Sooo ... the day went along rather well -- it wasn't agonizingly long nor amazingly fast to come to a close. However, it was the after-work that made this day special.
Instead of going straight home, I felt like grabbing a beer somewhere prior to going back to Hell ..... ummm, I mean the house.
So I stopped at a no-fee ATM, withdrew some cash and headed out to find a bar with a somewhat decent selection of beer. Not an easy task here in NASCAR country! ; )
Oddly my choice of route took me southward, as I could not think of any bars on the way home with any decent selection. Knoxville has some (which was the direction I headed), but outside of that, I was drawing a blank.
I was just poking along, in no hurry, along US 11-E southbound when I saw the sign for TN-139. Wait! there is now an Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday's .... or one of those that offer a bar with *some* beer selection over in Dandridge (which was only about 8 miles from where I left the ATM). My ride was closer to 30 miles. Ah well! I had "extra" gas in the tank and the skies were blue. Any saddle time is good, so no loss!
Anyhow, I finally arrive at the restaurant and belly up to the bar. I check their taps and only one is a light beer. YAY! The other four were Yuengling (that's okay), two Samuel Adams offerings (again drinkable), and a local Knoxville-based hoppy brew that I have had before. SCORE!
I order that and check the phone to make sure nothing has happened at home. I see a missed call from .... my sister. UH OH! She NEVER calls me! EVER!! .... even when I try calling her. SHE ... CALLED ... ME!!
UH OH! something must have gone wrong. I no sooner get my beer than I return her call. No worries, she just wanted to chat ... to ... ME!! I was glad I was sitting down!! I was tickled for the opportunity, though.
We spoke for a very enjoyable 40 minutes or so getting caught up some. I tell you it made my whole day!
It has been waaayy too long and I had given up on ever talking to her again unless it was in person (which is hard to do considering the distance between us). I have tried calling and texting, but never get much of a reply, and NEVER a phone call!
I felt like a bit of a hypocrite as I sat there in the bar like one of those ignorant a$$hole$ that sit there on their phone ignoring the world. However, I wasn't going to pass up the chance to talk with her and I smugly smiled from joy that I was talking to my sister, in spite of myself. Special thing indeed!
On my way home, I needed to stop at the grocery store to grab some beer for the next few days Megan works right next to the Food City and I circled the parking lot and noticed her car. I circled again looking for a parking spot.
No sooner than putting my kickstand down, Megan comes rolling out (doing carhop duty on roller skates tonight) and says "I thought that was my Daddy" and lays a big ol' hug on me. Can you say "heart melt"?
Yeah! it did! I asked when she was due for her break. She went back inside and her gracious boss allowed her to take one .... NOW.
I was already late getting home and knew it, but fuggit! time with my daughter is rare and more than precious! We spent 30 minutes enjoying each others' company.
First, a rare phone chat with my sister, to be followed up with nearly as long a face-to-face visit with my daughter. It ... doesn't .... get ... ANY .... better!
I got to spend time with two of my favorite ladies in the whole world tonight. Well, three of them, once I got home. I'll take it! (color me happy) I should've called Mom to make it all four!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
A perfect trifecta?
I have seen Filter perform live twice now and seen Robert Patrick (lead vocalist) when he was with Army of Anyone. Each and every time I have walked away pleased.
They had a show scheduled for Knoxville this past Wednesday night. I had to be to work at 7 AM the next day. We'll see if Ed can hang after this for sure!
We (Sean and I -- due to our work schedules) knew we would miss the opening local act. At the same time, we were both in agreement that we wished to catch the rest of the bill.
Local H was the first band up (for us). They had one hit in the late 80's and it was a two-man band. This intrigued me. Yeah, I loved the music they put out (at least that one song I had heard),
but,
WOW! I had no idea!!
The vocalist/string guy had an either 7 or 8 stringed "guitar". I don't really know, because the dude didn't stay still long enough to count them. I DO know that the two top ones were waaayy lower than a low E string. Additionally, he had what looked to be bass pickups on his "guitar". There was no doubt that there was something additional than the standard guitar because of some of the deeper (toned) notes he was pushing off that thing.
The drummer was .... just .... nuts! Man! he pounded the f*ck outta those drums! I mean almost violent strikes every 2 nanoseconds! He, too, was great.
It was really amazing the fullness of sound that those two put out. The set was really tight and they didn't engage in trivial chatting with the crowd to ensure they could play as much as possible. What a great set and a fine way to kick off the show.
Next up was a band called Helmet. They have been around forever and I had heard one of their songs on the radio before. Sean has been a fan of theirs for a long time and I think he was most looking forward to seeing these guys live (again).
They rocked it! I was really impressed with them. When they hit the song that has had some air time, a mosh pit broke out. Sean and I were just outside of where this started. We are usually further back, but since we were not in the midst of the melee, we stayed there to enjoy the rest of the set.
Well, these four guys all fell at once. The general "rule" is the pit stops to get everyone up so no one gets hurt. I was close by, so I stuck my nose in there (so to speak) to help out. Just as soon as I had, one of the dudes flailing around had his arm make contact with mine and knocked my beer out of my hand.
SPLAT! went that bottle of Sierra Nevada that I just had taken two sips from. DAMMIT!
Luckily, no one got cut when that happened and I tried corralling all the glass to prevent folks from being hurt. One of the guys that worked there came over when the pit started, saw what happened and was quick to go get a broom and dustpan and some towels to sop up the mess.
Sean gave me a hard time for being dumb enough to take a beer bottle into a mosh pit. "what did you expect would happen?" he queried. LOL Anyway, the rest of Helmet's set was great and no further incidences occurred.
Next up was Filter. I have seen these boys play a few times before and they always put on a great show. Tonight was no different.
Robert Patrick saw one guy filming their set and grabbed his cell phone took it around the stage to each person playing (to give a close-up) and then panned the crowd and handed the phone back to the dude. Class act!
He has an amazing vocal range, and really hits some high notes. He's quite a professional, too.
They had equipment problems, in that, his guitar started making feedback and crackling noises. The sound guy came out and they tried to get it to work to no avail. Robert finally said they would do the next song without the guitar and apologized to the crowd.
This was ongoing. The sound guy, bless his heart, kept on trying to get the guitar fixed. After each song, he would come out and try something else.
Robert, was very cordial and respectful to the dude and said "It's not his fault! It's not his fault" (which we all knew but it was gracious of him to make a point of that). They eventually got it fixed.
They were kicking into the song "Picture" as I had my phone up to do just that ...
sometimes, timing is everything. Then there are times, when it doesn't go so smoothly.
He did some crowd surfing and came out amongst us. As you can see, Sean and I still were rather close to the stage. Robert had worked his way close enough I could have touched him, but I wasn't quick enough to draw out my phone, turn the camera on, and get a picture of him in time.
Oh well, here are a few more pics anyway ...
They played for about 80 minutes. Such a great show!
All three bands were great. As we were walking back to the truck, Sean said "Every one of those bands were worth the price of admission alone." and I was in complete agreement.
Sean and I have been to this venue to see a show plenty of times now. We used to get slightly lost going there. We no longer do that, but when he listened to me to take a left when we are leaving we managed to get lost on the way home. There's always a first for everything, I guess.
