MAY GM AND RIDE TO LAKE GREGORY Story By: Ric Magrath Saturday, May 3rd. 2025. The weather report said nothing about fog! Typical of this club, we encountered fog after we turned onto Hwy 138 heading toward Silverwood Lake. Cold, damp and thick forcing you to strain your eyes to look deep into the gray for oncoming vehicles. Thankful for those bright yellow Clearwater lights, that now create a beam for your eyes to track into that monochromatic wall in front of you. We turned left on Summit Valley Rd. and as if the curtains had been drawn back to reveal a new day, we broke from the fog into the warmth of a high desert morning. The route took us along Ranchero Rd. to Arrowhead Lake Rd. and down the 173. We followed the dried West Fork of the Mojave River past the base of Silverwood Lake Dam and back onto 138. We climbed steadily to 4500 ft. and just before reaching Crestline we turned left on Knapps Cutoff and made our way to Toni’s Kitchen, a Mexican Restaurant. Located at the west end of town and above the north shore of Lake Gregory, Toni’s Kitchen provided a new venue for this May away General Meeting and impromptu birthday celebration for Board Member, David V. The well-traveled Willis H., revealed his knowledge of an excellent bakery a block away and took off to acquire the perfect Birthday cake for the occasion, returning moments later with a 10” diameter fine example. Mexican dishes filled the two groups of tables we occupied on the side patio and as the clanking of cutlery slowed and meals were finished the General Meeting got underway. The President named and thanked all the Board Members for their participation and continued work, ran through the Ride Calendar for the remainder of this year and into the next. (As evidenced by the Ride Calendar, this Club is definitely about riding!) A reminder for the upcoming elections for new board members to replace Rafael C and Ric M, who will complete their terms on the board in July, was mentioned. More detailed information was passed out for the rides in the immediate future and the 2025 Ride Challenge. As the meeting came to a close Toni appeared from the Kitchen with the Birthday cake sporting a single sparkling candle and a beautiful Mexican sombrero, the attending broke into a round of “Happy Birthday” accompanied by the staff. David sucked in the biggest breath he had ever taken to extinguish the fire that was ablaze on top of the cake. Riders split off in smaller groups or solo for their trip home. The sun we enjoyed through lunch at Lake Gregory, vanished as I passed through Crestline and joined Hwy 18 to head down the mountain. Another great day, thank you, to all that attended. The next General Meeting is Saturday, June 7 at Pineknot Campground, Big Bear Lake. The club has limited campsites for Friday and Saturday nights. Ron Z will be leading a ride up on Saturday for the meeting. If you are interested in camping, please contact Ric M. Information for the event is on the website and in the forum. |
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Lake Tahoe Ride 2025 Wind, Rain, Snow, Sunshine, Epic Views, & Good Times Story By: Travers Bell SCBMWRC Tahoe Ride Report: May 16–19, 2025 What started as a small group of riders (Eric, Carl, TC & Snow, as well as myself) quickly proved that size means nothing when the personalities are big and the roads are even bigger. On Friday, May 16th, some of the Southern California BMW Riders Club (SCBMWRC) set off from TC’s house in Fontana, CA, promptly at 8:30 AM. After full bellies of croissants and juice provided by our most gracious morning meet up hosts. Four bikes, five riders, and a weekend of adventures ahead of us, we all set out on a great journey. Day 1 – Fontana to Bishop via Panamint Springs The first leg of the journey took us through the arid beauty of the desert, with a mid-day stop in Panamint Springs for lunch. As we dismounted to fill up on food and stories, two of our fellow riders—Howard and Willis—flashed by in a blur of speed and wind. Like elusive spirits of the road coming by way of Las Vegas Nevada, we wouldn’t see them again until that evening in Bishop, CA. Bishop welcomed us with the Eastside Guest House, a hidden gem I was excited to share with the group. It’s where rustic charm meets modern comfort—like camping, but with real beds and hot showers. As the sun dipped behind the Sierra, we gathered under a peaceful canopy of trees, drinks in hand, Adirondack chairs on lush green grass, sharing stories and laughter. Dinner next door featured some fantastic BBQ and even better camaraderie. That night, our group grew with the arrival of Arcadio and his girlfriend, who joined us in true adventure fashion—via 4×4. Day 2 – Bishop to South Lake Tahoe via Virginia City We kicked off the day with breakfast at Erick Schat’s Bakery—a Bishop staple—and then held a quick morning ride briefing. Our goal: South Lake Tahoe, with a scenic detour through Virginia City, NV. The route north took us through some brisk morning temps and high desert winds, with a serene coffee stop in