for L.A. area riders - Newcomb's Ranch

[don draper <donnydogood@xxxxxxxx>]

The following was taken from the report of the minutes of the May 24, 
2000 meeting of the Angeles Crest Traffic Safety (ACTS) Task Force:

Barry Stubblefield of Mt. Waterman Acquisition Holdings. introduced 
himself and informed the committee that the company will be taking
over 
Newcomb's Ranch restaurant within 120 days.  He stated that
currently, 
MOTORCYCLISTS ARE NOT GOOD BUSINESS and he welcomes the Highway
Patrol's 
presence.  This should bring back the tourist business that has 
diminished due to the problems with motorcyclists.

If you have any specific questions pertaining to that statement--or
the 
meeting in general--contact Mike McClure who represents the American 
Motorcyclist Assn on the "task force."  Mike can be reached at 
909-371-2399 or makomc@xxxxxxx .

 Mike was nice enough to volunteer to attend the meetings which are 
normally located in the La Canada/Flintridge area.  My experience
with 
the meeting(s) was they were well attended by CHP and CALTRANS with a 
smattering of Sheriff, Forest Service, medical, county fire and 
educational personnel--all with "time on their hands" which accounted 
for the length of the meeting. 
 I--personally--did not find them to have an open mind with 
regard to motorcyclists and it appeared their AGENDA was set--they
needed to do something to get the Federal grant monies to pay for the 
"extra" enforcement (as they already have in the Bay Area).

My purpose in distributing this information to various motorcycle 
enthusiasts and organizations is the comment attributed to Mr. Barry 
Stubblefield of Mt Waterman Acquisition Holdings.  My experience with 
Newcomb's Ranch is the majority of their customers on weekends and
holidays are motorcyclists of all "persuasions."  There are few
"4wheel 
tourists" no matter what time I stop.

At the one "task force" meeting I did attend, I heard references made 
concerning the "alcohol consumption" of motorcyclists at Newcomb's
Ranch.  Again, my personal observation--as recent as two weekends 
ago--was only one "biker" with a beer.  The "drinks-of-choice" being 
either coffee, tea or water.  The "4wheel tourists" were at the bar 
drinking!  Also, there is usually a delay in getting your food served 
because so many motorcyclists ride up just to enjoy breakfast and/or 
lunch--again, I saw very few "4wheel tourists" having a meal.

I suggest we find a way to "communicate" with Mr. Stubblefield and
let 
our feelings about his "comments" be known.  Better yet, if he does 
purchase the "ranch" there are other alternatives:  (1) the "Hidden 
Springs" on the Forest Hwy is motorcycle-friendly (2) the Mile High
Cafe 
on Big Pines Hwy near Largo Vista (3) continue to Wrightwood which
has 
several options or (4) select your favorite spot before leaving for
your 
ride on "the Crest!"  Just to "drive the point home," make it a point
to 
have a "pit stop" and/or smoke break in the parking lot--just don't 
spend any $$$ there....

Perhaps Mike McClure could start distributing a review of each
meeting 
to interested parties--I think we should stay informed!

Ride Safe and Free....

Hank Hallmark, member
ABATE of California
American Motorcyclist Assn
H.O.G.
GWRRA

     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
      The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
          http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
   http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info

=-=-=-= Next Message =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=