thursday to go back to ride out on Friday with the group we always had some apprehension as to what the run would be like. As we left, we had no apprehension this time. We knew it was going to be one of the best. Little did we know how awesome it would be.
Thursday night Patricia and I headed back to Lancaster to ride out with the riders on Friday morning so we left the camp to our new friends.
Friday morning came and as we rode into the Harley Davidson parking lot, we saw just 3 bikes. We knew of five riders who we knew would be riding out with us and we never know how many will actually be joining the ride.
As 8am came for kick stands up to ride out, more and more bikes rolled in. Patricia had asked me if I knew if the veterans of the run like Johnny G(one of the original 7), Roger (Bisquick), Domingo, Frank, Babe, Gary and Bill would be there. I couldn't imagine the run without them and as they all pulled in it was like a family reunion.
There was one person missing from this veteran group who I knew would not be making it. That was Rick Straube who lost his battle with cancer 2 months after last years run. He would be truly missed.
We had been talking to a girl (Daiana) who Patricia met on line at Biker Nation who wanted to go but, she lived in Sacramento. We knew that our friend Ken Vasil would be more then happy to give her a ride. He figured out a way to fly her down and then give her a ride. Anything is possible when Ken puts his mind to it.
Our heroes Dale and Lisa who were responsible for us to finally have a shirt for the run rolled up along with Kat and Craig who almost didn't make this years run as well as Chris and Patti who survived the fires we had that week.
More riders showed up and many of them we had never met or rode with before but we would end up getting to know at the run. I apologize here for not getting their names, those we do know were Jeff, Gary, Robert, Brian, and Steve-O.
Oh and this crazy ass dude and his old lady (Rooster n Topper) showed up to ride out with the group.
As the bikes turned over, Patricia did a head count with 20 bikes lining up for the official run out to the Kern River. I always get a rush as we get ready to head out and with my brother Rooster next to us on my right it didn't get better then this moment. The only thing missing was Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet ride playing as we left the parking lot.
As we headed down the 14 freeway through Rosamond and Mojave, we picked up a couple more riders. Jaime & Colleen kept up the rear in a chase vehicle which I was never more happier to have.
As we passed by the Jawbone store and the vuluptuous lady billboard it was photo op time with cameras busting out pix as we rode through Red Rock Canyon and it's mars like features. There was also plenty of other photo ops as some of the girls got an early start on their tans.
We turned onto Walker pass and we made our way to the half way part of the 200 mile run. As we pulled into our pit stop for gas in Onyx it was apparent we were missing a rider. Ken Vasil in his excitement of going on the run miscalculated the milage and he ran out of fuel at the turn off to Walker pass. This was extremely out of character for him but, in his defense he was a little distracted by his hot passenger Daiana.
Which brings us to why it is so important to have a chase vehicle. Jaime and Colleen were there to save what could have been a bummer of a summer for Ken and Daiana stuck in the middle of the Mojave desert with no gas, 100 degree temps, with the snakes and coyotes.
Ken told me as he saw this truck heading towards him he was feeling pretty lost, hot and upset with himself. He was relieved to know he was not left to die in the desert. They were soon back on the road. And Jamie's assistance to a rider in need earned him a spot as a judge in the wet t shirt contest.
As we rode up the mountain highway the barren desert turned into ranches, tall cotton wood trees and rolling hills with wild flowers lining our path like conquerors returning to Rome. We turned onto Sierra way for the last stretch of the road past lake Isabella with it's trees in the lake marking it's submerged old town of Isabella.
We rode into Kernville with a rumble like thunder bringing back some history to the town. As we passed James market it was 14 miles to the party and you could feel the excitement as we rolled along with the mountain on one side and the Kern River rushing by on the other.
The scenic view drastically changes with every turn on the road giving everyone an idea how powerful the river is. From April to June this is home to some of the best white water rafting and kayaking around with class 2 to class 5 rapids.
As we pulled up to camp we were greeted just like those roman soldiers returning from battle. It was an awesome site to see as the long line of bikes rumbled into camp. Patricia and I were happy to see that the camp had filled up with more riders since we left it. There were tents sprouting up everywhere. There were some support RV's parked at the far end of the main camp giving way to the real reason for the run, the bikes and their riders.
We had some non riders who were there to experience the biker party with it's association to the hippie era of the Haight - Ashbury days. Although Jaime and Colleen were non riders, they were there with Paul who was. They were amazing and cool people to hang out with.