Walker, CA—my personal favorite stretch of Hwy 395. There’s something magical about those sweeping canyon curves hugging the whitewater of the Walker River. By lunchtime, we rolled into Virginia City, greeted not only by historic charm but also by a full-blown Chili Festival. The streets were buzzing with music, the smell of spices, and hungry locals—which matched our own energy. Just as we settled in for a hearty lunch, snow began to fall. Naturally, we rushed out to snap some surreal photos of our selves blanketed in the flurries. After lunch, we split into three groups to tackle the final leg to Tahoe: • Eric and Carl braved the original twisty route through Rose Mountain, enduring snow and sub-30-degree temps. Carl happy to see the snow flake symbol on the TFT display in person on his new to him GS, something he inquired about earlier in our journey via comms. • Willis, ever the lone wolf, charted his own mysterious course—rumor has it, in pursuit of Ric’s Ride Challenge. • TC, Howard, and I opted for the smarter (and warmer) choice via Highway 50, arriving in Tahoe with fewer icicles and even more smiles. That evening, we regrouped over dinner, sharing tales from the ride and soaking in the alpine air of South Lake Tahoe. With drinks, fitness routines, and boisterous laughter, in warmth of our room concluding our even. This is a story in itself. Day 3 – Tahoe Wanderers and Parting Paths Sunday morning marked a bittersweet moment: the beginning of our departures. But first, we met for breakfast across from our motel for one final group meal, followed by a classic SCBMWRC tradition—a group photo on the scenic shores of Lake Tahoe. From there, we splintered off: • TC and Snow stayed back to enjoy an extra day of hiking and sightseeing. With the snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake, they picked a perfect day for exploration. • Howard and Willis headed west, continuing their own brand of open-road adventures. • Arcadio and his girlfriend took their 4×4 deeper into the backcountry. • Eric, Carl, and I set course for Bridgeport, with one last lap around Lake Tahoe. Coffee and lunch at the lake’s northern edge provided the perfect send-off. Soon, I parted ways from Eric and Carl, who continued their twisty-seeking escapade on their way to Bridgeport, CA. I chose a more relaxed return to Bridgeport, CA, arriving just an hour before Eric and Carl. We reunited at the Bridgeport Inn, where cold beer and walls plastered with historic memorabilia made for great company. Dinner that evening across the street at Rhino’s Bar and Grill was filled with more stories, laughs, and reflections on our unforgettable trip thus far. Day 4 – The Long Ride Home (for me at least) Monday morning, I said goodbye to Eric and Carl—still deep into their adventure that morning, back North then west, to set off exploring mid western California. Before adventually ending up at the 49er Rally that next weekend, hosted by BMW Club of Northern California. Then as if to remind me that the road still had surprises, I discovered my bike wouldn’t start. A rogue sprinkler had drenched the battery overnight, leaving it icy and temperamental. Fortunately, my jumper did the trick, and I was soon back on the road. The ride home brought a 60-degree swing—from a 30° start to a blazing 90° finish. Somewhere along the way, I stopped for a quick lunch at a remote Subway Sandwich / gas station and met a solo GS rider heading to Oregon. We swapped stories, and I gave my best pitch to recruit him to the club. After all, it’s people like him who make SCBMWRC what it is. Hours later, I pulled into my driveway, road-weary and dusty. But all the miles melted away when I saw my youngest daughter Parker and my wife, April, waiting for me—welcome signs in hand, hugs ready. Just like that, the ride was over, but the memories would stick with me for a lifetime. |
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The Bobber Legacy
Story By: Ralph H. Perez It’s 1946, and in a Southern California garage, a war veteran is wrenching on a surplus Harley-Davidson WLA, stripping it to its core. Fenders are hacked off, the seat is slammed low, and the bike is reborn as a bobber. Across the ocean, years later, BMW engineers in Munich are fine-tuning their boxer-powered machines, unaware that their iconic engines will one day inspire a motorcycle club with roots tracing back to 1975 (SCBMWRC). This is the story of the bobber, with a spotlight on BMW’s journey from cruisers to adventure bikes to bobbers. Bobbers began as a rebellion. After World War II, American veterans took heavy stock bikes—Harleys and Indians—and stripped them down. The term “bob-job” came from chopping parts, a nod to the 1920s when riders modified Harley J-Series V-twins for better handling. The 1953 film The Wild One made bobbers a cultural icon, with Marlon Brando’s sleek ride screaming freedom. A bobber is about subtraction: no fairings, no extra chrome, just the essentials. Picture a solo saddle, a chopped rear fender, an engine laid bare, spoked wheels, and a round