On May 2nd and 3rd, the Fire Hogs once again ventured out on a ride to Solvang for a relaxing weekend of comraderie. This was the 13th year for this ride. This year’s group of more than 30 bikes started out with a “meet ‘n greet” at Cronies Sports Grill in Newbury Park. The route was set for an easy ride along the coast through Santa Barbara and on to Solvang.
The first stop was at The Cold Springs Tavern in San Marcos Pass. Since 1865, this has been a favorite stagecoach watering hole for weary riders. The group then continued on Hwy 154 past Lake Cachuma into the Santa Ynez Valley. Next stop . . . the Maverick, in Santa Ynez. At this Old West saloon “BIG TOM” was there to serve up the best tri-tip sandwiches in the valley. Nothin’ like sittin’ on the front porch there, havin’ a cold one, watchin’ the oak trees and fields blow in the wind. A tough place to leave . . . but then it was on into Solvang to get a room for the night.
As usual the hotel offered great accommodations and service, secure covered parking for the bikes, and even complimentary breakfast! With the iron horses secured, the group boarded their private shuttle for dinner at A.J. Spurs Steakhouse in Buelton. After a great meal, it was back on the shuttle for some friendly nightlife. Some went wine tasting, others to the local casino, but most end up back at the Maverick for live country music and more camaraderie.
The next morning it was breakfast at the hotel, or at world famous Paula’s Pancakes in Solvang. All then saddled up for a morning country ride through the Santa Ynez Valley. The route went past beautiful farmland, ranches, vineyards and wineries. The morning ride passed through historic Los Olivos (est.1897), and ended back in Solvang. On the way home many riders stopped for lunch at ”Longboards” on the pier in Santa Barbara. It was then “ADIOS” until next time.
This scenic, relaxing, coastal ride through the Santa Ynez Valley and into Solvang again proved to be a weekend favorite for LAFD riders. Thank you’s go out to the more than fifty people that participated in this year’s event. Nice weather, fine scenery, great friends and good times all made for an excellent ridin’ weekend. All riders are always welcome on this ride, so join us next time for the fourteenth year of the Solvang Ride. ☺
Fire Hogs events are posted on our website www.firehogs.org. Members interested in joining the Fire Hogs can contact any of the board members from our website. As a national organization, we are also accepting applications for new Fire Hog chapters from other agency riders. Join us on Facebook @Fire Hogs M/C. Like our Facebook page@ L.A.F.D.Fire Hogs.
By Raul Miranda
Photos by Terry Miranda
