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Patti will be journaling the Centennial CHP ride. Read about their ride.
Monday April 4, 2005
Sacramento, California
Well, it wasn't hot, humid or lush with beautiful foliage and flowers as it
was in Hawaii. At least it wasn't raining or snowing. Actually,
the sun was shinning brightly and it was a little cool on the shady side of
the West Steps of the Capitol Building. Joining Motorcycle Bob for the
beginning of this portion of the Centennial ride was Rotarian Jim Buntin, on
his Very Red Ducati Motorcycle. Assistant CHP Commissioner Arthur Anderson
led off at the microphone with support of PolioPlus, Motorcycle Bob and
Rotary's effort to complete the project and fulfill the promise. Bob stepped
up the microphone and thanked the CHP for their support since 1998 of his
efforts to raise awareness of polio and all who are working diligently to end
this dreaded disease. With the continued support of the caring and dedicated
members of the CHP, all of us will soon be safe from polio. It will be a
wonderful alliance of Rotary and the CHP to work together in this endeavor and
other projects in the future.
Then, with the media at attention, the mighty highway patrol ran... I
mean... escorted Bob and Jim out of town. We were very happy to see TV
Channel 31, 3, and 40 there for their departure. And I am very proud that our
District Governor Steve and First Lady JoAnn Lemmon braved the traffic and
mediocre parking to support Bob in this portion of the Centennial Ride. From
the CHP were Tom Marshall and Michael Nivens, Deputy Chief of Protective
Services. Let's not forget Orangevale Rotarian Robert Guthleben and myself.
Escorting the two riders out of town were CHP Motor Officers Jim and Greg
on their BMW 1100 RTP's.
Finally out of town, the two headed north to Redding and hamburgers at the
famous Black Bear Restaurant. Oh, yes, the real mission is revealed at last.
Not really, but they did need to eat. After consuming mass quantities of
calories, Bob and Jim were met by Motor Officers Jeff and John, who escorted
our pair of wanderers to the Station, where Capt David Hahn (the Station
Commander) treated our guys very well. A group of officers greeted and
listened to a newspaper interview. In Redding, we are sad to say the
Rotarians were not able to make the meeting. Sounds like some fines .....
Anyway, a very interesting development occurred. A Redding news photographer
climbed into the back of a patrol car and commenced to photograph our
two-wheeled compadres. It got even more exciting as they went out on to the
freeway, and for four or so miles did some photo shots. Now just
imagine you are driving down the highway, minding your own business, and a CHP
patrol car pulls on to the freeway along with a motorcycle that looks like a
CHP bike with a sidecar. Visualize some maneuvering between the two vehicles
for a while. I would imagine that some motorists had some very strange ideas
as to what was going on.
At any rate, the events in Redding concluded and our duo headed south. Jim
headed home and Bob found his way to Vallejo, to turn in for the night and to
begin bright and early tomorrow. But not before meeting up with District Gov
Mike Garver, who arranged for Bob to rest peacefully at the Holiday Inn.
Mileage: 408
Tuesday April 5, 2005
Vallejo, California
It was a reunion of sorts when two motor CHP officers arrived at 8:30 to
escort Bob. One of the officers had escorted Bob three years ago. Also
showing up to ride with Bob was Richard Arrow who is the CFO for the City of
Vallejo. The four motorcycles headed out to the Headquarters where Chief
Jim Innis of the Golden Gate Division, and his team of staff and officers
were waiting. Amongst the crowd was another welcome individual. Fred Bowe
of the San Francisco Chocolate Co had arrived with an armload of very
special chocolate truffles. They were individually wrapped with the
Ride logo on one side and a photo Fred had taken of Bob in Ghana, on the
other side. PDG Malloy, with broken arm and all, also managed to join
the group. Hopefully, friendships were made and the meeting will be
beneficial to everyone.
Bob and Rich skipped town and headed for Salinas. Do you think there are
any truffles left? On the way down the freeway, an officer was riding
nearby. Apparently, a very impatient driver finally realized Bob was not
CHP. Now most of us know that Bob doesn't pretend to be a Sunday driver,
and he does not let much grass grow under his wheels. However, the unknown
driver decided to imitate Mario Andretti and whipped dangerously around Bob
and Richard. Bad idea. Mr. Speedy didn't see Mr. CHP, and so the gumball
lights went on, and and you get the picture.
In Salinas, District 5230 Governor Gloria Clinton and her assistant Connie
were there with two TV crews (one latino). Officer Scott Jensen introduced
DG Gloria who welcomed Bob to the District and introduced him. Bob talked
about the support of the CHP of Rotary and PolioPlus. Formal interviews with
the news crews took place. Sometime during all of this, the CHP snuck off
and washed Bob's Black and White. You know it has to get much better
mileage now that it's been washed. It was a very good event. Bob headed
for Fresno, parked the B&W and called it a day.
Mileage: 280
Wednesday April 6, 2005 Fresno, California PDG Roy Massey hosted Bob for breakfast at the Piccadilly Inn. They chatted Rotary stuff and then two CHP showed up to haul, er... escort Bob to the CHP headquarters where Rotarians, CHP, staff, and TV and radio were anxiously awaiting Motorcycle Bob and PDG Massey. After interviewing with Fox TV and then with Roy Issum of KMJ 580, Bob and PDG Roy were really grateful for the remarkable organization the CHP had arranged there in Fresno. With no partner to ride with, Bob left Fresno solo. South and south some more to Riverside. At the county line the CHP picked up Motorcycle Bob and escorted him to the station. Officer Lee Nuez brought out all the staff and officers, as well as DG Roy Brownie from District 5330. Bob addressed all of them and thanked them for their involvement and support of Rotary, for helping to end polio. After visiting and talking with the Riverside bunch, Bob mounted his B&W Horse and headed further South to San Diego, for tomorrow's escapade. Mileage: 406
Thursday April 7, 2005 Back
to the morning events. DG Sandy presented a proclamation from Mayor Dick
Murphy making April 7th 2005, Bob Mutchler Day. There was applause from a
crowd of various Rotarians, CHP folks, dignitaries and the public, the
very people we are trying to reach. Afterwards, the live broadcast station
did a full interview for a feature story for the evening broadcast.
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