We had a great weather and a great time at the now annual Warrior's Society beach party! We use to have a beach party every year but had not had one since Covid and the fires.
Once we all arrived we had a fun ride to Bolsa Chica where on the way Debbie "Lozen" Brown stopped to hold a big yellow python that a visitor had brought to the beach. We stopped at Sea Salt on the beach to listen to the live band and have a drink.
Once back at our staging area it was time to eat. Lubos "Magic Cloud" Durdovic grilled up some carne asada tacos with pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas and chips. They were delicious and we plan on having the same at our Saturday, October 12th Toad Festival in October and our Christmas Tree Ride on Saturday, December 7th.
A few Warriors visited a fellow Warrior Diego "Rides With a Smile" Morones while working on his HB State Beach Life Guard shift.
Once dinner was over it was time to award the "Pua" and "Bob Haislett" memorial awards. These awards commemorate two of our members who made a difference in both trail work and competition. Club member Monique "Pua" Parmalee was an accomplished retired professional endurance rider who was killed in January of 2023 while on a road ride.
Club Elder Bob "Wise Owl" Haislett holds the record for the oldest person to finish the Vision Quest on both a geared and single speed bike. He died of pancreatic cancer over 10 years ago.
Debbie Brown, who exemplifies not only Pua's competitive drive but her kindness and goodness as well, was awarded the Pua award. In honor of Debbie's dedication to the club (and her example for others to follow) her club name was changed to "Lozen" after the sister of Apache leader Victorio.
Lozen was the only American Indian woman who was allowed to fight along with the men. Lozen had a special power to determine where the enemy was and it was said if she had not stayed behind to care for and hide some pregnant women Victorio would have never been defeated by the Mexican army. Debbie is a patriot who cares deeply for our country and it's future. As a legal immigrant she is an example to those born in this country to follow.
Our trail work director Keith "Keeps His Word" Eckstein was awarded the Bob Haislett award. Keith is an accomplished athlete multi Vision Quest finisher - and no one in Orange County has done more trail work in the County Parks and National Forest than Keith; he does trail work more than he rides. We were considering awarding a "Trail Hero" award to the person who exemplifies dedication to maintaining the trails but Keith would win it every year. Keith is also a Club Elder founding member of the Warrior's Society.
Thanks to Event Director Mary "Never Tires" Huth for creating the amazing awards.
We also initiated Blaine Mengert as a full member of the Warrior's Society based on his athletic ability and his dedication to maintaining the trails. Blaine will be given a club name at a future date.
We are still accepting Associate members, which entitles you to participate in the Toad Festival Poker Ride on Saturday, October 12th, our Saturday, December 7th Christmas Tree Ride and our Saturday, May 3rd 2025 Vision Quest or Counting Coup. Annual membership is $85 and if interested email us at: Sanofan.chris@gmail.com For an application.
A vote by members decided that the following hoodie designs will be chosen as prizes for the Toad Festival poker ride in addition to the other swag: