December 13th, 2008
I hope everyone had a Merry CHRISTmas!
The folks on my favorite motorcycle forum, http://www.rideohio.org/ decided to do a round up for toys for tots. This whole idea came from my friend Tim aka "TDog" and what a wonderful idea it was. Thanks Tim for thinking of this and the children.
Over the period of a month toys were sent to Tim, Bill aka Warlock, and myself, Redtrk.
On December 13th Bill came over from Columbus and I met him in Vandalia where we merged our toys into my truck and drove them to Wauson, Ohio to meet up with Tim and also Jeff aka CUZ.
Were were also joined by Tim and Jeff's better halves.
From Tim's shop we left in three vehicles and went over to the Marine recruiting station to meet up with the Sargent and delivered our toys.
Many pictures were taken that day and i'm sure we put smiles on a lot of children's faces as well.
We then delivered ourselves to a local Mexican restaurant for lunch and some conversation. after lunch we said our goodbyes and headed for home. This may seem like a short and maybe boring entry to this log but it had a meaningful delivery to some children with smiles attached so I found it worthy. The only thing that might have made this better is if it had been a bike trip to deliver toys.
Merry CHISTmas to everyone and may you New Year be a safe, healthy, and enjoyable one.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Well it looks as if the September 1st ride was my last one for awhile. The following weekend we took the grandkids up to visit with us the inlaws. Then I had some work training with two of my men in Richmond, Virginia. The following week brought the end of my riding for the year.
On September 19th I was sitting in me office working on the typical Friday and took a phone call from a customer. The call was to remove some storm damaged metal roofing from a building near the Monroe High School football stadium. Until the hanging metal was removed the schol could not have it's football game due to the possibility of it falling on someone.
I called some of my guys but they were all really busy so I decided to take the call myself and just go do it. I did!
I cut the metal from top to bottom and went to push it off the side to the ground. As I pushed I noticed that the metal was hung up on an abandoned phone wire. The school maintenence guy said to go ahead and let it break because it didn't work and needed to come down anyway.
I pushed aforward on the metal and as I did I felt a snap n my right arm. It was extremely painful and also had a lot of constant burning. I knew I had hurt or tore something in my arm but had no idea how bad it was.
The school maintenence guy asked if I needed help getting down and I told him not until I was finished with the job.
I got the metal off the roof and screwed down the edges. After that I removed my safety equipment and he helped me take down my ladder and put it on my truck.
I then drove myself to the hospitol while calling Vicki and my ofice on the way.
The ER Doctor said it was a torn bicep and told me to go to and Orthopedic Doctor.
I called Dr. Kremcheck on Monday and he got me in on Wednesday. He set up an MRI for Thursday with an appointment with him right after. He confirmed what was a torn becep muscle. The bicep muscle forks out into two branches. The long head and the short head. I tore the long one that attaches to the back of the forearm.
He scheduled surgery for Tuesday.
Tuesday morning Vicki and I got up and headed for the surgery center. When we got there Doc Kremcheck asked if she wanted to observe the surgery and she said yes. COOL! I would have if it weren't me.
A 45 minute procedure, he opened up my upper arm just above the right albow. Reached in and pulled out the bicep muscle. He sewed down both sides in very tight stitches and left two long strings hang off of the end.
He then made an incision on the back of my forearm and pulled the muscle strings through it. He made a grove in the bone and two small holes. The strings were put through the wholes and the muscle was tucked into the grove. He then closed it up and put me in an arm brace which would soon become my new best friend.
I woke up in recovery and the pain was at a 8-9 on a 1-10 scale. Let's just say it hurt like hell.
After a while were could go home and we did. Vicki has done a great job of helping me out wih everything since i'm kind of temporarily handicaped.
Physical therepy started the day after and oh I wasn't ready for that. They told me to take a pain pill before I went. Know I know why. Actually that was the last time I took a pain pill and my pain was at zero within three days after surgery. The only things I really felt for a while were muscle spasms which they gave me meds for. Those have even stopped now.
It's been a week and a half and things are going well and I am learning to do things left handed some of which are very challenging I might add.
I have to wear this brace on my arm 24/7 for about a month or two. I even sleep in it. I'm not really allowed to drive or go to work for awhile the Doc says. He said I could start to drive in about 2 weeks to a month and go back to work on light duty in about 4-6 months.
Well after being off of work for one day after surgery I went stir crazy and drove myself to work the next day.
I have to be extremely careful in everything I do since this surgery could be messed up with a single fall or incedent and we get no second chance to fix it.
It's a long recovery pricess that wil take about 9 months to ayear to get back to strength and forthe muscle to attach to the bone enough to do anything.
Yesterday Vicki and I went on a bike trip with the rideohio.org gang. It was her first motorcycle trip to drive....... HER CAR that is. So I guess you could say I rode in the bitch seat for the first time.
The group met at the Big Muskee in Reinersville, Ohio for a group picture then to the River Queen Tavern for lunch and some social time.
She drove the routes we would have ridden had we been on the bike and while it was beautiful out and the curves would have been awsome it was kind of depressing for me. I wanted to be on the bike so bad. This really sucks!
We did have an awsome time with everyone and met a few new faces as well. What an awsome group of people we have found.
Doctor Kremcheck said it would probably be about the first of May before i could get back on the bike and ride however i would probably have to wear the brace for a while when I do.
What a wierd tan that's going to be next summer!
That's all I have for now but I will post up a group picture from the Big Muskie trip.
On September 19th I was sitting in me office working on the typical Friday and took a phone call from a customer. The call was to remove some storm damaged metal roofing from a building near the Monroe High School football stadium. Until the hanging metal was removed the schol could not have it's football game due to the possibility of it falling on someone.
I called some of my guys but they were all really busy so I decided to take the call myself and just go do it. I did!
I cut the metal from top to bottom and went to push it off the side to the ground. As I pushed I noticed that the metal was hung up on an abandoned phone wire. The school maintenence guy said to go ahead and let it break because it didn't work and needed to come down anyway.
I pushed aforward on the metal and as I did I felt a snap n my right arm. It was extremely painful and also had a lot of constant burning. I knew I had hurt or tore something in my arm but had no idea how bad it was.
The school maintenence guy asked if I needed help getting down and I told him not until I was finished with the job.
I got the metal off the roof and screwed down the edges. After that I removed my safety equipment and he helped me take down my ladder and put it on my truck.
I then drove myself to the hospitol while calling Vicki and my ofice on the way.
The ER Doctor said it was a torn bicep and told me to go to and Orthopedic Doctor.
I called Dr. Kremcheck on Monday and he got me in on Wednesday. He set up an MRI for Thursday with an appointment with him right after. He confirmed what was a torn becep muscle. The bicep muscle forks out into two branches. The long head and the short head. I tore the long one that attaches to the back of the forearm.
He scheduled surgery for Tuesday.
Tuesday morning Vicki and I got up and headed for the surgery center. When we got there Doc Kremcheck asked if she wanted to observe the surgery and she said yes. COOL! I would have if it weren't me.
A 45 minute procedure, he opened up my upper arm just above the right albow. Reached in and pulled out the bicep muscle. He sewed down both sides in very tight stitches and left two long strings hang off of the end.
He then made an incision on the back of my forearm and pulled the muscle strings through it. He made a grove in the bone and two small holes. The strings were put through the wholes and the muscle was tucked into the grove. He then closed it up and put me in an arm brace which would soon become my new best friend.
I woke up in recovery and the pain was at a 8-9 on a 1-10 scale. Let's just say it hurt like hell.
After a while were could go home and we did. Vicki has done a great job of helping me out wih everything since i'm kind of temporarily handicaped.
Physical therepy started the day after and oh I wasn't ready for that. They told me to take a pain pill before I went. Know I know why. Actually that was the last time I took a pain pill and my pain was at zero within three days after surgery. The only things I really felt for a while were muscle spasms which they gave me meds for. Those have even stopped now.
It's been a week and a half and things are going well and I am learning to do things left handed some of which are very challenging I might add.
I have to wear this brace on my arm 24/7 for about a month or two. I even sleep in it. I'm not really allowed to drive or go to work for awhile the Doc says. He said I could start to drive in about 2 weeks to a month and go back to work on light duty in about 4-6 months.
Well after being off of work for one day after surgery I went stir crazy and drove myself to work the next day.
I have to be extremely careful in everything I do since this surgery could be messed up with a single fall or incedent and we get no second chance to fix it.
It's a long recovery pricess that wil take about 9 months to ayear to get back to strength and forthe muscle to attach to the bone enough to do anything.
Yesterday Vicki and I went on a bike trip with the rideohio.org gang. It was her first motorcycle trip to drive....... HER CAR that is. So I guess you could say I rode in the bitch seat for the first time.
