London Olympics Gold Medal Winner Jake Varner

 This is Olympic Wrestling Gold Medal winner Jake Varner. Jake is a two time California State Wrestling Champ at Bakersfield High School, two time NCAA Wrestling Champ with Iowa State, and 2012 95k freestyle gold medalist. And he was the last medal winner for the U.S.
This is close to home for me. Jake's dad Steve, grew up on the same street as I did. He was one of the older kids on the block, and was bigger than life to me growing up in that neighborhood. Steve later was a teacher of mine at Bakersfield High.
  Congratulation to Jake and his whole family.

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Steve Alvidrez

On Saturday, June 18 about 2pm I received a text message from my buddy Brent Bennett. Childhood friends, Steve Alvidrez and his wife Ramona had been in an accident the night before. Steve

died and Mo was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

They were riding on their 2009 Harley Davidson. A car ran into the back causing the bike to flip. The car and the driver left the scene.

Steve and I go way back. During the summer in the late 1960's the city parks would have games like Caroms, checkers along with crafts. We all hung out at Saunders Parks on Palm Street and Oak Street. The park also had a pool.

If we weren't at the pool we were at the rec area or on the ball field playing a pick up game of baseball or work-ups.

Steve is a couple of years younger than me. He went to Harris School. I went to Roosevelt School. He then went to Curran Jr. High I went to Emerson Jr. High. Curran is were Mo and Steve met.

Saunder Park was where a lot of the kids from William Penn, Harris and Roosevelt Schools would go.

Steve always had a big smile. Ha was good at every sport. When making up teams he would be one of the first picked. Mo was two years Behind me in school. Her Family live in the neighborhood and we all went to Roosevelt. Her dad Simon was a barber and own a shop in the neighborhood

Steve comes from a big family. His parent Val and Charlotte are two of the greatest people. Steve has three brothers and two sisters. All of them have that Alvidrez smile. Athletic is a very important part of their life.

On Veterans Day last November I had taken my kids to the parade. After, I took them to Pizzaville. As we got out of the car a man and a woman pulled up on a bike. It didn't take long to see who it was? Steve and Mo, both with a smile. We went in ordered pizza he said lets sit over here. He started to put table together then I remembered when you eat with any Alvidrez you eat with them all. In no time their daughter Kristin was there. Both sisters Valerie and Patricia and their kids. Then Val and Charlotte. We talked about "back when" and "right now".

I told Steve we need to ride together. I said he and Mo should join my wife and I and the others on Labor Day ride to Cambria. Pizza with the Alvidrez's made it a great day.

About 3 weeks ago I got a text from Steve it read "how about a Pizzaville night?" I put "sounds good."

Steve leaves his wife Ramona (Mo), son Steven, daughter Kristin. His Mom and Dad, sisters and their families. His brothers David, Gary and Philip (who I coached in JBA) and their families. His in-laws Simon and Beda, brother-in-law Tim, sister-in-laws Elizabeth and Monica and their families. His sister-in-law Julie preceded him in death. He also leave a very big extend family. A lot of friends and one guy that want to get a ride in with him and another Pizzaville pizza.

Services were Wednesday, June 29, 2011. A Rosary was the night before, both at St. Francis Church here in Bakersfield. Another childhood friend of Steve, Mo, and myself Monsignor Craig Harrison Officiated the Mass of Christian Burial.

"Ride Free Brother" - Steve's Obituary www.bakersfield.com/obits

"Life is too short...have fun"

Steven V. Alvidrez

His Facebook Page

"This (Steve's death) didn't have to happen"-Monsignor Craig Harrison

Pictures were downloaded from Steve's facebook page. the last one was from his son Steven page.

Summertime

It's Summertime

Happy Mother's Day

I love and miss you.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year and safe riding.

2010 Cambria Pinedorado

The Cambria Lions Club held its 63rd Annual Pinedorado this past Labor Day weekend. We always make sure we ride over for the parade on Saturday morning.

