Just a short entry to finish off this ride. This was truly an adventure to remember -- almost 600 miles on the motorcycles, most of it challenging and exciting; dangerous curves, crazy roads, steep dropoffs, and using the training that paid off, and kept us on the road. There were a few bikes that went down in the curves, and the riders are OK.
Today's ride was routine, especially by comparison. We came down from Travelers Rest to I-385 in Greenville, merging onto I-26 to Columbia, where we picked up I-20 to Florence. Our timing was as good as it gets, missing the rush hour in Greenville, then arriving at Columbia before lunch. Traffic was light, and we rolled on, straight through to Florence.
Riding brings risk, that's a given. But training, practice and determination mitigate that risk, and make the ride worthwhile. I'm grateful to the instructors that gave us not only the basics but their experiences and insights. I'm grateful to Linda for being a part of this with me. I can't imagine not seeing her in the rear-view. And I'm looking forward to our next adventure.
Next week, we'll be participating in the "Fight Like a Girl" charity poker run for Breast Cancer Awareness. A good cause, a lot of fun and comradery, and another opportunity to ride.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Blue Ridge Parkway, October 17, 2011
Today was the kind of day that can truly be classed as an "adventure." It started out well, with temperatures in Asheville around 44, with the promise of mid-70's. We took it easy, and had a light breakfast at the Best Western. Linda took this from outside our room as I was cleaning the bikes. This couple was from Massachusetts, with their ultimate goal of California. They were doing between 130 and 200 miles a day, and enjoying every minute of it.
I've said it before -- most bikers are good people, like all of us. It's the 1% of them that give motorcycles a bad name.
We checked out and hit the road around 10, headed west to Maggie Valley, where we turned onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our goal was to ride the Parkway to Highway 276, then down towards Greenville, and the Hampton in Travelers Rest.
I have to say, the Blue Ridge Parkway on a motorcycle gives you an incredible view of some of the most beautiful scenery you could ever hope to see. And we were blessed with perfect weather: mild temperatures, clear blue skies. While the speed limit throughout the parkway is 45, everyone went at their most comfortable speed, as the road twisted and turned up and down the mountains, with the majestic view around every corner.
One of the disconcerting things is that there are damn few guardrails along the edge, and the drop-off could be 50 to 200 feet down. We passed a few recent rockslides as well, but none that blocked the road. There are a couple of tunnels that turn in the middle, leaving you in the dark for a bit before the other opening becomes visible.
It's a fun ride, at first. Up and down the mountains, gliding around curves (not as bad as Lake Lure, and not as fast, either). We stopped at several overlooks, and at the Information Center, We did about 40 miles of it, and after a while, it just got to be work.
We pulled off at Highway 276, and stopped at a rest area to check the maps. When we started up again, the Garmin directed us to the National Forest Road, and we took it. It turned out to be a single lane crushed rock road, 14 miles long! There was no safe place to turn around for over 5 miles, and we just kept going, around switchbacks and turns, up and down the mountain, at about 20 miles an hour. For much of the ride, I could look to my right, and right down the cliff. Needless to say, it took a lot of concentration to keep from freaking out!
We had to stop at one point, and move a large branch from the road. It took about an hour, and when we came out we were about 30 miles from the hotel. I guess it was kind of a shortcut, but I'm gonna have a word with Garmin and the State of North Carolina. Whose dumb idea was to identify this trail as a "road?!"
All in all, we traveled about 135 miles today, and it took over six hours. I'm glad that we took the trip (although I would happily have passed up the National Park Road), I'm proud of myself, and especially proud of Linda -- she bought a Blue Ridge Parkway pin for her vest at the Info Center, and truly earned it!
Tomorrow we leave northwest South Carolina for home, and it looks like it will be just ahead of the rains that are due in on Wednesday. It was truly an adventure to remember!
You can see why they call them the Great Smoky Mountains!
By the way -- I finally got about 5 GB of video from the ride! I'll edit it and get it up on YouTube soon. It's pretty cool!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Dateline: Ashville, NC, 10/16/2011 3:30 PM
Words are not enough to describe the run today. What a blast!
We got to ZMax Dragway around 7:15. The sun was just coming up, and it was around 45 degrees. There were already 50 bikes at the staging area, and the organizers were, well, organized.