The group met at the Big Muskee in Reinersville, Ohio for a group picture then to the River Queen Tavern for lunch and some social time.
She drove the routes we would have ridden had we been on the bike and while it was beautiful out and the curves would have been awsome it was kind of depressing for me. I wanted to be on the bike so bad. This really sucks!
We did have an awsome time with everyone and met a few new faces as well. What an awsome group of people we have found.
Doctor Kremcheck said it would probably be about the first of May before i could get back on the bike and ride however i would probably have to wear the brace for a while when I do.
What a wierd tan that's going to be next summer!
That's all I have for now but I will post up a group picture from the Big Muskie trip.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday September 1, 2008 (Labor Day)
Vicki and I had planned a ride to Grand Lake, St Marys for the day. We pulled out of the garage about 12:30 and headed north on SR 503. We passed through Gratis, West Alexandria, and Lewisburg. Then continued north until we got to highway 121 and followed it. We reached Versailes and picked up Route 47 over to Newport, Ohio and we then turned onto 66 north through Fort Laramie and eventually into St Marys, Ohio.
We traveled over to Grand Lake and the state park on the north side where we stopped for a cold drink and to rest for a bit. We took pictures by the lake and a guy even offered to take a pic of both of us and we gladly said yes.
After a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes were off again heading west into Indiana.
We dropped down into Celina and picked up highway 29 west that became 67 and when we crossed into Indiana it became Highway 18. We were detoured a few times including a gravel road where my old dirt bike instincts came back to me. We eventually routed ourselves south on Highway 1 and headed towards dinner in Richmond.
We then took 28 into Union City to 227 to Middleboro and a left onto Cook Road to Porterfield Road to 121 and then a right onto Gravel Pit Road. Gravel Pit Road led us to Highway 40 and a right turn onto it took us to Hacienda for dinner.
We met up with Lymon and Wanda there had chips & salsa along with some wonderful wet burritos.
We mounted up and headed for home on 40 East then eventually to Ohio SR 35 where we picked up 503 again south toward home. When we pulled into the garage Vicki and I had logged exactly 267 miles for the day. It was a warm day in the lower 90's but moving it felt great.
One of these days Vicki will right the details and it won't be so boring. But then who cares as long as she is riding with me because I love having her on the back 2-up.
Vicki and I had planned a ride to Grand Lake, St Marys for the day. We pulled out of the garage about 12:30 and headed north on SR 503. We passed through Gratis, West Alexandria, and Lewisburg. Then continued north until we got to highway 121 and followed it. We reached Versailes and picked up Route 47 over to Newport, Ohio and we then turned onto 66 north through Fort Laramie and eventually into St Marys, Ohio.
We traveled over to Grand Lake and the state park on the north side where we stopped for a cold drink and to rest for a bit. We took pictures by the lake and a guy even offered to take a pic of both of us and we gladly said yes.
After a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes were off again heading west into Indiana.
We dropped down into Celina and picked up highway 29 west that became 67 and when we crossed into Indiana it became Highway 18. We were detoured a few times including a gravel road where my old dirt bike instincts came back to me. We eventually routed ourselves south on Highway 1 and headed towards dinner in Richmond.
We then took 28 into Union City to 227 to Middleboro and a left onto Cook Road to Porterfield Road to 121 and then a right onto Gravel Pit Road. Gravel Pit Road led us to Highway 40 and a right turn onto it took us to Hacienda for dinner.
We met up with Lymon and Wanda there had chips & salsa along with some wonderful wet burritos.
We mounted up and headed for home on 40 East then eventually to Ohio SR 35 where we picked up 503 again south toward home. When we pulled into the garage Vicki and I had logged exactly 267 miles for the day. It was a warm day in the lower 90's but moving it felt great.
One of these days Vicki will right the details and it won't be so boring. But then who cares as long as she is riding with me because I love having her on the back 2-up.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday August 31. 2008
Vicki and I decided on Friday that we would take a short ride on Saturday to Millersport, Ohio since they were hosting the Sweet Corn Festival. We headed out toward the festival about 10:45, a little later then planned but we had a great ride there. We were going to meet a couple from Cleveland that are on the RideOhio.org website. He and I had met before.
We took the super slab as in I-71 and I-70 to get there a little quicker so that part of the ride was kind of boring.
As we pulled in Kerry and his better 1/2 were walking back towards their bike. We joined up with a couple introductions of the ladies and walked into the festival. After spending some time walking & talking we stopped and each of us got an ear of sweet corn which was wonderful. We did some more walikng & talking stopped for chicken & drinks. We ran into some friends of Vicki and I from home talked to them for a few minutes then went back towards our bikes after stopping by the sweet corn again where the girls each got a dozen ears of corn to take home. We said our goodbyes and parted ways. Vicki and I had a great time visiting with Kerry & Bonnie.
We pulled out and headed toward home using all back roads. We passed through Beautiful Fairfield County along the way and we worked way down to Route 22 which was our main road home.
Once we got into Wilmington we were getting hungry and everyone knows where I like to eat in Wilmington? Beaugards Oh Yeah baby, a half slab for me, and pulled BBQ chicken for Vicki.
Funny thing though and I do have pics & video to prove it. There were some guys who had a "rastlin" ring set up in the parking lot. I kid you not. A van that read on the side of it, "UIW - Ultimate Impact Wrestling" I think that Lymon & Wanda are stopping there tonight on their way back in.
While we left before the rastlin started they should get to see it. We finished up our last 1 hour leg home dropping down onto Route 350 through Fort Ancient then onto 123 toward home. We logged 260 mile today and had a great dat with some wonderful people.
Vicki and I made it home with an hour to spare before we needed to leave for bowling tonight.
Vicki and I decided on Friday that we would take a short ride on Saturday to Millersport, Ohio since they were hosting the Sweet Corn Festival. We headed out toward the festival about 10:45, a little later then planned but we had a great ride there. We were going to meet a couple from Cleveland that are on the RideOhio.org website. He and I had met before.
We took the super slab as in I-71 and I-70 to get there a little quicker so that part of the ride was kind of boring.
As we pulled in Kerry and his better 1/2 were walking back towards their bike. We joined up with a couple introductions of the ladies and walked into the festival. After spending some time walking & talking we stopped and each of us got an ear of sweet corn which was wonderful. We did some more walikng & talking stopped for chicken & drinks. We ran into some friends of Vicki and I from home talked to them for a few minutes then went back towards our bikes after stopping by the sweet corn again where the girls each got a dozen ears of corn to take home. We said our goodbyes and parted ways. Vicki and I had a great time visiting with Kerry & Bonnie.
We pulled out and headed toward home using all back roads. We passed through Beautiful Fairfield County along the way and we worked way down to Route 22 which was our main road home.
Once we got into Wilmington we were getting hungry and everyone knows where I like to eat in Wilmington? Beaugards Oh Yeah baby, a half slab for me, and pulled BBQ chicken for Vicki.
Funny thing though and I do have pics & video to prove it. There were some guys who had a "rastlin" ring set up in the parking lot. I kid you not. A van that read on the side of it, "UIW - Ultimate Impact Wrestling" I think that Lymon & Wanda are stopping there tonight on their way back in.
While we left before the rastlin started they should get to see it. We finished up our last 1 hour leg home dropping down onto Route 350 through Fort Ancient then onto 123 toward home. We logged 260 mile today and had a great dat with some wonderful people.
Vicki and I made it home with an hour to spare before we needed to leave for bowling tonight.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wednesday August 20, 2008
Wednesday evening Vicki and I took a nice but short ride to Dayton, Ohio to a place called Jackass Flats. It's a motorcycle store that also has a restaurant. Every Wednesday there is a bike night and let me tell you it does fill up with motorcycles and riders. I can't imagine how many hundreds of bikes were there. They also had a live band playing.
We met up with some friends there that were all at Tanked 08. Vicki got to meet them for the first time. We had dinner, talked, and took a few pictures. It was fun although we decided to cut it short on purpose to get home before dark. We shot the highway home as we do quite frequently.
Wednesday evening Vicki and I took a nice but short ride to Dayton, Ohio to a place called Jackass Flats. It's a motorcycle store that also has a restaurant. Every Wednesday there is a bike night and let me tell you it does fill up with motorcycles and riders. I can't imagine how many hundreds of bikes were there. They also had a live band playing.
We met up with some friends there that were all at Tanked 08. Vicki got to meet them for the first time. We had dinner, talked, and took a few pictures. It was fun although we decided to cut it short on purpose to get home before dark. We shot the highway home as we do quite frequently.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tanked 08 August 15,16,17
With some planning and some good freinds from the website rideohio.org a campout & ride event was planned. Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the state of Ohio gathered for the three day event. Vicki did not go but i'm sure she would have loved it if she had.
