Experience the RIDE

It has been over a month since I made an entry. WOW time does fly. I have definitely been riding but our camera is on the fritz. I can still write but somehow it does not mean as much without the visual. Well, I can not just skip life so I thought I would barrow some photos and march forward with the blog. The weather this summer had been very cooperative. We have had a few evening showers but lady luck has shone down and keep the isolated showers out of the riding zone. Paula and I have had some wonderful rides in the local area. I want to share one from this past week. It was an over stress day at the office for me and Paula the other day. After dinner Paula asked if we could take the Harley out. Who am I to refuse such an offer from a loving and adorable wife? So off we went for an hour of cruse’n down HWY 41. This is a nice stretch of road with a few twists and turns and very little traffic. We scooted out about 30 miles where we picked up HWY 80 and headed back to town. Paula said she had a real Harley experience on this ride. She closed her eyes allowing the roar of the Electra Glide, the rush of the wind, and the momentum of the ride bond her to the bike. She really distressed on this one. I actually felt a little jealous. I can’t close my eyes and enjoy a ride like that. Not and drive, but then again she hasn’t experienced the thrill of being in control as you thunder down the road on the Glide either. I guess were even. I wouldn’t be excited at the thought of being in the back seat of my Harley, but I love it when Paula occupies that prestigious spot. I’m not sure how I’ll survive the next four days. I will be out of town and unable to ride. I put the Glide in the shop for its 20m check up. Might as well use the down time for something useful, right? I hope I can concentrate while I am gone, this is a business trip not pleasure. However ---- I am starting to plan how Paula and I can have another Harley experience when I get back home. Until then:
Live to Ride ~~~~ Ride to Live

 

We celebrated the 4th on the 2nd at Double D’s

My son is attending UTI in Houston, Texas. He decided to fly home for the 4th of July to celebrate with the family. I really do believe it was coincidence he needed two pair of shoes while he was here. Actually, I got off cheap at only two pair of shoes but that’s not what I’m here to write about. While living in Texas he has developed a love for the Harley CHOPPER. Ahhhh he is out of the crotch rocket phase and into a Harley.
Sunday we headed out 2up, north on I-75 to take in the sights. I’m not sure if he knew what he was getting into when we left but I do believe he will tell you the trip was worth it.
Full Throttle Magazine held their Annual Independence Day Bike Show and Party Sunday at Double D’s in McDonough. This was my first trip to Double D’s as well as my first Full Throttle event. We arrived just in time to squeeze into a spot on the paved parking lot. There were hundreds of bikes and you could feel the excitement in the air. Walking around the parking lot was a bike show of its own. We finally made it up to the vendors and show area. The bikes were awesome. We strode into DD’s for some shade, a brew, and a burger. Due to the crowd we figured it would take a while to get our food and it did; but the wait was worth it. Not the food, the entertainment. We were sitting behind some lovely ladies ---- well some comical women ----- oh what the heck, they were hard core biker chicks and they were having a p a r t y. As the vultures – errr men circled their table the show commenced. After eating it was hard to leave the entertainment but we could tell a bunch of bikes had arrived while we were munching and enjoying the show. So we went back outside to look at the new arrivals.
Holy cow the crowed had doubled!! The variety of bikes was a sight to behold. If you want all the details pick up next months Full Throttle. It was their event so surely they will have all the details. Well, all the details about what went on outside DD’s. We walked around taking in the sights. Finally we decided it was time to head back south. Finding the bike was our first task and getting it out~~~ well it took ten minutes to get out of the parking space. Then we had to maneuver out of the parking lot. This place was packed and the joint was hoppin’. We had a great time. In fact when we got home I pulled out my new copy of Full Throttle to see when and where the next Full Throttle event was. If you haven’t been Full Throttle ~~~~ YOU’VE MISSED OUT!
Sorry about the pics they just would not load. You can view them at my fotki site
http://public.fotki.com/harleyownersofga/we_celebrated_the/

