International Friendships - A Welcome Benefit of Motorcycling.

International Friendships - A Welcome Benefit of Motorcycling

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

Judith Regn and Dennis O'Dell

One of the most pleasant surprises that a motorcyclist may expect from their passion is the vast number of amazing friends they gain… and not simply on Facebook.

Interestingly enough, Facebook happened to be the start of a grand friendship that blossomed into camaraderie, mutual interests and even an unbelievable European riding trip.

Several years back Laura Ruddy posted something clever on the BMW MOA (Motorcycle Owners Association) Facebook page.  Through a series of replies, back and forth, a ‘Facebook’ friend request was made and quickly accepted. 

Rather than be content as just Facebook friends, a thought-provoking dialogue ensued and a lasting friendship as formed. 

Laura Ruddy looking back

That friendship with Laura blossomed while she was here, stateside, and matured during a three-week motorcycle trip in Bavaria and the surrounding countries.

The Eurotrip was capped with a four-day run through the Czech Republic that included Dennis O’Dell and Judith Regn.  Dennis and Judith are a delightful married couple that met later in their lives.  Judith is German while Dennis is an American.  Both thrive in Nuremberg.  A unique characteristic is that Judith rides her own motorbike.  Yes, Dennis considers himself one of the most fortunate and grateful men on Earth.

During that incredible adventure which brought us through some amazing back roads and countryside, Dennis expressed that he and Judith were to come to the US to ride for two months, leisurely, across the country.

This revelation prompted the question to see if they were planning to ride much in SoCal.  Judith expressed they plan to ride Route 66.  Universally, Germans specifically and Europeans generally believe Route 66 is a great road that must be included in any trip to the United States.  While there are fun and interesting portions in Arizona and New Mexico, most of Route 66 has been swallowed up by various interstates. 

This was of little concern to Dennis and Judith as they were coming to enjoy the US and share several months of memorable riding. 

Initially, Dennis and Judith’s plans for SoCal were to run from Ventura, CA to Barstow, CA, avoiding the Interstates 101, 10 and 15 as much as possible. 

Upon hearing this, it was immediately suggested that Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) is a world-renowned mountain pass that will offer an unforgettable riding experience.  Dennis and Judith agreed that it would be nice and that it would also help keep them off of the interstates. 

Several weeks after this enjoyable conversation, Dennis and Judith arrived in San Francisco and purchased two pre-owned Motorbikes to match the ones they rode back home.  Dennis was running a beautiful BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and Judith picked up an identical Street Triple R (with ABS).  The intention is to sell the bikes at the conclusion of their trip.  This way the cost of the bikes would be negligible and quite possibly profitable.  Short of borrowing a friend’s bike, while traveling abroad, this is the best way to ride in a specific country or region for more than two weeks.  If visiting for less than two weeks, it’s probably better to simply rent a motorbike abroad.

Dennis and Judith arrive at the ACH Shell Station

As Dennis and Judith traveled south on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), arrangements were made to meet at the Shell Station where the 210 Freeway and Angeles Crest Highway meet.  The Shell Station is a popular meeting point for motorcyclists as one can obviously fuel up and hang out for their friends to arrive.  The station is very grateful to motorcyclists and even puts out chairs for those awaiting their friends.

Just as the tank was topped off on my BMW K 1200 RS, Dennis and Judith both arrived to warm smiles, hugs and handshakes.  A brief description of what to expect was also conveyed to the riding pair.

Angeles Crest Highway Is made up of mostly medium sweepers.  Some are a little tighter, but there are no 180º switchbacks.  Rock and pinecone debris may be on the road, beyond the tunnels.  Given it was a midweek day, we largely had the whole road to ourselves.  This is both a delight and an impossibility during the weekends.

Starting in the lead, it was easy to notice right away that Dennis was really enjoying this road.  At our first turnout Judith was asked how she liked it.  Her beaming smile was very contagious.  She exclaimed that she loves this road and was really grateful that this was arranged. 

Newcomb's Ranch

Diving left and right into beautifully cambered and surfaced sweepers, we made our way to Newcomb’s Ranch for lunch.  While there, we each enjoyed talking to Bologna HOG members who rented bikes and were coming down Angeles Crest Highway into Los Angeles.

After lunch we hopped back onto the motorbikes and made our way to Wrightwood.  Stopping for a coffee, we met a couple who just pulled in from Crestline.  Given that is was still early in the afternoon and that we’d have plenty of daylight, I suggested to Dennis and Judith that we could cut and run north to Barstow, CA from there or we could continue to Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.  From there we could take a backroad to Barstow and call it a great day. 

Dennis and Judith on Rim of the World Highway

The only concern was Judith.  In Europe, the distances between places is much shorter than what we’re accustomed to, in the western US.  This proposed route would become one of Judith’s longest days in the saddle.  She was very supportive and was ready to tackle some more interesting riding so we continued our trek.  Crossing Interstate 15, the terrain changes. The road now brought more variety to the day’s journey.  Coming the back way through Crestline was very exciting.  

Completing a lively run was a crescendo that consisted of meeting up with ‘Rim of the World’ Highway on a transition that seems to float in the sky.  At our next break, Judith was simply giddy. She was smiling and bouncing like a schoolgirl who had just been given her first real kiss.  The joy was palpable and we were all very happy to be enjoying this experience. 

Lake Arrowhead Village

Quick stops at Lake Arrowhead Village for photos and then Big Bear Lake prompted me to ask both Dennis and Judy if they expected today to be like this.  Both exclaimed that this was among their best day ever, riding.  They went on to predict that it was probably going to be the highlight of their trip.
As the sun was beginning its descent into the horizon, we pulled into Barstow, CA.  Originally, the intent was only a day ride for me.  The lateness of the day and the desire for some cold draft beer, by the three of us, was enough for me to get my own room and stay the night.

Upon checking in, another guest here on a construction job offered advice on nearby dining.  A brief walk down the street put us at Los Domingos Restaurant.  Upon being seated, three ice cold Modelo Negros were placed in front of each of us and we began reflecting on the incredible day.

Dennis O’Dell and Judith Regn continue their journey, as of this writing.  Many more destinations have been visited including Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley.

Dennis even had to order a couple parts from Irv Seaver BMW to meet him along his journey.

Their friendship along with that of Laura Ruddy and countless more friends is cherished and all because of a motorcycle. 

Dennis has a very clever blog detailing many of his journeys including this one.  Enjoy it here .

When you have an opportunity, invite a friend from out of town to ride with you.  It will be a memorable and welcome experience.

Judith, Dennis, Steffi and Weiland enjoying some beer after a great day riding

Christian, Weiland and Dennis in Germany

Beginning the ride up Angeles Crest Highway

Nearing Barstow as the sun begins to set.

Judith on Route 66 Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Sunset over Monument Valley Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Dennis and Judith at the Route 66 midway point Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Judith at the Hotel el Rancho.  Photo by Dennis O'Dell

 ©2015 Jim Foreman All rights reserved.

Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead

The World Is So Beautiful.  This Is Why I Do It... To Share The World's Beauty With Everyone.  This Is WHY I Ride For Peace.
 
-Jeffrey Polnaja (Ride For Peace)

Words and Photos by Jim Foreman

Ride Details

Destinations: Big Bear Lake, Rim of the World Highway, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline.
Total Miles: 242
Best time to go: Weekdays, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Temperature: It's much cooler up here.
Highest Elevation: 8800 feet (2680Km)
Participants: Jeffrey Polnaja and Jim Foreman 
Bikes: Jeffrey's 2004 R 1150 GSA "Silver Line" and 2013  R 1200 GS "Irv Seaver Demo"
Fun Factor: Great Times!
Passenger Fun Factor: Same as Above
Lunch Enjoyed at: Woody's Boathouse Restaurant
Number of Cops Seen All Day: A Lot - Even on a weekday.
Map of the Route: GoogleMaps

