OGRES Motorcycle Club Day Ride This Coming Friday, September 12, at 11 a.m.

 

This coming Friday, September 12th, a day ride will be held for OGRES members and their guests. This is an open ride and is not mandatory. 

The ride will begin at the Chevron station at the corner of Highway 45 and Lakeshore Drive just south of Nampa.

The ride will commence at 11 a.m. preceded by a short safety briefing.

Bring a swimsuit for possible dipping at Givens Hot Springs.

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall Barbecue Report by VP RipCity

Upon arrival at Bomber's home, all was lush, green and beautiful, as usual, and prepared for the OGRES members and their spouses.

OMC members present: Ace, Rowdy, Gundy, RipCity, G-Man and Bomber. OMC members absent: Duke, Grim, Smooth and Slick.

Each couple arrived bringing delicious supper food. Rowdy brought ribs that were amazing. The meal was rounded out by a tasty salad, baked potatoes and fixings, and charcuterie all topped off by pies from G-Man. The chocolate cream pie was especially a hit.

Before we all started to eat, we created a circle around the table as couples. Each OGRES member and spouse introduced themselves to the group.

We had an interesting time talking about how each of us got our OGRES MC nicknames. Most of us thought "Gundy" was a holdover from military days but we found out differently.

Another highlight was meeting and getting to know Ace's spouse!

The setting for dinner was perfect. Bomber's party space is amenable to gathering and socializing. OGRES members are very fortunate to have Bomber in our Club. He and his spouse are perfect hosts for this annual evening with spouses.

Ace blessed the food and off we went dishing up the wonderful meal. There were animated and happy conversations around the table with learning even more about each other after all these years. Who knew? Guilty pleasure binge watching show recommendations were shared. Bomber and RipCity took a little trip back to high school and egged each other on to kiss their brides for the round the table picture taking. 

We posed for our "more formal" annual pictures outside where Ace turned the tables and snapped a good pic of the photographer.

Then all heck broke out when Bomber opened up his garage museum.!

All his treasures were on full display. He is so talented and has perfect taste for cool. We all drooled a bit over his 1940's Harley.

We lingered into the gathering summer darkness with more chatting and hearty laughter.

We missed those who were not with us. We are fortunate to have this friendship bond with each other.

Words and photos by Vice President RipCity

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall Barbecue w/Spouses This Coming Friday, September 5

 The OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall Barbecue will be this coming Friday September 5th. 

The barbecue will begin at 6 p.m. at Bomber's crib. 

The following assignments have been made with more to follow:

Rowdy:            Meat dish

Gundy:             Baked potatoes with condiments

G-Man:             Dessert dish

RipCity:            Charcuterie Board

Grim:                 Fruit Salad

Still needed: Green Salad and any other dishes identified by members not assigned at this point.

Let Grim know promptly if you are attending or if you are NOT attending so we can get a solid head count to insure the proper amount of food for the attendees.

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall "Orofino" Run Report

Safety Briefing Boise Idaho

The OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall "Orofino" Run began at the previously published time and place. Members present: Slick, Grim, Bomber, Gundy, Smooth, RipCity and G-Man. Members absent: Rowdy, Duke and Ace. Two guests were present.

After a short logistics and safety briefing, OMC members and guests headed out via Highway 21 to Idaho City.

It was a cool, breezy ride along the river and through the twisties to Idaho City where we stopped for a quick break.

The ride from Idaho City to Stanley was smooth and without much traffic which made for great cruising. The highway around Banner Summit had been patched so the danger of passing through was greatly diminished. We soon rolled into Stanley for lunch.

Stanley, Idaho

Grim thought it would be a great idea to try somewhere else rather than the regular stop at Luce's. Bad idea. We went to the Mountain Village Restaurant instead and found a table for 9. Our server (food dictator) soon showed up and it was clear, from the laundry list of restaurant laws and edicts, that the patron definitely came second in the restaurant's business model. Never again.

Challis, Idaho

We collected ourselves and our bikes and continued on through Clayton and up to Challis. We stopped for a quick ice cream and bio break and then continued on down the road to Salmon.

We continued to enjoy cooler weather and little to no traffic as we sped north. 

Bomber had advised Grim that he and G-Man might stop at the House of Holy Rust on the way to Salmon but he neglected to advise the Sweep, RipCity or the Road Captain Gundy. So when the aforementioned duo peeled off, along with Smooth, RipCity became alarmed and began searching up and down the road for them, fearing the worst. At the same time, Gundy was weaving around the road to get Grim's attention that something was amiss. Grim advised Gundy of the 411 and the remaining group continued on to Salmon. The four missing OMC members eventually trickled into Salmon for reunification.