We soon found our way back onto I-40 and I got home a little before 1 AM. Of course, I couldn't go straight to sleep, so it was nearly 2 when I fell asleep. I still managed to get up at 6 and make it to work on time, so I guess I ain't "old" yet. (grin)
They had a show scheduled for Knoxville this past Wednesday night. I had to be to work at 7 AM the next day. We'll see if Ed can hang after this for sure!
We (Sean and I -- due to our work schedules) knew we would miss the opening local act. At the same time, we were both in agreement that we wished to catch the rest of the bill.
Local H was the first band up (for us). They had one hit in the late 80's and it was a two-man band. This intrigued me. Yeah, I loved the music they put out (at least that one song I had heard),
but,
WOW! I had no idea!!
The vocalist/string guy had an either 7 or 8 stringed "guitar". I don't really know, because the dude didn't stay still long enough to count them. I DO know that the two top ones were waaayy lower than a low E string. Additionally, he had what looked to be bass pickups on his "guitar". There was no doubt that there was something additional than the standard guitar because of some of the deeper (toned) notes he was pushing off that thing.
The drummer was .... just .... nuts! Man! he pounded the f*ck outta those drums! I mean almost violent strikes every 2 nanoseconds! He, too, was great.
It was really amazing the fullness of sound that those two put out. The set was really tight and they didn't engage in trivial chatting with the crowd to ensure they could play as much as possible. What a great set and a fine way to kick off the show.
Next up was a band called Helmet. They have been around forever and I had heard one of their songs on the radio before. Sean has been a fan of theirs for a long time and I think he was most looking forward to seeing these guys live (again).
They rocked it! I was really impressed with them. When they hit the song that has had some air time, a mosh pit broke out. Sean and I were just outside of where this started. We are usually further back, but since we were not in the midst of the melee, we stayed there to enjoy the rest of the set.
Well, these four guys all fell at once. The general "rule" is the pit stops to get everyone up so no one gets hurt. I was close by, so I stuck my nose in there (so to speak) to help out. Just as soon as I had, one of the dudes flailing around had his arm make contact with mine and knocked my beer out of my hand.
SPLAT! went that bottle of Sierra Nevada that I just had taken two sips from. DAMMIT!
Luckily, no one got cut when that happened and I tried corralling all the glass to prevent folks from being hurt. One of the guys that worked there came over when the pit started, saw what happened and was quick to go get a broom and dustpan and some towels to sop up the mess.
Sean gave me a hard time for being dumb enough to take a beer bottle into a mosh pit. "what did you expect would happen?" he queried. LOL Anyway, the rest of Helmet's set was great and no further incidences occurred.
Next up was Filter. I have seen these boys play a few times before and they always put on a great show. Tonight was no different.
Robert Patrick saw one guy filming their set and grabbed his cell phone took it around the stage to each person playing (to give a close-up) and then panned the crowd and handed the phone back to the dude. Class act!
He has an amazing vocal range, and really hits some high notes. He's quite a professional, too.
They had equipment problems, in that, his guitar started making feedback and crackling noises. The sound guy came out and they tried to get it to work to no avail. Robert finally said they would do the next song without the guitar and apologized to the crowd.
This was ongoing. The sound guy, bless his heart, kept on trying to get the guitar fixed. After each song, he would come out and try something else.
Robert, was very cordial and respectful to the dude and said "It's not his fault! It's not his fault" (which we all knew but it was gracious of him to make a point of that). They eventually got it fixed.
They were kicking into the song "Picture" as I had my phone up to do just that ...
 |
| "Picture" |
He did some crowd surfing and came out amongst us. As you can see, Sean and I still were rather close to the stage. Robert had worked his way close enough I could have touched him, but I wasn't quick enough to draw out my phone, turn the camera on, and get a picture of him in time.
Oh well, here are a few more pics anyway ...
 |
| "Hey Man! Nice Shot" |
They played for about 80 minutes. Such a great show!
All three bands were great. As we were walking back to the truck, Sean said "Every one of those bands were worth the price of admission alone." and I was in complete agreement.
Sean and I have been to this venue to see a show plenty of times now. We used to get slightly lost going there. We no longer do that, but when he listened to me to take a left when we are leaving we managed to get lost on the way home. There's always a first for everything, I guess.
We soon found our way back onto I-40 and I got home a little before 1 AM. Of course, I couldn't go straight to sleep, so it was nearly 2 when I fell asleep. I still managed to get up at 6 and make it to work on time, so I guess I ain't "old" yet. (grin)
A picture is worth a thousand words right? Here are a few thousand words then.
I got to do the kayak/camp thing last weekend. I tried to do a write-up on it but was just not inspired to. Nor have I had the time with the work schedule to devote to composing and editing. So in lieu of that, here are some pictures instead ....
(and, as always, if you wish to see more detail in the pictures, click on them and they should enlarge)
Great times with some great people. Thanks Larry for the loan of the kayak. Thanks to the rest for the company.
(and, as always, if you wish to see more detail in the pictures, click on them and they should enlarge)
 |
| my view outside my tent. not too shabby! |
 |
 |
| Gavin |
 |
| Nick |
 |
| love the patterns in shale |
 |
| Okay (top flame) |
Great times with some great people. Thanks Larry for the loan of the kayak. Thanks to the rest for the company.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Rollin' Down the River
Julie (my mother-in-law) put on her bucket list a whitewater rafting trip for her 60th birthday (ten years ago). We tried to make that happen, but couldn't.
This year she reached 70 and refused to let ANYthing get in her way. She was doing this.
We had planned to do this last weekend, but the logisitics of the situation pushed it back a week. Considering that last week was the Fourth of July weekend, the re-scheduling, planned or not, seemed to be genius, in retrospect.
So anyhow, we did it this past weekend. One of megan's roomates' ex-boyfriend worked at a rafting place nearby so it was all set for him to be our guide. I like Fletcher, he's a nice guy
Heh. all the well-laid plans of mice and men .... two days prior Fletch sprained his ankle and his boss would not allow him (smartly) to run the river, despite how much he begged. Heal well, my friend.
We got signed in, and then Melissa remembered that she had forgot her shoes, so Megan who drove them to the site of the rafting place from their campsite, was commissioned to go back to the campsite to pick up what was forgotten.
It took an interminable amount of time and we were close to being bumped to another bus because she still had not returned as we were prepping to leave. Luckily, she showed just before the bus took off. While we missed Fletch, our guide, Fuller, was friggin' awesome!
We go through the normal liability dissertation of don't be stupid out there, you could get hurt, and after getting out of the bus are reunited with Fuller who shows us the proper way to sit in the boat without getting launched into the water (remember this point).
Amongst that dissertation is the explanation of the different classes of rapids. Six is insanity and those people just are adreanaline-junkie nut-job types. Five is really crazy, really fun. Four is more manageable. Three is rather mild. Two is almost boring and one is flat water, followed by a hearty "BOOO!"
We were the last raft in the water The transport bus carries six rafts per trip. Fuller was great. She is living the life as she spends her summers as a raft guide and her winters as a ski/snowboard instructor. I just wished I was half as smart when I was her age.
That gal is living the life and getting paid to do so. Awesomeness!!
