3rd day of Sturgis trip

Our third day of the Sturgis trip started with a cool, crisp yet sunny morning. We prepared for a ½ days ride with normal checks of our bikes and gear, a full tank of gas and a full belly of food. The parking lot of the motel was full of bikes, all headed in the same direction. Most people were moving about and doing the same preparations as we were making. A lot of people going to the same “mecca” for different reasons.

We jumped on the Interstate and joined the makeshift parade of bikes and bikers headed west. Different people like to ride differently, those who ride right around the speed limit, those you go just enough over it to not be bothered by the law and those you ride fast. We spent most of our trip in the middle group, just fast enough to not be granny lane gurus, but slow enough that when we did see a cop they wouldn't give us a second look due to speed.

The trip across South Dakota is an interesting journey, the landscape starts with prairies of grasslands, wide spread and goes for as far as the eye can see. We stopped once to enjoy the view, a herd of white cattle in the near by field. Other bikers also stopped at the same road side pull-off to enjoy the view and take a break. At 70+ mph it can take a beating on the body if you don't take breaks every so often.

The second landscape one comes across is the almost moon like badlands. A white and greyish base of what looks like dried clay. Grasses grow on top of some of the mounds with multiple greens and tans going up in layers. The sun glistens off the white and is soaked in by the tans and greens at the top. Our route took us through the badlands national park in this area, it is a well worth side trip. Many photo opportunities with the landscape and a few spots to pull off take a break and walk into this amazing area. You can climb some of the mounds, just watch out for the heat of the afternoon and ensure you have good footing, it can be slippery even though it doesn't appear to be.

Towards the end of our ride we entered the black hills, rolling hills some can be quite high but all covered with pine trees. If you've seen the show Ponderosa it almost seems that you are on the set in this lush green landscape.

The roads in this state were just amazing, very smooth and easy to ride. I can't recall many rough spots if any during our trip through South Dakota. When they do road work they closed just the area they were working on and not 5 miles for a 100foot construction area. I guess it could have been done that way due to the amount of traffic they expect those two weeks, but for whatever the reason is sure was nice. We expected a ton of traffic with the jams to go along with it, we experienced just a slight backup getting off the interstate at Sturgis. Luckily we were not heading into town right then as we all were staying in near by towns. We stayed in a beautiful little mining town of Lead. It still amazes me that the nice people in this area open their homes to rent rooms to the bikers. Our host couple gave us a room, full bath, use of the entire house to include washer/dryer, garage and a garage door opener included in the decent rental price.

We unpacked and met our friends in Deadwood to get some dinner and hang out resting our weary butts and minds from the last 2.5 days of travel. We expected to get much more riding in around the local area over the next 5 days, stories of those adventures will come soon.

Sometimes a biker has to have a destination in mind, however most bikes I know will enjoy the ride, stop when the feeling hits them and explore some of the areas when they choose to stop. A car driver usually stops for convenience where as the biker mind usually choose the stop which may look more interesting.

Veterans Day 2011

Have you thanked a Vet today?

Thank you Vets!!!

Attitude

The key to remember is that most bikers are after a certain perception. They want the general public to think they are extra tough. While some are extra tough, those usually are the type who don't “flaunt” it. The leather, the flaming skulls, the barb wire tattoos and the menacing looks are all a part of that perception. These people like to be left alone, they like to look tough and use that perception to be left alone.

I've walked into a bar on a poker run, the group of 4 guys at the end of the bar are all clad in leather vests with patches and pins covering their backs. Nothing special about them, they aren't a part of any club, but they add to the perception. I walk past them to head to the bathroom and just nod. Three of them perform the customary return nod, the fourth just stares with steely cold grey eyes. He then turns his attention back to the sweating beer bottle in his hand. He just let me know via the perception that he wants to be left alone. I oblige and leave him and his buddies alone. Hey, if you don't want me to talk to you then I won't. I then return from the bathroom to draw my card, they guy behind the table is part of a club, the sponsoring club of the poker run. He has all the tattoos, the long scraggly hair, the patches and yes the attitude. This gent strikes up a conversation when I go to draw the card, “how is the run going?”, “lots of bikes out there?”. His is more likely the tougher of the two. He doesn't mind talking to you and welcomes the conversation. However, if you piss him off or do anything to threaten his family (which includes brothers and friends) then you would find out just how tough he really is. As I stated in the section about 1% bikers, those are just a totally different type of tough. Those are best just to steer clear of.

