1999 Malcolm Smith Motorsports
- Dealership Ride
Laguna Seca World Superbike Championship July 9-11
It's not often we as motorcyclist have a chance to be treated like
VIPs. If you're
lucky enough, however, to secure a spot on Malcolm Smith Motorsports customer
appreciation ride, this is exactly how
you'll feel.
Beginning in 1994, this dealer wanted to get more involved with their customers
as well as
create more riding opportunities for them. The result was the creation of their
annual ride to the motorcycle races at Laguna Seca in Monterey California.
You'll have to pay your way to attend this great ride, but thanks to wonderful sponsors like Suzuki Motor Corporation, McGraw Insurance, and Tucker Rocky (a major industry parts distributor) you'll receive far more than you bargained for. This is one reason so many riders, like us, attend year after year.
The logistics of the ride change every year, but what's been on the ticket in the past includes deluxe hotel accommodations (really), most meals during the ride, deluxe race passes, preferred parking and a special tented area at the track serving breakfast, lunch and snacks during both Saturday and Sunday's events. The later, is certainly one item you just can't put a price on.
After loading our luggage into Malcolm's
support van, you don't need to carry a thing, this
years ride started off with a mostly straight shot to the desert, missing most
of the commuter
traffic. The surprise of the ride came early in the form of summer rain.
This is normal for
most parts of the country but rare in these parts. After the rain had run it's course and
thoroughly drenched everyone's just waxed, picture perfect, mounts we were rewarded with cooler than normal
temperatures across the typically hot desert - not a bad trade off at all.
As the rain ended we stopped for fuel in the small town of Gorman,
but not before some great back roads and watching a Honda
XX do some high speed dirt tracking (squirrel induced). Our route then continued
across Interstate 5 and on through
the forested Frazier Park area which entailed
some great roads, some (rider induced) BMW off-road adventures, all of which led
us to our
lunch break at Sage Brush Annie's in the barren New Cuyama area. Instead of the seasonal 100 degree plus heat we were treated to temperatures cool
enough for outdoor dining.
Once we remounted our bikes and watched an FZR600 try an unsuccessful sand wash crossing (you had to be there), we headed for San Luis Obispo by way of HWY 166, which must be the most wide-open out-of-the-way heavily radar enforced road in California. One we reached the coast temperatures cooled into the low 80s which made riding up hwy 101 to San Luis Obispo very pleasant.
When we reached our favorite hotel of the ride, it was time for all to hit the
Jacuzzis. Here we made up stories about how fast we rode
during the day and enjoyed the fine company of our fellow riders. There were
also the free drinks and snacks
provided during the hotels
happy
hour to enjoy. For dinner we were on our own, to roam the streets of the
city or just grab a bite at one of the restaurants near the hotel.
Morning always seems to come too quickly on the second day of this ride, but it's well worth getting up as some of the best and most scenic roads anywhere in California lie ahead. Maybe this is why riders come from as far as Minnesota, Washington and Hawaii to attend. Heading to the coast we experienced wonderful cool temperatures and blue skies mixed with distant fog, a true California coast type of day.
After some incredible
back roads and even better scenery we hit the coast again in Cambria
and headed North passing by Hearst Castle. For the next couple of hours it was all
the twisting coastal roads one could ever ask for. All leading to our lunch stop at the
Nepenthe Restaurant high above the ocean and forest covered HWY 1. A favorite
stop of the trip,
this place has to be seen to be experienced. Who cares about the food even
though it is good.
After lunch we headed further up the coast towards Monterey and were greeted by more wonderful roads and scenery. After passing through Big Sur it's just a jaunt to Carmel and then on to the Monterey Hyatt, our hotel for the next two nights. Dinner was at the fine restaurant in the Hyatt where a good time was had by all. It's always a great time getting to know your new riding buddies. One of the most pleasant parts of this ride, in fact, is the camaraderie you share with members of the group.
Saturday morning begins the race portion of the long weekend, as the group ride is at your own pace. Show up at the track early and you'll be able to pick up a light breakfast at the VIP tented area - this year graciously provided by the fine people of McGraw Insurance
who truly out did themselves. Sit at a shaded table near the track or wander on your own, all is possible when provided with these wonderful accommodations. When it gets hot you'll want to stroll back to the shaded tent, as we did, to take in lunch, more water and some great racing. When the racing was over for the day, our good time was not. Our gourmet dinner Saturday night was provided at a fine restaurant down town - right in the heart of Monterey where all the action is. Normally you'll ride your bike into town, but this year we instead attempted to set a world record for the number of people that can be stuffed into a full size van you wouldn't believe the number possible. If you want to see bikes, this is the night and place for it.
Come Sunday morning you'll want to be back at the track early to see some great racing, shop for accessories or clothing or just to take in the sights. Snacks and lunch were provided again making the weekend extremely enjoyable and comfortable. Once the races ended it was time to gather up our gear and head out. At this point you'll find yourself on your own as most riders have their own plans for returning home. Some bonsai home late at night, others ride part way either inland or on the coast. If you're by yourself and want some riding company, you'll probably be able to find someone riding your direction - it's a friendly group.
All in all it was a most excellent long weekend of riding and watching World Superbike racing. It didn't hurt that we had a test Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha R6 along. Rest assured the Motorsports Network wrecking crew will return next year, supported by our local dealer Malcolm Smith Motorsports (909-687-1300). We tip our hat to a job well done by the people of MSM, and thank the events sponsors Suzuki Motor Corporation, McGraw Insurance, and Tucker Rocky who helped make this great ride possible.
Suzuki Motor Corporation || McGraw Insurance || Malcolm Smith Motorsports
Home | Top Of Page | ATV | Motorcycles | Snowmobiles | Watercraft
Copyright © 1999 by Motorsports Network.