We *finally* got in the water and within about 5 minutes (not even) we hit our first of four class 4 rapids. The following pictures were taken here. Sean and I (up front) learned quickly to not have your mouth open unless you wanted a mouthful of Pigeon River down your throat.
What a great introduction to what to expect! Already I'm liking it! This was good stuff!
The stretches of rapids were rather brief and we spent most of the trip floating from one section to the next with brief moments of exhilaration tossed in. Just prior to arriving at the second class 4 rapid section, you could see the group up ahead doing "doughnut" spins in the rapids.
That looked fun. Fuller said we could do the same and told one side to paddle backwards while the other paddled forward. We did and mid-turn Fuller and Isaac were ejected into the water. Julie almost joined them but between her grabbing Sean and Melissa grabbing her leg, she managed to remain in the boat.
Fuller couldn't believe she fell out. She was regretting getting back to base and the hell that the other guides were going to give her for such a rookie move.
She explained that she will now have to buy "swim beer" for the Thursday night meeting they hold. She said it is usually the rookies that have to do that. It seems that if you go swimming you need to bring a case of beer to the meeting. She won't live this one down anytime soon.
Anyway, we got the raft over to the bank and Fuller and Isaac swam over to us. We all got back in the boat and continued on.
At the next rapid section she wanted some redemption, so we did more spins and this time everyone stayed in the raft, followed by a high five where we all hold our oars over our heads and touch them together. She was fun.
We hit one other class 4 and then it was mostly just floating along. That was nice as well. It was rather peaceful and beautiful to just slowly move along. We got to one area and the guides told us we could get out of the boats and swim if we wanted. Melissa took her up on it, but was the only one from our raft to do so.
After the swim, and all the boats had all their rafters back in, we had found ourselves ahead of one of the others. They in turn, came up behind us and started a splash fest, to which we returned the favor. We probably looked like a bunch of children. ; )
It wasn't long before we had gotten back to the place and the trip was over. What a great way to spend the day, though.
Additionally, it has been a long, looong time since we have done anything as a family. That was nice/
This year she reached 70 and refused to let ANYthing get in her way. She was doing this.
We had planned to do this last weekend, but the logisitics of the situation pushed it back a week. Considering that last week was the Fourth of July weekend, the re-scheduling, planned or not, seemed to be genius, in retrospect.
So anyhow, we did it this past weekend. One of megan's roomates' ex-boyfriend worked at a rafting place nearby so it was all set for him to be our guide. I like Fletcher, he's a nice guy
Heh. all the well-laid plans of mice and men .... two days prior Fletch sprained his ankle and his boss would not allow him (smartly) to run the river, despite how much he begged. Heal well, my friend.
We got signed in, and then Melissa remembered that she had forgot her shoes, so Megan who drove them to the site of the rafting place from their campsite, was commissioned to go back to the campsite to pick up what was forgotten.
It took an interminable amount of time and we were close to being bumped to another bus because she still had not returned as we were prepping to leave. Luckily, she showed just before the bus took off. While we missed Fletch, our guide, Fuller, was friggin' awesome!
We go through the normal liability dissertation of don't be stupid out there, you could get hurt, and after getting out of the bus are reunited with Fuller who shows us the proper way to sit in the boat without getting launched into the water (remember this point).
Amongst that dissertation is the explanation of the different classes of rapids. Six is insanity and those people just are adreanaline-junkie nut-job types. Five is really crazy, really fun. Four is more manageable. Three is rather mild. Two is almost boring and one is flat water, followed by a hearty "BOOO!"
We were the last raft in the water The transport bus carries six rafts per trip. Fuller was great. She is living the life as she spends her summers as a raft guide and her winters as a ski/snowboard instructor. I just wished I was half as smart when I was her age.
That gal is living the life and getting paid to do so. Awesomeness!!
We *finally* got in the water and within about 5 minutes (not even) we hit our first of four class 4 rapids. The following pictures were taken here. Sean and I (up front) learned quickly to not have your mouth open unless you wanted a mouthful of Pigeon River down your throat.
What a great introduction to what to expect! Already I'm liking it! This was good stuff!
The stretches of rapids were rather brief and we spent most of the trip floating from one section to the next with brief moments of exhilaration tossed in. Just prior to arriving at the second class 4 rapid section, you could see the group up ahead doing "doughnut" spins in the rapids.
That looked fun. Fuller said we could do the same and told one side to paddle backwards while the other paddled forward. We did and mid-turn Fuller and Isaac were ejected into the water. Julie almost joined them but between her grabbing Sean and Melissa grabbing her leg, she managed to remain in the boat.
Fuller couldn't believe she fell out. She was regretting getting back to base and the hell that the other guides were going to give her for such a rookie move.
She explained that she will now have to buy "swim beer" for the Thursday night meeting they hold. She said it is usually the rookies that have to do that. It seems that if you go swimming you need to bring a case of beer to the meeting. She won't live this one down anytime soon.
Anyway, we got the raft over to the bank and Fuller and Isaac swam over to us. We all got back in the boat and continued on.
At the next rapid section she wanted some redemption, so we did more spins and this time everyone stayed in the raft, followed by a high five where we all hold our oars over our heads and touch them together. She was fun.
We hit one other class 4 and then it was mostly just floating along. That was nice as well. It was rather peaceful and beautiful to just slowly move along. We got to one area and the guides told us we could get out of the boats and swim if we wanted. Melissa took her up on it, but was the only one from our raft to do so.
After the swim, and all the boats had all their rafters back in, we had found ourselves ahead of one of the others. They in turn, came up behind us and started a splash fest, to which we returned the favor. We probably looked like a bunch of children. ; )
It wasn't long before we had gotten back to the place and the trip was over. What a great way to spend the day, though.
Additionally, it has been a long, looong time since we have done anything as a family. That was nice/
Saturday, July 12, 2014
everything zen?
After first break on Friday, the rumor was we were going to be leaving early. The timeline ranged from noon to 2:00.
Either way, would be fine for me. I didn't start until Tuesday so if we stayed until 2 I am only out 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, the weather is beautiful outside, and due to leaving a little late that morning, I took the Bandit to work instead of the KLR. Heh! sidenote --- I made up about 9 minutes getting to work compared to my normal time.
If we leave at noon, I can sneak a ride in before going home. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Well our supervisor came around shortly after break informing us we would be off at noon. SWEET! Admittedly, it made focusing on work for the next hour and a half a bit more difficult.
I had been wanting to fill out a couple more applications anyway, so with the "extra" time I was just given I decided I would fill out at least one. That was the plan, anyway.
At noon, I headed over to White Pine to apply at what once was a Clayton plant I *used* to work at. Of course, I don't have my resume or any of that information they ask for and certainly don't have all those details committed to memory. I *have*, though, uploaded a resume to my email account.
I figured I could hit the library, log in, print off a resume, fill out an app. and be riding in no time at all. Heh! not so much! I got to the library and got on a computer, but for whatever reason, it wouldn't open ANYthing from my Yahoo account. MOTHER FU.........ER!!
It then dawned on me, okay, use the phone to open the email, and forward to my gmail and see if their computer likes that better. Well, it did. So I print off a copy of the resume but have lost a half hour dicking around with their computer's aversion to yahoo.Meh. whatever!
