Mustache Ride V

Posted by Tumbles on 5/30/2011 8:17:44 PM

Ah, home again another successful mustache ride completed. This year the Mustache Ride V took place at Harrisburg Va. The Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. I didn't really go for the riding I went to see German and Jet. After all its been almost a year since I've seen them, so it was good to see them. The ride there was an interesting one,. I wanted to leave Friday am at 8 but ended up leaving at 9 because, I couldn't find my camera and didn't want to go with out it. I didn't find it but left anyway as it was getting late. I took off and decided it was going to be the highway blast all the way after all its like 700 mile to Harrisonburg, Va. I turned on to 95 north and crossed the GA border. This is where I tend to slow down. Southern GA, is a huge speed trap. Most of 95 is 70mph expect for part in the southern sections which are 65mph. I burned up the first tank of gas as I crossed the SC border and pulled in to get gas. It was here in the gas station that I ecountered a drama sceen. Ya know I just want to avoid such BS as its very draining. Any way these love guys with their motorcycles were getting gas there was about 20 bikes parked between the two pumps. Then comes mouthy ladies, wait I know what your thinking., anyway them along comes girl with pickup truck. She had to drive up the center of the two pumps that the bikes were parked. One nice man said, 3 times, "Wait let me move that bike" when he got no responce, he yelled out " I told you Fucking wait so I can move that bike, I'm not going to let you hit that bike" Then the mouth ladies started, screaming,' that's a chile, you don't yell at no chile like that you fucking piece of shit, what the fuck wrong with you, you thnk you some big fuck deal. Well you no big deal you a fucking piece of shit, you got a fucking small dick you think I'm scared of you cause you all bikerman out you fucking nothing. I'm mean you fucking nothing talking like that you anyone, you bastard, don't you walk a way from me you fucking son of a bitch" this went on for about 10 minutes. when no one paid her any mind she went inside and started there. Next thing ya know she's outside running her mouth. All I wanted to do is get out to there. Dudes ya know what I mean. As she was running her mouth insulting this men, she then called them out, telling them she getting on her cell phone and going to call some black man who will come up and teach them a lesson. Really, Is she crazy or what. Thank goodness my tank was full and I could buzz right on out of there. Back on 95N, wow thank goodness. 26 was just a stones throw away. Up 26 I went the clouds were playing peek a boo with the sun but no rain came. 26 is almost as bad as 16 as the Carolina's can get freaking hot, and humid but not to day. From 26 I took 77noth. I don't mind 77 its like I'm half way there and get another burst of energy. I hit Charlottee and man was that a clusher, really the traffic was bad it took me like two hours to get through Charoltte, The peek a boo clouds were doing peek a boo showers, the rian was cold but the temp was hot. If my bike didn't look bad enough as it was now I had to add rain to the mix. The terrain changes from the flats to the hills to rolling hills as one gets closer to the VA border. in NC I pick up 81. Once on 81 I check the time, just what I didn't want to do is arrive at dark. Well it looks like that's what's going to happen. I love crossing into Va, the rolling hills become true mountian pass, what wonder wide sweepers 81 has. I reached the exit and wondered where they were. I didn't see a best Western. I searched all the harrisonberg exits. and was getting pretty annoyed as I called them and they told me yea were right by the hioliday inn, well I went there and there was a truck stop. I decided to go further north and found they wernt at the harriosnburg exit but the ekton exit. Well dam that makes a difference doesn't it. It was now 9pm and i was spent just done. Jet blew up the air matt for me and I laid down with in 15 minutes the dam thing went flat. God did that suck. I met the rest of the group the nect morning. I wasn't at my best as well I slept flat on the floor after a 12 hour ride north. right. The ride we went to Skyline drive. May about 10 miles of it, it was hit or mis rain and we rode through the clouds. A few of the ladies started complaining. However they also claimed to bad ass biker babes. Why do those that claim they are badasses, always complain??? It was the bugs, it was cold, we were riding too fast, really speed limit was 35 and they were doing 25 and that was too fast really??? I'm so sick of woman that claim to be badass biker woman complaining then I'm sick of them looking at me going well you remember what it was like, you should understand how hard it is these days to be a woman biker. Me I thing hard???are you fucking kiding me, its one of the easiest times ever. Guys want to help you, other woman help you, and hell Motorcycle manufactors make bikes just for woman and your fucking bitching really??? Ladies Get over yourselves and stop whining. Its call riding either do it or stay on the back seat please. Anyway we left the parkway after lik 20 miles because the ladies couldn't handle it. Now it was time for the Mustache V party. We all got ready for dinner, mustaches were handed out, The guys had no problem wearing theirs, I put on mine, jet put her's on, none of the other ladies would put theirs on as it was stupid, and they didn't want to go in public looking foolish. Personally who cares you'll never see these people again right" We go to the resturant and sit down, we give ARRGHs and suck to everone around. The waiter, takes the drink order and comes back with a moustache that he made in the back, Other folks in the resturant come over ask questions think were having fun and join us they take mustaches and wearthem. All of a sudden the ladies that wouldn't wear them suddenly wanted to wear them. WTF. Ya know, we created complete mayhem, and sillyness was had by all there. We went back to reast for tomorrow I had to head home. and Home I went, in one day. Tried thank full I went and saw Jet and German, but the others well I can do with out. but it was a success mustache ride V.

