Recently, a bunch of the Westenders went on the latest incarnation of the STAB
(Seattle - Tacoma And Back) ride. STAB was the brainchild of Byron, a member of
VCOS and the Catholic Schoolboys Scooter Troop. These have always been
excellent rides, and a highlight of the local riding calendar.
Recently, a bunch of the Westenders went on the latest incarnation of the STAB
(Seattle - Tacoma And Back) ride. STAB was the brainchild of Byron, a member of
VCOS and the Catholic Schoolboys Scooter Troop. These have always been
excellent rides, and a highlight of the local riding calendar.
This year's STAB 6 was no exception. On Saturday night, Vince (of VCOS and
R-Gang) and his wife Debbie hosted a fantastic BBQ at their lovely home. The
food was fantastic, and everyone had a great time!
The next morning, the BBQ attendees were joined by a bunch more folks, and we
all met up at Top Pot donuts on 5th Avenue to get our morning dose of caffeine
and sugary treats. On a word from Byron, we all headed out for our great
adventure; a run down the back roads to Tacoma, and a trip to the LeMay
Automobile Museum!
The ride wound it's way out of Seattle and through Tukwila, Kent, and Auburn,
and office parks and strip malls gave way to farms. Typical of STAB's meticulous planning, while Byron led, Vince stayed in the back of the
stream to ensure that no one got lost or left behind. This is a good thing too.
Your faithful correspondent isn't very good at riding fast, so I tended to fall
back. I sure was glad to get into Tacoma, with it's 30mph speed limits!
Nothing really prepares you for the LeMay car museum. A Tacoma businessman,
Harold LeMay and his wife Nancy acquired over the years simply the largest
(3000+) private collection of cars in the world! Only a small portion (if you
can call several hundred 'small') is on display at the Museum's current
location, the site of the old Marymount Boy's School. It is none the less a
very good sampling, and you can't help but walk among these classics thinking,
"I want that one - no - that one - wait - that one over there!".
There was also a nice selection of motorcycles and scooters on display, though
some of the signage gave us reason to chuckle ("2000 Vespa Rally", anyone?).
After two hours of this sensory overload, we saddled up and headed over to University Place and the home of Chris and Clarisse for a delightful BBQ, where we enjoyed delicious burgers & brats, cold drinks, and played with their dogs (two Boston terriers
and a too-cute Yorkie puppy).
After having enjoyed a great meal, visit, and rest, we saddled up and rode down to Pt. Defiance. From there we took the ferry to Vashon Island and enjoyed a mad dash up the Island to the Fauntleroy ferry and home!
All in all, STAB 6 was a huge success, and the Westenders would like to offer a loud shout-out of thanks to Byron, Vince Debbie, Chris and Clarisse. We had a fantastic time, and can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for STAB 7!
