On Saturday, March 23, 20 riders, made up of members from the LAFD and SGVFD Chapters of the Fire Hogs as well as numberous friends left Corky’s restaurant and traveled the scenic ride over the Ortega Mountains. Along the way we picked up more riders as we passed Lake Elsinore. Then onto highway 15 to our fuel/pit stop in Temecula. Back on highway 79 towards the old mountain mining town of Julian. It was an impressive view of two rows of Harleys stretched out over a quarter mile while crossing the Puma Valley with all the flowers in full bloom. At 1300 hrs we rolled into town to eat and drink with friends at the Julian Grille where we meet up with more Firefighters and friends. A total of 20 plus eventually joined the Fire Hogs in this annual pilgrimage to this historical destination….. Around 3 PM we started splitting up to head back down the mountain. One group went to a Temecula Old Town watering hole for more camaraderie and I heard another group rode on to Hell’s Kitchen and Swallows for another stop before heading home. A few other couples spent the night laughing and telling stories at a local motel in Julian.
Thanks to Tuzz, and Mark Rojas for putting this fine event on again as well as our San Gabriel Chapter of Fire Hogs and friend who came out. Good weather, a safe ride, and a good time was had by all. Look for a repeat next year so bring your friends and all riders are welcome…
As a note in our fire history: Traveling along Highway 79 on the way to Julian, there is a 15 mile stretch that is named the Steven Rucker Memorial Highway in honor of the Novato Fire Protection District Engineer that was overcome by flames and tragically perish in the 2003 Cedar Fire. It is always our honor to travel this route in memory of him and his crew that fateful day in 2003.
ATTENTION ALL RIDERS: There are many more rides coming up! On June 8, 2019 our 21st Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial will take place at the Fire Museum and end at the Sagebrush Cantina, come join us in the festivities at the Sagebrush. Here is the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-annual-fallen-heroes-memorial-run-and-fund-raiser-tickets-58689855939. You don’t have to be a Fire Hog to participate. All you need is a willingness to have fun! Come on out to see what this is all about. Events are posted on our website www.firehogs.org.
Apply for an account to get E-mailed notifications of upcoming rides. Members wishing to join the Fire Hogs contact any of the Board member from our website.
Join us on facebook @Fire Hogs M/C, Like our Facebook page @ L.A.F.D. Fire Hogs.
DON’T MISS Our 21st Annual Fallen Heroes Memorial on June 8, 2019 starting at the Fire Museum at 0900 and ending at the Sagebrush Cantina from 1230-1700 hrs for Lunch, Raffle prizes, live music, and FUN FUN FUN !!!
Remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey that brings us together!
Written by Terry “Tuzz” Tuzzolino