On Sat/Sun April 13th/14 th, the Fire Hogs once again ventured out to Solvang for a relaxing weekend of comraderie. This was the 15th year for this scenic, coastal ride that has become a favorite event for our motorcycle riders. This year’s group of about 30 bikes (couples & singles), started out with a morning “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, lunch and refreshments hit the spot. 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 thru Solvang and into Buellton to get a room for the night.
The newly renovated Sideways Inn hotel offered great accommodations, service, and even complimentary breakfast! With the iron horses secured, the group boarded their private shuttle for dinner at the Firestone Brewing Co. in Buellton. After a great meal, it was back on the shuttle for some friendly nightlife. Some went back to the Maverick, and others to the local casino, or wine tasting. But many ended up at the Sideways Inn Lounge for more camaraderie to finish up the night.
On Sunday, after a great breakfast at Ellen’s Pancakes, the group saddled up for a morning country ride through the Santa Ynez Valley. The route went past beautiful farmland, ranches, vineyards and wineries. The bikes cruised through the charming historic town of Los Olivos (est.1897), and finished up at the Santa Ynez Cafe. On the way home riders stopped for lunch at Island Brewing Co. in the quaint coastal town of Carpinteria. It was then “ADIOS” until next time.
Absolutely perfect weather, great scenery, and good times all made for an excellent ridin’ weekend. THANK YOU’S go out the riders, family, and friends that participated in this year’s trip. All riders are always welcome to this event, so join us next time for the sixteenth year of the Solvang Ride. ☺
Fire Hogs events are posted on our website www.firehogs.org. Membership in the Fire Hogs MC is always open for active or retired firefighters. We welcome new riders to one of first fire department motorcycle clubs in the nation. If you are interested in joining the Fire Hogs, contact any of the board members from our website. As a national organization, we are also accepting applications for new Fire Hogs 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 (LAFD Ret.)
Photos by Terry Miranda