Big Mountain Run III (BMR)

Posted by Tumbles on 5/25/2011 10:57:36 AM

The BMR III Are You In? Hell yeah I was in and look forward to going next year. The Big Mountian Run III is a good old Gypsy Tour that has come and gone it was May 18 thru the 22. The starting point was Taylorsville, North Carolina ending at Hiawassee Outfitters in Relience TNN. I haven't been to alot of bike events lately for they have kind of lost some of the charm they used to have. Well, I was just proved wrong and Thankgoodness! Jo a friend of mine introduced me to this even last year, but I was unable to go. However this year is a different story. Her explaination of the event had me looking forward to attending its been a long time since I've been to an old school event so to speak. I didn't know what to expect but bike games, music, riding, camping, then throw in a museum and the mountian back drop and I was hooked for sure. A large group of bikes maybe 40 or so met at Wicked Willie's Chopper Shop in Taylorsville, NC to start the Gypsy Tour off. If one wanted to be apart of the BMR you can join in at anytime, stay the whole time or just an hour or two, follow if you wish, lead if you desire, just go and do it at your own pace, stop whenever ya feel like it. The explanation I got was the BMR is what you make of it, the bikes, riding, hanging out, partying, music, games, camping, or the people. What you come with you can take with you or you can come with one idea and leave with more, I promise you this you'll leave with more than what ya came with. The begining of the Gypsy Tour was at Wicked Willie's and was scheduled to leave at high noon, as with most things large groups usually take awhile to get going, however we were just waiting for those that had encountered bike issues and were doing roadside repairs so we waited for them. We got rolling around 2pm and headed up to Maggie Valley the first overnight destination was the Wheels Through Time Museum. Dale opened his museum and area up for overnight use by the BMR. We left Taylorsville together in a large group but with, local traffic and signals it didn't take long before we were seperated and spread out over a distance. The day was a little chilly but it was nothing like the day before when I road up from Florida to North Carolina. We arrived at the musuem just a few hours before sunset allowing plenty of time to set up the tents. We weren't the first to get there but then again riders continued to trickle in throughtout the night so by far not the last to arrive either. Once the area was set up at Maggie Valley I went into the museum and walked around, staff was availble to answer questions, met Dale the owner and his son Matt. They welcomed us all with open arms. One thing is for sure the big leather couch in front of the TV up there sucks ya in and if ya spend to much time enjoying stuffing you may be caught catching flies for sure. Outside the party was just begining to gear up and heading to full force. The bonfires were lite, folks got their instruments, some brought beer well others just passed the mason jars around. I can tell ya the shine was welcome as the night was freezing, however reguardless of the cold riders were still arriving looking forward for tomorrow's ride over the hills and into Tnn. After a night of freezing the songs of the birds was welcome as the skies became brighter. Across the parking lot bikers were crawling out of there sleeping bags, thankful for the coffee and breakfast Sandwiches Dale had gotten for them. Most of us milled around waiting for the sun to rise high enough to burn the moring chill off. Since this is a gypsy tour folks were arriving still to meet up with others, as other groups were leaving for Hiawassee Outfitters. I stayed with Jo and David from CrazyHorse Painting and left in a group that was lead by Chip one of the events organizers and the added bounus is he lived in the area. Our group had Diane one of the journailist from Cycle Source Magazine the sponcer of the event, Jo and David from CrazyHorse, a few other folks that were friends of either Chip, Cycle Source or CrazyHorse. He took us through Cherokee National Forest, with the plan to take 64, however once over Cherokee National with the road construction we got a wee bit lost and ended up in Gatlinburg TNN. It was there Diane had a sticky rear brake, with a road side repair we were ready to roll again. The choice road was Foot Hills Parkway, with nice wide sweeping turns easily ridden at 50 mph. The whole group couldn't make the turn so I started the Parkway slower than the rest so those behind me could follow our trail. The Parkway ends at a T, so we made a left. Once you follow the lake around go over the bridge and start making that up hill climb there's no where to go. The front of the group took off with leadpaw Chip followed by Rich, Joann, David and Myself. I started 129 slow waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Diane was behind me, followed by Dane and Eddie (?) I think. Anyway once the up hill climb started and the tighter twisties started I knew there was no place to go but forward, so off I went and caught up with team CrazyHorse. The last I saw anyone was around the lookout. "LeadPaw" was gone, so I fell in time with Jo and David as I have ridden with them several times before. We reached Deal's Gap Resort well after "LeadPaw" and Rich, but waited there for a few minutes for Diane and her group. We went in for lunch as we waited, we finished eating and still they haven't shown up. They all have been riding for awhile and riding alot so we figured she was up there taking photos, for the magazine and taking her time. She came limping in to the resort followed by the others. She slowly dismounted and began her tale, I rushed her off to the bathroom to see if she needed medical attention or not. You see as I rounded the curve at the overlook, in efforts trying to keep up and the fear of using that back break, hit a turn just a little too hot, swung wide hit the grass then hit the deck. She had a nice bruise forming, a broke footpeg but nothing too bad for what had happened. We set her up with lunch so she could sit and calm down a little bit, as well as get through the shock, and adrenalin rush. Diane, you rock sister! After her dump she got up road the rest of The Tail of The Dragon, continued on to Cherahola Skyway and down to Hiawassee Outfitters. My friends, that takes balls, if you haven't had such an experience you'll never know the type of biker you are. If you've had such and experience and dusted yourself off and got right back and continued on your way you are a true biker for sure. At Hiawassee Outfitters, once you go under the train tressel you are in a secret little space. Things of the now age don't recieve signals, there's