New Year’s Day Motorcycle Ride

New Year’s Motorcycle Ride at South Beach – Greg Hertel photo

Greg Hertel tells us about an Island tradition…

“High speed, cold winds, icy roads… what could possibly go wrong? January 1 and it’s time for the unorganized, unofficial, traditional New Years Day San Juan Island motorcycle ride. We’ve been doing this for around 25 years now. Rain, sun or even snow, we meet around 10 and eventually someone starts a motor and we take off.

Over the years, we’ve settled on The Route: Town to South Beach at American Camp, pose for the required picture, head to Cattle Pass and without stopping, loop the parking lot and head back towards Roche Harbor for donuts.

After that, we drift away to what ever plans we had for this first day of the year. We’ve had close to 30 people on nice years and as few as 5 on one brutal year when there was still snow on the roads.

Drew Gislason with Daughters Eleanor, Lita, and Genevieve – Greg Hertel photo

This year was cold so 14 hardy souls made it all the way to American Camp. The bikes were a mix of makes with BMW leading the count and models of a sporting and touring nature predominating. Cruiser types are fun on a summer day but the wide open riding position  loses its luster in sub-freezing temperatures!

It was 25 degrees when I left my house to start the ride and maybe 33 when I headed home from Roche. This was colder than most rides but the sun was out and it was glorious when we topped the crest of the hill headed to the beach and all of the Straits and the Olympics spread out in front of us. Happy New Year.”

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.