Why do these bikers cling to this type of perception? Mostly it is because they want to be left alone, out on the road riding and doing what they love. It may be a safety mechanism, if you fear me you will give me a wide berth, both at the gas station and especially on the road. Today's drivers in general are not very good, mostly due to the rush they are in to get where they are going. Tailgating is a horrible habit that quite a few people get into, they think by getting close to the vehicle in front of them it will scare or annoy them to either go faster or get out of the way. Do it to a motorcycle and it is that much more dangerous. One mishap and that biker goes down and the car runs them over, literally. They have to slow down quickly to avoid something and the car not only bumps them but knocks them over. Now if you are driving your car and get behind a biker with a loud bike, long hair flowing in the wind, patches with skulls other nasty images on their back and you will probably think twice about tailgating. Riding in a group intesifies the perception, the more bikers like that and the more emphasis is placed on the possible problems if a car gets too close.

I am not saying that this perception is wrong or doesn't do what some bikers intend for it to do. I have witnessed this first hand many times. It can be used to benefit all involved, fights have been averted, arguments cut way short before they get out of hand and just general safety has been improved.

There are those idiots who use this perception for different purposes. They use it to belong to something they shouldn't try to belong to. Yes, the biker community. These types of people are usually called RUBs, or Rich Urban Bikers. These are those who go buy a $20,000 harley davidson and put maybe 400 miles on it per year. They can be seen washing it on nice weather days in their driveway, it is parked in front of the house gleaming and bright while they clean out the garage or do some yard work. They have the leather, chaps, dark sunglasses and the fingerless gloves. On those nice weather days they “gear up” with the clothes and the attitude and hit the road. Usually to some yuppie hang out or a friends house.

The Freedom of a Road Trip

It was a cool late summer morning, the temp was around 65 degrees. It was one of those morning where you peer out the window and see a heavy dew on the ground and cars in the driveways. You soak in the aroma of your first cup of coffee and wonder if the light mist will burn off soon.

As a biker you say the hell with it and get your ride and gear final checks and packed. A cool crisp morning is a great way to start a road trip, cleans out the head and gets the blood flowing. Being a Sunday morning I wasn't worried about traffic, here in the Atlanta area traffic can be horrendous and on a weekday it can be even worse. I double check everything, say goodbye to the wife (first road trip without her in a long time) and start the bike. I already have a full tank of gas and check the tire pressure so all that is left is to tape the directions to the tank and get going. Hint for those of you who are riding in unfamiliar areas and don't want/have a GPS mounted on your handlebars. Print a set of directions and tape them to your tank/console. Be brief so you don't spend a lot of time looking at them while riding.

I head out for the Interstate as most of my ride today is going to be Interstate travels heading north. Not much going on but still must keep an eye on those cages and trucks whom I am sharing the road with. I much rather watch them then expect them to watch me, matter of fact I try to ensure I don't ride right next to anyone for an extended period of time if I can help it.

This road trip had a purpose, to visit with family on the east coast. I took the opportunity to make it a bike road trip as I got off the Interstate when possible and road the smaller roads. All in all the eastern shore of DELMARVA is a cool place to check out. All kinds of little towns and roads to check out.

5 days later I was heading back down US-13 and saw all kinds of bikes out and about, asked a fellow biker at a gas station what the deal was. Turns out Ocean City, MD was having a bike fest, being only 30 miles off my path I had to go check it out. Bikes all over the place, riding the strip and parked along the roads with the riders just hanging out watching bikes go by. They had multiple large vendor areas setup, which I tend to stay out of. Not really interested in going to an event to shop, I will if I want to take a break or need something but this time no real interest. It was a little cool and overcast, but that doesn't usually dampen the spirit of a true biker.

After that it was back to the task at hand. All in all I spent 6 days on the road and traveled 1888 miles up/down the east coast and across the Carolinas. The only rain I encountered was on the last day, leaving VA and into NC, just kept it slow and cautious.

Preparation is a great tool for when you are taking a road trip. Not necessarily having a route planned or even motels reserved, but check your bike (tires, fluids, nuts, lights and so forth). If you have a specific route make sure you've reviewed it prior to starting. How long will you go in between stops? If you are smart and checked the weather then you'll know if you should put either the sun screen or rain gear on top of the packed items. If you have luggage on the outside of the bike double check it and make sure it is secure.