not hotels, electric in the bathrooms, and 5 cabins that are there. The train tressel, stream and river act as the natural borders for the campground and we are now in biker's paradise. Arriving just at dusk we had moments to set up our tents as the "Soggy Bottom Gals" were performing, then a local blue grass band followed them. Folks continued to arrive through out the weekend. Much of the campground was empty at this time buy it won't stay that way for long. The sun fell behind the mountians the bonfires were light, the boys were riding the track with 3 sometimes 4 on a bike, the music flowed, shine was passed folks greeted each other and neighbors became friends. Bikes, tents and people were really all you saw. There were a few chase trucks from the vendors but for the most part it was a ride in event. I think I went to bed somewhere around 2am, and got up just as the birds were singing away. Today was Friday the day of the bike games I so want to see them. I got up ate at the Outfitters breakfast area, babble with team CrazyHorse they had some work to do later in the afternoon but would go for a ride with me into Georiga to get some boze. However they had to take a moment to talk to some students from the local high schools about their different trades. I stayed and listened as I like to know more about what makes folks the people they are. I got to meet and learn a little from some very talented folks in the motorcycle industry. I am Blessed for that. To the store,the directions we followed seemed to take for ever to get there but we followed them and pasted several different groups touring the surounding areas. Besides the liquor store we stopped at a junck shop and sandwich shop. I'm telling that sub was pretty dam good. When we returned to the campgound the bike show was in progress. I was amazed at some of the creativity of the kids on this home build machines. They worked really very hard and every builder could fix their bike in a pinch on the side of the road that I was in awe of. The the slow race, which Matt won on his 1915 Harley Davidson, David won the barrel roll and I didn't see who won the greasey plank as I got involved with babbling with a few of the neighbors. The party was well started and the crazness had long began, the guys were making the loop, riding backwards, riding several on a bike, beer bongs and mason jar passing. There was good music free keg, and everyone was enjoying our secret hidaway here in the hills. Jo came over with Jermey Johnson from Mutten Cycles. He is what a man should be, he built a bike for his mom whom died of breast cancer and started a charity called Cathy's Ride. What he wants to do is help with the everyday life things that those that are suffering or struggling through treatments, need or want to do. Ome woman got her airconditioning fixed. His idea is get what they need reguardless of how large or small, like fill the tank of gas, get a bag of food, paint a house. So if ya see Cathy's Ride around donate he wants to directly help the person. I will be going to Sturgis this year with him and his crew. I so look forward to running into some of the folks i met at the BMR. I'm pretty excited. Ah Saturday time to go but before I do go I just wanted to go for one more ride, While team CrazyHorse had a photo shoot to do I decided to go out and ride the Cherahola Skyway once more and it I had the time I'd hit Deal's Gap too. Just past the tressel I hear my name and turned around Jo was worried I was just beating feet, naw I just was going for an early moring ride while you where working. It was a great moring to go! It was early enough that most the folks were still miling about in the campgournd but late enough the mountain was beging to warm up. I head up road over the Hiawassee bridge and head through some wonderful local curvey roads, complete with farms , old log cabins, small churchs, and littl business. I reached the beging of Cherahola Skyway and set off feeling pretty good. I feel in to the rythm of the road on the skiyway, and stopped at a couple of the over looks. There was a rally happing at Telco Plains, and a HOG chapter was on tour, then of course there was the rest of us. I sat at the last overlook and decided to continue to roll as I was waiting to pull out, two bikes went by man they were jamming a little fast for cruiser, but hell who am I to say. Anyway, after a turn or two I had them in my sites so I guess they must have slowed down some. I lost them in a curve and when I came around the bend I watched a heritage slam into the guard rail and continue to beat itself up down the rail, as the rider took out the windshield and foundout for the first time he could fly. I sat there in the middle of the Skyway with hazards on, several groups came through and just passed us by, then a sport bike group stopped and helped control traffic and sent a rider up hill to make a call. You see the rider well he broke his collar bone and was in shock and pain, he had been riding for 3 weeks and had the bike 3 weeks. Wow, ya know no matter what the experience it can happen to anyone at anytime. Well, I think its the first time I've seen a bike with the forks located behing the gastank before. I left when the police arrived. The sport bike group did a great job of clearning the road of debrie, so I took off and forged on. I tried as I might but I found it hard to shake the sceen that unfolded in fromt of me, so I turned around. The accident was just stuck in my head and effected my ride and I knew it. Riding was not what I needed, I needed to unload and get it out of my head. I pulled into camp meet up with all the folks I knew and told them what I saw, they all understood and let me dump the visual so I could get back in my own head and ride. I left shortly after. One thing is for sure I'm glad I went, I had one of the best times in a long time and look forward to BMRIV. Now the BMR isn't for everyone that is for sure. If ya enjoy Mytle Beach and like hotel rooms and the way the sun sparkles off brand new chrome I dont' think this event is for you, but then again ya never know. If your that hot babe and need the make up mirror and Hate when your 4" heels get stuck in the sand, and hate when you can't find a place to sit because ya hate to get that fox tail dirty or the grass to touch your ass this event isn't for you, well maybe it might be. Who would love this event is those that don't mind the grease on their jeans, being on there hands and knees looking at another creation, enjoys riding, likes people, loves mountians and camping, music, passing a mason jar, loves the neo old school world or understand sometimes just sometimes something diffrent than the usual compeltely opens your eyes and makes ya thing Hell Yeah I'm in for next year.

