Songdog Ranch Rally
August 1999
| The Rally
3 times a year the maker of Rev-Pack products, Rev, holds a rally at his isolated ranch off hwy 33 in Cuyama Valley. I just returned from the August rally on the 8th, 1999 and had a great time. The rally costs $50/person which will get you a camping spot anywhere on the bluff for Saturday and Sunday, delicious appetizers, all you can eat dinner, all you can eat breakfast and all you can drink wine, beer, sodas, tea, and coffee. Also included is a terrific view of Cuyama Valley, the stars, entertainment, commrodare among fellow bikers, the friendly people that work with Rev and those 3 lucky Songdog Ranch Dogs. Checking In I arrived at 4pm on Saturday and was escorted up the bluff by a friendly blond girl in a Honda Accord. As I went to check in with Rev's lovely wife Robyn, I saw the hard working cooks barbecuing lots of ribs. I commented "Ah, dinner" and Robyn replied "those are the appetizers, help yourself". I rode around the bluff seeking a good campsite while I was checking out the 100+ bikes and the 360 degree view. The Cooks After I pitched my tent I went back to the BBQ to do some munching and drinking. You cannot help but make friends there. Lots of friendly people. And something of a site is watching all those cooks cook the tri-tips, ribs, bread, beans,etc. It is very interesting and Rev said it is "controlled chaos". The cooks' ages range from the teens to the 50s and despite smoke going right into their eyes, they seem to being enjoying preparing the food for their guests. Thank you, cooks. Time to Sleep After dinner we had live cowboy music for 2 hours while the sun set. When it was time to hit the sleeping bags, many people, including me, forget to take their flashlights out from their tent. Sooo, another site you don't want to miss is watching drunk, tired, stuffed adults walking through pitch black darkness trying to find their tent! Departure At about 8am Sunday morning, people started waking up and the smell of breakfast filled the nice clean air. And there were the hard working cooks again, making breakfast for all of us. After breakfast most of the riders said their goodbyes and thanks and then departed. Everyone had a great time, no gripes. Directions To get to Songdog Ranch from the south, take 33 north towards route 166. When you pass the only gas station on 33 in the Cuyama Valley, count 2.8 miles from that point and look for a small "Songdog Ranch" sign on the right (east) side. Turn right on the paved road, after about a half mile you will see the Songdog Ranch on your left side, don't stop, continue until you see the dirt road on your right that leads up the bluff. There is where it all happens. Info If you want more info on the Songdog Rally visit their web site at www.songdog.com or call them at 1-800-766-2461 and ask for "The Songdog/Rev-Pack Review" which has all the info in it. Rev and Robyn and their crew are terrific people and really go the distance to make your weekend a pleasant one. You should try this Rally at least once. See it on Google Maps. The Songdog Ranch Dogs Also on the bluff are the 3 cool dogs. They get to eat all the rib bones and they are well mannered. Towards the end of the night they really had their share of meat and come breakfast time, the dogs, just like the guests, were ready for more food. |