As we parked and dismounted I knew what was next. Like the old west days and much like the Redwood Run, comes the land rush where people rushed to find their camping spot and put a stake in the ground to claim their home. Those veterans from past runs knew what spot they wanted. Some were reserved by Patricia and I by placing an empty tent on their spot to hold it and to make the camp look lived in to help keep the area for our run leading up to the weekend.
Those who didn't know where to camp were helped by myself or Patricia by showing them what the camping area offered. The jungle is the most desired spots to camp and it actually is approx. as long as a football field with plenty of choice areas to pitch a tent right next to a running river to wake up to in the morning.
Some wanted to camp up on top next to their rides. Some camped in groups with riding buddies and making room for new friends. There was plenty of room for any riders / campers taste.
We got to see some familiar faces from last years run making camp, the sexy Zian and Joe (the Hulk), I don't know how many times I heard riders saying "dude, I can't believe it, were f___king camping with the Hulk." Our old friend Dinky also made it.
Our friends from the AV, Chris, Patti and Cal, finally arrived. Chris has had some bad run of luck on runs with his last being Sturgis where he was one of the many victims of mother natures wraith dropping softball size hail on everyone. Then having his bike break down just before our run, but they made it.
There were some new riders we got to meet, Steve, Alan, Jim n Patty, Jack, Randy, Tammy, Berry, Josh, Robert, Linda and Brian, Larry and Wendy, Ben, Ray and his lady Marsha, Drew n Tina and so many more that I didn't not get their names to write down.
It didn't take long for the riders to get out of their riding clothes and into their swimming and some not so much clothes. We had a designated area set up on the beach along the river for shy riders both men and women who wanted to shed their clothes for cooling off in the river. That soon went by the way side with many other inhibitions as this run tends to do.
We had several rafts out in the water for relaxing on or riding some of the class 2 rapids before and after the camps swimming hole. The swimming hole itself is deep at one end of the camp and shallow at the other for socializing and cooling off in. There is no strong currents here so there was no worries of being taken down river.
As riders began to relax and settle in for the wild and fun weekend ahead of them the reality of where they actually were hit them. With over 75 riders whooping it up, listening to classic rock playing, a deer stepped out of the woods and strolled down into the river right in front of everyone. The place got silent and some who had never experienced something like this in their lives stood in amazement as to what they were seeing in front of them.
Comments besides, "where is my camera" were, "ok, you would never see this at another bike run in California." Once again having a run like this was hitting home with a lot of riders.
The deer stayed around for awhile but, she would not be the only wild life seen in camp. Every night at dusk like clock work a family of beavers comes out on the river. No were not talking about the female kind, were talking wood eating.. No sorry, wrong analogy, were talking big tail, buck toothed, whoops still not clear, how about dam building critters. The other kind are just a given on this kind of run. Those other critters are extremely rare to see and everyone was given a front row show better then any discovery channel could offer.
As the day wound down and riders settled in even more. You could hear more bikes rolling in. We had a hospitality station set up for riders to check into if they needed anything (our RV supplied the power for music, lighting and the complimentary coffee and rolls in the morning and no we did not sleep in it. My hypocreaceae only goes so far, we slept in a tent along with everyone else) .
This year we decided to put in solar lights to light the way up and down the 6 foot steps to the camp. This was a huge appreciated addition to the run making it easier to get around at night for riders to use the restrooms or make their way to the party spot.
As night came on, some riders set up bbq's while others rode to town or up to McNallys's restaurant or burger stand. The general store at McNallys's also was cool enough to deliver fire wood to camp.
The first night around the camp fire was like going to a concert. Everyone knows it is going to rock and their going to have an incredible time. All who were there were not disappointed. I don't want to get to graphic, but everyone there experienced what it was like in the old days of a true bike run. Lots of smiling faces, lots of skin, lots of flashes going off (which probably was not so normal back then and a sign of technology). The new stripper pole addition was also broken in by several girls and one free spirted guy (Jaime).
The partying and music playing went on till the wee hours of the night with riders slowly slipping away to their tents either due to the long day or wanting to have their own private party.
Patricia and I were one of the last to call it a night and we slipped into our tent with the sounds of Paul playing native American music which gave the perfect ending to an awesome day. Only to be broken by the sounds of the wild coming from somewhere in camp.
When morning not yet breaking over the mountain (dubbed Patricia's peaks), we got up to make the coffee and put out the rolls for the early risers. We decided to play a little "Alan Sherman's Hello Mudduh Hello Fudduh, Camp Granda" tune to greet the morning campers.