Side Lined????

Posted by Tumbles on 3/29/2011 7:59:22 PM

Ok, so I'm back and spring has sprung. We've has some fantastic weekends and weekdays as a matter of fact haven't we my North Florida friends. Anyway this one is more or less a question for well I guess guy riders, or males, apes, even asswhole if you prefere. Ok, here it is. Me I'm a rider and a riders rider at that. I've had passangers large and small, short and tall both male and female most special and even ratty ones too. I can ride long or short distance, hills and twists, slow or fast, serious or not. I guess the point is I can keep pace or make the pace and blend into any riding style around. I can ride along side or alone, I'm very diverse. Anyway I'm looking always for folks to ride with and for some reason I find it hard to find a group or one other person will to ride with me. I want to know why? I will tell you honestly I"m not an asswhole, or a whore. I don't care if your male or female. Trust me ladies, if he's a man and your man I don't want him. I want my own so he's safe, I promise to keep my boobs off. Back to the main story and question here. I was searching around. I found this group that was going for a nice short little ride on a day that I could join them. I thought well, ok I can do this so I posted my note and asked where and when. I get my resoponce. I was given a time so I was 5 minutes early and waited for 30. No one showed. While I waited I broke out my cloth and cleaned the windshield and lights lord knows they needed it. When that was done I used detailer spray and wiped some of the bike down. I checked the time and said fuck it. and went on my way. When I got back I e-mailed the group and said I was sorry if I had left to early but the day was growing late and well I wanted to ride. I state what time I was there and how long I waited. The responce was, well we went by at 8:55 and no one was there so we didn't stop. Now, I wasn't do there until 9, and arrived at 8:55, so what am I supposed to thinK? Sometimes, I feel dudes don't want me to ride along because I'm a chick, Sometimes I think the ladies of the group are worried I'm after their man, I don't understand do I look weird or something, or am I just a bitch? I'm hoping you folks can help me get answers, Have a great one "T"

Dead Stop......