So I head over to the plant. As I entered the building one of the guys I used to volumtarily pull Saturday duty for was in the office. Thomas was the "third in command" for the old company. We chat for a bit and then I look at the receptionist and ask for an application.
To which I get the reply "We only accept applications on Wednesdays."
(sigh) "Okay, can I get one to take home and bring back on Wednesday?"
"No"
(what the hell is this deal about? what is sooo damned sacred with these applications that you cannot take one home to fill out? do that many people blatantly steal these things? really?)
(again ..... sigh)
"Okay, can I leave you a resume?" (i just paid 50 cents for one)
"No"
I am visibly frustrated by now and I can see Thomas holding back a chuckle. I ask her
"How long are you here on Wednesday so I can fill out an app?"
"We stop taking apps at 3:00"
F*CK ME! I don't get out until 3:30 and couldn't get there until 4. I am at my limit. I jokingly say
"You're going to make me miss half a day just to fill out an application!" (with a little frustrated vigor)
Thomas then says, "Well, you get an appliication in, and we'll see what we can do!" followed by "of course you will have to go through the whole re-hire process". Well I guess since I'm only a temp anyhow, I will be taking Wednesday off.
Okay so that errand done, I was ready for a beer. I figured I would ride over to Asheville and get one (maybe two). I headed over that way and in short order, there is another rider coming up on my six .... fast! He is hauling!
I wave him on by and he waves back as he passes. I was running about 65 when he caught up and passed me. I had no need to go more than that.
However, something made me stick on his tail. Now granted, once catching me he slowed some and our speed was pretty equal. We rode together for the next 30 miles or so. I wasn't sure which way I was going to go, but now that I am with this guy, I will see if he turns onto TN-107 or stays straight and I will tag along.
I can get there either way. I am fluid and have a couple hours to burn.
He chose to continue southbound on US 25/70 at that interchange and I followed in his tracks. We kept a comfortable, but spirited pace. We soon arrived in Hot Springs, NC and he turned in the direction to Asheville, and I still stayed with him. However, he pulled into some pub/diner there.
I had never been to this one, but decided to pull in as well. Before I got a chance to query him on anything (he had camp gear packed), he walked in. The server got to him about the same time I did and asked what "you all" wish to drink. I hadn't expected to sit with him but after that, he offered up the invitation for me to join him and I graciously accepted.
After perusing their beer menu, I saw they had Dogfish Head's 90 minute IPA for the price of what they offered on tap. SCORE!
I don't know why, but I was relieved when he also ordered a beer with his dinner. I am not one for making impressions, but I guess I didn't want him to think I was one of those that rode from bar to bar. Whatever!
Well, they were slow with the food (and I often wonder if the servers write on the order ticket to the cooks, :they're drinking, don't make thsi TOO quickly" LOL). That gave us some time to chat, though. I enjoyed Jim's company and was happy invited me to sit with him.
Turns out he was headed to Caruso, NC to stay at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground and that he was from Knoxville (about 40 minutes from my house). The food was good and the company was too.
After lunch, he went in the other direction than me. I was going to Marshall, NC to pick up some beer for later that evening.
Heh. the problem with that was that I had NO intention of getting off work early enough to find myself in Marshall buying beer. On the bike were TWO bungee cords that are hardly long enough to do more than strap over the seat.
Well shiiiite! I picked out what I wanted and was happy to see they sold a package of bungee cords. I figured between that and "stealing" a box from them, I could make this work. I got to the register and cried my unprepared sob-story and the bagger went and found me a box. It worked perfectly!
I went the way that I *would* have come in had I not been following Jim (because it is more fun). This route is fun and I *know* it .... well (like the back-of-my-hand well).!
I was scooting along NC-208 at quite an elevated pace. I was clicking along nicely. There was no misapprehensions (braking when I shouldn't or other worries). It all felt right. I was doing what I used to do.
Too well?, I suppose, as I quickly came to the end of the fun part of 208. I really wanted to turn around and run it again, just to have to run it yet one more time.
Time, though, is relative, and discretion had me continue on home. After all, I still had to fix dinner for Dad and myself yet. Playing makes this a late(r) endeavor.
I got home around 6 PM and was smiling. What a great afternoon! It was only a little over a 100 miles but it was a great 100 miles!
I got off work early ... on a Friday. The meetup with Jim was unexpectedly delightful, and the ride home managed to top that.
The night was finished off (and so was I) with some tasty brews. How can ya argue a day like that?
Either way, would be fine for me. I didn't start until Tuesday so if we stayed until 2 I am only out 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, the weather is beautiful outside, and due to leaving a little late that morning, I took the Bandit to work instead of the KLR. Heh! sidenote --- I made up about 9 minutes getting to work compared to my normal time.
If we leave at noon, I can sneak a ride in before going home. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Well our supervisor came around shortly after break informing us we would be off at noon. SWEET! Admittedly, it made focusing on work for the next hour and a half a bit more difficult.
I had been wanting to fill out a couple more applications anyway, so with the "extra" time I was just given I decided I would fill out at least one. That was the plan, anyway.
At noon, I headed over to White Pine to apply at what once was a Clayton plant I *used* to work at. Of course, I don't have my resume or any of that information they ask for and certainly don't have all those details committed to memory. I *have*, though, uploaded a resume to my email account.
I figured I could hit the library, log in, print off a resume, fill out an app. and be riding in no time at all. Heh! not so much! I got to the library and got on a computer, but for whatever reason, it wouldn't open ANYthing from my Yahoo account. MOTHER FU.........ER!!
It then dawned on me, okay, use the phone to open the email, and forward to my gmail and see if their computer likes that better. Well, it did. So I print off a copy of the resume but have lost a half hour dicking around with their computer's aversion to yahoo.Meh. whatever!
So I head over to the plant. As I entered the building one of the guys I used to volumtarily pull Saturday duty for was in the office. Thomas was the "third in command" for the old company. We chat for a bit and then I look at the receptionist and ask for an application.
To which I get the reply "We only accept applications on Wednesdays."
(sigh) "Okay, can I get one to take home and bring back on Wednesday?"
"No"
(what the hell is this deal about? what is sooo damned sacred with these applications that you cannot take one home to fill out? do that many people blatantly steal these things? really?)
(again ..... sigh)
"Okay, can I leave you a resume?" (i just paid 50 cents for one)
"No"
I am visibly frustrated by now and I can see Thomas holding back a chuckle. I ask her
"How long are you here on Wednesday so I can fill out an app?"
"We stop taking apps at 3:00"
F*CK ME! I don't get out until 3:30 and couldn't get there until 4. I am at my limit. I jokingly say
"You're going to make me miss half a day just to fill out an application!" (with a little frustrated vigor)
Thomas then says, "Well, you get an appliication in, and we'll see what we can do!" followed by "of course you will have to go through the whole re-hire process". Well I guess since I'm only a temp anyhow, I will be taking Wednesday off.
Okay so that errand done, I was ready for a beer. I figured I would ride over to Asheville and get one (maybe two). I headed over that way and in short order, there is another rider coming up on my six .... fast! He is hauling!