For me I find a good travel amount is 120-150 miles, as long as traffic is flowing easily. If traffic is heavy then you'll get less miles in a longer period of time. When you do stop, get gas, take a good 15 minute break. Stretch out your back and legs, get a drink or something to eat if you need it, don't get dehydrated.

When you do take your breaks talk to people, we have met some of the nicest people while taking a quick break. One ride we took, we had no plans, no route just took off. We ended up 700 miles away in 2.5 days. Talked with people, found out some interesting tidbits about the towns we stopped in. What is a person's favorite subject? Themselves and their lives.

On another trip here in the Atlanta area we were just riding around one day on the backroads east of town and ended up in Monticello, GA. While eating lunch in a quant little restaurant in the town square we found out that is where they filmed “My Cousin Vinny”. Almost the whole movie was filmed there, we never would have found out if we hadn't been just riding around the back roads of America with no particular destination, stopped for a break/meal and chatted with the restaurant server and owner.

It isn't just meeting the nicest people on a Honda, it is meeting the nicest people by getting off the rushed roads (Interstates) and stopping in the small towns of america.

Get out on the back roads, see the country, stop and talk to the people. Visit the little towns where most people are down to earth and life moves at a little slower pace. Disclaimer: Not all little towns or big cities fit this example, there are always exceptions.

The open road to most bikers is a form of therapy, the daily grind and regular stresses associated with life are swept away by the winds as one sails down a highway. Add in a good dose of vitamin D from the sunshine (which isn't available in a cage) and spirits are lifted.

Take it easy.

Sturgis 06 - Day 02

Sorry folks, didn't have nearly as much time as I expected while the bike was in dry dock. There is just so much to do in life these days, part of the problem with society in my eyes, everyone is in such a rush that there isn't time to enjoy life. I am just as guilty as the next person. Another PGR mission in “southern” Georgia last week, was a tough one that I may expand on later.

Our second day to Sturgis wasn't all that exciting but it was a milage day. The second day consisted of Interstate riding and a lot of it. We went from the eastern boarder of Iowa across the state, which we ended up calling “the poop state”. Our experience with Iowa during the heat of the summer days (90+ degrees) was that one can smell the fertilizer. You'll hear others say things like “being on a bike with the wind in your hair and the smell of nature in your nose” but that isn't one of nature's better smells. We were about half way through the state, still could smell the fertilizer, the numbers of other bikes we came across was increasing at a regular rate.

After crossing the poop state we started heading north up into South Dakota, on I-29 north we started seeing larger groups of bikes. They were like cockroaches coming out of the woodwork, shiny chrome and bright paint glistening in the sun light. Passing bikes and cages hauling bikes in masses like that jst gets your heart pounding to get there as quick as you can, however the distance just doesn't allow it. We spent the night in Mitchell, SD. We hear it is a nice town but our butts just wouldn't let us get any farther than the hotel parking lot. Once you are this close you better have reservations, the parking lot was full as was the lobby. There had to be at least 20 people hanging around the lobby to see if there were any available rooms. We had reservations so we were allowed to walk right up to the desk and get our rooms. While others didn't exactly look to happy about that, they had to understand those who made reservations were the smart ones. While normally we don't make reservations, with an event as large as Bike Week it is a must.

We parked the bikes along the others behind the motel by our rooms, all locked up for the night. We sat around and talked for a little bit, going over things we just saw on that days ride and planning tomorrows ride. Helpful hint for traveling with others, you go at a pace you are comfortable with. If you want to go fast and others want to go slow then do it. Make sure you have gas stops in mind so that you can meet up again at those locations. It is much easier than someone getting frustrated and mad that they are either going too fast or too slow.

Yea I know, not an exciting time but one has to have these types of day to get to the more exciting ones. Any day on the bike on the open road is a great day!

Sturgis 06 - Day 01

The bike is laid up in dry dock for some major repairs, so I'll do some writing about history rather than current events or theories. We took a trip to Sturgis in 2006, rode the bike with good friends of our on their bike, we had 10 days total for the trip.

Day 1 started out with crisp and cool air about the bikes as they sat fully loaded and waiting the start your engines command. We double checked our route and destination for the first day, just over the Iowa border some 600 miles away. We checked the weather, not a sprinkle in site for this day's travels. We all mounted the bikes and gave the command (ok, a little hokey there) we pressed the starter buttons and the engines came to life.