Saturday brought rides to the giant sequoia's 20 miles away, rides to the town of Kernville and more partying in camp and playing in the river. There was a veterans run going on in Isabella and their poker run ran past our camp which brought more visitors who were not aware of our run and riders looking for a poker card.
The side of the hospitality station (our RV) had a huge banner that read "Welcome Bikers To The Kern River Run" with an American flag and our web sites banner "Lifestyle Rider" posted for all riders to see to guide them into our camp.
We let the poker run riders know what our run was about and invited them back for the Wet T Shirt contest at 3pm and the nights festivities. We also told them where their card was at over at McNallys.
We had a sign up list for the wet t shirt contest and we had 12 wild girls sign up. Patti (not my Patricia), Lisa, Colleen, Marsha, Kat, Topper, Ziane, Daiana, Pattie, Kim, Wendy, Ray Ann all were brave girls to give the guys and girls a memorable show.
We had never thrown a wet t shirt contest and we were not sure how this would turn out. We had tank tops for the girls, and 1st to 3rd place prizes for the girls. Since this run didn't cost any rider a dime to attend, Patricia donated the prizes from her Lingerie and Adult Toys business. She even had free raffle prizes and tickets for everyone.
As 3pm rolled up, the girls were getting a little nervous. Liquid courage helped but also knowing that there were no pros in the crowd also made a huge difference. All the girls knew this was just for fun no matter what the outcome. All the girls were able to pick their own music to help make it more comfortable for them.
We had the judges ready and excited, Jerry (paddywon), Jamie, Gary, Ken and Patti. Our water bucket guys to make sure the girls were nice and wet and standing at attention were: Ken Vasil and John. Patricia was the MC for the event.
As the moment arrived, I couldn't help but notice just how packed the party spot was. It was wall to wall people. All excited to watch the show making sure they got a good seat. Just as the show was to start a representative from the forestry department walked into camp. There was an uneasy feeling falling over the crowd as you could imagine.
Here there was probably 75 to 80 partying adults wound for sound, a stripper pole complete with blue astro turf stage, rocking music and half dressed women. The forestry dude looked around, and surveyed the situation and all he had to say was two things, "You need to take the rope down that is stretched across the river and I wish I would have known about this, my girl could have entered this." No lie..... The rope was taken down and the festivities continued on. See there are some cool government dudes.
The Wet t Shirt contest went on and all of the girls were awesome. They were all crowd pleasers and they all gave it their all for the judges and the spectators. Some of the girls really got into the moment and used everything god and a good plastic surgeon gave them. Jerry was used and abused as one of the judges by some of the girls to everyone's enjoyment.
It was a close contest, so close it took the judges awhile to add up the points and determine who won. There was even a tie breaker for 3rd place. They all were winners in all the guys and girls minds. For the record there had to be 3 girls. , 3rd place went to Lisa, 2nd place went to Topper and 1st place went to Kat (who almost wasn't able to come to the run). For the record all of the judges didn't know any of the 3 girls.
During the show I met a writer and photographer, Darla, who asked if she could cover the event. She was very cool and she fit right in and I appreciated her asking permission where some would have just done it. (She later wrote back to us telling us how much of a F__kin great time she had).
After the show the party continued on.
When 5pm rolled around it was time for a tradition of this run since the very first one and that was riding over to McNallys steak house a mile up the road. McNallys is famous for it's rustic atmosphere and it's excellent food and most of all it's steaks. One of them is called the Logger. It is 42oz's of seasoned beef. It is right out of that movie the Great Outdoors with John Candy and Dan Akroyd.
McNallys's is biker friendly and it's owner, Carol has always been great to us. She knows every year we are coming up and she is ready to take care of us.
While our group was waiting for our food to come Patricia and I were surprised and honored to receive a plaque from Rooster on behalf of everyone at the run this year. With out our knowing, Rooster had gone around to everyone at camp and had gotten them to sign the certificate which basically thanked Patricia and I for putting on the "kick ass" Kern River Run. This gesture from everyone totally reinforced the reason we put this run on. This was something we will always remember.
Not everyone goes to McNallys's from the run but, those who are veterans of the run make it a part of it to eat there. Others hit the hamburger stand there or take the ride into Kernville to eat at the other places. While some stay in camp and do the camp fire or grill cook out.
Going through camp in the morning, afternoon or night is like going through your mothers kitchen. Everyone has something to eat and everyone offers food to you. Once again the old school way.