I wave him on by and he waves back as he passes. I was running about 65 when he caught up and passed me. I had no need to go more than that.
However, something made me stick on his tail. Now granted, once catching me he slowed some and our speed was pretty equal. We rode together for the next 30 miles or so. I wasn't sure which way I was going to go, but now that I am with this guy, I will see if he turns onto TN-107 or stays straight and I will tag along.
I can get there either way. I am fluid and have a couple hours to burn.
He chose to continue southbound on US 25/70 at that interchange and I followed in his tracks. We kept a comfortable, but spirited pace. We soon arrived in Hot Springs, NC and he turned in the direction to Asheville, and I still stayed with him. However, he pulled into some pub/diner there.
I had never been to this one, but decided to pull in as well. Before I got a chance to query him on anything (he had camp gear packed), he walked in. The server got to him about the same time I did and asked what "you all" wish to drink. I hadn't expected to sit with him but after that, he offered up the invitation for me to join him and I graciously accepted.
After perusing their beer menu, I saw they had Dogfish Head's 90 minute IPA for the price of what they offered on tap. SCORE!
I don't know why, but I was relieved when he also ordered a beer with his dinner. I am not one for making impressions, but I guess I didn't want him to think I was one of those that rode from bar to bar. Whatever!
Well, they were slow with the food (and I often wonder if the servers write on the order ticket to the cooks, :they're drinking, don't make thsi TOO quickly" LOL). That gave us some time to chat, though. I enjoyed Jim's company and was happy invited me to sit with him.
Turns out he was headed to Caruso, NC to stay at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground and that he was from Knoxville (about 40 minutes from my house). The food was good and the company was too.
After lunch, he went in the other direction than me. I was going to Marshall, NC to pick up some beer for later that evening.
Heh. the problem with that was that I had NO intention of getting off work early enough to find myself in Marshall buying beer. On the bike were TWO bungee cords that are hardly long enough to do more than strap over the seat.
Well shiiiite! I picked out what I wanted and was happy to see they sold a package of bungee cords. I figured between that and "stealing" a box from them, I could make this work. I got to the register and cried my unprepared sob-story and the bagger went and found me a box. It worked perfectly!
I went the way that I *would* have come in had I not been following Jim (because it is more fun). This route is fun and I *know* it .... well (like the back-of-my-hand well).!
I was scooting along NC-208 at quite an elevated pace. I was clicking along nicely. There was no misapprehensions (braking when I shouldn't or other worries). It all felt right. I was doing what I used to do.
Too well?, I suppose, as I quickly came to the end of the fun part of 208. I really wanted to turn around and run it again, just to have to run it yet one more time.
Time, though, is relative, and discretion had me continue on home. After all, I still had to fix dinner for Dad and myself yet. Playing makes this a late(r) endeavor.
I got home around 6 PM and was smiling. What a great afternoon! It was only a little over a 100 miles but it was a great 100 miles!
I got off work early ... on a Friday. The meetup with Jim was unexpectedly delightful, and the ride home managed to top that.
The night was finished off (and so was I) with some tasty brews. How can ya argue a day like that?
Friday, June 27, 2014
Willville '14
Will (the owner) really has it going on! There is a bubbling creek that encloses the whole camping area. It is wonderful to be lulled to sleep to the sound of the water. I was looking forward to getting back there.
Phil headed this one up and picked the date and made an effort (as time allowed) to make maggots aware of it. Either timing was bad or the fact that it wasn't pushed down their throats led to a rather small showing.
My weekend began on Thursday evening as I figured I could go over to Asheville, grab some good beers and then I would be ready to leave on a direct path to Willville as soon as Melissa got home on Friday. So, I left here Thursday evening around 6:30 PM. Asheville is about 60-90 minutes away, depending on how fast you are hauling. I didn't really have the hammer down as I knew I had time. (Uh Oh! -- surely Ed just didn't say he had *plenty* of time!)
So I arrive in Asheville (and pass the bottle shop I intend to visit for stocking purposes) about 7:30. I need to find a Bank of America to avoid a convenience surcharge of a couple bucks from a different ATM (one of Dad's rules) and know there is one near Broadway, but was confident enough to not bother writing down the directions/address (Uh-Oh).
Well, sure enough, I don't find it. I drove around for a bit and finally pulled into a gas station when I knew it wasn't going to happen for me. The guy behind the counter just moved there and couldn't help me, but there was a guy on a scooter who "knows" where it is (why is "knows" in quotes?).
He gives me directions and I follow them. However, he told me to take a right when he likely meant for me to take a left. I took the right and wound up on the interstate. No good! I backtracked some and found where he *meant* for me to go -- as mentioned I should have made a left. Meh! no biggie.
Well, it kind of was! Yeah, I found the bank, but it was within a Merril Lynch office complex that locked their doors well before I got there and there was NO accessible ATM outside the building. So I have been looking for this stupid ATM for the last 40 minutes ... only to have to pay the convenience fee at ANOTHER ATM ANYHOW?!?! UGH! whatever!
So I pull what I need and know I will hear about it later. I walk over to the bottle shop. It is now 8:10. They closed at 8 PM. OMG!
I ... am ... PISSED! TEN FUCKIN' MINUTES! I was fine; had arrived in town in time, the shop was still open as I rolled by it. If I wasn't trying to save THREE FRIGGIN" DOLLARS, I would have made it!
This wouldn't be so big a deal except the ride to Willville from Newport, TN is 2 hours (via slab) versus the ride from Asheville being twice that; and all slab ... UGH!!!!! The whole idea of going on Thursday, as opposed to Friday, was supposed to save me two hours of slab. DAMMITALL ANYHOW!
Well I'm here may as well go to the bar for a beer .... or three! I did just that. I didn't get smashed. I had one, sat and chilled for a while and then had another.
The second just so happened to be an Old Rasputin (this is Melissa's favorite beer hands-down). Not only did they have Old Rasputin, but they had it on Nitro (Nitrogen --- which is waaaay creamier).
It was AMAZING! Heh. After that first sip, I looked at the glass and mumbled "I love you" (hell I didn't want anyone in the bar to KNOW I am a weirdo). I sloooowwwlly sipped that one. It was fantastic and made the wasted trip fade away. It also made me waaayy late getting home.
I had recently got my own cell phone, but not being used to that, I had left it at home and was unable to keep Melissa abreast of what was going on. I already had drank one beer and made sure I put some time between it and the second. This meant getting home much later than intended.
The first thing I told her upon arrival was "I'm sorry I left my phone. I am not used to having one." and then followed it up with "I had an affair tonight" (meaning the Rasputin beer -- that monk is beguiling, I tell ya!)
Her reply was "What bike did you ride?" without batting an eyelash. GOD, I love that woman!
Anyway, we smoothed things over. I guess she is used to her dumbass husband. We also discussed since I am now two hours behind for Friday (my fault) that I may leave 2 hours prior to her getting home and Dad would just have to ... deal.
Friday comes and I leave on time, but wind up spending about an hour at the bottle shop trying to maximize what I could get with what I could spend, as well as, spending time talking with the employees. I love talking beer, and they are very knowledgeable, so it makes it even easier to lose time. I figured on 30 minutes there -- already Ed is chasing clock; imagine that!