headlight. Riders like my neighbor Jason live for this. His 1980s Harley bobber, with its matte black tank and custom exhaust, took a year to perfect. “It’s not what you add,” he said, “it’s what you cut away.” BMW bobbers were late to the party. Early models like the 1950s R 50 and R 60/2 were built for touring. By the 1960s, customizers eyed BMW’s airheads. An R 50/2 bob-job kept its boxer engine’s distinctive profile—cylinders jutting out like fists—while shedding fenders and extras for a lean look. These builds were rare, as BMW’s precision engineering clashed with the bobber’s rough ethos, but the airhead’s reliability and unique stance made it a cult choice for riders seeking a distinct edge. BMW’s factory-built bobber arrived in 2020 with the R 18, a cruiser embracing the bobber aesthetic. Powered by an 1802cc Big Boxer engine—the largest BMW ever made—it delivered 91 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque, blending retro style with modern tech. The R 18’s low stance, round speedometer, and exposed engine screamed bobber, with refinements like LED headlights and a partially integrated braking system. BMW now offers a factory Bobber Kit with a flat rear-wheel cover, black number plate carrier, and a solo seat, evoking the ‘40s bob-job vibe. Older airheads, like the R 100 and R 65, also became bobber darlings. The R 12, launched in 2024, doubled down on BMW’s bobber cred. Its 1170cc boxer engine and cruiser frame were tailor-made for mods, with options like drag bars and chopped rear trim. Its retro round speedometer and low seat height made it a natural for bobber builds, whether in a garage or a custom shop. Bobbers, from Harleys to Hondas, evolved from garage projects to global icons. At bike shows, you might see an R 18 parked next to a classic R 80 bobber, each telling a rider’s story. While factory bobbers offer convenience and reliability, modifying your own motorcycle allows for unmatched personalization. For a fraction of the cost, I recently transformed my 1998 Honda Valkyrie 1520cc flat-six into what I now call my WWII touring bobber this Memorial Day. As I rolled it out of the garage, the throaty rumble of its engine echoed the spirit of those post-war rebels who first stripped their bikes to the bone. Each turn of the wrench or cut with the grinder was a nod to their defiance, a tribute to the freedom they chased on two wheels. With my Valkyrie project nearly complete—still waiting for retro-style turn signals and a small welding job by my friend Jason—I hit the garage door button and closed the door. Today, the bobber lives on—not just in showrooms or custom shops, but in every rider who dares to carve their own path, shedding the unnecessary to reveal the soul of the machine. “Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom. As a veteran, I know the weight of that cost—it’s carried in the hearts of those who served and the families of those who didn’t come home.” —Dan Crenshaw, Navy SEAL veteran and U.S. Representative |
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F. A. Q. Q: Do the South Coasters have a ride challenge for 2025? What is a ride challenge? Can I join friends and just go out on a day ride for no particular reason other than to track down weird, wonderful, and historic sites? A: Why, yes! Join the eponymously named Weird, Wonderful, and Historic ride challenge. Click this link to find the details. ____________________________________________________________________ Q: Boy, this seems like an old mans riding club! How old are the South Coasters? A: Funny you should ask that. As a matter of fact, next year we will turn 50 years old! That’s right, we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary and we want you to join us in planning for our big party. Contact a board member and volunteer. ____________________________________________________________________ Q: Who’s making these crazy decisions for our club anyway? A: That would be the board of directors, a group of volunteer riders like yourselves. Each year we hold elections in June to fill out the board. This year we’re looking for new or experienced South Coasters to help us out making those decisions. If your gut is telling you that its time to give back to your club, contact board president Eric Wolf to find out what’s required. ____________________________________________________________________ Q: How come I have to look in several places on the website to find information on a ride? A: Good question. Without making excuses, we are somewhat hampered by the software, which only lets us list a ride in the Events section, but not carry on a running dialogue regarding that ride. For conversation we use the Forums section. Please view both areas to get the complete picture. |
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It’s time to make your voice heard—SCBMWRC Board elections are here! We’re filling three important board positions this year, and your vote helps shape the future of our club. Stay engaged and keep an eye on your inbox—a voting poll email will be arriving shortly. Your participation matters! |