As the parade was going on we walk down to event area. There is two rides for kids. One ride, some one took peddle cars removed the peddles and made a peddle car merry-go-round. It is the same cars on that ride now that were on there 50 years ago or more.

The 2nd ride is a train ride. Only change, back when I was a kid the train was painted red and yellow. Now the yellow has been replaced with green.

This ride also goes around in a circle. About 30 years ago they added a Tunnel. That made it a "Thrill Ride." So they put chicken wire over the windows, to keep you from sticking your arms out. As a kid my grandfather ran this ride. He would let us ride it as long as we wanted too. Later he would let my kids ride it as long as they wanted too.

Growing up no one had corn on the cob like the pinedorodo. So I had to grab a cob. I was not disappointed. It was so good I had one more for the road. Only thing sweeter is sugar.

Another great ride to the Pines By the Sea. We'll crank it up and do it all again next Labor Day Weekend.

Ride Pictures

Helmet law? We don't need no stinkin helmet in Yellostone or most the state we were in. This was the only time I road without a helmet. In Yellowstone. I'm sporting the Los Angeles Dodger Beene.

Oh yes there was snow on the ground.

The Montana Casino in Missoula. Had a nice rib-eye, medium rare.

I took this picture at 9:30 pm. Yes pm, sun set was about 10:30pm

In Montana all you need is tire. Some one will drive up with a car or truck with 3 tires. This guy looked at me as if I was going to be able to give him a ride.

Mt. Shasta. Somewhere behind them clouds.

Billy's Birthday

What a weekend! Billy's 6th Birthday. Billy was born on July 11, 2004. He came to live with Rhonda, Karly and I over 3 years ago.

Rhonda told me he doesn't want to tell people we are his grandma and grandpa. He wants to tell them we are his mom and dad. That's ok with me because we are his parents.

What a great time we had on Saturday. We swam all day ate Hamburgers, hot dogs and cake.

I have never seen Billy happier than that day. And he is a happy kid all the time.

Billy blows out his #6 candle as his cousin Mason looks on.

Every July 11 7-11 gives FREE Slurpees. We go ever year and get our FREE Slurpee. We have always told Billy 7-11 gives FREE Slurpees because it his birthday. At 6 years-old I think he's catching on. We hit two 7-11 yesterday. When we got home Billy's Aunt Heather and Uncle Bubba (Chris) on Skype with their Free Slurpees in hand.

Billy's first Free Birthday Slurpee

While no one was looking we hit a second 7-11.

Happy 6th Birthday to "da Kid" Billy Bob. We love you a bunch.

Columbia Gorge

We hit the Colombia Gorge west of Walla Walla, Washington. We followed the Colombia River to Portland. Four lane road all the way to the I-5.

The river boarders the States of Oregon and Washington.

This is the top of Mt. St. Helen. I snapped this hoping to get a shot of it. I did.

A tug or push boat pushes a barge down the river.

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures. Vinny and Uncle Bindo on the road with Mt. Hood in the for ground. On of the bad things on being the photographer on trips I'm not in a lot of picture. But the good thing is I'm the one who captured this moment.

American Architecture

As I ride along I enjoy how different the architecture in part of the country. Unfortunately I don't remember what town we were in for this one.

This is the Columbia County building in Touchet, Washington. We were headed to the Columbia Gorge.

How about this one a Dairy Queen Drive-in. Home of the chocolate dipped ice cream cone. We were at a stoplight in Yellowstone. Oh boy did this bring back memories. There was a Dairy Queen down the street from my elementary school. (Roosevelt) after school we would walk there and get an ice cream.

A home outside Twin Falls, Idaho

This is the county building in Shoshone, Idaho. Shonshone is home of the first ice cold beer. Beer was cooled in the near by Ice Caves. Shoshone was and is a main hub for the railroad. Back in the day Pubs lined the main street. We talk to one of the locals. She told us not only could you get a ice cold beer in a pub. You could get a hot lady of the evening on the second floor of any pub in town.

