Fellow MOTOREGON writer Kris Brenneman and I had been trying to hook up for a ride the last few weeks but just kept missing each other. The same thing had been happening with my dad the whole winter, and it finally came to a head last Sunday when we headed out to King’s Valley for a ride.

I met Kris and his buddy Peter just north of Corvallis on the way up from Eugene, and we jetted up to meet my dad and his buddies Mel and Stan. The original plan had been to meet at the charter member of the MOTOFRIENDLY program, The Governor’s Cup in Salem, Oregon, but I had got a late start which translated to poor timing for a journey the whole way north.

Instead I called my dad when I landed in Corvallis with Kris and Peter and we decided to meet in Rickreall. We had to take 99W north, which was absolutely dreadful. We were packed behind six cars going the *gasp* actual posted speed limit of 55MPH the whole way. But I digress. We reached Rickreall and after spotting the other three members of the crew (Rickreall isn’t that big, you can see anyone, anywhere) we joined up and made introductions.

During handshakes the usual going-over of bikes was made. We had five BMWs (Kris’ 1150GS, Pete’s 1200GS, my 1200GS from EMCWOR, Mel’s Roadster and my favorite, my dad’s 1996 R1100RS) and one Harley (Stan!). After a stop-off for a restroom break, we went through Dallas to the beginning of King’s Valley Highway.

Sunday was a gorgeous day – 58 degrees and sunny, not a cloud in the sky and the wet spots in the shade weren’t cold enough to be dangerous to those on two wheels. The group had a good feel to it, riding at a nice clip if not a little leisurely. Taking the R 1200 GS through the twisties always puts a smile on my face. Some confidence and a twist of the throttle make the lean angle of that particular motorcycle that much more fun. It’s so tall, you feel like you’re more leaned over than you probably are.

We stopped for a spell at Ritner Creek Covered Bridge where we made our plans for the return back to civilization. As the sun shone, my stomach started to growl and we rode back to Corvallis for a bite to eat. Kris and Peter had to jet, so my dad, Stan, Mel and I all went to the Broken Yolk on 3rd in Corvallis. I had me some chicken fried steak, which I highly recommend.

If you haven’t stepped out King’s Valley way, then where are you riding? Get out there!