Posted by Tumbles on 10/26/2010 7:09:41 PM

OK, I know don't be mad it has been awhile and yes I do have several tales that I haven't shared with you all. Give me some time and I will catch up and write them down for you all. Anyway the title I know dead stop. I 'm still having a hard time believing that I was in a dead stop on this one road. This weekend I went to Helen. It was just chilly enough one had to wear cold weather gear but not cold enough to numb ones limbs. The second thing that was going on was Helen was in the middle of Octoberfest. Since I can't get to Germany I figured the Helen the Alpine Village would be the closet thing I could ge the the real thing. Ok the ride up there was fantastic once I got through Athens. I couln't figure out where the fuck I was since 10 the loop that goes around Athens goes all four directions. I've never been on a road that went north south east and west at the same time. Anyway I got out of Athens and headed to the foothills of North Georgia Mountians. Arrived in Helen well after dark and went to the package store for Jack and Coke, hey remember I'm a Florida Girl here so anything below 50 is cold. LOL! Got up Friday morning and followed the pan to to ride the Dragon. Its just a couple of hours north of Helen. The ride there was lovely. Went over the mountian pass with plenty of overlooks to stop and gander at the seasons changing colors. I'm telling you if you haven't gotten a chance to stand at an overlook to see the seasons beauty you must do this atleast once. The hills were alight with yellows, oragnes, reds, and some brouns. After going over the true foot hills of Georgia and enterning the foot hill of North Carolina all the while following 129 which is the Dragons call numbers. There is a gas station just out side of Robbinsville the mouth of the Dragon. At the gas station I saw a mobilcoach going by and thought WOW, now that's going to fuck up the traffic. However the mobilcoach had nothing to do with the fucked up traffic. Once back one 129 the bridge with the sharp right turn soon appeared, yes those of you that have been there know excatlly what right turn I'm talking about. Anyway its right after one passes the pastures and farmer fields, after ya go through Robbinsville. You know the dam Riding up along side that stream was awesome. Ya look over to the right and watch as the stream and its small rapids slow disappears for awhile. The climb gets steaper and steaper the turns tighter and tighter until the 4 conors opens up to deal's gap camground, stroe, and tree of shame. Its amaing how much stuff gathers there in a year. I was just there last year and there seems to be twice as many items. Anyway back to 129. Cruising at a nice speed of 45 miles an hour. I know this cause I set my cruise control and the King and I seem to handle most of the turns with out a problem. I saw Barrney on the side of the road and took notice that speed was 35, so I slowed the cruise contol down. OK, here it is its bad enough the speed limit is 35 and the officers were right there on a coupke of the cut offs. I learned from past experiences is slow down wait until a group of sportbikes go by, when they go by the distract the offcers, then I will be able to go at my pass. I always let them pass because I'd rather not have a hypper speed freak behind me getting impatent. So. here comes the first group of sportbike ridiers I let them pass. I now know Barrney is going to be busy. So I speed up to 45 dam if there isn't a gian cluster fuck of motorcycles on the one S curve. I see the sport bikes that just passed me all tangled up with some Harley riders. No matter what the sport riders did could they get the attention of the Harley rides so they could pass them. It must have taken about 8 miles for them to pass. There were four of them riding Harleys, Now I know I ride one two but listen here what I'm about to write. These four dudes were doing abotu 15/20 mph tops, It was one of the most boring rides I have ever had, I was trying to pass and I don't pass in a no pass zone but dam I couldn't help it. Any way the last 3 miles was pure hell, I think they slowed down to 15 mph on straights while crowding the yellow line, not allowing anyone to pass, to zero in turns. Seriously, I cam to a dead stop in the tuns and actually had to put my feet down waiting for these 4 dudes to get out of the way. Once at the end of the dragon I pulled off and decided to go back and do it at my pace. All I can say is this I know there are alot of new riders, yes its a public road, but don't ride on a road like that if you are afraid to lean your bike over. The Dragon, The Snake, PigTails and other such roads are not for you. Stay the fuck off of them. You are a Hazard. No despite what you think you are not cool, I"m not here to kiss your ass I'm not your moma, your husband, your lover, I am however a friend and I say stay the FICK HOME! This not a good place to practice. We are not all there to help you lean to ride, It was frustring for me on a big fat cruiser coming to a stop in a middle of a turn. I just can't imagine what the sportbike riders feel. If your white knuckle use the pull off if folks are behind you, if you can't do that cause your too scared pull over to the white line and let people pass. Do NOt hog the whole dam road and ride at 5 mph cause your scared. The best thing to do is STAY THE FUCK HOME. yea I know and I don't what to hear what you have to say if its you and you know its true grow up and STAY THE FUCK HOME. Have a great day! "T"

