So yesterday was our group ride from the Raleigh, NC area. As expected we had some riders that did not show and some that had to cancel for family obligations. But at 10:15 am yesterday morning the group of us headed out from Wake Forest with a very well planned route plugged into the lead rider’s GPS. That was me.

From L to R: Chuck, Reggie, Steve, Charles, Robin

Of course the route would have been even more brilliantly planned if the leader remembered to bring his GPS power adapter along, instead of leaving in on the kitchen counter. Halfway up, the GPS died and took the brilliant route with it. From that point on, we just went direct to the lunch table location.

It was so good to see Day-Glo Chuck again. I meet Chuck at the Mentone rally and you could not expect to meet a friendlier guy. Chuck rode down early in the morning of our ride from Danville, Virginia with his heated underwear on to meet us. Chuck is a great rider but he has the funny habit of calling everyone he meets, Ray.

Reggie (AKA Ray) was a new rider to the group. He rode his big exhaust thumping Road Star and commented about how fast the scooters were and his his bike had a tough time getting up to speed that fast. Corners were a little slower for him as well. Reggie was wearing a West Coast Chopper shirt and when I asked him if he was a fan of Jesse James from WCC, his answer made me laugh. He said, “Not really. Last year when everyone found out I’m into motorcycles they started buying me all sorts of motorcycle crap as gifts.”

Then there was me. The group wanted me to share my latest bathroom story with you, that I shared with them at lunch. They were teasing me about my bathroom story from coming back from Mentone.

Well yesterday I went to the movies and bought the large 75% soda. I call it the 75% soda because I only make it 3/4 of the way through the movie before I’ve got to go to the bathroom. So I hurried out of the theater and ducked into the mens room next door. As I walked past the ten stalls rushing for the urinals that were obviously behind the big door in the back, I was just thinking about hurrying back to not miss much of the film. I opened the big door and it was a large handicapped stall, odd, with the seat up so I figured it was just as effective. In mid-stream it hit me, “Wait there are no urinals in here. Oh crap, I’m in the woMENSs room”. A first time for everything I guess.

Charles, who you’ve met before, enjoyed his first group ride, I think, I hope! I know that by the time we rolled up to Earnie’s restaurant in South Boston, VA, he was ready for a break. Right as he climbed his 650 I heard metal clanking and something fall off a big loud hog as it went by on the road. I ran out on the road to pick up the part for the rider so traffic would not run over it. Picture of the metal part I recovered below.

All of a sudden I don't want to return it.

We decided that Robin needed to change her name from ScooterGirl to SquirrelSlayer after she took the life of a dear sweet squirrel on the way. I think the squirrel crime scene was not all that far from the freshly killed skunk in the middle of the road. Now there is an unpleasant and lingering odor for you to ride with. The good news is that Robin missed the dog and turkey vultures along the way that wanted to meet her as well.

Thankfully Robin had the good sense to have power connected to her GPS so she took over as leader to get us to the buffet.

Robin’s husband Ed (AKA Ray II) met us at Earnie’s for lunch. He rode up on his BMW GS to meet us there. After a most enjoyable and leisurely lunch we headed back out to the parking lot. I was the first one out on the porch and noticed a large group of Harley riders parked across from where we were parked.

I was going to point out where I had put the knife, but on second thought, maybe I really don’t have to do that.

We headed over to Bob Cage’s Sculpture farm that I’ve mentioned before. We had to show those that have not seen it before. (Read previous post with pics.)

From L to R: Ed, Robin, Steve, Reggie

After visiting the goats, donkeys, and outdoor sculptures we headed back but waved good-bye to Day-Glo Chuck as he peeled off towards Danville. Following Ed’s secret back road route towards Raleigh we saw a lot more of the back roads that you often never see.

Along the way we took a break at the nicest little store. People never appreciate how difficult it is to find all the Boone’s Farm colors for sale in one place. Evidently the blue is a local favorite.

Outside the store I was not sure if the smokes were really expensive or the carport was really cheap.

We headed back home, and along the way Reggie peeled off to head home and then I broke with the pack. All together I think we rode for six or seven hours and the weather was perfect, the riders were a great group of friends and of course the Burgman, well it let me enjoy a very special day with special people.

Don’t miss it next time. Okay?

Your Opinion Counts. Please Rate This Article

(5 votes, average: 4.2 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Trackback | Comments RSS