I wound up being about 90 minutes later than what I told Tim I would be, but I did stop and grab a bite which also took some time. I pull in figuring everyone is out at dinner and begin to set up camp. While doing so, Tim, Phil, Ed, and Ben walk up. Tim has a box of pizza with two slices saved for me. Sadly, I had eaten (and had texted him that I would because of the hour). Still, they saved me some -- maggots rock!
Adult beverages were consumed, and lies were told. The night faded too quickly.
Saturday morning they all wanted to grab breakfast, I skipped on that to opt for more sleep time. When we got ready to ride the obvious choice for a lead rider was Phil. Not only because he is faster than the rest of us, but also because he KNOWS the roads better than any of us.
Phil led a spirited pace on his little SRX 600cc Yammerhammer single, while the rest of us took turns trying to keep up. We tore up many miles of asphalt that did nothing but put smiles on our faces. It was twisty madness, I tell ya.
I thoroughly believe I live in motorcycle heaven. Honestly, 200 miles ANY direction out my door ... all good stuff! Phil put us on roads you won't find on a map, but had me asking "what was that road?" ALL ... DAY ... LONG! in hope of remembering it -- some of them I do remember, but finding them may not be so easy. It was an amazing time strafing our way along through the countryside.
We spent over an hour getting to a little restarurant/beer vendor just five minutes from his house. He lives about 20 minutes from Willville. Luckily, Jennifer had time to break away from her busy schedule to join us for what turned out to be an awesome lunch.
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| L to R: Phil, Tim, Ben, Ed, and myself (Photo courtesy of Phil Ross) |
Phil has gotten rather familiar with his SRX. Keeping him in your sight is *always* a challenge, but he was nice enough to keep a pace that was something us mere mortals could hang with.
One road I do know, and one we often hit up when we are up there is VA-16. When we got to VA-16, I saw gravels on the road. 16 is KNOWN for it! Last time I went down, I was on this section of 16 -- and slid on gravel.
About 3/4 mile into it, sure enough, I hit some. The front wheel washed a bit and I and the bike skittered some across my lane. I had enough time to formulate "Not aga" ---- [in] ... but before the last half-syllable was formulated, the bike gained traction and we rolled on, albeit at a much more (too?) sane pace. I feel sorry for Ben, whom was behind me at the time. I kept expecting him to roll on past me since I was out of it -- sorry Ben.
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| Photo courtesy of Phil Ross |
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| Photo courtesy of Phil Ross |
When taking off I *tried* to make myself last. Ben took off shortly after Phil did once he noticed I wasn't going. However, Tim never went, so I did.
Tim got caught up speaking to the couple of dudes that came up while we were hanging out. No biggie! Tim is fast enough to catch any of us when he is ready.
I totally blew a right-hander and was *glad* no one saw it. I don't know what I was doing or thinking that occupied my attention, but it sure was not on the road itself.
It was a sharp right hand turn. I wasn't tired or anything, but I must've spaced out or something. The curve went right, I did not.
I was glad there was no oncoming traffic. I stopped with my front wheel JUST over the double yellow line. TOTAL BONEHEAD!
I went down the hill yelling in my helmet "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?" I have NO idea what happened.
I just freaked a bit and the fact I cannot account for it really bothers me! I think I saw it turn deeper than I initially thought and tried to stop, instead of taking it, but am really unsure what exactly happened. Regardless, as a motorcyclist, you cannot do that! There's another withdrawal from the luck bucket.
We get to the next turnoff and Tim still hadn't caught up, so we waited for him. He showed up shortly after and we continued on. At this point, getting back to camp was a motivating factor.
Phil wicked up the pace a bit. We never made an illegal pass as I recall, and Phil was careful to ensure that if he passed, we all could.
We got to one point where that happened, and Tim was in "sweep" position. Phil, Ben, and myself got by this slower moving cage, but for whatever reason Tim did not follow suit. We are holding a steady pace, maybe not legal, but not crazy either. Tim is not in the mirror; minutes pass, and he still isn't!
Many more minutes pass. WTF?!? Then .... FINALLY .... I see his headlight as I was on a straight. YAY! I was getting worried. We were holding a "slightly" brisk pace, so for Tim to catch us, let's just say he needed to maintain a much more aggressive approach!
We stopped and grabbed dinner in Hillsville. By the time we got back to camp we had turned about 300 miles of twisty bliss on our odometers. FANTASTIC!
Only downside of the day is that I found that it had rained while we were gone ... HARD! Enough so that there was a puddle IN my tent where the wind must've blown the rain in and, as a result, my sleeping bag had gotten wet (only on one end, but still sucked!).
We spent the evening hanging out on Will's porch telling stories. Good times indeed!
We all met in town for breakfast Sunday morning. After which, Ed and Ben headed north. Before Phil, Tim, and myself mounted up to head back to camp, one of Phil's buddies showed up and we hung out for a bit. While chatting a 2009 Bandit 1250 rolled in for gas.
It was my bike, but better. It was clean and he had put some suspension mods on it. After some tire-kicking and socializing, we went back to Willville to break camp.
It is a little after 11 AM by the time we head out. Phil has decided to join Tim and I south on the BRP for a while before heading home, but he didn't want to lead.
Tim took the helm and immediately tried to lead us north on the Parkway. I honked my horn but he kept going. Phil and I found a shaded spot to wait for him to realize his mistake.
Sure enough, he returns and we all head south. Blue skies with little white, puffy clouds, good roads, and great company! What more can a man ask for?
Tim led another fun pace. Again, comfortable, but not crazy. We stopped at an overlook and took in the splendor that is the Blue Ridge mountains. Tim wanted to get a selfie of the three of us to send to his bride ....
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| Photo courtesy of Tim Schwab |
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| Those mountains seem to go on forever! Photo courtesy of Phil Ross |
Tim knew of this little biker dive that served great food just up the road. I had a rheuben that was fantastic. The food was every bit as good as Tim said it was, and was only made better by the company. After lumch, we all parted company. Phil headed north, Tim went southeast, and I continued south on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I kept a modest pace and only made legal passe all the way home. When I had the road to myself I would maintain about a 60-65 mph average. When in traffic, I just did whatever the vehicle in front of me was doing.
What a great weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's been a while since I had any significant saddle time, and any time spent with maggots is quality time. This was perfect!
After getting home, I was looking at the bike and thinking about what Phil had mentioned to me at the overlook on the BRP. He was talking about the depth of color in that other Bandit (basically alluding to how not clean mine is).
Sooo, I did something I rarely ever do ...I cleaned the bike. Here are pics of it in a clean state ...
It is not Mo Draper clean, but it is much better than it was.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Truly Blessed!
It's always an adventure and I keep managing to find new ones.
For a few years now, I have told my mom that I will make it down to see her (she lives in Jacksonville, FL) for Mother's Day. Melissa squirreled a little extra money away to allow me to go this year. It helped she had a full week of OT the previous week.
I was ecstatic! Mom is an awesome person (of course, I am biased a bit).
I saw Mom last year when she came up for a couple days, but outside of that it's only been phone calls for the last five years. While I am grateful that we at least have that, there is nothing like being together.