Sign-in, gift packet, Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, then wander around to see the beautiful Iron Horses on display. We stopped by the official Pace Car for pictures.
Kyle showed up, and the press were hot on his heels. He did about three different interviews before getting the ride rolling.
I'm not sure what the total of bikes were there, but as you can see here, there were a lot of them, even an hour before the ride.
Kyle gave us the ride briefing, One of the police officers joining the ride gave us the safety rules, and a prayer was said. The siren blew, and we had 5 minutes to mount up.
One of the failings of the GoPro video camera is the lack of feedback, especially from the rear of the unit. I was certain I turned it on just before starting, but apparently I didn't get the button pressed enough, and I don't have some of the most fantastic video you may ever see. Sorry. I hope tomorrow's ride will be better.
We pulled out around 9:30, and rode up the dragway track. It strikes you as to the amount of rubber embedded in the track from the thousands of dragsters that have roared down the surface. At the end we turned and headed out, down to I-85 Southbound, for about 20 miles to Shelby, where we picked up US74 West. The scenery is beautiful, the trees showing off their fall colors of red and gold. When we got to Lake Lure and the 4-lane became two, the ride got . . . interesting.
As we wound around the lake and then the mountain, we were challenged with hairpin turns, both heading up and down, some of them lasting for 270 degrees! While were doing between 25 and 40 mph, the turns got tighter and more challenging. I found myself leaning over farther than I thought possible, and then straightening and immediately leaning the other way for the next impossible turn. The safety classes we took a few years ago really paid off as we sucessfully traversed the winding course. In the town of Lake Lure, people were everywhere on the sides of the road, waving and cheering us on.
Taking a trike around that course is in some ways tougher than a two-wheeler, in that you can't lean or counter-steer. Instead you have to work against centrifigal force as you push the handlebars to do your bidding. It's real work, and Linda was amazing. When I had a chance to look behind me (and it wasn't very often), she was right behind me, enjoying amost every curve.
Near the end of the curves, there was a tight, left hairpin curve. I took a deep breath, downshifted and counter-steered, pushing the bike over as hard as I could. Suddenly, I heard my foot peg scrape, and my foot bounced up.
I've been told that, when you do that, it's your bike telling you that you've leaned far enough. They weren't kidding! But that doesn't prepare you for the feeling you get when it happens. It was only for a second, then I let up just a bit and finished the curve before exhaling. I heard Linda on the CB, "I didn't like that one at all!" Me neither! It took about an hour before the adreniline stopped pumping.
It wasn't long after that we arrived at Asheville Harley-Davidson in Swannanoa. Gene Lummos was kind enough to open his store for us (he's usually closed on Sundays), and we had barbeque for lunch. Afterwards, there were the raffle drawings. While there were some interesting items on display, our numbers didn't come up.
We had only 6 miles to travel from the Harley shop to the Best Western, and we checked in around three, exhausted. It was a great day, and we're looking forward to the ride tomorrow on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stay Tuned!
We got to ZMax Dragway around 7:15. The sun was just coming up, and it was around 45 degrees. There were already 50 bikes at the staging area, and the organizers were, well, organized.
Sign-in, gift packet, Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee, then wander around to see the beautiful Iron Horses on display. We stopped by the official Pace Car for pictures.
Kyle showed up, and the press were hot on his heels. He did about three different interviews before getting the ride rolling.
I'm not sure what the total of bikes were there, but as you can see here, there were a lot of them, even an hour before the ride.
Kyle gave us the ride briefing, One of the police officers joining the ride gave us the safety rules, and a prayer was said. The siren blew, and we had 5 minutes to mount up.
One of the failings of the GoPro video camera is the lack of feedback, especially from the rear of the unit. I was certain I turned it on just before starting, but apparently I didn't get the button pressed enough, and I don't have some of the most fantastic video you may ever see. Sorry. I hope tomorrow's ride will be better.
We pulled out around 9:30, and rode up the dragway track. It strikes you as to the amount of rubber embedded in the track from the thousands of dragsters that have roared down the surface. At the end we turned and headed out, down to I-85 Southbound, for about 20 miles to Shelby, where we picked up US74 West. The scenery is beautiful, the trees showing off their fall colors of red and gold. When we got to Lake Lure and the 4-lane became two, the ride got . . . interesting.