We used all Interstate during this day as our main goal was to get to Iowa (remember 600 miles away) that day, I know for some of you iron butt riders that isn't a great feat, but for some of us it is a feat. Stopping at rest areas along the Interstate/Turnpikes to get fuel and take breaks, a few people are interested in our bikes being so very loaded with luggage. They ask where we are heading, but no one asked why, mad me wonder if they knew what Sturgis is all about or didn't care about what Sturgis is all about. I would like to think the former is the case but as those of us who enjoy the lifestyle realize the general public likes to keep clear of bikers. We don't fit the main stream image, although look around people, tattoos are huge these days where in the biker circles (and our great military) they have been popular all along. We enjoy the rests and the interest of people, ask a biker about their trip or bike and they'll talk to you as long as they can before they have to get back on the road.

Outside of Chicago we encountered construction, oh what a joy, wall to wall traffic with a pace slower than a snails pace. We use the shoulder when possible as temps outside were in the upper 80s causing the bikes engines to run extremely hot. Construction these days may cause a bigger headache because they love to use those cement barriers and leave no shoulder available on either side of the road. The bikes took us as far as they could before mine overheated, we stopped under and over pass for a break, low and behold there were two other bikes and their riders doing the same thing. We sat and chatted for about 20 mins, by then the bikes were cooled off enough we continued on. We came out of the construction just half a mile down the road and was able to get back to speed, we did pick up another bike in that time. It used to be if you came upon a bike or bikes on the road you could join in and ride with them for whatever length of time needed or wanted. Now a days some people just don't like that, with us we didn't mind at all, the more the safer.

Nothing else happened that day that was out of the ordinary, however if you get the chance there is a really cool bridge on I-80 going over the Mississippi river between Illinois and Iowa. Coming from the east you crest the ridge and look down the hill, the bridge is there spanning the river however it is a few hundred feet below you and the river is many hundred feet below the bridge.

We pulled into the motel for the night, a little sore but not in real bad shape. A small snack, a drink or two and some relaxing conversation then off to get some rest for day 2, which was about 350 miles to the middle of South Dakota.

Day 2 will be another entry, until that time, which will be soon with the bike in dry dock.

How did it start?

  Remember back in your younger years, the family has been packing for a couple days, the excitement and anticipation to start the vacation has been building. It was a warm summer day, dew might have been on the grass when you arose and stepped outside to the car. Everything was carefully packed, some food and games have been added to the load to keep you kids busy during the long drive. “Everyone go to the bathroom before we leave”, echoed from your parents mouths until everyone had gone and the family was finally ready to start their summer vacation. Everything is ready and you and your family set off down the Interstate to a final destination of pleasure and relaxation. Ok, not much to do with Harley philosophy but actually this is where it probably started.

   While riding in the family car down the Interstate on that summer vacation you may have seen a motorcycle or two go by. You most likely didn't realize what kind of bike it was, that didn't matter at your young age.

   You wonder what it is like to ride a motorcycle, it starts out with the thrill of riding a motorcycle. That is what I want to do some day, I want to ride a motorcycle. Your dad asks if anyone needs to make a pitstop. There are answers of yes and please so the next rest stop is your first stop of the trip. You get out and make a bee line to the restroom. Maybe grab a drink and a snack on the way back out to the car. While either waiting for the driver to stretch their legs a bit you watch what is happening around the parking lot. A bunch of people are in the same situation you are in, family vacation, you see some business travelers but honestly don't really know at this point. Maybe you see someone moving with their Uhaul truck or trailer. While scanning the parking lot you see small cars, big cars, pickup trucks and the big semi-trucks that you were passing on those bigger hills going up and they passed you on the way down. Then you come across the one or two motorcycles parked most likely in some shade.

   Something has peaked your interest in the motorcycles, at the younger age you don't really know what it is, but wouldn't it be cool to travel like that? Now that your mind is racing with these thoughts you get back into the family car and go about your travels with the family. Depending on how far you are going you may have the same rest stop experience again and again.

   As you get older these thoughts change from being cool just to ride a motorcycle to what kind are they riding, I wonder what they do in this or that situation, I wonder what experiences they have out on the road traveling.

  Whether it was due to the freedom represented, the bad ass attitude they display or being different than main stream. They have their own language, dress code, rituals and basic way of life. I see it on the road to this day, riding down a street I peer at the cage next to me and find this little face peering out the window. They have a look of either amazement or curiosity but whatever that look is I am sure there are many questions involved. Some brave souls actually ask questions however those are few and far between. Not many people either have courage to approach me, maybe it is the 6'4” frame my body posses or it could be they don't really know how to approach a biker.