I took the day off on Friday and packed my Goldwing with everything but the kitchen sink. Setting out toward Mohican State Park at 8:30 AM.
I took the highway up to my destination in a very uneventful ride. We camped at the Mohican Reservation in tents. This is why my lovely wife did not go because she does not camp.
I was she third bike in behind Tank and Skidplate. I immediatly started unpacking the Wing as Skid laughed saying that it looked like I was unpacking a clown car with all of the stuff I had in there.
After unpacking I set up my tent and started making dinner. I had made two gallons of my moms spaghetti sauce and had frozen it for this event.
As I cooked more and more bikes and riders poured in. That night we had nearly 30 people there around our campfire. Most stayed the night and some went home if they lived close then came back the next day.
After a night of drinking and BS'ing around the campfire retired to our tents about 1:30 AM.
As always I was up by 6:00. I tried to go back to sleep
then at 6:30 I crawled out of the tent. I grabbed my towel, bathroom things, and a clean set of clothes and off to the shower house I went.
I will say they are not the nicest showers I have ever seen but not the worst either. I showered shaved and headed back to camp. As I returned I saw that several more had got up and were sitting around the picnic table looking like hell froze over. I guess the night of drinking and wild stories had the best of them.
Mickey and I set out for town on our scoots and searched for breakfast. We found a family diner that had a brakfast buffet. We decided against the buffet and ordered. I trid to watch what I orderd because of my diet. I did very well and settled for sausage & eggs with lots of coffee.
With breakfast over we took some pictures then rode back to camp.
I started packing up the tent and the rst of my things because after the ride Mickey and I were heading home.
With the bike packed and time to spare we sat down and had time to talk to everyone a little more before we headed out on our Saturday ride.
The saturday ride started out with about 28 bikes of all kinds and I believe Jim was Tom was leading on his Goldwing. I had tailgunner and the rst of the Goldwings were spread into the mix to keep us on track in case we got seperated. (Most of us have GPS and CB communications on the Goldwings). as made the second right turn we hit a gravel road about a mile down. Most elected to turn around which now had me leading the ride. I detoured my GPS and it took us another route. After several miles and many, many turns we came upon gravel again and I kept going. The rest did follow which suprised me about some of them. We arrived at Heinies Cheese Factory about 11:15 real close to being on schedule.
After touring the Cheese house and sampling some of the best Amish made cheese I have ever had we were on our way again.
As we arrived and left Heinies we had picked up some more of our group who had joined us there. We were now numbered in the 30's or so.
We left out in three groups with Bob leading the first who is one of the owners of Heinies.
He led us alaong one of the best routes I have ever been on. Every road was as scenic as the last and each one was full of these long sweeping curves that you could really lay the bike over and feel the "G" forces. Eventually we landed at Spitlers Family Restaurant where they had been expecting us and had a buffet ready. We all sat down together and had a wonderful meal. This is where we all seemed to bond. Wing riders, crotch rocket ridrs, Harley riders, bikers of all types all sat down together and talked and really got to know each other. It was great. We decided right then and there that we were all basically the same. We just have a different preference of bikes. But it is fun to bash each other when we can.
After lunch our route continued as it had began. Twisting roads one after another. Bob had picked the perfect ride and it seemed we had the perfect day too. The tmp was about 79 and the skies were clear and a perfect blue. He led us next to a restaurand called The Old Mill Restaurand which is the home of Velvet Ice Cream. What a beautiful place it turned out to be. I loved it. Most had ice cream of coures and a lot more pictures were taken. I passed on the ice cream and just enjoyed talking to everyone.
This was the southern most point of our ride so it is where Mickey and I said our goodbyes the the group. We had a wonderful time and met a lot of new friends. It was nice to be able to put a face to a name on our website.
We headed out and led by the one and only Jnor and his wife Mnor. We stopped to fill up on fuel then we were off. They led us out to the Interstate and we were off headed for home.
We rode the highway back to make time only stopping once for a short 5 minute break.
I peeled off on my exit toward home onto Route 123 and he continued toward New Richmond.
I rolled into the house about 6:45 that evening unpacked and, showered and got ready for bowling. What a great experience it was with some new face I can now call my friends. I loged 484 miles in two days but they were awsome. I can't wait to do it all again next year and I think Vicki is going. She will totally enjoy it.
I took the day off on Friday and packed my Goldwing with everything but the kitchen sink. Setting out toward Mohican State Park at 8:30 AM.
I took the highway up to my destination in a very uneventful ride. We camped at the Mohican Reservation in tents. This is why my lovely wife did not go because she does not camp.
I was she third bike in behind Tank and Skidplate. I immediatly started unpacking the Wing as Skid laughed saying that it looked like I was unpacking a clown car with all of the stuff I had in there.
After unpacking I set up my tent and started making dinner. I had made two gallons of my moms spaghetti sauce and had frozen it for this event.
As I cooked more and more bikes and riders poured in. That night we had nearly 30 people there around our campfire. Most stayed the night and some went home if they lived close then came back the next day.
After a night of drinking and BS'ing around the campfire retired to our tents about 1:30 AM.
As always I was up by 6:00. I tried to go back to sleep
then at 6:30 I crawled out of the tent. I grabbed my towel, bathroom things, and a clean set of clothes and off to the shower house I went.
I will say they are not the nicest showers I have ever seen but not the worst either. I showered shaved and headed back to camp. As I returned I saw that several more had got up and were sitting around the picnic table looking like hell froze over. I guess the night of drinking and wild stories had the best of them.
Mickey and I set out for town on our scoots and searched for breakfast. We found a family diner that had a brakfast buffet. We decided against the buffet and ordered. I trid to watch what I orderd because of my diet. I did very well and settled for sausage & eggs with lots of coffee.
With breakfast over we took some pictures then rode back to camp.
I started packing up the tent and the rst of my things because after the ride Mickey and I were heading home.
With the bike packed and time to spare we sat down and had time to talk to everyone a little more before we headed out on our Saturday ride.
The saturday ride started out with about 28 bikes of all kinds and I believe Jim was Tom was leading on his Goldwing. I had tailgunner and the rst of the Goldwings were spread into the mix to keep us on track in case we got seperated. (Most of us have GPS and CB communications on the Goldwings). as made the second right turn we hit a gravel road about a mile down. Most elected to turn around which now had me leading the ride. I detoured my GPS and it took us another route. After several miles and many, many turns we came upon gravel again and I kept going. The rest did follow which suprised me about some of them. We arrived at Heinies Cheese Factory about 11:15 real close to being on schedule.
After touring the Cheese house and sampling some of the best Amish made cheese I have ever had we were on our way again.
As we arrived and left Heinies we had picked up some more of our group who had joined us there. We were now numbered in the 30's or so.
We left out in three groups with Bob leading the first who is one of the owners of Heinies.
He led us alaong one of the best routes I have ever been on. Every road was as scenic as the last and each one was full of these long sweeping curves that you could really lay the bike over and feel the "G" forces. Eventually we landed at Spitlers Family Restaurant where they had been expecting us and had a buffet ready. We all sat down together and had a wonderful meal. This is where we all seemed to bond. Wing riders, crotch rocket ridrs, Harley riders, bikers of all types all sat down together and talked and really got to know each other. It was great. We decided right then and there that we were all basically the same. We just have a different preference of bikes. But it is fun to bash each other when we can.
After lunch our route continued as it had began. Twisting roads one after another. Bob had picked the perfect ride and it seemed we had the perfect day too. The tmp was about 79 and the skies were clear and a perfect blue. He led us next to a restaurand called The Old Mill Restaurand which is the home of Velvet Ice Cream. What a beautiful place it turned out to be. I loved it. Most had ice cream of coures and a lot more pictures were taken. I passed on the ice cream and just enjoyed talking to everyone.
This was the southern most point of our ride so it is where Mickey and I said our goodbyes the the group. We had a wonderful time and met a lot of new friends. It was nice to be able to put a face to a name on our website.
We headed out and led by the one and only Jnor and his wife Mnor. We stopped to fill up on fuel then we were off. They led us out to the Interstate and we were off headed for home.
We rode the highway back to make time only stopping once for a short 5 minute break.
I peeled off on my exit toward home onto Route 123 and he continued toward New Richmond.
I rolled into the house about 6:45 that evening unpacked and, showered and got ready for bowling. What a great experience it was with some new face I can now call my friends. I loged 484 miles in two days but they were awsome. I can't wait to do it all again next year and I think Vicki is going. She will totally enjoy it.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday August 9, 2008
All it took was a mention of riding a motorcycle for RIBS and I was ready.