As the last night comes on the riders once again head over to the big ringed camp fire at the party spot for another nights festivities. It is always funny to watch as the riders tend to move a little slower this night then the night before as Patricia says "they look as if they spent their wad the night before." That and they either had a long fun day in the water and sun, going on a ride, or tying one on the night before and still recuperating.
The riders this night are also unsure as to what to expect, especially after what went on the night before and the wild festivities of the day. There are also new arrivals on Saturday who did not experience the previous nights party and they also add to the unsure expectations as to what this night will bring. As the crowd gathers and the night falls the music starts to pick up to set the tone for the night.
This run plays no crap rap. It is either all classic rock or some country on request.
The last nights party always starts a little slow and the faces on the riders around the camp fire show it. But there is always someone to step up and let all the riders know that this party is not over and there is a lot more partying to do. Colleen was the first to get the party going by dancing around the fire. Her dancing opened the invitation to other free spirts in the crowd to get up and dance which brings life into the faces of the riders around the fire.
Eventually there is a vibration from the crowd and the party once again takes off into full swing. Suddenly the light from the fire dims and as I look up from the music selection I see why, the crowd has moved from the circle over to the "VIP area" (a small row of chairs by the DJ booth where Rooster, Topper, and Patricia sat) to watch the wild show of four fun and wild girls who were "gettin down" with one another. No need to describe this show, let you imagination do it for you.
Someone gets the bright idea to move a chair into the circle near the fire so everyone can see clearly and with that the girls move to the center of the ring. After this wild display of new friendship a girl takes the hand of one of the guys from the crowd over to the chair in the center and she proceeds to give this wide eyed full grinned lucky guy a chair dance to remember.
There is more and more wildness going on with girls working the pole, girls dancing in the circle, girls giving more chair dances and each time the chair is empty, Steve-O (lucky butt) takes the center seat in hopes of getting a free lap dance. He more often then not is moved from the chair so a chosen guy can take his spot but, eventually Steve-O gets his dance and later more then he probably asked for with Patricia who always makes a point of making sure her guest at the party leave with a smile. Those who know her know what I mean. That is just her way of living the biker lifestyle and who am I to say no to that.
The cool thing about the parties on this run is seeing or hearing from riders both men and women who tell us they would never let go like this at any other run and it is awesome to be able to do that here. Also here there is no pressure about what you look like, everyone is just having a good time.
As the night went on, once again the crowd thinned out with riders making their way to their tents or moving away from the fire to enjoy the stars in the sky knowing they would not get this view at home.
Patricia told me she got the biggest compliment without even having the person knowing she was giving it. She said she was following a couple to the restroom and they did not know she was behind them. She heard the couple say to one another "This is the best run they had ever been on and they were so glad they came." That was worth all the hard work of putting this run on. To top this off, a secret collection was made from everyone to Patricia and I for the run to help keep this one of a kind event going the next year. Words cannot express the feeling of true brother and sister hood we feel from those who made this run and helped make this run what it is.
As Paul once again took over the music playing native American Indian music and tending to the fire we all called it a night and end to the party.
Jerry suggested next year we put down a white sheet and then paint the girls with body paints and then let them wrestle on the sheet making sexy KRR art. Then the girls would all sign it and then we would auction it off and the money would go to the next years run. The girls can even add some personal touches of breast and other body part signatures. That's what we like about Jerry (paddywon) he is always thinking. (Oh an Jerry, you have no idea how many of the girls were asking about you).
Once again morning came early and we crawled out of the tent to make coffee and put out the rolls for those early risers. I am amazed at what the smell of coffee does to zombies.
Some riders decided to get an early start for a long ride back to civilization and travel forward in time to the real world. While others chose to spend what time they had in the perfect world we created with a little help from god and nature. Almost every rider helped clean up the camp so we didn't have too much to do ourselves. We greatly appreciated that help.
Slowly the good byes and e-mail addresses were exchanged. The tents were packed up and the camp slowly turned back into it's empty quite state as riders left to go home.
Some of the riders like Jim and Patty, Robert, Joy and Gary, Steve - O, John and Jerry, stayed behind till late in the day trying to get as much of this high sierra paradise as they could before returning to the concrete jungles.
Soon they were all gone and Patricia and I were left alone to do some final break down of the camp and clean up if needed.
We had one more day on the river and we wanted to use that day to relax, catch our breathe and reflect on what we agreed on was the best run on the Kern River yet. And what we personally believe is one of only 2 last real biker runs in California. If there are others please let us know and we will be there.
Red Dog
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