As we wound around the lake and then the mountain, we were challenged with hairpin turns, both heading up and down, some of them lasting for 270 degrees! While were doing between 25 and 40 mph, the turns got tighter and more challenging. I found myself leaning over farther than I thought possible, and then straightening and immediately leaning the other way for the next impossible turn. The safety classes we took a few years ago really paid off as we sucessfully traversed the winding course. In the town of Lake Lure, people were everywhere on the sides of the road, waving and cheering us on.
Taking a trike around that course is in some ways tougher than a two-wheeler, in that you can't lean or counter-steer. Instead you have to work against centrifigal force as you push the handlebars to do your bidding. It's real work, and Linda was amazing. When I had a chance to look behind me (and it wasn't very often), she was right behind me, enjoying amost every curve.
Near the end of the curves, there was a tight, left hairpin curve. I took a deep breath, downshifted and counter-steered, pushing the bike over as hard as I could. Suddenly, I heard my foot peg scrape, and my foot bounced up.
I've been told that, when you do that, it's your bike telling you that you've leaned far enough. They weren't kidding! But that doesn't prepare you for the feeling you get when it happens. It was only for a second, then I let up just a bit and finished the curve before exhaling. I heard Linda on the CB, "I didn't like that one at all!" Me neither! It took about an hour before the adreniline stopped pumping.
It wasn't long after that we arrived at Asheville Harley-Davidson in Swannanoa. Gene Lummos was kind enough to open his store for us (he's usually closed on Sundays), and we had barbeque for lunch. Afterwards, there were the raffle drawings. While there were some interesting items on display, our numbers didn't come up.
We had only 6 miles to travel from the Harley shop to the Best Western, and we checked in around three, exhausted. It was a great day, and we're looking forward to the ride tomorrow on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stay Tuned!
Dateline Charlotte, 6AM Sunday, October 16,2011
It's about 45 degrees here right now, but by the time we head out from ZMax, it should be mid-50's; a little cold, but good weather for leathers. I'll be waking Linda in about 5 minutes. We have a lot to do: repack the bikes, get a little breakfast (COFFEE!), and gas up the bikes. I think the trip is only 135 miles, well within our range, and within most motorcycles.
I did get some video on the GoPro yesterday, about 40 miles or so. Most of it straight road from Darlington to McBee; I'll try to get it edited. At least we know it works, so I'll get some footage today, and then Monday.
I did get some video on the GoPro yesterday, about 40 miles or so. Most of it straight road from Darlington to McBee; I'll try to get it edited. At least we know it works, so I'll get some footage today, and then Monday.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Dateline Charlotte, October 15, 2011
We've gotten pretty good at packing for these trips, and it didn't take long at all for a 3-day adventure. But what to pack was tough. You see, we're going to see a 40 degree (or more) swing in the temperature! Charlotte in the afternoon is about 80 degrees; Maggie Valley on Monday morning is expected to be in the high 30's. Leather jackets and chaps, face coverings, thermal underwear and more for the cold; short-sleeve shirts and lighter jackets for the warmer. Heck we've each got three different pairs of gloves, from warm-weather riding to gauntlets with liners!
We had a terrific ride from Florence to Monroe, North Carolina. For much of it, we were the only ones on the road. North of Hartsville, the road is large -- four lanes, with a wide median -- and the dotted lines blinked by like morse code. The weather was absolutely perfect -- 75 degrees, sunny, no clouds at all. Just blue sky above, and the road below.
Of course, all that changes when you hit Independance Blvd, just into Monroe. And it was 22 miles of heavy traffic, with the typical metropolitan drivers weaving in and out. We took our time, and managed to keep our sanity.
We pulled in to the Microtel Inn at Tryon Road and W.T.Harris Blvd about 1:30, way too early to check in. We found a TGIFriday's nearby and had a good lunch.
When we got into our room, Linda wanted me to get some beer, so I went back out to the nearby WalMart (I think there's one nearby everywhere). It being race weekend, the parking lot was full, but I found a spot way out and walked in.
(Quick joke -- what do you get when you mix WalMart people with NASCAR people? More WalMart people!)
