When I got to the shop, Dean was out in front and he helped me get my bike parked - so I introdced myself and proceeded to get the grand tour. It's a great, old shop, built in a former Post Office, which has a huge room with no central pillars or structural supports which functions as the showroom. In the back is the shop that Dean built, complete with a full machine shop. I saw the latest concept bike being built - I won't spill the beans but it is going to be a beaty!
Dean posed for a picutre with me out in front:
Well, all good things must come to an end, and after spending about 45 minutes soaking up the history in one of the great "houses of worship" of BMW Motorrad in the USA, it was time to go. I found out that Dean-O is not GPS-friendly (or maybe you could refer to him as a "paper map traditionalist"), so it was a good thing that I had a paper map in the Big Mak. Dean showed me the way to "Alice's Restaurant." It was a beautiful afternoon and Dean's directions were great so off I went and about 20 minutes later I was there - parked next to a 'Busa, an R1, and a CBR 600 with the side torn off and frame sliders ground down to nubs (it reminded me of track day):
After about 30 minutes at Alice's (thanks for the directions, Dean-O!), I went down the hill to the Pacific Coast and encountered the Summer coastal fog layer - man was it cold. Pulled off the road to put on my Savanna II jacket:
Well - if any of you ever make it out to California, don't fail to stop by and see the crew at San Jose BMW - really a freindly and professional shop. I'm told they can send you just about any part or accessory you need if you call them and have them look it up or order it for you. Have Dean-O put in a good word for you and you'll feel like you own the place.
Back in the saddle tomorrow - more reports from the road later.
Dean-O, you are a gentleman and a motorcycle scholar. It was a great pleasure to meet you at last......