A trip back in time

This weekend I decided to take a little trip back in time. I regret there are no photos to share but I only have a digital camera and they aren't invented yet. Do WHAT? Ok, I don't have a time machine but I did take a little nostalgia trip Saturday.
When my family moved to Georgia I75 didn't exist. We traveled to central Georgia via GA 41. Needless to say that was many years ago and lots of water under the bridge. However, I remember the 12 to 14 hour trips back to Kentucky and Indiana for summer vacations. Today traveling the big "I" that same trip only takes 7 to 8 hours (unless I let the wife drive then it's 9).
I've wanted to travel 41 back home for years but never took time to do so. Well Saturday I started that trip. I say started because I only went from Macon to Griffin, GA. I really enjoyed the ride. There were many stretches of road with trees overhanging the road providing a cool shaded interlude to what was other wise a hot Georgia afternoon.
Railroad tracks parallel the road for most of the trip. It's was a nice county ride reflecting a more laid back way of life. As I rounded one long turn the road opened up to a large farm owned by a farmer with a sense of humor. He had taken four large round bails of hay and created a caterpillar to entertain the passerbyers. This was a real work of art too. He made arms out of drain pipe and used plywood to make eyes, mouth, and antennas. I might have to go back to get a photo.
Another turn opened up to a lovely view of rolling fields and a huge oak, and I mean H U G E, growing at the top of a rolling meadow. It made you want to stop and sit for a spell. Finally the country road opened up and turned into a divided highway. The divided road and accompanying traffic brought me out of my self imposed time capsule back to reality.
As I returned to reality I realized it was lunch time. This looked like a good time to end todays ride. I spotted a Backyard Burger in Griffin and pulled in. As the rumble of my Vance Hines exhaust went silent, the kick stand dropped and I took a minute to remember how things use to be. All the stress of todays fast pace life had momentarily been forgotten. You can't explain the enjoyment and refreshment you get from a back road trip on a two wheel time machine. If you don't own a HOG you just don't understand.
Next time I'll bring the camera. Until then ----

2006 Memorial Day Ride

Live to Ride ------Ride to live







I’d love to say I haven’t had time to update my blog because I’ve been riding non stop. However, much to my disappointment that is not the case. The truth is I’ve just been too lazy to keep it updated. I’m not saying there has been a shortage of riding. Paula and I had been touring the local area almost every weekend until Mother’s day. That’s when everything came to a screeching halt. Paula had some minor eye surgery that went awry. Due to the complications she has not been able to ride. Yesterday Paula dawned her stylish sunglasses, compliments of the eye doctor, and we joined the annual ride to Andersonville National Memorial Cemetery to honor our vets.

This was an escorted ride from Byron, GA, to Andersonville National Cemetery. I didn’t count them but there had to be over 600 bikes. WOW, what a ride. Non stop we flew down the black top and spectators lined the road in many of the towns. I’d say we were in the front third of the pack on this ride. After we left Jughead’s Cycle Shop, the sponsor & staging area, I never saw the lead rider again. The photos don’t really give an accurate depiction of the attendance. But this ride was not about us, it was to honor those who gave all. Paula & I visited Andersonville in November last year (see post) and thoroughly enjoyed it. This trip was wonderful and we saw some old friends that we didn’t even know rode. I ran into an ex-cop that use to work for me and an engineering friend (riding a 1984 Honda 450). Needless to say there was every kind a bike, trike, and chopper imaginable there. It was no comparison to “Rolling Thunder” in size, however the spirit was there.

I understand this ride use to originate out of Atlanta and the Byron folks joined in for the last ½ of the ride until this year when the sponsor/organizer bowed out. I’m glad Jughead’s stepped up to the plate to continue this local tribute to our country’s vets. I didn’t see any advertising for this event and if not for one of my fellow HOG members I would not have known about this event. If you are in the area next year and want to have a fun ride the day before Memorial day, I recommend you call Jughead’s to see what the form up time will be. His number is 478-956-4777 and he is located just east of the Byron exit of I75 on HWY 49. Until next time :~)

For additional pictures visit my Fotki site: http://public.fotki.com/harleyownersofga/2006_memorial_day_ride/

A Crash Course for Motorcyclist

If you haven’t attended an Accident Scene Management course you should. I attended one of their courses on May 20^th and found it to be a worthwhile investment of my time and money. Why do I need this class? I’m glad you asked. When we hear of a motorcycle accident, we tend to wince and ask, “How bad was it”? What we’re really asking is did they survive. Survival is what the Accident Scene Management course is all about.

This is a well organized, well prepared class of interactive instruction. We learned how to take charge at an accident scene and help a downed rider. Yes, we reviewed CPR and first aid but the class is so much more than treating a patient. It is learning when and how to remove a helmet, where to position traffic control to prevent further accidents, and how to position an injured rider if you have to leave them to get help. The list goes on and on and on.