I have a buddy that lives near Atlanta that came to the Leaf Peep last year. It isn't "on the way", but I will be on the bike, so what's a few extra philometers between friends?
Besides that, his dad was going to be visiting from Alaska. His dad is pretty cool old dude. I had met him seven? years ago and hadn't seen him since.
The forecast was not favorable for riding, but it sure would be cheaper than taking a cage. I opted for the KLR since the Bandit has a brand new rear tire and I didn't want to burn it up on the interstate. The KLR tires are half the cost of the Bandit's.
Melissa got home around 4. I had the bike packed all I had to do was touch base with her for a couple minutes, suit up, and go -- the tank was even full.
It was overcast and spittin' rain until I hit the NC state line. While the clouds remained, there were spots where the orb of the sun permeated them. As I neared Waynesville, the sky opened up and an aggressive downpour ensued. It is cats-and-dogs rain -- visibility was quite hampered forcing me to back my speed down to about 30 mph. Fun stuff!
After about 10 miles of this crap, I noticed that I was losing my directions. Water had seeped under the tape. Coupled with the wind, the directions were peeling off. I held them in place with my left hand until I found a parking lot to pull into.
I attempted to re-tape them to the tank. Trying to secure tape to wet tank, is rather pointless. I managed to make it stick to itself and with a few layers, I got it to stick as good as it likely was going to.
Luckily, the rain let up a little bit before I reached Clayton, GA. I stopped there to gas up and noticed an ABC liquor store. I stopped figuring I could grab some beer and ice it, that way it should be cold by the time I reached Brian's. I'm glad I did because they had Westbrook's IPA -- Christopher McConnell turned me onto that at one of Mo's wrenchfests a couple years ago and I hadn't seen it since.
Around Tallulah Falls area I noticed a couple roadside signs advertising for a BBQ joint ahead that offered craft beer. Well I'm hungry and a bit curious what they call craft beer, so I stop in. Craft beer? we shall see!
Once I get off the bike, there were some kids eating on the (covered) patio and asked me "You rode that in the rain?" Heh. I replied that it happens sometimes.
After perusing the menu, I realized they had three beers that I would put in the "craft" category -- just enough to advertise it, I guess. They also had Heineken and Blue Moon, but I don't consider them craft. Anyway, they had Hopsectioner, which is a solid IPA and I like it so ordered one with some pulled pork and baked beans.
The beer was better than the food. The food wasn't bad, but this is the south, and BBQ can be a big deal. The server was real cool, though, and she filled my cooler with ice for no charge.
I got back on the road and the rain had subsided. There were even gray spots on the asphalt where the car tire tracks had been.
When I asked Brian about a good bottle shop, he reommended one over in Stone Mountain -- about 10 miles from his house called the Smoke Rise Bottle Shop. I walked around drooling for about 20 minutes, talking beers with one of the stock guys, made my purchases, and headed on to Brian's.
We sampled some good beers and enjoyed each other's company until he said it was 2:30 AM. WOW! where does the time go?
So we shut down for the night. He offered me an air mattress or I could have the couch. The couch wasn't long enough for me, so I told him I would just crash on the floor. He wanted to blow up the air mattress, but I told him the floor would likely be better on my back. I slept like a rock.
I awoke moments before his cuckoo clock chirped 6 times. I never heard it go off at 3, 4, nor 5. I closed my eyes, but sleep didn't come, so I got up. Brian laid in bed until near 11 and claimed he hadn't drank that much or stayed up that late in a while. Yeah, since the last time I was here. ; )
I noticed that my chain looked a little slack, and Brian and his dad love tinkering in the garage, so we adjusted it. While adjusting, Brian noticed my tire looked a little low. We checked and, sure enough, it was, so we brought it up to 32 psi. His dad asked me to check the oil. I did and it was above the add mark, but not by much, so I added oil, too.
Brian's stable of bikes is mostly old Euro stuff. He has three Triumphs, a BMW, a Harley, and a two stroke 500cc triple Kawasaki. He has been telling me I need to ride the triple ever since he got it.
I obliged! that thing is crazy. What a hoot! When that thing decides it's ready to go, you BETTER be hanging on.
He took a picture of me as I approached his driveway and posted it to Facebook. You can view it by clicking
if you wish.
It came to the point where I needed to hit the road. I always leave the bike in first gear and start it in gear. I put the kickstand up, pulled the clutch lever in, and hit the start button. The damn bike lurched forward. WTF?
Not sure what caused it to all of a sudden come out of adjustment -- especially THAT much! We adjusted it. That done, I mounted up, and Brian told me to wait. The chain had NO slack once my 200 pound frame was on it. So we had to RE-adjust chain.
I finally got on the road. Googlemaps routed me through Atlanta and I-75 all the way to Florida. I *hate* driving through Atlanta traffic. I get into the downtown area and sure enough ... UGH! parking lot! It took about 10 minutes to go a mile.
I am rolling again and around certain trucks the bike is "wiggling" some. I chalked this up to wind buffeting as it only did it around certain trucks and settled once I got past it.
When I got to Macon, I could have taken I-16 over to I-95 or I-75 like Google suggested. The sky looked clearer to the south than it was to the southeast, so I opted for 75.
Around Tifton, I think it was, I stopped at a rest area as the sky ahead had turned dark. I grabbed a sugar-loaded, crusty, likely out-of-date cinnamon roll, donned my rain gear, and did a tire pressure check. It was still holding at 32 psi.
I am now south of Valdosta. While passing a truck, once again the bike began to "wiggle". Although, this time it was a significantly more pronounced yaw. It's not a tank-slapper thing as the bars are straight and unaffected, but it was just as interesting. The bike is just see-sawwing.
I let the bike slow (not drastically) and the wiggle stopped for a second. Now at 50 mph, it started again. I am no longer in a wind buffeting zone. I pull to the shoulder and hear the trademark sound of a flat tire.
Wonderful! There is nothing I can do on the side of the interstate, so I limp it 2 miles at 10 mph muscling that thing.
I pulled into the first gas station (a Shell) and headed straight for the air compressor. The air compressor isn't going to help me as the bead has broke. Worse yet, the tube is done as well.
Great! it's 6 PM on a Saturday night in BFE (technically Lake Park, GA -- 5 miles from the FL state line). I went in and asked the guy behind the counter if there were any motorcycle shops anywhere nearby. He tells me I "picked" a bad place to have issues.
Picked? PICKED?!?! You're right dude, I chose to wait until after any bike shop would be closed and break down in an area that has none any-fuckin'-how! I somehow kept from saying that and then asked if there was a pay phone anywhere close and nearly got laughed at. YIPPEE!
The guy offered me some business cards of 24 hour roadside tire services. I also looked in the phone book and grabbed a couple more numbers. Now I have to find a phone.
The guy behind the counter went on a paranoia dissertation about not letting anyone use his cell phone. I didn't even ask to use his, but he still went on. I guess it was a form of apology, or he was bored, or something, I don't know.
I walked over to the gas station across the street and asked about a pay phone. Nope! However, the younger clerk offered me the use of his cell phone.
I placed some calls, but none of the numbers I had did motorcycle tires. The clerk went through his stack of business cards, and produced one that said he could do it. He told me he was in the middle of a job and would call when finished.
