Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776310
22 nFebruary 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by "Rambler" Steve Austin SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., JAN. 1—"Through good times and bad we have struggled, prospered, and have hung in there no matter what. It is not the company that my grandfather started in 1914. Like the motorcycle that we sell, it has evolved over time, being constantly refi ned and fi ne-tuned. And yet his blueprint for success is with us daily: Do your job in the best possible manner and do it with pride, with humbleness, and with class. Don't 'just do it;' do it right, and if by chance it is not right the fi rst time, admit it, fi x it, and move on." This statement can be found on Dudley Perkins Harley-Davidson's website on their historical page and was written by the former owner, Tom Perkins. The fi rst time I covered the Dudley Perkins New Year's Day Run was 12 years ago and when I interviewed Tom, at that time he took me on a tour of the then- new facility. As we toured the service area Tom told me this same thing. He was proud of the fact that this was the fi rst Harley dealership in California and that his grandfather had founded the dealership almost 100 years ago. He was proud of the bikes they sold, the service they provided and stood behind everything they did. With the passing of Tom in 2015 his words never rang more true. The company has evolved and now the stewardship has passed to a fourth generation of Perkins, to that of Chris Perkins, Tom's son. This run was started 36 years ago with the idea in mind that Dudley Perkins Jr. and Tom could spend time with the customers that frequented the shop doing some- thing they all loved to do, ride their Harleys and, in the process, get to know each other on a personal basis. This morn ing found Chris and his mom, Janet Perkins, signing in riders. When sign-up was done, 120 people would brave the chilly morning air. Of course, this is California so chilly here is not the same chilly as in Idaho or even Oregon. The sun was out, the weather dry and chilly here was 55 degrees. Now those that rode a longer distance did face morning temperatures a bit lower but no one complained. The free doughnuts and hot coffee the Perkins provided helped a lot too. Ten dollars got you the regis- tration and run pin. One of my buddies, Bobby Strickland from the Golden Gate H.O.G. chapter, was there with four other members including his new bride Paula. Bobby had gone to Australia for vacation last year and met Paula while he was in the land down under. Not only did Bobby gain a new wife but two lovely stepdaughters, and Paula's quite the photographer as well. Good luck, you two. New Golden Gate H.O.G. Director John Schuman led the group over for his fi rst ride as the boss and was joined by chapter members Gina and Don Ortega. Mt. Diablo H.O.G. from nearby Pacheco was also on hand to start out their new year as well with about 12 of their members. They've been coming to this event for well over 20 years. Shortly before 10:00 a.m. Chris rolled his bike out and the bikes started lining up. The destination was once again Nick's Diner in Rockaway Beach in Pacifi ca just over the hill from the shop. Pacifi ca is actually made up of nine small communities of which Rockaway Beach is one. About 100 bikes fi red up and headed down Corey Way and into Old Town San Bruno. The thundering sound threatened to shatter the ancient plaster from the walls of the shops. Skyline Boulevard came into view and once at the top, riders were treated to views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacifi c Ocean to the west. You can also see the famous Pacifi ca Pier, the only pier in the Bay Area open for crabbing during Dungeness crab season. It's always an awesome sight. Then it was down Sharp Park Road to Pacifi ca. This is one of the most challenging but popular roads in the area for bicy- clists. It's only 12 miles long but offers a 700-foot ascent from Highway 1, which is probably the reason we passed more than 20 bikes on the way up while we were going down. We drove south on Highway 1 and then turned down to Rockaway Beach. Nick's is located at the end of the street by the sea wall. Waves were crashing over the rocks and wall and onto the cars and bikes parked in the parking lot. They were ready for us when we arrived and as usual they had a great all-you-can-eat breakfast 36TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S DAY RIDE & TOM PERKINS MEMORIAL RUN BRAVING THE COASTAL CHILL Historic dealership's hallowed tradition continues John Schuman, new H.O.G. Director for Golden Gate H.O.G., with members Gina and Don Ortega Riders waste no time racing down Sharps Curve to breakfast at Nick's in Rockaway Beach Nick's Diner in Rockaway Beach a few miles south of the city is the place to come for breakfast any day of the week See "Dudley Perkins," page 41, column 1