All in an Evenings Ride

Posted by Tumbles on 9/15/2010 12:04:14 AM

Sometimes ya just gotta go. This eveing was one of those perfect eveings here in FL. Temps weren't high but just right even the humidity was lower that usuall. I had to do it I just had to ride. One of my favorites is right here off the island to Jacksonville. There's this lovely road that follows the waterways all the way to Jax. It is such a peaceful road. there are some mild turns noting radical though. It's the kind of road that makes yeah turn on the music, put your feet up on the highway pegs and just curise. I mean ya don't have to go fast its just not that kind of a roadl. The bridge over Amelia River is really the beging if you ask me. Ya cross the brige, and as soon as your off of it there's a wide sweeper to the left which leads ya through the marshes. Before you get comepletely through the marshes you've got to go over another small bridge and pass a few campgrounds. The its anouther water way you cross over, if ya look to your left ya see Mayport Naval base and all the large warships at prot. From there you wind your self past some houses that block the view but the whole time your following the river. over another bridge ya go this one is a draw bridge your luuck to pass right over it because its either up for a ship to pass or they are working on it. Then the road takes through a small forest area that opens up to another bridge and several fishing camps from there one heads into a small community until at last your at jax port and the power station. Then over the Dam's point bridge. I went to the legion hall to play triva with some friends. I haven't had such a good ride in a long time. have a great one! "T"