In 2006, Jeffrey Polnaja embarked on his journey to embrace, promote and educate everyone he comes in contact with about the beauty of the world and the need for world peace.  World Peace is a huge topic.  'World Peace' is often used as a cliché for every beauty pageant contestant and 70's pacifist 'hippie', but what is it?  
Perhaps it's best to start at the beginning.  Along with the rest of the world, Jeffrey and his family sat glued to the television as the twin towers were struck on September 11th, 2001.  As the horror of watching the second plane hit the tower was realized, Jeffrey's ten year old son began to ask his father some life changing questions.  "Dad, we're taught to love each other, why are these people killing each other?"  Next came the profound moment in Jeffrey's life.  His son turned to him and in all seriousness said, "Dad, you have to do something about this!"  Jeffrey thought to himself, "What can I do?" "I'm just a businessman in Indonesia."  His son then pointed out that he's also a rider, to which Jeffrey nodded and agreed.  Jeffrey's son reiterated, "You're a good rider, Dad...  You need to Ride For Peace!"  Thinking his son's comments were that of a simple 10 year old, Jeffrey quickly got back into his routine, but about 6 months later, his son came to him and told him, sternly, "Well Dad, are you going to do it?  Are you going to Ride for Peace?"
Jeffrey knew that his life had changed and put forward actions that would enable him to begin his 'Ride For Peace'.

Leaving from Indonesia in 2006, Jeffrey traveled up through Asia, Africa and Europe. Returning to Indonesia in 2009 Jeffrey began work on his book, "Wind Rider".  It's not available on Amazon or your local bookseller as it's written in Jeffrey's native language.  Plans are in place to have it translated.  
Upon the publication of his book, Jeffrey took up the second leg of his journey.  Riding across Siberia, through Japan, and South Korea, the bike was shipped to Vancouver, and his North American journey began.  
Jeffrey traveled through Canada, Alaska and 38 states when our paths crossed at Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, CA.  I had known about Jeffrey and 'Ride For Peace' from the many friends who had met him throughout his journey.  
Thus began a solid friendship that transcends motorcycling.  

On to the ride....

Meeting Jeffrey at the Coffee Bean at Wilshire and Mariposa.

Jeffrey is staying with good friends in 'Koreatown' in Los Angeles.  Rather than have him meet at the dealership, it was decided to meet on Wilshire, just one block away from the former Ambassador Hotel where RFK was shot.  I pointed this out to Jeffrey at the start of our ride.  He had no idea.  He told me he would visit the site the following day.  
We talked about the route and then mounted up our respective bikes. 
We headed a couple block east on Wilshire, South on Vermont and then East on Interstate 10.  We left after 9am which meant the majority of rush-hour traffic was behind us.   As is becoming custom, we elected to get the bulk of the freeway travel out of the way first.
As we traversed I-10 it became evident that Jeffrey's riding style and mine were quite compatible.  He'd recognize my head turns and my intentions to change lanes.  He'd "run cover" for me and I'd run cover for him making the trip quick and safe.
We exited the 10 in Redlands at University Street.  If you're hungry or need some coffee, there are many good choices if you exit on Orange St, just prior to University St.  We were doing good, so we made a Left at University Street and followed it up to a right on E Lugonia Ave (Hwy 38).  This is a good time to gas up as options are fewer and more expensive on the mountain.  Hwy 38 becomes Metone Blvd and then Mill Creek Road before finally settling in as just Hwy 38 going up the mountain.

It became quickly evident that we both loved some good corners.  Highway 38 provided some stellar examples.  
Highway 38 twists and turns its way for many miles of scenic beauty, campgrounds and small villages.  Of note, it's in one of these small villages that Ex-LAPD Cop Christopher Dorner holed up in a cabin and was ultimately killed.  At this point, Highway 38 is also called Greenspot Blvd.   We arrived at Big Bear Lake.  We made a Left at E Big Bear Lake Blvd (Highway 18), but not before temporarily losing Jeffrey.  I turned back to find him.  He had been photographing a street sign at "Malabar Way."  Malabar is a town on the Indonesian island of Java.  It's nestled at the base of Mount Malabar, a volcano that makes up the center of the island.  Jeffrey told me some of it's history as a tea growing region and noted that Malabar was even spelled the same way.
Now with Jeffrey and I together again we made our way west toward the lake.  The road "Ys" off at Division Road allowing you to run the northern shore of the lake or stay on the southern and more developed part.  We opted for the southern and more developed part.  It doesn't matter which you choose as both roads meet up again at the dam.
At the far west shore of the lake, near the dam, we pulled over and took some pictures of Big Bear Lake.  Looking away from the dam, the lake is pristine with lush forest capped by deep blue skies.  While taking these pictures, we both reflected on the fact that this beauty was only just over an hour away from all of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.  If one is looking for a weekend escape without wasting the weekend getting there, then it would be wise to strongly consider Big Bear Lake.
It was during this time of photography and reflection that my imagination was directed upward.  At the top of the granite outcropping stood a shell of an abandoned structure.  I've always been a sucker for such ruins.  The pathway up to it was easily found, so I suggested to Jeffrey that we go check it out.  That's the best part of this trip.  We weren't in any rush.  We stopped when something looked interesting and didn't really bother with the time.