It's almost 6, and we're probably just gonna crash, and get plenty of sleep for tomorrow's ride. We're gonna try to get to ZMax by 7:30 or so.
We had a terrific ride from Florence to Monroe, North Carolina. For much of it, we were the only ones on the road. North of Hartsville, the road is large -- four lanes, with a wide median -- and the dotted lines blinked by like morse code. The weather was absolutely perfect -- 75 degrees, sunny, no clouds at all. Just blue sky above, and the road below.
Of course, all that changes when you hit Independance Blvd, just into Monroe. And it was 22 miles of heavy traffic, with the typical metropolitan drivers weaving in and out. We took our time, and managed to keep our sanity.
We pulled in to the Microtel Inn at Tryon Road and W.T.Harris Blvd about 1:30, way too early to check in. We found a TGIFriday's nearby and had a good lunch.
When we got into our room, Linda wanted me to get some beer, so I went back out to the nearby WalMart (I think there's one nearby everywhere). It being race weekend, the parking lot was full, but I found a spot way out and walked in.
(Quick joke -- what do you get when you mix WalMart people with NASCAR people? More WalMart people!)
It's almost 6, and we're probably just gonna crash, and get plenty of sleep for tomorrow's ride. We're gonna try to get to ZMax by 7:30 or so.
Kyle Petty's Ride to Victory IX-- October 16, 2011
Finally, it's time to ride!
I've been looking forward to this ride for months. We took this ride last year, and had a really good time. We signed up for this trip as soon as they began taking applications.
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a proposed second location in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families.
The ride will begin at ZMax Dragway, across from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, at about 9:30 on Sunday morning. We'll ride to Harley-Davidson of Asheville, via Lake Lure. Last year, there were about 400 bikes, and 500 riders. I hope there are more! Yes, the race is tonight; last year we paraded past the remaining campers on our way out, and they seemed to enjoy it.
It's about 54 degrees here in Florence right now, but it's expected to warm up. Tomorrow morning in Charlotte, the low is expected to be 45 -- brr! We're packing for cooler weather.
This year, Linda and I are taking advantage of the trip to take a long weekend. We'll be staying in Asheville overnight, and on Monday morning, we plan to travel to Maggie Valley, and then on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we'll loop back around to Greenville for the night. The ride should be about 145 miles, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
We'll be taking lots of pictures, and I'll try to post them each night from the hotels (3 hotels in three nights -- I think I'm going for a record!). I am determined to get some video from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Keep your fingers crossed!
Monday morning in Maggie Valley is forecast for 40 degrees, but it should warm up to about 75 -- perfect weather for a ride through the mountains.
By the way, you can make a $10 donation to Victory Junction by texting the word RIDE to 27722 on your mobile phone. Let me know if you do; I'd be interested to know how many people donate to this worthy charity.
Stay tuned!
I've been looking forward to this ride for months. We took this ride last year, and had a really good time. We signed up for this trip as soon as they began taking applications.
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a proposed second location in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families.
The ride will begin at ZMax Dragway, across from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, at about 9:30 on Sunday morning. We'll ride to Harley-Davidson of Asheville, via Lake Lure. Last year, there were about 400 bikes, and 500 riders. I hope there are more! Yes, the race is tonight; last year we paraded past the remaining campers on our way out, and they seemed to enjoy it.
It's about 54 degrees here in Florence right now, but it's expected to warm up. Tomorrow morning in Charlotte, the low is expected to be 45 -- brr! We're packing for cooler weather.
This year, Linda and I are taking advantage of the trip to take a long weekend. We'll be staying in Asheville overnight, and on Monday morning, we plan to travel to Maggie Valley, and then on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we'll loop back around to Greenville for the night. The ride should be about 145 miles, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the area.
We'll be taking lots of pictures, and I'll try to post them each night from the hotels (3 hotels in three nights -- I think I'm going for a record!). I am determined to get some video from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Keep your fingers crossed!
Monday morning in Maggie Valley is forecast for 40 degrees, but it should warm up to about 75 -- perfect weather for a ride through the mountains.
By the way, you can make a $10 donation to Victory Junction by texting the word RIDE to 27722 on your mobile phone. Let me know if you do; I'd be interested to know how many people donate to this worthy charity.
Stay tuned!
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