The Ride from Victor Montana to Kooskia Idaho

The Lewis and Clark Trail from Montana to Idaho was a remarkable ride. On a motorcycle made it even better. The redwoods towering on both sides of the road only giving way to the Clearwater River. What a ride.

Clearwater River.

I hope these pictures give you a feel for what we saw.

I was snapping these pictures while riding.

A little whitewater action.

The Town of Kooskia, Idaho.

On the Lewis and Clark Trail or Hwy.12 from Montana into Idaho We pulled into the small town of Kooskia, Idaho on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Nice town. We walk into this bar. I looked for a sign in front of the Bar, but no sign was to be seen.

It was Taco day at the bar all the regulars were there.

Lawdog, Uncle Bindo and Vinny wait for their $2. tacos and enjoy a well deserved cold beverage.

My new buddy Norm. "That's what they call me here," he said. He told me his real name but how was I going to remember it. Norm was good enough. He said he once lived in Porterville.

Got to love Small town America - Victor, Montana

Victor Mt. We found small town America, south of Missoula. Some how we missed a turn. We stopped to see where we were. As we were looking on our map two brother in an old Ford pick-up pulled in front of the Liquor store we parked at. Now, why I didn't snap a picture of them I don't know. The driver, his shirt was unbutton to let his gut hang out. The other guy had a Shady Brady style cowboy hat, western shirt, and Wranglers. But his foot wear of choice, house slippers.

The two gave up directions to where we wanted to go along with other info they thought we needed to know. While the others talked to the brothers I went into the Liquor store and picked up two pints of Everclear, one for Vinny and one for myself. The most important info they gave us was to mix that Everclear 4 to 1. They must have told us 4 times.

As I looked down the street I saw a little girl pulling a lemonade stand. It looked like it had been made from a wagon. I followed her to the park. I asked her about her stand. She told me her daddy made it for her. She was very proud of that. I asked her name she said it was Justice. She said she had made $16. in 4 days. Lemonade was not all she had to sell, ice tea and homemade popsicles. I remember as a kid selling Kool-aid. when she put out her tip jar she made sure she put some change in it. I took a picture of her and put $2.00 in her jar, thanked her and went on our way. Justice made my day or even my trip.

Victor Liquor in Victor Mt.

Craters of the Moon

Just miles and miles of piles of lava rock in the middle of the rolling hills of Idaho.

These two pic were taken at the camp ground. It looked like it would be kind of neat to camp there.

Pictures from the road

About 10 mins. after getting to Old Faithful it went off. GOOD TIMING.

People didn't seem to bother the Buffalo in Yellowstone.

A look was about all we got from these guys. (Yellowstone)

Trying to post pictures from Clarkston, Washington.

I sit in a hotel room with the slowest Internet in the world. I have some pictures I wanted to share with you but it's not working. The ride has been great. Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming. And now Washington. Oregon tomorrow.

We enter Yellowstone thru the West end of the park. We made it to see Old Faithful go off. That was something. Buffalo and deer walked around and people didn't seem to bother them. We got into Billings around 1am.

We road to Missoula home of the MSU Grizzlies. I had a great steak at the Montana Club.

This morning we took route 12, the Lewis and Clark Trail. But we missed the turn and found ourselfs in Victor, Mt. We talked with two local guys. brothers we guess. They looked in their 70's. one guys belly hung out of his unbuttoned shirt. The other all dress up like a cowboy but his footwear, house slippers. they were in town to pick up a few beers, at 8:30am.

While talking with them I saw a little girl, oh about 10. pulling a wagon. turned into a lemonade stand. I followed her to the park. She had post it notes sellind ice tea, lemonade and homemade popcicles. I talked to her. Her name was Justice. She told me her daddy turned her wagon into a stand. I asked her why her dad did that? she said, because my daddy loves me. There is Justice in Victor, Mt. Talking to that girl made my day. Life is real simple in a little girls eyes. All is good because daddy loves her.

More tomorrow I hope.

4am Wake up, on the road to Reno.