We made the short ride up the unlabeled road to discover a multi-room structure in grave disrepair.  Initial research could not tell me what or whom this belonged to, but some things were evident.  It had been in use up until the 80's or 90's as the frame that supported the roof was not terribly weathered.  There didn't appear to be any electrical circuits in the walls, and the windows were barred up.  There was old tile in an area that would probably make the kitchen but no drains or locations of sewer or septic lines.  The structure did have a fireplace and seemed well built.  I'd love to learn more about this structure's history.  Across the roadway was the weather sensing equipment for Big Bear Lake.

We continued on along the 'Rim of the World Highway' headed toward Lake Arrowhead.  This is one of the most beautiful roadways in SoCal.  It would be a shame not to take advantage of some of the turnouts to take pictures and reflect on life. 
This stretch is a motorcyclists paradise.  Especially on the weekdays where traffic is light.  A rider must remain vigilant for road debris.  On a previous trip, several medium sized boulders dislodged from the cliff side above and landed on the roadway.  Being on a motorbike made navigating these obstacles a cinch.  On this trip, an old dry tree gave way and fell onto the roadway.  A maintenance worker was cutting it up for removal and trying to direct traffic so please keep your eyes up and aware.

Jeffrey getting some great lean angles on the Rim of the World

We ultimately made it up to Lake Arrowhead and the turnoff to Lake Arrowhead Village.  By this time, we were rather hungry.  Unfortunately, I lost Jeffrey a second time, so I back tracked and found him waiting for me.  He noticed my rear-facing GoPRO camera fell off my bike, so he went to retrieve it.  Once the GoPro was retrieved, Jeffrey didn't know which way I turned.  I was very grateful for the recovery and was reminded how great it is to ride with good friends.  
We parked our bikes and tried to figure out what to eat.  Given that it was a weekday, and after 2pm in the afternoon, our choices were limited.  We never considered Mc Donald's or Subway, but looked toward village favorites Papgayos and Woody's.  Jeffrey was about to spend a year in Mexico, Central and South America, so we opted to skip Papagayos (Mexican) and go with Woody's Boathouse.  Woody's was a typical tourist restaurant.  The food was decent but nothing noteworthy.  The meal served it's purpose and allowed Jeffrey and me some time to talk about our different upbringings and travels.

Jeffrey snapping an iconic 'Money' shot.

After finishing lunch, we went for a coffee.  I went next door to buy a long-sleeve undershirt as I was a wee bit underdressed.  
We mounted our bikes and continued on Highway 18 headed west.
It should be noted that Hwy 330 and Hwy 18 to and from the valley floor also offer some high speed sweepers that can be a thrill for motorcyclists.  In some parts of both routes though, the road is heavily patched.  When warm these patches become rather soupy and slippery.
We elected to head north onto highway 138 through Crestline.  The intention was to take the 138 to Interstate 15.  Then we would ride Angeles Crest Highway back into town.  Despite our intention, the day was fast approaching dusk and running a mountain road at night is unwise.  Jeffrey and I decided it would be best to head home and run Highway 2 on a separate day. 
On the ride back, I often reflected how fortunate I was to have friends such as Jeffrey and how much at peace I felt upon reaching my place again.

Please 'Like' Irv Seaver BMW on Facebook.

Caught by the GoPRO

Riding Shadow on Highway 138

From the doorway of the ruin.

SoCal is rich with these roads.

Highway 330 is a fun run too!

Friends riding together.