(Note for future rides: Let everyone know of deviations from the norm so "gang wrecks" do not occur. This responsibility is on the one deviating from the norm, not the leader or sweep.)

Cool Kids Parking in Salmon, Idaho

Everyone took a short break after checking in to the Stagecoach Inn. Unfortunately, there are not many options for lodging in Salmon as the rate for the room was about $50 more than the much nicer cribs in Orofino.

At the announced time, the group gathered and headed over to the Shady Nook for dinner. Everyone seemed to have a nice meal and conversation, even though the restaurant was short staffed and pretty slammed.

We adjourned the meal and headed back to the hotel to get our coupons for free ice cream at the little trailer in the front lot. The activity went smoothly until RipCity attempted to get an ice cream cone using the slip of paper meant to advise the guest of the hotel password. When that was rejected, he went the front desk to get another instead of going to his room. That contact was met with low enthusiasm but somehow RipCity finally ended up with frozen delight.

Then Bomber decided he wanted a picture of RipCity on his bike. No one seems to know why. When RipCity clambered aboard his Indian, he discovered that the Indian had an audible alarm that was quite annoying. Unfortunately, his key was in his room keeping his ice cream coupon company. Eventually, key and motorcycle were united and the cacophony abated. Everyone was able to retire to their rooms without any more drama.

Safety Briefing in Salmon, Idaho

A logistical/safety briefing was held the next morning. Astutely (?), Road Captain G-Man admonished everyone to ride safely. Grim was planning to ride recklessly so he was glad for that admonishment. 

We soon headed up the road and enjoyed a very nice ride on the route to Darby. This section is one of the nicest of the OMC Fall Run.

Darby, Montana

Upon arrival in Darby, we found the usual row of shops barren and dark. We found out, from the guys at the adjacent store/gas station that the owner ladies husband had died and she had sold the real estate and the business. They further stated the businesses had moved to Hamilton next to the Super S grocery store.

Saddened, we moved up the road towards Lolo Pass. We passed through many towns, including Hamilton where several of us looked for the relocated businesses with no joy.

Lolo, Montana

We stopped for fuel, and such, in Lolo at the usual place. We then headed up Highway 12. 

Grim decided to push the pace a little more than usual and we flew down the beautiful roads and byways along the river and in view of Mount Lolo. It was an exhilarating ride as we topped Lolo pass and headed down the other side. The temperature was great and the road yielded almost no traffic.

Lochs Lodge, Idaho

We soon arrived at Lochsa Lodge for lunch. We were a little earlier than usual which gave us adequate parking and seating, after RipCity invaded the restaurant kitchen and announced our grand arrival. They seated us in the banquet room and our server was very nice and put up with our accumulated antics. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dinner over the voice of G-Man, on repeat, about the inability of his taco shells to hold together. Such is life.

Lochsaw Lodge Tacos

We climbed back aboard our bikes and continued down the road continuing the increased speed that Grim had adopted.

In the past, Grim has been more conservative in the speed of the group to make allowances for different skill levels and speed preferences. Everyone seemed to enjoy the higher speeds so that will be the norm in the future.

Three Rivers Resort

Quick Bio Break ?

We flew down the highway until we came upon the Three Rivers Resort. Grim almost passed up this stop but decided to pause for a short bio break before continuing on the road. Grim stopped by the portable toilet and announced this was a quick bio break to allow all to quickly get back on the road and out of the heat.

That plan quickly failed when three members acted as if the direction was never given. Oh well, what are you going to do.

(Note for future Runs: Grim, or the ride leader, will not begin any leg of any run until all riders on are their bikes with their gear (helmets, gloves, etc.) deployed. Grim, or the ride leader, will NOT "go ahead" and allow stragglers "to catch up".)

Eventually, we were able to continue on our way through Kooskia and Kamiah ultimately arriving in Orofino. We all arrived at the hotel and became aware that Bomber and G-Man were missing. They showed up a little while later.

We found out quickly that our usual restaurant was closed for remodeling so a replacement was recommended by the front desk: The House of Ju Ju.

We were able to check into our rooms even though we were about an hour early for check-in time. Then some hit the pool/hot tub for some water fun while others hung out in the lobby, while others just flat disappeared.

Hot Dog Blasphemy

House of Ju Ju Ju in Orofino, Idaho

Joy After Too Much Root Beer

House of Ju Ju

Crosswalk Antics by a Lovely Couple

Participants met in lobby and headed over to the new place at the previously announced time. It was a short walk through quaint downtown Orofino and it turned out to be a great little restaurant with unusual and unique dinner choices. Miranda, the manager, had our table ready, although on the phone, she had advised that they did not take reservations. Miranda and the food were a delight and it was a great time. After dinner, we explored the downtown area a little more before heading back to the hotel.