Mickey invited Vicki and I to join his ride to Ribbers in Portsmouth, Ohio. We graciously accepted and were on our way.
The trip was going to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes if we cut off some of the back road riding so we did and set out on I-75 for I 275 east.
We had decided to take Route 125 toward Portsmouth where it ends at Route 52 on the river. Route 125 was a beautiful ride with some long sweeping curves and several small towns along the way. Not a rough road but it was narrow in some places. When it ended we were at Route 52 on the Ohio River which is a familiar site to us both. We had plenty of time and decided to see the murals painted along the flood walls along the river in Portsmouth.
The mural walls run for nearly 1/3 of a mile and face the town. If you have never seen them it is worth the trip.
The artist did a fantastic job in his creations there. The murals portray the history of the town and surrounding area. From it's heritage, education, war battles, sports, industry, famous people of the town and nearly anything you can think of that made that town back in it's hay day and today.
They are just spectacular and a definate must see.
We were to all meet up at Ribbers at 5:30 and as we loaded onto our bike and started toward the restaurant we ran into Mickey and his 5 bike group. We stopped and talked for a bit then Vicki and I headed over to Ribbers leaving the others there to see the murals.
As we were getting off of the bike a big guy on a V-Strom pulled in and it was Tank from RideOhio. We waited for Tank to get off of his bike and walk toward us where we made our formal introductions. Then the three of us walked in together. As we walked in we saw Mark, (Passinthru) on RideOhio sitting at the bar waiting for us.
We had no idea how many total there were going to be in our group and we guessed 16. It just so happens that the guess was right on. Vicki and I had a drink at the bar while we talked to Tank and Mark waiting for the others.
The rest of the gang got there about 1/2 hour later and we sat down together at some tables they set up for us. A few more introductons of those who had never met each other and it was all good.
After some pleasant conversation and studying of the menus we ordered.
Ribs are their specialty and it seems that most of us got them. These were country style pork ribs and I must say they were excellent. The sauce was bold but not spicey. (I want the recipe)
After dinner we talked some more then headed for the parking lot where pictures of the group were in order as always.
When that was all said and done it was saddle up time and we all peeled off in our own directions.
Vicki and I decided to take a different route home then what had brought us there.
We decided on Route 73 to Route 32 and we were off.
Route 73 was tight and somewhat rough in some areas. It is very twisty, which I didn't mind at all. As for speed, I was pushing it because as it was getting late and we wanted to not be on 73 or 32 after dark due the the amount of deer that roam that area.
Once on Route 32 I cranked up the Wings speed since it is a four lane and the posted speed is 60 mph. We made great time getting to I-275 and then on to I-75 toward home.
We totaled 257 miles round trip and on one tank of fuel I might add. (I had a half gallon to spare) We walked into our home right at 10:05. We made great time getting back and we're glad we chose the right route to get us here quick.
Tank posted on RideOhio of his and Mark's journey home which they thought would take about 4-1/2 hours. It seems they ran into rain a couple of time and after a wait out at a Wafle House they were on the road again. They got home after 3:00 AM this morning after dagnerously riding in thee rain at night.
Now keep in mind that they live north west of Youngstown. Tank's comment was, "We're lucky to be alive". See Tanks journey on his blog at http://www.ridewithtank.com/
I will say that Vicki and I both agreed that we had a great time. We met some very nice people and a few new friends and had a great time doing so.
This trip turned our Wing odometer over to 17,000 + miles.
All it took was a mention of riding a motorcycle for RIBS and I was ready.
Mickey invited Vicki and I to join his ride to Ribbers in Portsmouth, Ohio. We graciously accepted and were on our way.
The trip was going to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes if we cut off some of the back road riding so we did and set out on I-75 for I 275 east.
We had decided to take Route 125 toward Portsmouth where it ends at Route 52 on the river. Route 125 was a beautiful ride with some long sweeping curves and several small towns along the way. Not a rough road but it was narrow in some places. When it ended we were at Route 52 on the Ohio River which is a familiar site to us both. We had plenty of time and decided to see the murals painted along the flood walls along the river in Portsmouth.
The mural walls run for nearly 1/3 of a mile and face the town. If you have never seen them it is worth the trip.
The artist did a fantastic job in his creations there. The murals portray the history of the town and surrounding area. From it's heritage, education, war battles, sports, industry, famous people of the town and nearly anything you can think of that made that town back in it's hay day and today.
They are just spectacular and a definate must see.
We were to all meet up at Ribbers at 5:30 and as we loaded onto our bike and started toward the restaurant we ran into Mickey and his 5 bike group. We stopped and talked for a bit then Vicki and I headed over to Ribbers leaving the others there to see the murals.
As we were getting off of the bike a big guy on a V-Strom pulled in and it was Tank from RideOhio. We waited for Tank to get off of his bike and walk toward us where we made our formal introductions. Then the three of us walked in together. As we walked in we saw Mark, (Passinthru) on RideOhio sitting at the bar waiting for us.
We had no idea how many total there were going to be in our group and we guessed 16. It just so happens that the guess was right on. Vicki and I had a drink at the bar while we talked to Tank and Mark waiting for the others.
The rest of the gang got there about 1/2 hour later and we sat down together at some tables they set up for us. A few more introductons of those who had never met each other and it was all good.
After some pleasant conversation and studying of the menus we ordered.
Ribs are their specialty and it seems that most of us got them. These were country style pork ribs and I must say they were excellent. The sauce was bold but not spicey. (I want the recipe)
After dinner we talked some more then headed for the parking lot where pictures of the group were in order as always.
When that was all said and done it was saddle up time and we all peeled off in our own directions.
Vicki and I decided to take a different route home then what had brought us there.
We decided on Route 73 to Route 32 and we were off.
Route 73 was tight and somewhat rough in some areas. It is very twisty, which I didn't mind at all. As for speed, I was pushing it because as it was getting late and we wanted to not be on 73 or 32 after dark due the the amount of deer that roam that area.
Once on Route 32 I cranked up the Wings speed since it is a four lane and the posted speed is 60 mph. We made great time getting to I-275 and then on to I-75 toward home.
We totaled 257 miles round trip and on one tank of fuel I might add. (I had a half gallon to spare) We walked into our home right at 10:05. We made great time getting back and we're glad we chose the right route to get us here quick.
Tank posted on RideOhio of his and Mark's journey home which they thought would take about 4-1/2 hours. It seems they ran into rain a couple of time and after a wait out at a Wafle House they were on the road again. They got home after 3:00 AM this morning after dagnerously riding in thee rain at night.
Now keep in mind that they live north west of Youngstown. Tank's comment was, "We're lucky to be alive". See Tanks journey on his blog at http://www.ridewithtank.com/
I will say that Vicki and I both agreed that we had a great time. We met some very nice people and a few new friends and had a great time doing so.
This trip turned our Wing odometer over to 17,000 + miles.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Today is Vicki's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vicki Dear!
I got to ride with two the boys yesterday.
Two of my sons invited me to go to Mid-Ohio Raceway to watch the Superbike Motorcycle races yesterday.
Myself, Rick Jr, Rob, and Rob's brother in law Andy left from my house as four bikes about 9:00 AM.
We took the highways up to make time and got there about 11:45 after a fuel stop and stopping at subway for a "to go" lunch which we took in with us.
I had the cooler packed on the back of the bike and we had it filled with drinks for the races and to get a refresher on the road.
We saw three races one of which had a wreck where the guy just got up and walked over picked up his bike. punched and kicked it a few times. Not because he was pissed at the bike but because it appeared that the throttle might be stuck and he was trying to free it so he could get back in the race. He ended up taking it into the pits and his race was over.
We walked the vendor area where a couple of us bought T-shirts and things. We really didn't spend much money except to get in and for fuel.
The trip out of the race track was slow for the first 4 miles or so with traffic backing up but we made it to the highway and were on our way home.
We fuel made a fuel stop at the junction of I-71 and State Route 42. After re-fuelling we decided to take 42 the rest of the way home and get off of the highway. This was a more enjoyable ride with the traffic and idiots in cages away from us.
As we got into Lebanon Andy peeeled off, then Rob, both on their way home. Then Rick and I headed the rest of the way toward our houses on mainly back roads until I peeled off to the right and he continued toward his house.
What a fun day with 337 miles logged and some mighty fine motorcycle races. I hope to do this again next year.
I got to ride with two the boys yesterday.
Two of my sons invited me to go to Mid-Ohio Raceway to watch the Superbike Motorcycle races yesterday.
Myself, Rick Jr, Rob, and Rob's brother in law Andy left from my house as four bikes about 9:00 AM.