   Once we grow up we continue to be wondered by those who display some freedoms that we really have a hard time understanding. It could be a biker, a cowboy or truck driver The secret is that those types of people usually have more freedoms than the average person. There are popular tv shows both past and present which show our continued interest in these types of people. Shows and movies like “Easy Rider”, “BJ and the Bear”, “Convoy”, “Sons of Anarchy” and of course the many western movies. People see these persons as their own person, no one telling them what to do and when to do it. They can make up their own minds while not having to “punch a clock” at an office/factory.

PGR Mission for Fallen Hero - Sgt Koehler

Last Thursday, 28 Jul, I honored a true American Hero, Sgt Ed Koehler from Ringgold, GA. Sgt Koehler was killed in action (KIA) while serving with the PA National Guard in Afghanistan. I belong to the group Patriot GuardRiders (PGR) whom simply put “Standing for those who stood for us”.

While those 7 words explain my sentiments to a T, a more in depth explanation of the PGR is that it honors and shows due respect those who serve this country to protect the freedoms we as Americans enjoy every day of our lives. I spent 12 years in that position, and now my sons are doing the same. It takes a special kind of person to volunteer to make your job such a big part of your life, the military is not a 9-5 job. These are people whom go where they are told to go, when they are told to go, how they are told to go and for how long they are told to stay. Civilians, even first responders can quit, move to a new location and get a new job, the military can not do that, sometimes they have to endure a location or duty they aren't necessarily their cup of tea. Standing with the PGR allows me to show them and the rest of America that I care what sacrifices and journeys these people have made for me as an American. They can stand a post for 12 hours in the extreme heat/cold on daily basis for 6 months, 6 days a week; I can stand for 2 hours to honor them!

Thursday Sgt Koehler was returned to Ga via Chattanooga TN aboard a chartered plane. The PGR standing by to escort him to GA, 20 or so strong, flags flying and pride flying as well. It wasn't pride in themselves but pride in Sgt Koehler. Police were present to provide escort along side the PGR. We ventured out onto the highways, traveling mainly I-75 for about 5 miles to the funeral home. I am amazed at the response by some bystanders, unsure if they knew who or what was going on we saw people on the opposite side of the Interstate stopping their vehicles. All of the emotions well up in me during this escort ride: sorrow;pride;honor;sympathy;courage;scared;dedication. I know some of those aren't traditionally considered an emotion but there are limited words on how to describe the feelings. While traversing the streets off the Interstate all vehicles stopped and waited for the procession to pass by, I noticed 3 gentlemen who exited their cars and respectfully stood silently as we passed. This day and age that isn't what you normally see much of any more, good for them.

Saturday, the day of the funeral, we were bound to a cage as the bike has engine troubles. We loaded up in the truck and headed out the meet with other PGRs on their way north. We had roughly 70 miles to travel, the last stop being a gas station about 2 miles from the funeral home. This way the bikes can ensure a full tank of gas prior to any activity during the actual mission for the day. The last biker is completing his fill up, the cages and lead bikes are getting ready to form up for the last 2 miles, the skies grow dark quick and a thunderstorm emerges. Ok, everyone under the awning and let's wait it out, luckily this group was scheduled to be 30-45 mins early so we had time to wait out the storm. We arrived at the funeral home with some other PGR members there already. Standing the flag line (which is PGR members holding 3'x5' flags in a line) were approximately 50 total, extending out from the doors, down both sides of the driveway. Family members and friends milled about outside the funeral home waiting for the services to start. Once the service started, a little more than 2/3 of the PGR members put their flags away and headed for the cemetery. At the cemetery another flag line was setup on both sides of the main entrance road, where the funeral procession would enter. A horse honor guard waited at the road entrance to the cemetery, the Army honor guard standing by to present military honors for this fallen hero. All those emotions are back again as the procession is led in through the flag line, which is moved so the family and friends can walk in between the flag line to the gravesite.

A 21 gun salute and taps being played, the grave side service concluded, the PGR silently broke down the flag line and flags, heading to their respective vehicles. Mission Completed.

A Weekend Trip - Maggie Valley NC

Where to go from the metro Atlanta area?  Being new to the area I ask this quite often of other bikers that I come across, the usual response is "north into the mountains".  I'm starting to understand this is very true in the mid of the summer due to the amount of humidity experienced around the metro area and points south/west.