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Tech Spotlight: Wave Intercom App For SCBMWRC Riders An Informational look Into Enhancing Safety, Communication, and Group Coordination on Every Ride Story By: Travers Bell |
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Whether you’re cruising up the coast or exploring mountain backroads, communication plays a vital role in keeping South Coast BMW Riding Club (SCBMWRC) rides safe, smooth, and enjoyable. Wave Intercom is a communication platform that offers a range of features specifically helpful for large riding groups like ours, as well as the solo rider. We seem to struggle at times with our comms or the lack there of, when it comes to rider communication. Whether it’s due to brand capability issues, or the simple cost of entry into having a helmet mounted comms unit. This means not all of our members are able to communicate with the group. I also recognize that not everyone may want to have other riders in their ear during a ride, but for those that do, I might just have the solution. Even those of you whom may be weary of new technology there are some great advantages to having tools like this in your back pocket for those just incase moments. Please read on to see how this free app can amplify our groups communication and provide peace of mind with its added security & safety features. Here’s a look at how Wave Intercom can support SCBMWRC members on every ride: * Private Group Intercom Create secure, invitation-only communication groups using Friends Wave. Stay connected only with the riders you choose—no random interruptions. • Talk privately with selected members • Build consistent riding groups • Stay in touch anywhere with cellular coverage * Proximity-Based Connection Connect automatically to nearby riders (within 5 miles) using your Sena device or the Wave app. • Instant links with nearby riders • Automatic disconnection for privacy • Mesh-style communication over cellular networks * Live Group Tracking Track your group’s real-time location on the Wave map. • View where everyone is at a glance • Regroup easily after detours or stops • Ride confidently knowing no one’s left behind * Automatic Signal Switching In low-service areas, Wave Intercom switches from cellular to Mesh or Bluetooth and back—no input needed. • Maintains communication off-grid • Smooth transition between networks • Less distraction, more riding * Cross-Device Compatibility Works with most Bluetooth headsets or smartphones—no brand restrictions. • Use the gear you already own • Simple app-based setup • Reliable audio quality across devices * Voice Navigation Alerts Hands-free voice prompts based on your location help guide the way. • Alerts for gas, rest stops, or changes • No need to check your phone • Smarter riding on long-distance tours * Hands-Free Voice Control Control settings and communication with simple, natural speech—works even with gloves. • No buttons or screens • Stay focused on the road • Easy operation on the fly * Garage-to-Garage Connectivity Unlimited range via cellular means you’re connected the moment the ride starts—until it ends. • Communicate during planning, riding, or debrief • Stay in touch even when separated • Ideal for large group coordination * Support for Solo Riders Even solo adventurers benefit from Wave—stay connected with friends or loved ones remotely. • No range limits • Peace of mind while riding alone • Optional check-ins when needed * Why It Matters for SCBMWRC At SCBMWRC, we ride together with a focus on safety, connection, and shared experiences. Wave Intercom supports all of that—helping riders to coordinate better, communicate smarter, and enjoy the road even more. We like to promote the idea of ride your own ride at SCBMWRC, and with an app like this we can better facilitate these ideals. By having a more concrete way to communicate our needs, location, and ETA’s with the group and group leads. So if you are the type, (like myself) to want to take in the sights at your own pace, or maybe you are someone who likes zoom ahead and ride with gusto, or even in case of an emergency the ability to let everyone else know what your plans are is fundamental in a successful group ride. Whether it’s a breakfast meetup or a weekend tour, Wave Intercom can bring added confidence and connection to every journey. If you were intrigued by this article and would like to look more into the Wave Intercom app, and possibly give it a try yourself. Below are some links to download the app to your phone. There is a group of us whom are excited to give this app a real test and see if it is as good as it claims. I would love to start a forum thread on www.SCBMWRC.com about it so we can get your opinions and experiences with it. Follow along HERE to join the forum thread now. |
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This is a SCBMWRC Newsletter Copyright © 2025 SCBMWRC. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited |
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