The Mustach Ride IV

OK, I'm home from the mustache ride and it was another great one. Earl that needed to die did interfere with the orginial plans of going to the outerbanks of NC. We knew that route 12 would be underwater and that it would take several days to scoop the sand off the roadways in the area. We decided to go to Virginia and meet at Luray. Its about 1/4 of the way south on Skyline drive but the area is a wonderful place for motorcycling. I do so miss the hills and valleys that I learned to ride on when I was a baby biker. Once ya move to FL, you might have rideable conditions year round but you only really have straight flat roads to cruise. Let's face it those nice wide sweepers and sudden back switches on the down hills are awesome! Anyway my day started at 7 am as I got ready to leave, You know all the last mintue stuff strapping on the packs, checking tire pressure, cleaning windshields, lubing cables. By the time I was done with all that nonsense it was 8am. I left my garage here in FL got a full tank, popped in the ipod navigated the local streets to 95 north. Once on 95 I got to kick back with my feet on the highway pegs, leaning back on the backrest, set cruise control and just rolled. If I haven't said it already I'll say it again I love cruise control. Anyway route plan was to ride straight up 95north to 17 in VA then to 16 to 211 and come in the backway to Luray. I wanted to leave at 7am but didn't leave until 8am made me rethink my route. I didn't want to get to the back hills of a state or an area that I wasn't sure off in dusk when the wildlife started moving around. I had couple 100 miles to think about this before I had to make a decision. Meanwhile I was enjoying crossing the rivers between FL and passed over the ones in South Georgis. Ya ever notice that the peach looks like an ass about 75. Oh, well Ya just got to watch Georgia the officers are sneeky here. Man there's state trooper on the prowl and sherrif oficers as well as local cops everyone triying to get that big ticket. I guess I made my decision I decided not to go that route just about time the misty morning began to burn away to a bright sunny day. All I can say is that here at the southren part of the trip it was only supposed to be in the low 90's and up north it would be in the mid 80;s. The Alman Brothers were playing in the ipod as I pulled up and got fuel and comfort stuff. I had gone about 175 miles at this point. Back on the road I hit 26 and would pick up 77 to 81 then to 211 and the journey would be finished for the day. I pick up 26 in South Carolina. Ya know I hate 95 in SC. I mean I really hate it. 95 goes from a 3 lane road in GA to a 2 lane in SC. The road itself is in poor condition. 26 isn't that much better. However I was moving along rather nicely with little problems. I knew if I didn't hit 26 by lunch it would be a giant cluster fuck. 26 can get all backed up both ways just because west heads towards the mountians and the east bound lanes head to the shores of Charlestown. 26 can get all backed up both ways just because west heads towards the mountians and the east bound lanes head to the shores of Charlestown. Today though was my lucky day I gues and I reached 26 before 11 am. I was able to cruise the full lenght of 26 without needing to stop but once I reached 77 I had to stop. I needed fuel again something to drink and comfort. The day wasn't warming as nicely as I would have liked so I left my sweatshirt on. It was a little warm but chilly without it. OK, I know I live in FL and I"m a weather wussy so give me a break. I thought of CrazyHorse a really good friend of mine who lives south of Charlotte, but I will visit her on another journey. It was about 1 pm or so at this time but I had to keep on going. The landscape had changed a great deal at this point. The flats of Florida and swamps of Georgia gave way to the swamps and pine forests of South Carolina that gradually began farmland and small rolling hills until once in North Carolina. North Caolina has lovely rolling hill that were ever increasing the further north I went. I also was getting my first glimpses of the hardword forest of NC. There are some light signs of fall creeping in. The further north I traveled on 77 the larger the hills and the road turned at times to wide sweepers as I was closing in on the Virgina Border. I crossed the VA/NC border and realized a little to late that highway 81 went from 70 miles and hour to 65. A trooper gave me a warning....what luck! I continued along 81 north passing farms, and going thru small towns. 81 is another one of those crappy two lane highways. Its here that I traveled past other bikers on their way to somewhere. This is what I always find strange. I 'm always out of state and run into other bikers that are curious about me and my travels. When I'm in my home state I never see anyone. Anyway, I pulled into 211 about 5:20 pm and met my friends at a diner. MY days trip took me 743 miles north. In all honesty I could have filled my tank and went another 200 miles I think. I felt really good. God I love cruise control and my king! After greeting my friends we walked around the hotel area then around the general area. We found out where Luray caverns were and decided that was a place we would visit while there. Saturday morning I got up and went for a walk thru the town of Luray. I got Coffee and do have to say always remember what goes down must come up. The town was hilly and now that I'm a flat lander I forgot what it was like to walk up some steep hills but lived. I met the rest of the group and went to the caves. They give you these headset things so you can do your own self tour. All I can say is I"m glad that we went there at 10am. We were in the caves about 2 hours and when we came out at noon the line was out the door and around the building. Thank goodness we had other plans. Since we were less than 4 miles from Skyline drive you know we were headed there next. We took some back roads up to Fort Royale, the start of the parkway. At first the road way is just a ribbon of asphalt though the forest. Howeve it doesn't take long before it beging an up hill climb to the first look out. Here the road is easy going. After the first look out the wide sweeping turns get smaller and more challening to navigate. This is when I love Mountian riding. The up hill climb continues with the twist and turns getting closer and closer tighter and tighter, Thru some tunels and to other overlooks. This is where you get you glimpes of Shenendoha Valley. Off in the distance there is a bluish haze that seems to go from one end of the valley to the other. We continued north through another tunnel and even tighter turns that started to begin the down cycle of the hills as we reached 211. We got off at 211 to go back to the hotel. After all we did stop at the over looks and took plenty of pictures. We also needed to get ready to ride home tomorrow. We did the traditional Mustache Ride picture at the resturant and wore our mustaches proudly. However only one waitress was interested in what we were doing. The other patrons of this small little restruant didn't seem interested and rather frightened of our appearnces. Heck with them we continued out Pirate party. We called it an early night but first we went for a lovely ride through the farm land and small towns that surround Luray. Ya know I could live there. I know the beach is awesome but thena again so is the peace of the rolling hills of cow country. We babbled with a few folks that were interseted in why FL, PA and NJ folks were all traveling together. Dusk began to set in so home to the hotel and pack up for the long journey home. They were going to bolt right home. After all I think they had 300 miles or so to travel. I had well over 700. I decided to do it in two days as I was going to follow the rest of skyline drive to blue ridge parkway home. Up early but not but crack early. I said my good byes as I loaded up my pack. I hate leaving folks behind. I just hate good byes. I took off and was very thankful that I packed my riding hoodie. It was dam cold. OK it was 57 but remember I'm a florida girl now and have been in the high 90's for 4 months now. Anyway I headed right up 211 to Skyline Drive. Once on the parkway I feel into the easy leaning of left and rights as I climbed up the mountian to come to a series of overlooks. Today was the day that I would run into all kinds of folks. Talked to one couple that was traveling the lenght of the parkway the were going to visit family. Travled with them and helpped them with phots so they were together once in awhile. Other travers found me interesting as a female alone doing this journey. To me it wasn't odd I've done so many trips alone it would be odd to have a companion. I continued the rythm of the ups downs and turns of Skyline Drive with every overlook Shenendoa Valley seemed closer and closer as I had passed the highest point in the road way. Within a couple of hours I crossed over the gates at Skyline Drive and continued South on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here is where the best riding is if you ask me. There are very few folks but the road continued its ups and downs over mountians and sweeping turns of the hills and overlooks that take your breath away not becasue you a quaint valley of Shenendoah but you see nothing just nature itself. Around a place called Otters humps or hills or something is when I needed gas. There's a little outpost there I wanted to sure the little road 11 was going to lead me to someplace to get fuel. Man 11 was at first off the parkway a real challenging road. I mean the airpin turn was the size of a hairpin. Here in this little town is where my favorited type of folks live. Not only was it labor day weekend but it was also the opening of hunting seasons. So hunters were everywhere too. Love cami. I got gas in this little town. There were lots of other bike around when the hunter walks up to me and goes "Florida huh? This bike from Florida?" I replied "yes" he went on to say "you from Florida?" I said "yes" HE says in thought again " you from Florida? the bike is from Florida and you rode it from there by yee self?" I said "Yes, that's what the little oranges on the license plat say." he replies "wow that's a ride, in the mountians, too its a big ride, You girl are a far from home ain't ya now?" I said "yes" then he said "Florida" I said, "hey man you have yourself a great day!" Whatever back up the steep winding road to the parkway. It took me about 4 hours to do 200 miles so the parkway is the slow route home. I decided that I would ride to route 7 then hit 77 and come back in the fall and finish the Blue Ridge Parkway so that I could do some leaf peeping. I got just north of charlotte and stayed at a little place called Statesville. I stayed in a hotel next to outback so I could have myself a nice big steak and drink a beer or two. Well I was there at the Outback and I had several drinks bought for me. One by a couple that were in awe at the fact that I rode all the way from FL and did it alone. I don't think its any big deal, then from so locals that wanted to babble with me. By the time I left there I was sort of fired up and crashed as soon as I walked into the room. The next morning I was strapping up my bags, and a couple was getting into their car and the man said "Florida right" I thought here we go again, but answered "yes' He then said "Fernandina Beach Right? we see ya all the time" Wow how odd is that . I wished them well on their travels and looked forward to seeing them in town sometime. Anyway headed down 77 to 26 to 95 this was uneventfull realy and I was thankful. So far I had fantasic weather, good friends, great riding, no road problems, some comedy, and no rain. Yea right this is a trip that I'm on. North of Brunswick it down poured all the way to the Florida state line. It never fails. The only thing I can say is the Mustache Ride IV was a success and "Everything is Better When Wet" til next time "T"