Best Western  Orofino, Idaho

After dinner, we hung out in the lobby and told lies, stories and fables including some juicy ones about OMC members not in attendance. G-Man chose to sit outside on the patio playing on his phone instead of hanging out with everyone else, but...to each his own. He tried to get others to join but it was much too pleasant in the lobby. Eventually, everyone drifted off to their rooms for a night of rest and recharging.

Picture of Tradition

Almost all l were up bright and early for breakfast and a pre-ride photo and briefing. We then headed off towards Kamiah and refueling. (Note for next year: Stop at the Conoco and not the Chevron.) WE then headed up the mountainside towards Grangeville over the hills and through the dales. This is always a great ride except if you come across a little gravel on the roadway that delivers that delightful pucker factor. More jokes here but the author will pass.

After a short stop in Grangeville, we headed south towards New Meadows. Usually the temperature goes from cool to hot at the bottom of the White Bird Grade but that did not happen this day. We continued down the windy road next to the river in cool weather and no traffic at high speed. What a great ride that was. Hot weather finally found us in New Meadows.

New Meadows, Idaho

Slick Parking Job

Whine and Dine

We stopped in New Meadows for barbecue and such. We had a very sweet server but not a very competent one. However, everyone eventually received their food and no complaints were heard about the time at lunch except one about the lack of spectators at the rodeo on the television. The football reruns were lackluster as well.

There was more drama as RipCity found his credit card was missing. It was quickly locked and hopefully a positive outcome will be experienced.

Cascade, Idaho

We remounted our bikes and continued down the road towards McCall. Traffic was much thicker that before and we quickly ran into many types and species of knuckleheads and jaw gawkers. Also more construction was endured by our train of riders.

We endeavored to persevere through the traffic and heat as we motored through McCall, Donnelly and finally to Cascade. We stopped for gas and a break in Cascade.

After that brief respite, we continued down the road. The traffic was thick and the temperature high the rest of the way except for the wild ride up Horseshoe Bend hill, over the top and down to the valley.

Goodbye Please

We ended our ride and said our goodbyes at the usual place at Highway 55 and Beacon Light Road. We had a short meeting about the upcoming barbecue event with spouses. More info about that event will be forthcoming in short time.

Guest Joy and Lee

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 Fall Orofino Run This Coming Thursday August 21st

 

The 2025 OGRES Motorcycle Club Fall "Orofino" Run begins this coming Thursday, August 21st.

The Fall Run begins at the Chevron, Gowen and I-84 at 8 a.m. Briefing begins at 7:45 a.m. at the same location.

See you there.

OGRES Motorcycle Club 2025 "Hagerman" Summer Run Report

 

OGRES Motorcycle Club

The 2025 OGRES Motorcycle Club "Hagerman" Summer Run began at the appointed place and time. Members present: Duke, G-Man, Bomber, Ace, Smooth, Grim, Gundy and RipCity. Members absent: Slick and Rowdy. Two guests were along for the Run.

Special thanks to VP RipCity for the great photographs taken during this Run. It is not an easy task.

Star Idaho

We had a little breakfast in Star, Idaho before we headed out in the cool air towards Emmett. Traffic was light and the ride was a welcome change from the daily grind. We passed through Emmett, over through New Plymouth and skirted the edge of Payette. 

Parma, Idaho

We made a pit stop in Parma to pick up water, and such, while leaving some things behind. Shortly, we headed out of town and headed south past the beautiful horse ranch just past the overpass. We then rode through RipCity's old stomping grounds in Wilder and then through Homedale. As we approached Marsing, we ran into construction. We had to wait for a bit, where the construction folks had the road narrowed to one lane with a lead car.

After passing through the construction, we rolled through Marsing and turned south to take the south river road past Givens Hot Springs. This stretch of road is swoopy and windy making it much fun on a motorsickle. 

We made a quick stop at Walter's Ferry for fuel and such before heading on through Murphy and Grandview.

Bruneau, Idaho

Bruneau, Idaho

We stopped in Bruneau for lunch as the day was starting to heat up. The trio of ladies, serving and cooking, did a great job and the food was very good given the venue and the clientele. It was a nice respite from the heat.

Shortly, we climbed back aboard our land sharks and continued down the road towards Hagerman. We rolled down to the Snake River and enjoyed a picture postcard view around each bend and over each hill. We rode through Hammett, Glenns Ferry and King Hill. As we passed through King Hill, a United Pacific freight train passed going in the opposite direction. The engineer gave us a toot on the air horn which was great fun. Grim loves trains so this was a real treat for him.

We cruised over the Interstate and into Bliss. We followed a semi truck with a trailer of watermelons down the old grade into the Malad Gorge. Thankfully, the truck soon turned off after slowing our descent. We rode on through the Malad Gorge until we reached the main highway which took us on into Hagerman to our overnight lodging at the Hagerman Valley Inn. We checked in and retreated to our rooms to recover from the high temperature. 