We took the highways up to make time and got there about 11:45 after a fuel stop and stopping at subway for a "to go" lunch which we took in with us.
I had the cooler packed on the back of the bike and we had it filled with drinks for the races and to get a refresher on the road.
We saw three races one of which had a wreck where the guy just got up and walked over picked up his bike. punched and kicked it a few times. Not because he was pissed at the bike but because it appeared that the throttle might be stuck and he was trying to free it so he could get back in the race. He ended up taking it into the pits and his race was over.
We walked the vendor area where a couple of us bought T-shirts and things. We really didn't spend much money except to get in and for fuel.
The trip out of the race track was slow for the first 4 miles or so with traffic backing up but we made it to the highway and were on our way home.
We fuel made a fuel stop at the junction of I-71 and State Route 42. After re-fuelling we decided to take 42 the rest of the way home and get off of the highway. This was a more enjoyable ride with the traffic and idiots in cages away from us.
As we got into Lebanon Andy peeeled off, then Rob, both on their way home. Then Rick and I headed the rest of the way toward our houses on mainly back roads until I peeled off to the right and he continued toward his house.
What a fun day with 337 miles logged and some mighty fine motorcycle races. I hope to do this again next year.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I added some new chrome to the wing today and changed the oil. 16,250+ miles on it now.
We got our ride in today but not until later in the day. Vicki and I set out with our neighbors toward Oxford and followed a few creeks that seem to wind themselves in that direction. This always makes for a fun ride and it was, with twists and turns almost all the way.
We went to the BrickStreet Cafe for dinner then on home. Not a long ride but very enjoyable and with good company.
We got our ride in today but not until later in the day. Vicki and I set out with our neighbors toward Oxford and followed a few creeks that seem to wind themselves in that direction. This always makes for a fun ride and it was, with twists and turns almost all the way.
We went to the BrickStreet Cafe for dinner then on home. Not a long ride but very enjoyable and with good company.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday July 26
I finally got to ride today down to Maysville, Ky to Heritage Honda.
Nice store is all I can say and the people there are very friendly and heplful. Lymon and Wanda rode with me also while Vicki went to a baby shower.
All back roads and some new ones in there we never knew existed.
This road is a little rough and some occasional gravel here and there but we loved it. We both said we'll ride it again. We spent about an hour in the store then headed for home. We crossed back in to Ohio and rode down river to Rt 68 so we could speed up the trip home and continue staying off the super slab. We found rain in the Fayettville area at the intersection of 68 and 50. Pulled on the rain gear and kept on truckin.
Just south of Wilmington the roads were dry and the skys were clear. We rode right by Beaugards and we were tempted but we didn't stop since we satisfied our rib cravings the day before. Turned on to Rt 22 toward Morrow and stopped at Valley Vinyard and picked up some wine. Then on to Rt 48 and the rest was our usuall path. A nice ride and a nice day despite a little rain. 217 miles today.
Friday July 25
I rode up to Marysville Ohio for the Honda Homecoming with Lymon and Roy. We met up with Greg Hayden and his group for breakfast at Scrambler Maries about 8:00 then took back roads almost all the way up to the plant.
We were set to have lunck with Gregs group and some others at 12:00 at Bennys.
Lymon, Roy, and I decided we would have time to do the plant tour before lunch at 12 and the outside line went fast. Once inside the tour went well then we met up with a slow group in front of ours and we ended up missing the lunch with the RidoOhio group. www.rideohio.org
Since my cell phone is a camera phone it was taked hostage by plant officials while I was inside, therefore I couldn't call anyone at the lunch until I got out. I did and they were finishing up and ready to pay & leave. We went over had lunch where I met up with Jester and the VTX guys from the Ohio X-riders forum. http://www.ohioxriders.proboards14.com/ Lunch consisted of wel lyou know RIBS and I will say they are damn good. We took off for the vendor area stopping first at the small one in Marysville then over to Bellefountaine where the larger vendor area was. I finally met up with Greg's group again and Deb, Todd, & Jim. They said that I had just missed CUZ and Tank.
We left out of there and headed for home taking the back roads. 287 miles yesterday and a great time. Home about 8:30.
I finally got to ride today down to Maysville, Ky to Heritage Honda.
Nice store is all I can say and the people there are very friendly and heplful. Lymon and Wanda rode with me also while Vicki went to a baby shower.
All back roads and some new ones in there we never knew existed.
This road is a little rough and some occasional gravel here and there but we loved it. We both said we'll ride it again. We spent about an hour in the store then headed for home. We crossed back in to Ohio and rode down river to Rt 68 so we could speed up the trip home and continue staying off the super slab. We found rain in the Fayettville area at the intersection of 68 and 50. Pulled on the rain gear and kept on truckin.
Just south of Wilmington the roads were dry and the skys were clear. We rode right by Beaugards and we were tempted but we didn't stop since we satisfied our rib cravings the day before. Turned on to Rt 22 toward Morrow and stopped at Valley Vinyard and picked up some wine. Then on to Rt 48 and the rest was our usuall path. A nice ride and a nice day despite a little rain. 217 miles today.
Friday July 25
I rode up to Marysville Ohio for the Honda Homecoming with Lymon and Roy. We met up with Greg Hayden and his group for breakfast at Scrambler Maries about 8:00 then took back roads almost all the way up to the plant.
We were set to have lunck with Gregs group and some others at 12:00 at Bennys.
Lymon, Roy, and I decided we would have time to do the plant tour before lunch at 12 and the outside line went fast. Once inside the tour went well then we met up with a slow group in front of ours and we ended up missing the lunch with the RidoOhio group. www.rideohio.org
Since my cell phone is a camera phone it was taked hostage by plant officials while I was inside, therefore I couldn't call anyone at the lunch until I got out. I did and they were finishing up and ready to pay & leave. We went over had lunch where I met up with Jester and the VTX guys from the Ohio X-riders forum. http://www.ohioxriders.proboards14.com/ Lunch consisted of wel lyou know RIBS and I will say they are damn good. We took off for the vendor area stopping first at the small one in Marysville then over to Bellefountaine where the larger vendor area was. I finally met up with Greg's group again and Deb, Todd, & Jim. They said that I had just missed CUZ and Tank.
We left out of there and headed for home taking the back roads. 287 miles yesterday and a great time. Home about 8:30.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday July 20
Clifty State Park Madison, Indiana
We had an awsome day today. Vicki and I left from home about 1:00 into Fairfield and took East Miami River Road all the way out to Cleves. (RoadRunner territory) we jumped on to SR 50 rode to Dillsboro where we took SR 62 all the way to Clifty State Park in Madison, Indiana. We rode through the park and hiked down to see some waterfalls. Then we decided we needed a cooling off so we got our bathing suits out of the bike and went into the pool. After a relaxing swim and cooling off we got back into our riding clothes and headed for home taking a diffferent route. We motored up the Oho river on SR 56 East. As we got close to Rising Sun, Indiana the skys looked threatening and we felt a few sprinkles. We pulled of at a gas station and put on our rain gear and continued. Just as we got into Aurora we heard the tornado sirens going off and she skys looked wicked. We pulled into one of our favorite stops to eat along the river, The Applewood Restaurant. We had dinner while the sky opened up, the wind blew fiercely, and lightning strikes hit one after another. An hour in the restaurant was just what we needed to let the storm somewhat move on. We headed on to SR 50 in the rain until we made our turn on to SR 128 toward home. The rain stopped somewhere around Ross, Ohio and we cruised the rest of the way in. A nice ride with a total of 204 miles round trip, and a total of 8 hours counting dinner, swimming, and hiking time. The rain gear did it's job and we kept dry. She's starting to not mind the rain as much as she use to. Just a note Indiana State parks charge $7. for non resident vehicles to enter.
Clifty State Park Madison, Indiana
We had an awsome day today. Vicki and I left from home about 1:00 into Fairfield and took East Miami River Road all the way out to Cleves. (RoadRunner territory) we jumped on to SR 50 rode to Dillsboro where we took SR 62 all the way to Clifty State Park in Madison, Indiana. We rode through the park and hiked down to see some waterfalls. Then we decided we needed a cooling off so we got our bathing suits out of the bike and went into the pool. After a relaxing swim and cooling off we got back into our riding clothes and headed for home taking a diffferent route. We motored up the Oho river on SR 56 East. As we got close to Rising Sun, Indiana the skys looked threatening and we felt a few sprinkles. We pulled of at a gas station and put on our rain gear and continued. Just as we got into Aurora we heard the tornado sirens going off and she skys looked wicked. We pulled into one of our favorite stops to eat along the river, The Applewood Restaurant. We had dinner while the sky opened up, the wind blew fiercely, and lightning strikes hit one after another. An hour in the restaurant was just what we needed to let the storm somewhat move on. We headed on to SR 50 in the rain until we made our turn on to SR 128 toward home. The rain stopped somewhere around Ross, Ohio and we cruised the rest of the way in. A nice ride with a total of 204 miles round trip, and a total of 8 hours counting dinner, swimming, and hiking time. The rain gear did it's job and we kept dry. She's starting to not mind the rain as much as she use to. Just a note Indiana State parks charge $7. for non resident vehicles to enter.