One weekend trip we took was north to Maggie Valley, NC.  We left the metro area on Friday afternoon and headed north using I-75/I-575, once out of the Interstate mode we used 60 to cross into NC, followed by 64/74 and finally 441 over to Cherokee NC.  The trip up this way is quite nice, you leave the Atlanta traffic pretty easily and have 4 lane (empty by comparison) highways to kick your feet up on the highway pegs and cruise at a comfortable speed.  Lean your upper body back against that beautiful body sitting behind you, crank the tunes and let the wind speak to you.

After Beechertown along 74/19 until you hit Wesser the road follows a river (can't recall the name) which has many rafting companies along it.  There is traffic to include those big rafting buses along this part of the road, just take your time and don't get impatient and enjoy the tree canopy overhead, the rushing waters along side and the stops along the road.  They have many places to stop and take a break, watch the rafters go by or the vehicles on the road.  Grab some sandwiches and a couple drinks and make a meal stop out of it.

We continued north until Cherokee, NC.  This is off of 441 or you can get to it from 19 (two lane black top), either way they meet up at the center of town, we haven't stopped there yet however it looks nice.  Just beyond the town on 441 is a row of shops, restaurants and motels.  There you can find some Indians doing traditional dances and different educations examples of the Indian way of life.  The traffic at this point can get a little congested but flowed very smoothly.  Much better than Gatlinburg but that is for another entry some other day.

We met up with some friends from Kentucky in Cherokee and started at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This parkway travels for 469 miles from NC up into VA, most of it at 35/45mph and with higher altitudes (we saw 3500ft thru 5300ft).  We were only on it for 19 miles this part of the trip but hey, it was getting late and we needed to check into the motel and get some food.  Bikes aren't the only thing needing gas (hehe).

We checked into our motel and headed to a restaurant we saw on the way down the hill into Maggie Valley, it is in the middle of a name change, I believe it will be called Rider's Roost Restaurant or something along those lines.  The food was good and the prices were decent, we all ended up with some kind of special of the day.  They also had some leathers and other items for sale in the front, we all came fully prepared so didn't need to purchase anything other than the food.

After a goods night sleep we stepped outside with a cup of coffee, we were greeted by clouds.  Yes, you read that right, at this altitude it really isn't fog but clouds.  We took our time getting going as we really were trying to let it burn off a little before heading out on the bikes.  Even having two bikes with "loud pipes save lives" we wanted a little more visibility to be seen.  Once we had what we were looking for in visibility we headed down the road to the Country Cooking Restaurant for breakfast.  Good home style breakfast, all you can eat with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, apples, pancakes and drinks.

We headed back through town and road the Blue Ridge the rest of the day.  The weather wasn't the greatest this certain weekend but it wasn't horrible either.  It kept traffic down to a minimum and we were able to stop many times with little to no crowds.  There are plenty of spots to stop and take pictures, take in the scenery and even do a little hiking if that is your thing, which it isn't ours so we stayed close to the road.  We would enter the clouds as we got higher and leave them as we went lower, I would have loved to have been able to get above the clouds and take pictures looking down on them but that never happened.  We ended up traveling to mile marker 369 on the parkway before heading back to Maggie Valley, we ended up using I-40 to get back, made it for a much quicker ride.

We enjoyed a good bar-b-que dinner right in Maggie Valley in an old rustic looking restaurant right along the creek.  Then it was back to the motel for the remainder of the evening.  We decided to do what some people do on a vacation and just relax and chat.  We sat on the porches of the motel in the chairs they provided (almost every motel we saw in Maggie Valley provided some kind of chairs) and chatted the evening away.  We actually at one point kept looking up on the mountain trying to find the lights on houses.  Yea, sounds boring but ya know what, when you have just had a day of riding and are hanging out with great friends it is nice to just sit and relax once in a while.

The next day we went to the Wheels thru Time museum in Maggie Valley.  If you like old bikes this is a great place to check out.  They charge a nominal fee, $12 during our trip, but in my mind was well worth it.  We were told there is over 12 Million dollars worth of articles in the building.  They have volunteers who walk around and talk to the visitors, telling them about the bikes, cars and other items or just chewing the fat with stories about the owner or their own escapades.  We ended up having to leave but would like to return some time as we didn't see nearly half of the museum.  There is word they are moving it to another state but nothing was definite from the young lady we talked to.

Back home in 4 hours and a wonderful weekend trip aboard the bike.