When you drive up on an accident what do you normally see? You see one or two people assisting the victims and maybe ten people standing around. The course is about those bystanders. Put them to work doing something that is productive, something that could prevent additional injury, and maybe even save a life. A great example is calling for help. Well that’s a little obvious you say. One point brought out in the course is to insure they come back and confirm help is on the way. Sounds like a no brainer, doesn’t it? If you’re the one on the pavement, hearing “help is on the way” will be sweet sounding words of comfort and encouragement.

I hope we never need to use what we learned at the Accident Scene Management course, but I’m glad to know I can depend on the riders who attended. To locate a class in your area check out their web site www.accidentscene.org .

Whistle Stop Cafe

Spring has sprung and the rumble of Harleys is in the air. Now that the weather has warmed up I got the hog washed. She was some kind of filthy. And of course with a nice clean bike you’ve got to take her out for a spin, right? RIGHT! And put her in the wind we did. Paula and I took to the road Saturday just touring the local back roads. We went to Reynolds and back home through Macon. Nice winding roads and in about another week or two the peach trees will be in bloom making the ride that much more enjoyable. Saturday was just enough to wet the Whistle so we decided to spend Sunday at the Whistle Stop Café in Juliette. It’s a nice ride from Macon up GA23 to Juliette. Traffic was light and the weather was great with a cloudy sky providing a cool comfortable relaxing country ride. They open at 11AM on Sunday. So we planned the trip to arrive at 11:30, figuring on beating the noon rush but giving them time to heat the grill up for us. We weren’t the only one hankering for some fried green tomatoes. When we turned down the block long McCrakin Street, where the Whistle Stop is located, we were pleasantly surprised to see the street lined with Harleys. A group of Christian Riders from Athens was walking in and some riders from Atlanta had just arrived. We ended up sitting at the bar taking two of the last five seats in the house. As the lovely southern belle took our order another group of Harleys came thundering in. Our timing was right on the money. After lunch we eased down Juliette Road to Forsyth where we picked up GA 83 to GA74 back to Macon. The only way this could have been better is if you have been there too. To visit the Whistle Stop online: http://www.thewhistlestopcafe.com/index.html

Polar Bear Ride

HOG Chapter 808 held its 3rd Annual Polar bear Ride today, 01/28/06. We were a little disappointed in the weather because it wasn’t cold enough. Oh well, the ride was great and the company was better. There were 21 bikes and 26 rides that left Macon headed west on GA 74. Our destination was “The Bulloch House Restaurant” in Warm Springs GA. Fitting location for the Polar Bear Ride don’t you think? It is a nice 70 mile ride on winding roads from Macon to Warm Springs. We did our best to empty the all you can buffet. Nice friendly folks and great country food. You need to check it out. The link to eatery is below.

http://www.warmspringsga.com/restaurants.htm

Ride to Buckner’s

Gathering at the Harley Dealership





Wow, what a way to start the New Year! Members of the Macon H.O.G. Chapter started gathering at the Macon Harley Dealership around 9 AM. They arrived one by one and in groups of four, five, and six bikes. One group left Dublin, GA. at sunrise just to join in on the fun. The final head count was 40. The weather cooperated. We hit the road with cloudy skies and a temperature in the mid 50’s. It was a beautiful ride. We took the back roads leaving the Harley Dealership on GA 74; west to 341 north to 36 north. The traffic was very mild. This was a big help in keeping all the bikes together.




Buckner's parking lot after we arrived



We arrived at Buckner’s Restaurant at 11:00 AM, just as they opened the doors. Our timing proved to be crucial. We were the second of several motorcycle groups to enjoy Buckner’s southern hospitality. By the time we finished our meal the parking lot was full but the bikers were still coming.




chow time!!




The Atlanta H.O.G. chapter came thundering in with 90 bikes and this was the second group to arrive sporting a head count just shy of 100.


The parking lot after we ate, well over 300 bikes

I highly recommend you stop in on your next trip north. If you take I-75 jump off at exit 201; Buckner’s is only a block away. This home cookin’ is well worth the trip. Oh, I recommend you arrive HUNGRY. Dinner is $11.95 per person so eat till you pop, I did!