July 11th - 15th
I know i'm a little late in posting this i've been so busy catching up after being gone.
Vicki and I set out for the Smokie Mountains on the Wing. This was the first trip for us using the trailer I built. While we ususlly can pack for several days in the bike alone the trailer was stuffed with about 3 times as much clothes then we needed. Extra shoes, pop, beer, and some girlie drinks for her along with a laptop computer, two cameras and a couple of lawn chairs we didn't use.
The trailer pulled great and we really didn't know it was back there most of the time except when we got to the gas pump to fill up. It took about 5 MPG off of our usuall mileage.
An uneventful trip to Tennessee on friday afternoon. We pulled out of Cincinnati about 1:30 PM and shot down I-75 to get there quick. We checked into the campground and got to our cabin.
This was an awsome little cabin for two with a full bathroom, queen size bed, and a mini kitchen. You could almost live in it even though it was small. It reminded me of something from The Little House on the Prairie, with a bathroom. :)
We met up with our group of friends who had driven their motorhome down and pulled their bikes on a trailer behind it.
Day 1 in the Smokies
Saturday morning was our first outing. I'm guessing we pulled out about 10:00 AM and headed for the Tail of the Dragon. We took the long way around to get thre going through the State park.
We arrived at the Dragon on the top side and had lunch at Deals Gap Resort before riding.
Here I got to "visit the shirt" left there by Tank at www.rideohio.org .
We finished lunch and grouped up for our Dragon ride. We headed down twisting our way toward the bottom and enjoying every bit of it. The Dragons tail is considered to be one of the most highly ridden roads for North American motorcyclists.
Once safely at the bottom I was ready to go again and so were a couple of others. The womed decided they had enough and electec to stay at the bottom with the cooler.
three of us headed back up a lot faster then we had ridden it with the girls on. We stopped at the store again to make a bathroom stop and headed back down. Again a little faster then before.
We picked up the girls and the cooler and headed back toward camp.
A great first day of riding in the Smokies.
Day 2 in the Smokies
Sunday morning we woke up to rain. :( One of our riders woke that morniong with allergies bothering him pretty bad and decided not to ride that day.
We had breakfast and checked out the weather reports then about 1:00 we set out for a ride with rain still in the area with no real destination in mind except wanting to head toward the Cherahola Skyway but decided not to because our rider back at camp wanted to ride this as well so we decided not to ride it that day.
We went south and ended up on some really cool twisty roads we didn't go down to ride but i'm glad we found them. We encountered rain again on our way back to camp on the Foothills Parkway. The rain continued for the balance of the ride back and into the night. All in all we got to ride and most of it rain free so in all it was another great day of riding.
Day 3 in the Smokies
We woke Monday to the most beautiful morning. The sky was clear and not a cloud in sight. The temp was perfect and we were all ready to set out. We had a small breakfast packed the cooler for lunch and drinks and hit the road toward the Cherohala Skyway.
We planned our route toward the Skyway somewhat before but also as we went in that direction we somewhat changed it and I would say for the better. We found some really nice country roads that were little traveled and made the best of them enjoying every mile.
We finally locked in on the Cherohala Skyway and started our climb. This is an awsome road with the potential to be dangerous if you don't respect it.
It is so twisty but not tight turns like the Dragon. It has more sweeping curves and always a beautiful overlook as it climbs into the mountains.
We stopped about half way up for lunch at an over look. After lunch in a shady spot we continued our journey toward the top and then back down again.
We had a nice ride there, took a lot of pictures and really enjoyed the day.
We stopped in ribbinsville, NC for fuel and we started back toward camp. A long day already and we needed 2 + hours to get back.
We took a route planned out by our own "mapquest minded" Vicki. The route took us back to the top of the Dragon so we got to ride it again. This time I guess I rode it a little too fast with the other three bikes keeping up because I had the girls ready to kick my butt when we hit the bottom.
We followed our route back toward camp again using the Foothills Parkway.
This was definatly our best day of riding and longest day as well. I wore everyone out. :)
Day 4 in the Smokies and headed for home.
Vicki and I got up about 9:00 Am and the other part of our group had pulled out and headed for home. This was kind of nice and we could choose our own way home and we did.
We packed up the bike and the trailer and backroaded toward Knoxville and passed right through town passing the UT campus along the way.
We continued our back road quest until our GPS decided it wanted to jump on and off the highway ever few miles so we used I-75 for quite a while.
we came upon some road construction that had the highway closed in kentucky and got off at the next exit. We took old Route 25 for a long time and really enjoyed it.
we decided it was getting late and were ready to be home so we got back onto the highway and cranked it up toward home.
An awsome vacation with a lot of riding. I can't wait to do it again.
I know i'm a little late in posting this i've been so busy catching up after being gone.
Vicki and I set out for the Smokie Mountains on the Wing. This was the first trip for us using the trailer I built. While we ususlly can pack for several days in the bike alone the trailer was stuffed with about 3 times as much clothes then we needed. Extra shoes, pop, beer, and some girlie drinks for her along with a laptop computer, two cameras and a couple of lawn chairs we didn't use.
The trailer pulled great and we really didn't know it was back there most of the time except when we got to the gas pump to fill up. It took about 5 MPG off of our usuall mileage.
An uneventful trip to Tennessee on friday afternoon. We pulled out of Cincinnati about 1:30 PM and shot down I-75 to get there quick. We checked into the campground and got to our cabin.
This was an awsome little cabin for two with a full bathroom, queen size bed, and a mini kitchen. You could almost live in it even though it was small. It reminded me of something from The Little House on the Prairie, with a bathroom. :)
We met up with our group of friends who had driven their motorhome down and pulled their bikes on a trailer behind it.
Day 1 in the Smokies
Saturday morning was our first outing. I'm guessing we pulled out about 10:00 AM and headed for the Tail of the Dragon. We took the long way around to get thre going through the State park.
We arrived at the Dragon on the top side and had lunch at Deals Gap Resort before riding.
Here I got to "visit the shirt" left there by Tank at www.rideohio.org .
We finished lunch and grouped up for our Dragon ride. We headed down twisting our way toward the bottom and enjoying every bit of it. The Dragons tail is considered to be one of the most highly ridden roads for North American motorcyclists.
Once safely at the bottom I was ready to go again and so were a couple of others. The womed decided they had enough and electec to stay at the bottom with the cooler.
three of us headed back up a lot faster then we had ridden it with the girls on. We stopped at the store again to make a bathroom stop and headed back down. Again a little faster then before.
We picked up the girls and the cooler and headed back toward camp.
A great first day of riding in the Smokies.
Day 2 in the Smokies
Sunday morning we woke up to rain. :( One of our riders woke that morniong with allergies bothering him pretty bad and decided not to ride that day.
We had breakfast and checked out the weather reports then about 1:00 we set out for a ride with rain still in the area with no real destination in mind except wanting to head toward the Cherahola Skyway but decided not to because our rider back at camp wanted to ride this as well so we decided not to ride it that day.
We went south and ended up on some really cool twisty roads we didn't go down to ride but i'm glad we found them. We encountered rain again on our way back to camp on the Foothills Parkway. The rain continued for the balance of the ride back and into the night. All in all we got to ride and most of it rain free so in all it was another great day of riding.
Day 3 in the Smokies
We woke Monday to the most beautiful morning. The sky was clear and not a cloud in sight. The temp was perfect and we were all ready to set out. We had a small breakfast packed the cooler for lunch and drinks and hit the road toward the Cherohala Skyway.
We planned our route toward the Skyway somewhat before but also as we went in that direction we somewhat changed it and I would say for the better. We found some really nice country roads that were little traveled and made the best of them enjoying every mile.
We finally locked in on the Cherohala Skyway and started our climb. This is an awsome road with the potential to be dangerous if you don't respect it.
It is so twisty but not tight turns like the Dragon. It has more sweeping curves and always a beautiful overlook as it climbs into the mountains.
We stopped about half way up for lunch at an over look. After lunch in a shady spot we continued our journey toward the top and then back down again.
We had a nice ride there, took a lot of pictures and really enjoyed the day.
We stopped in ribbinsville, NC for fuel and we started back toward camp. A long day already and we needed 2 + hours to get back.