Needing Help for Folks of Spirit

Hey Folks how are you doing? Once again I self dated myself to a place I've never been. I went to a spot on this earth known as the "little Grande Canyon of Georgia". Hell, yes is was as toasty as the rest of the state and had that lovely red earth. The area was filled with beautiful rolling hills wide sweepers and believe it or not right across the street from Providence United Methodist Church. Nothing I mean nothing can take away from the breath taking views of the canyons in the Providence State Park. As with most parks you can camp hike and fish. If I had to compare the Little grande canyon to the Grande Canyon it is much smaller. If I had to compare with the "Little Grande Canyon in PA" I'd have to say Georgia's reminds me of a very small version of the Badlands. Instead of having White and crystal walls Georgia has white and red walls. All paths lead to the bottom of the canyon where a small stream or river runs through depending on the seasons. The pictures have been posted on my page so please do go and look.

Now what has my attention more than anything else it the Grave sites of Providence United Methodist Church. I'm writting this because as a visitior I'm not sure what to do or how to handle it. The Grave yard is a mess! The graves are over grown with vines, and some have fell in to disrepair. The Church invtes us all to come and enjoy the lords words. However if this little historic church sites on State land don't we owe it to those that are burried there the common decentency to keep those grave sites neat, clean and in repair so that we can as all visitor to the park pay are respects to those that cam before us. I wondered through that grave yard and yes there were war heros, from the Civial War, WW1 and WW!!. Don't they deserver our respect from Georgia and the US government to keep those grave neat so on such days as Memorial Day we as a Country and Honor them. Folks I don't live in the area and I don't know anyone who does but If you do could ya go out and look at what I'm talking about and help me find a way to clean up this little grave yard so we as vistors to Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA can honor our National Heros and those that have come before us. Any I deas let me know I'll send the photos anywhere and talk of what I saw when I visited. Thank You

Have an awesome day! "T"

Now since I posted this a lovely lady here on BON made a few comments one of them I'd like to post. I have already done this and I hope many more of you will follow my foot steps, or finger dialing anyway. I called the church in the area and inquired why it was in such disrepare? Then I questioned them If they had any Volunteers to go and do some gardening to help us find these grave sights better. I was met with some resistance but I think if more of us called and nad the same request along with those of us that live close enough to go and volunteer, if had some dollars so the Service men could get the flags they deaserve on Memorial Day, Flag Day that we may see this pretty little grave yard turn around.

Here it is

Columbus District Churchs Lumpkin, GA 31815

229-939-0082

have a great one and thank you for your help