We headed over to the Snake River Grill at the planned time and found a nice table ready for us in the big dining room. Cree was our server and he was very good and attended to our orders. Everyone seemed to have a nice meal although the sturgeon was a little overdone, so it was a bit rubbery, but the flavor was still excellent. Joy's trout was really great and several of us helped her finish it up.

Prior to the meal, Ace was officially toasted and welcomed into the OMC. He is a great addition to the usual suspects in the Club.

Scary

After dinner, we retired to the lower patio of the Inn for some socializing. Many true stories were shared mixed amongst the "folklore" and jokes being passed around the group. It was a really nice time just hanging out and enjoyed the different personalities and life experiences of the motley crew. We all trundled off to bed, at some point, for a peaceful night of slumber.

Upon awakening, riders met for a safety/logistics briefing on the selfsame patio. It was a lovely morning and quite cool as we prepared for departure.

Presently, we headed off down the road back to Bliss and onward towards Gooding. This piece of road is very fun due the the rolling pitch of the highway.

Gooding, Idaho

Gooding, Idaho

Gooding, Idaho

We stopped at the Western Cafe in Gooding, Idaho to grab some breakfast. The server was slow but meticulous but we were finally served. The breakfast was excellent and tided us over until we could finally pay our checks and vamoosed out of there.

We rode north out of Gooding towards the Fairfield highway. This stretch of road is very fun with very nice curves, climbs and descents. The "cities of rock" along the way are very spectacular and cool in way the rock formations appear in the morning light. Very, very cool.

We eventually turned east on the Fairfield highway and headed towards Timmerman Hill, the site of Grim's first shootout.

Timmerman Hill

We stopped at the Timmerman Hill rest area to enjoy any and all varieties of "rest". At the completion of the rest, we headed out on our way headed north into the Bellevue-Ketchum corridor. It was slow going part of the way but pretty clear until we hit the construction just before entering Ketchum. Passage was not too bad but you really had to pay attention due to the congestion.

We made it through Ketchum unscathed and headed north towards Galena Summit.

Baker Creek

We made a short stop at the intersection to Baker Creek. We briefly entertained the notion of visiting Grim's cabin that is just up Baker Creek Road about 1/4 of a mile. Unfortunately, Grim had not planned on this adventure and did not have a cabin key on him. Bummer.

We headed on up the road and passed over Galena Summit. We had a couple of slower vehicles in front of us during this leg but both drivers nicely pulled over to let us pass. There really are some nice people still out there.

We cruised on past Smiley Creek, Beaver Creek, Alturas Lake, Petit Lake and Redfish Lake. We presently made it into Stanley where we stopped for gas and lunch. 

Sawtooth Luce's had room for us in the dining room and we had a very nice lady serving us. Lunch went fairly well except for one restaurant worker who was unusually loud and a little jolting. It was a good meal and a good time.

We departed and headed towards Banner Summit. It was very congested in Stanley but the traffic thinned quickly and our passage was mostly unhindered. We passed over Banner Summit and had to endure a very rough road from milepost 107 until around milepost 92. We managed to get through without incident.

We traveled down through the extremely fun, winding and picturesque road, except for the large patches of burnt timber from last year's big fire.

Just before arriving in Lowman, G-Man ended up with a bee in his bonnet. He had to pull over and several riders stopped briefly with him. As soon as it was determined it wasn't life threatening, all continued onward except for Smooth. Duke and Ace let Grim know what was happening as Grim had already slowed after making the turn to Garden Valley. 

Grim decided to pass by a planned stop at Lowman due to the bridge construction and heat of the day. 

Penultimately, the group was back together and we proceeded through the curves and banks along the river. There was not any traffic so the group could really enjoy the curves, swoops and scenery.

Garden Valley

We stopped in Garden Valley for ice cream, drinks and a bio-break. It was nice to sit in the cool area inside the Exxon station for a bit.

We fired up the bikes and continued towards Banks. Unfortunately we ended up behind a slow moving junky camper trailer and it was slow going to Banks. Thankfully, the vehicle turned north as we turned south at the newly installed traffic signal by Banks.

We cruised down the highway south mostly unimpeded as there was little or no traffic southbound. The same could not be said for the northbound bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Soon we passed through Horseshoe Bend and over the grade into the Treasure Valley. As we traveled lower, the temperature was contrarily rising. 

OMC Members 

Guests

Goodbyes and best wishes were exchanged at the Chevron station at Highway 55 and Beacon Light Road. It was a smooth, enjoyable trip with only one slight hiccup. 

One more OMC Run in the books.

Words by Grim

Photos by RipCity