49 Mile Ride Words by Bob Slote Photos by Blaise Descollonges and Bob Slote Dec.31.2011 It seems riding season in the Bay Area starts with the BSA Clubman show in March, and wraps up at the end of October with Pete Young’s Yerba Buena 49 mile ride. Sure there is riding year round but these two milestones just seem to bookend the clear weather part of riding. The 49 mile ride is a vintage motorcycle ride only, but this year didn’t disappoint. Over 300 vintage bikes showed up, all makes, models, and sizes. There was a 48cc MotoBi, an inline straight four Nimbus, an old Greeves rat, a Moto Morinis, lot’s of 60’s and 70’s Nortons, and Triumphs, classic Hondas, and Harleys, all 35 years and older. The ride starts with a few words by Pete Young at the Bay View Yacht Club, just a stones throw from AT&T ball park. It follows the Embarcadero past Fisherman’s Wharf, a quick loop around to Lombard Street, and off to Bakers Beach for the first stop. With the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge the parade of classic bikes fills the North lot. Then it’s off to Twin peaks to share the view with startled tourists, and back down to the yacht cub for an old fashioned BBQ and raffle, with the proceeds going to Shiner’s Hospital. Beautiful weather, good food, great people and plenty of vintage iron, it doesn’t get much better then that!