After a Friday night concert at the arena, 4 am came fast. I busted out the 5 hr energy and we hit the road. 395 to Reno to see Bub abd Heather.

We stop in Bishop for lunch. Eriick Schat's Bakkery hit the spot. We took their Cheese bread stick for dinner. Also some extra sourdough. Vinny got some fresh baked coffee cake for tomorrow's breakfast. Schat's has a deli with made to order sandwiches. If the bread and coffee cake are like the sandwiches we are in for a treat. if your in Bishiop thats the place to go.

Bub at the grill. Tri- tip and a Cigar for the cook.

Heather cooking up the greenbeans with a beer.

Time to eat. Twin Falls, Udaho tomorrow. You da hoe, because I'm not da hoe. Get it.

Road Trip

It's time for another road trip. Lawdog, Uncle Bindo, My Cousin Vinny and myself are head on another road trip. I will be posting on this blog site.

We leave Bakersfield at 5a.m. this Saturday. our first stop is the home of Chris and Heather Eggert, My son and Daughter-in-law. I will get to see my son on father's Day its the first time in 8 year I've seen my son on Father's Day.

Philippe Home of the Original French Dipped Sandwich

  If you love french dipped sandwiches what you are used to being served is a Roast Beef on a roll and you do the dipping. That's not the way it is done. 

  You ask or ax me how do I know? Well. this is how I know.

   If you are a Los Angeles Dodger Fan like I am. You know where to eat around the stadium. 

  Oh sure. I have my Dodger Dog at the stadium. But before I pay my $15.00 for parking my car. I hit Philippe The Original. Home of the french dipped sandwich.

Philippe's was established in 1908 by Philippe Maathieu. One day in 1918 while making a sandwich for a Los Angeles Policeman Philippe drop the roll in the roasting pan filled with the juice still hot from the oven. The policeman said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches.

  There is a long display counter with 10 servers Philippe's call "Carvers". Each Carver has everything she needs to fix your whole meal. All served on plates made of paper to make serves fast.

   The French Dipped is the specialty of the house and consists of either roast beef, roast pork, turkey, ham or my favorite leg of lamb served on a french roll. The Carver does the dipping. You can ask or ax for your roll to be double or even triple dipped but don't ask for a side of dipping gravy, it just won't happen.

  Philippe's has some of the best sides. The best coleslaw, homemade macaroni and potato salads. They prepare and serve almost 300 lbs of pigs feet a week.  

  Oh man! Philippe's has its own hot mustard, Twice a week they prepare about 40 gallon. Add this mustard to your sandwich and it doesn't get any better.

  Beef stew is prepared fresh daily. Their homemade chili and soups are the best.

  Lemonade, iced tea, milk, mineral water, sodas in the can, beer cheaper than at the stadium and wine by the glass. A cup of coffee cost a dime. Up until 1977 it was only a nickel.

  Deserts, now why wouldn't this place have some of the best deserts? Baked apples, a large variety of cream and fruit pies, ice cream, New York style cheesecake, custard, fresh fruit and my favorite tapioca.

  In 1951 Philippe's was force to move from its original location on Aliso Street, to make way for the 101 freeway, to its present location on North Alameda Street. 

  In the 100 years not alot has changed at Philippe's. The Carvers prepare your meal at one of the 10 spots at the display counter. I don't think I have every been there when there is short lines. But the Carvers are quick and well worth the wait. 

  It's family style seating with long wooden tables and stools, there are a few booth. Sawdust on the floor, old wooden phone booths with dial pay phones. People from all walks of life are in the dinning area. I've even seen a few actors there.

  The walls has old press clippings, beer and soft drink neon signs.  

  Its old style candy counter sits at the main enterance. You can pick up a jar of Philippe's hot mustard to take home with you. 

  The address is 1001 North Alameda Street it on the corner of Ord Street and North Alameda.

Take the I-5 south past Stadium Way to the Main Street off ramp (south of the I-5/I-10 interchange) turn right on Main Street to North Alameda Street. Turn right on Ord Street you can't miss the parking lot. You're there. Enjoy!