Gold country turns green

A motherlode of bikes, booze & blues

By Bill Hayes

Placerville, Calif., April 16—One of the best things that an out-of-towner can do when attending an event in an area as stark as Placerville/El Dorado is to arrive a day or two early and just ride. And that’s exactly what we did.

From just east of Sacramento to Lake Tahoe and far beyond, this is territory that packs a wild inspiration; the kind of feeling that reaffirms --once again-- that your blood and soul are at one with that bike…that this was the life you were born to lead.

From Folsom to Auburn, from Cool to Diamond Springs along the historic Route 49, up the mountain to Tahoe on Route 50, out the “topside” through Truckee on I-80, into Nevada City and Grass Valley on Route 20; there is nothing but the pure heart of California beauty and a history as rich as the rare nuggets that were mined here.

Saturday’s ride brought us to the comfortable, rural roadhouse, “PJ’s,” along a stretch of Motherlode Drive, in Placerville. It was time for the second annual “Spring Fling,” hosted by Chapter 21 of the legendary Boozefighters Motorcycle Club.

Before the public festivities began there was the opportunity for a privileged few to witness a “patching in” ceremony; an initiation of two new members into the 58 year-old motorcycle club’s green and white brotherhood.

While there are certainly some elements of humor and fun in an event such as this, the underlying essence is one of solemnity and strength…and most importantly, brotherhood. It’s not an easy road to prospect in a high-profile, international motorcycle club. The patches that a fortunate few receive at the end of that road are earned through a great deal of sacrifice, trust and respect.

Chapter president and charter holder, R.J. “Cowboy” Carter, is the kind of guy who knows how to run a club and he knows how to put on a party. All of the members of CH 21 made everyone feel welcome and right at home and PJ’s is the perfect bar.

Along with all the food and booze there were vendors, the tattoo artistry of Fine Line Tattoos and the great sounds of the Wingnut Adams Blues Band featuring guitarist Jeramy Norris.

These guys were hot!

It makes for a pretty darn fine afternoon when you’re in a place that is steeped in the aroma of tri-tips and pasta, has friendly bartenders, is buzzing with the sound of an ink needle and is filled with the sweet boom of great blues. There must be a lot of rooms in heaven just like this.

Along with the crowd of public and independent riders in attendance, many other clubs were also represented.

This was truly one of those perfect events; one where the weather, the place and the people all came together for an old-school biker party…the kind of thing that sets this lifestyle apart…the kind of thing that built the real image and reputation of the American biker…the kind of thing that makes us all so proud of what we have and who we really are.