We took a route planned out by our own "mapquest minded" Vicki. The route took us back to the top of the Dragon so we got to ride it again. This time I guess I rode it a little too fast with the other three bikes keeping up because I had the girls ready to kick my butt when we hit the bottom.
We followed our route back toward camp again using the Foothills Parkway.
This was definatly our best day of riding and longest day as well. I wore everyone out. :)
Day 4 in the Smokies and headed for home.
Vicki and I got up about 9:00 Am and the other part of our group had pulled out and headed for home. This was kind of nice and we could choose our own way home and we did.
We packed up the bike and the trailer and backroaded toward Knoxville and passed right through town passing the UT campus along the way.
We continued our back road quest until our GPS decided it wanted to jump on and off the highway ever few miles so we used I-75 for quite a while.
we came upon some road construction that had the highway closed in kentucky and got off at the next exit. We took old Route 25 for a long time and really enjoyed it.
we decided it was getting late and were ready to be home so we got back onto the highway and cranked it up toward home.
An awsome vacation with a lot of riding. I can't wait to do it again.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Whll it's been a busy couple of weeks and we've not had much time for riding. This weekend we were able to make up for some of it.
Sunday June 15, 2008
I got up early and cleaned the bug guts off of our bike.
Vicki and I left home about 1:30 toward Hamilton picked up New London Rd to New Haven Rd. Crossed through Harrison stopping there for a cold drink and a bathroom break We rode a series of back road twisties from Harrison and popped put on Indidna SR-1 in Indiana then took Pribble Rd to Rt 48. Jumped on 50 then down along the Ohio river to Markland dam where we crossed over to KY. We wound our way back up river through Rabbit Hash only after stopping at the DQ in Warsaw, KY for lunch.
We had lunch there and of course ice cream. We then continued up the river to Petersburg where we jumped on I-275 to cross back into Indiana, and back to SR-50. Took it into Cleves and picked up East Miami River Rd and back toward Fairfield and home. In all 185 miles for Vicki and I.
On the way home we encountered a deer that tested us, then a rabbit trying to commit suicide, and a car full of teenage idiots who decided that their left turn with my right of way was more important than our lives.
But in all we had a great ride today to make a total of 390 miles in two days.
Saturday June 14, 2008
Vicki and I had to run some errands early Saturday morning so I suggested we take the bike. After our stops we decided to ride. I headed east through West Chester where we encountered Cicadas near the Butler Warren County line.While waiting on a light to change a cicada landed on Vicki's arm. She screamed and nearly jumped off the bike. All this through the bikes intercom system and causing me to just about crap my pants while jerking my head around. I actually thought there was a car heading for us. She apologised and we continued with her face shield down of course. We dodged these flying monsters the rest of the day. We ended up in Wilmington where we decided it was time to eat. You're all expecting a buffet or a DQ? Nope we went to Beugards where some of our RideOhio group met back on May 28th. I did not have ribs believe it or not we both had sandwiches. She loved it! I loved it!
I piloted us back up 69 to 350 where we jumped on I-71 and headed to the Hospitol to see our new twin grandsons. We had the babies all to ourselves and this is really cool because we don't have to pass one back and forth since there are two. We stayed about an hour then headed home. A good day and a good ride at about 190 miles. Now I have to clean all the cicada guts off of our Wing. Tomorrow instead of going east as planned I think we'll go west away from the bugs...
Sunday June 15, 2008
I got up early and cleaned the bug guts off of our bike.
Vicki and I left home about 1:30 toward Hamilton picked up New London Rd to New Haven Rd. Crossed through Harrison stopping there for a cold drink and a bathroom break We rode a series of back road twisties from Harrison and popped put on Indidna SR-1 in Indiana then took Pribble Rd to Rt 48. Jumped on 50 then down along the Ohio river to Markland dam where we crossed over to KY. We wound our way back up river through Rabbit Hash only after stopping at the DQ in Warsaw, KY for lunch.
We had lunch there and of course ice cream. We then continued up the river to Petersburg where we jumped on I-275 to cross back into Indiana, and back to SR-50. Took it into Cleves and picked up East Miami River Rd and back toward Fairfield and home. In all 185 miles for Vicki and I.
On the way home we encountered a deer that tested us, then a rabbit trying to commit suicide, and a car full of teenage idiots who decided that their left turn with my right of way was more important than our lives.
But in all we had a great ride today to make a total of 390 miles in two days.
Saturday June 14, 2008
Vicki and I had to run some errands early Saturday morning so I suggested we take the bike. After our stops we decided to ride. I headed east through West Chester where we encountered Cicadas near the Butler Warren County line.While waiting on a light to change a cicada landed on Vicki's arm. She screamed and nearly jumped off the bike. All this through the bikes intercom system and causing me to just about crap my pants while jerking my head around. I actually thought there was a car heading for us. She apologised and we continued with her face shield down of course. We dodged these flying monsters the rest of the day. We ended up in Wilmington where we decided it was time to eat. You're all expecting a buffet or a DQ? Nope we went to Beugards where some of our RideOhio group met back on May 28th. I did not have ribs believe it or not we both had sandwiches. She loved it! I loved it!
I piloted us back up 69 to 350 where we jumped on I-71 and headed to the Hospitol to see our new twin grandsons. We had the babies all to ourselves and this is really cool because we don't have to pass one back and forth since there are two. We stayed about an hour then headed home. A good day and a good ride at about 190 miles. Now I have to clean all the cicada guts off of our Wing. Tomorrow instead of going east as planned I think we'll go west away from the bugs...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Yesterday was a good riding day. I left out of the house early in the morning leaving Vicki to sleep in. I was able to rack up about 85 miles of twisty roads before heading back home.
We took the bike to a graduating party for Meghan spent about an hour and a half there then hit the road.
I went west on Sharon Road heading toward the West side of Cincinnati where we spent several hours exploring roads that were new to us. Returning home we had gone just over 100 miles.
What a nice day too. Sunny and 85 degrees.
We took the bike to a graduating party for Meghan spent about an hour and a half there then hit the road.
I went west on Sharon Road heading toward the West side of Cincinnati where we spent several hours exploring roads that were new to us. Returning home we had gone just over 100 miles.
What a nice day too. Sunny and 85 degrees.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Saturday May 31st. I left the house at 8:30 for the funeral home to escort our soldiers remains to St. John Church in West Chester for his funeral.
The escort was short but slow. A group went a head of us to set up flage at the church. As we reached the church we got off our bikes and set up a flag line snapping to attention as our soldier was removed fron the hearse. As always in respect we saluted until he was safely inside the church for the funeral.
No protestors were present so we stood down for about an hour.
As the funeral ended we again stood a flag line at attention saluting as Brandons remains were brought out to the hearse.
We mounted up and proceeded toward Gates of Heaven Cemetary in Montgomery. This was a very slow procession with the streets lined with people paying their respects. Some saluted, some stood with their hands over their hearts, and some proudly waver their flags for this American Hero. This is what makes me proud of the people of this country to see them honoring a 21 year old Hero who gave his life for our freedoms.
We reached the cemetary set up flag lines and again saluted our soldier while at attention.
The funeral continued as we stood in honor. After the service was over we parted as we always do and I led two other local bike back to Liberty Fairfield area where we live via the back roads.
Friday May 30th I checked out of work for about an hour about 1:00 PM to do a honor escort for Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) from Hodap funeral home in West Chester to Sycamore High School for a flaaen soldier from the 101st Airborne Division. When we finaly got to the school it was too late for me to go back to the office so I decided to stay and stand for this soldier.
We stood for him until 9:00 PM when we escorted his remains back to the funeral home. I returned to the house about 10:30 that night.
The escort was short but slow. A group went a head of us to set up flage at the church. As we reached the church we got off our bikes and set up a flag line snapping to attention as our soldier was removed fron the hearse. As always in respect we saluted until he was safely inside the church for the funeral.
No protestors were present so we stood down for about an hour.
As the funeral ended we again stood a flag line at attention saluting as Brandons remains were brought out to the hearse.
We mounted up and proceeded toward Gates of Heaven Cemetary in Montgomery. This was a very slow procession with the streets lined with people paying their respects. Some saluted, some stood with their hands over their hearts, and some proudly waver their flags for this American Hero. This is what makes me proud of the people of this country to see them honoring a 21 year old Hero who gave his life for our freedoms.
We reached the cemetary set up flag lines and again saluted our soldier while at attention.
The funeral continued as we stood in honor. After the service was over we parted as we always do and I led two other local bike back to Liberty Fairfield area where we live via the back roads.
Friday May 30th I checked out of work for about an hour about 1:00 PM to do a honor escort for Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) from Hodap funeral home in West Chester to Sycamore High School for a flaaen soldier from the 101st Airborne Division. When we finaly got to the school it was too late for me to go back to the office so I decided to stay and stand for this soldier.
We stood for him until 9:00 PM when we escorted his remains back to the funeral home. I returned to the house about 10:30 that night.
Wednesday was our rideohio.org Meet & Greet at Baugards BBQ in Wilmington, Ohio.
The Southwest Ohio group started from the Wendy's in Miamitown. As it worked its way east myself, Lymon, and Mike jumped in at Tractor Supply. We were 12 bikes at that time. We made the next stop at McDonanlds in Lebanon, Ohio where we found 19 more bikes waiting on us.
Now keep in mind that Beaugards is expecting about 12 to 15 people.
We wound our way through Fort Ancient up Route 350 to Route 68 to Beaugards where more bikes from around the state were waiting.
While I don't know the exact number of bikes or people in our group I would estimate about 50 - 60 people and about that many bikes.
Lunch was wonderful. I had the 9 bone rib plate with two sides and sweet tea. Delicious!
After lunch Mickey led us on a ride South East to the river. We went south on Route 73 then east on Route 50 to Route 41 south which was a very twisty scenic ride. I loved it.
When we reached the intersection of Route 41 and Route 32 most of our group split off their own ways toward home.
Several of us continued toward the river where we finaly reached it in Aberdene. We pulled down by the river in a park where we said our goodbyes again to more of our small group after posing for pictures in front of the suspension bridge.
Two more split off here which left me, Ltmon, Mike and Mickey heading west on 56 down river.
Mickey reached his route home and made his turn while the remaining three of us from Butler County decided to stay off of the interstate at rush hour. We programed the GPS to route us through Milford to Lebanon then made our way home. In all we rode about 260 miles that day. Met some new friends and can put some faces with names on our website.
This was the best ride of the week and I hope we do another meet & Greet soon.
Tuesday I got the ride with the retired & riding guys. Rain threatened but we set out. The route took us Miami River Road to Buffalo Ridge. We ended out on Route 50 then up Cliff Road where we overlooked the river. Some more back roads then into Cedar Grove Indiana where we had lunch at the Cedar Grove tavern. A unique little bar/restaurant with four full size bowling lanes. The food was good and very reasonably priced. From here we sort of split up the group and went our own way home.
The Southwest Ohio group started from the Wendy's in Miamitown. As it worked its way east myself, Lymon, and Mike jumped in at Tractor Supply. We were 12 bikes at that time. We made the next stop at McDonanlds in Lebanon, Ohio where we found 19 more bikes waiting on us.
Now keep in mind that Beaugards is expecting about 12 to 15 people.
We wound our way through Fort Ancient up Route 350 to Route 68 to Beaugards where more bikes from around the state were waiting.
While I don't know the exact number of bikes or people in our group I would estimate about 50 - 60 people and about that many bikes.
Lunch was wonderful. I had the 9 bone rib plate with two sides and sweet tea. Delicious!
After lunch Mickey led us on a ride South East to the river. We went south on Route 73 then east on Route 50 to Route 41 south which was a very twisty scenic ride. I loved it.
When we reached the intersection of Route 41 and Route 32 most of our group split off their own ways toward home.
Several of us continued toward the river where we finaly reached it in Aberdene. We pulled down by the river in a park where we said our goodbyes again to more of our small group after posing for pictures in front of the suspension bridge.
Two more split off here which left me, Ltmon, Mike and Mickey heading west on 56 down river.
Mickey reached his route home and made his turn while the remaining three of us from Butler County decided to stay off of the interstate at rush hour. We programed the GPS to route us through Milford to Lebanon then made our way home. In all we rode about 260 miles that day. Met some new friends and can put some faces with names on our website.
This was the best ride of the week and I hope we do another meet & Greet soon.
Tuesday I got the ride with the retired & riding guys. Rain threatened but we set out. The route took us Miami River Road to Buffalo Ridge. We ended out on Route 50 then up Cliff Road where we overlooked the river. Some more back roads then into Cedar Grove Indiana where we had lunch at the Cedar Grove tavern. A unique little bar/restaurant with four full size bowling lanes. The food was good and very reasonably priced. From here we sort of split up the group and went our own way home.
Monday, May 26, 2008
We had a great ride again today. It wasn't the route I wanted to take due to the storms they were predicting although we had a wonderful time.
Vicki and I set out hoping the rain would hold off for us, and here is our actual route we took.
Liberty Fairfield Rd. This becomes Wayne Madison Rd as you cross route 4 going north. Left on Augspurger Rd. Left on 7 Mile Ave which becomes B Street. Right on West Elkton Road which becomes Warwick Rd and then becomes Hoage Rd. Right on Hamilton Richmond Rd, (177) A left on Nichols Rd.After you cross SR-27 north of McGonigle we turned right on Law Rd. A left on Booth Rd, Then right on Kehr Rd. This brought us into Oxford on Chestnut St. We located lunch at JimmyJohns and took it with us. Leaving Oxford on Morning Sun Rd (SR-732) going north we hit the main loop road into Hueston Wood State Park where we had a picnic lunch by the lake. After lunch and some beautiful sights we headed back toward home on Oxford Germantown Rd, (744). 744 into Jacksonburg, Ohio.And then continued straight on SR-122.We turned right on Mossimon Rd. Turned right on Eck Rd, the right on Howe Rd.Then a left on Elk Creek Rd. Elk Creek Rd becomes North Main St in Trenton. Left on SR 73. Then a right on 1st St. This becomes Woodsdale Rd and winds down the river. Left on Wayne Madison Rd which becomes Liberty Fairfield Rd again then a left into our neighborhood. 80 miles in all of quiet country roads with lots of twisty's and scenic views. No rain, no traffic. We both satisfied our needs of riding today even though it wasn't the same route we wanted or the length of ride we wanted but it was great.
We'll ride this route again!
Vicki and I set out hoping the rain would hold off for us, and here is our actual route we took.
Liberty Fairfield Rd. This becomes Wayne Madison Rd as you cross route 4 going north. Left on Augspurger Rd. Left on 7 Mile Ave which becomes B Street. Right on West Elkton Road which becomes Warwick Rd and then becomes Hoage Rd. Right on Hamilton Richmond Rd, (177) A left on Nichols Rd.After you cross SR-27 north of McGonigle we turned right on Law Rd. A left on Booth Rd, Then right on Kehr Rd. This brought us into Oxford on Chestnut St. We located lunch at JimmyJohns and took it with us. Leaving Oxford on Morning Sun Rd (SR-732) going north we hit the main loop road into Hueston Wood State Park where we had a picnic lunch by the lake. After lunch and some beautiful sights we headed back toward home on Oxford Germantown Rd, (744). 744 into Jacksonburg, Ohio.And then continued straight on SR-122.We turned right on Mossimon Rd. Turned right on Eck Rd, the right on Howe Rd.Then a left on Elk Creek Rd. Elk Creek Rd becomes North Main St in Trenton. Left on SR 73. Then a right on 1st St. This becomes Woodsdale Rd and winds down the river. Left on Wayne Madison Rd which becomes Liberty Fairfield Rd again then a left into our neighborhood. 80 miles in all of quiet country roads with lots of twisty's and scenic views. No rain, no traffic. We both satisfied our needs of riding today even though it wasn't the same route we wanted or the length of ride we wanted but it was great.
We'll ride this route again!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
5-25-08
I rode solo this morning while Vicki stayed home. I met up with some GWRRA members from Cincinnati, Ohio chapter "L" we headed north toward Xenia, Ohio. The weather couldn't have been better. About 81 and sunny.
Even though i'm not a GWRRA member I felt very comfortable with these riders whom i must say were very friendly and welcomed me into their ride group. A big, Thank you, to each of you today. Our lunch stop was at Clifton Mill. A very interesting old place and the food was great.
Tomorrow the Mrs and I have a ride east toward Hillsboro then I want to drop down toward the river and cross the ferry into Agusta Kentucky and ride south from there until we're ready to head home.
I rode solo this morning while Vicki stayed home. I met up with some GWRRA members from Cincinnati, Ohio chapter "L" we headed north toward Xenia, Ohio. The weather couldn't have been better. About 81 and sunny.
Even though i'm not a GWRRA member I felt very comfortable with these riders whom i must say were very friendly and welcomed me into their ride group. A big, Thank you, to each of you today. Our lunch stop was at Clifton Mill. A very interesting old place and the food was great.
Tomorrow the Mrs and I have a ride east toward Hillsboro then I want to drop down toward the river and cross the ferry into Agusta Kentucky and ride south from there until we're ready to head home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