So I waited ... and waited ... and waited. About 7:40 the young guy tells me he is leaving at 8 and that I should call him back. I do, and the tire guy says he will be here in about 45 minutes. 8:30 passes, as does 9, and 9:30. It's now 10:00 and still nothing. There was a Harley rider that had been hanging out in the parking lot messing with his LED light wiring in his trunk.
After a while he came over to chat and proceeds to tell me I have a flat. WOW! once again, I showed restraint.
The guy was aces though -- really a salt-of-the-Earth guy. He starts placing calls to friends to see if he could find someone with a trailer that could get me and my bike to his place. He had to leave early in the AM to deliver a load (he was a truck driver). He told me if it weren't for that, he would drive me to Jacksonville himself because "seeing your mom is important".
Crazy! it's people like that that restore your faith in humanity.
While he is on the phone, the tire guy finally showed. Harley dude headed out on his way as it seemed I was in good hands. He told me if I could get to the next exit he wasn't far off the interstate, but never bothered to tell me exactly where.
Tire guy looks at it and sees the remains of a tube and acts like he didn't hear me tell him the tube was done. However, it's a tubeless tire, so he attempts to work with it. He fights it for about 2 hours and the bead will not seat -- not even ether helped.
He says he can go to the next exit and use the tire machine there. He came back and the tire was still not seated. He said he put 150 psi to it and it still wouldn't seat. He said tomorrow he can try to find a tire or a tube, so I am stuck for the night! Before leaving, the guy let me use his phone to call Melissa and let her know what was going on.
The only hotel in sight is Hampton Inn. This is waaaayyy out of my budget, so I figure I will move the bike to the back of the parking lot and hope a cop don't mess with me.
Outside that crusty cinnamon roll at the rest stop, I hadn't eaten all day and it's after midnight by now. Next door is a 24 hour McDonald's and the lobby is also open 24 hours. I ordered a chicken sandwich and planned on going back to the bike and wash it down with a couple beers.
Then I noticed the strawberry cheese pie sign. That looked *good*! I ordered it.
By now, I already had the previous order, but I wait at the counter, and wait, and wait. There were three people (including manager) working.
With it likely being the only game in town open at that hour, it is a bit crowded. The guy taking orders continues to do so while someone else fills and dispenses them. After about three others had gotten their food, the manager (who was filling orders) asked what I was waiting on. I told her only to hear "We don't have any of those" I replied that that was "just wrong"!
She tried to offer me anything else. I didn't want anything else. I wanted that strawberry cheese pie and requested my money back.
She tells me it would take eight minutes to make one up. I tell her I ain't goin' anywhere!
So she put two in for me -- for the "inconvenience". I sat down and ate my sandwich. I'm not a big McDonald's fan, but I am here to say their habanero ranch sauce is the bomb!
She gives me my pies and apologizes again. I thank her and head over to the bike. I took the first bite and OH.MY.GOD!!! it was like crack!! soooo good -- especially hot out of the oven like that! I burned the roof of my mouth, but didn't care.
I reached in the side bag and pulled out a beer to wash it down; then had another. As I was getting the third, I must've disturbed the center of gravity enough that the bike tipped off the kickstand and over on it's left side.
GRR! that was it! I have had it! frustration doesn't BEGIN to explain it.
I held my arms up, looked to the sky, and asked, "WHAT ELSE DO YOU HAVE FOR ME TODAY?!?!" The nerve of me! Having a tire go flat at 50 mph and safely navigating it without endangering my safety or anyone else's earlier and I have the nerve to question something that petty!
I set the beer down and try to lift up the bike. I have dropped the KLR a few times before on the trail, so lifting that heavy pig isn't a big deal. Yet, never tried it with a flat rear tire. I had to exert a little more effort than I normally would. It is at least 75* and muggy. I am drenched in sweat.
Yeah a beer was needed! I hate to say I "need" a beer because I am not dependent on it, but at that moment ..... I think I did!
While sippin' it down, I noticed a sign for a Travelodge on the other side of the Cracker Barrel. I am smelly and tired, well, exhausted, so walk over and the lady behind the desk gives me an absolute bottom price of $55.
I want a shower ... badly! and $55 isn't a bad price for a room nowadays, despite the fact that I really cannot afford it. I go ahead and get it, grab a shower and finish off the last three beers I had (for this trip -- in GA I picked up some to take home). It was about 4-something AM before my eyes shut.
Up at 8 and head back to the bike. I eat the other strawberry cheese pie for breakfast. It's MUCH better piping hot, but still not bad. I go into the Shell and the two guys that were working at the other gas station the previous night were there. Apparently, they own both stations.
The older guy kept giving me the stare down. I guess he didn't trust this long-haired hyppie-looking mofo! I spent the day outside awaiting the tire guy to show.
About noon, I give up, go inside, and peruse the yellow pages again looking for Enterprise rental (they will pick me up) thinking I can rent a pickup truck. No Enterprise, as a matter-of-fact, no car rental places listed. Okay U-haul ... nope, no moving rental places listed either except the 1-800 number for Hertz. Great!
So then it hits me if I could put a call to Melissa, I could have her put a note on the Sabmag facebook page for me. I find a trucker filling up, explain the situation, and ask if I could use his cell phone to call my wife. He allows me to and Melissa tells me this tire guy wants her to wire him $90 so he can drive to Ocala, FL to get a tire from some guy who will open the store for him to sell him a tire for me.
Screw that! I paid him that same amount last night, so he had cash to cover it up front. I told her it sounded like he was trying to rip her off and told her he can come talk to me or go to hell! (yeah patience had worn thin by now)
The cell phone paranoia guy (from yesterday) shows up for his shift and asks what the latest is. I tell him that the tire guy showed but we couldn't get it done. I may have help coming but have no way of knowing.
Before he goes on in he asks if I have eaten. I told him there is McD's next door and others within walking distance. Nice guy!
Later, when a biker comes in, he asks the guy come talk to me. This guy tells me of a bike shop about 15 miles up the road that will be open on Monday and could probably pick me up, so worst case scenario is I can be rolling by Monday, but seeing Mom is out on this trip.
After a bit, the owner (the one who was giving me the nasty eye) comes out. It's about to pour as the sunny sky had given way to black clouds. I tell him I have nothing new to report and he heads inside.
A couple minutes later, paranoid guy comes back out and tells me it's going to rain (this guy is good with the obvious!). He reaches into his wallet pulls out a hundred dollar bill, tells me there are hotels over there, go get you a room, get on the phone, call your people, and get something done -- this is NOT a loan! it's a pay it forward deal.
As I walked back to the bike, my eyes welled up. I am not all that emotional but I was overcome with emotion and began to cry a little -- just overwhelmed.
I get a room and the sky opened up -- what timing! I call Melissa and she tells me that Curtis Cavanaugh is en route (from Atlanta area -- 4 hours away). I felt so relieved! Amazing!
I like Curtis, so am glad it is someone I know and like, but ... WOW! that's 4 hours one way!! Not only that, Melissa said he was planning to drive me home. which is an additional 4 hours in the opposite direction of his house. WHAT A GUY!
There's no way I will allow him to do that. That would be 12 hours of driving if he drove me home and 16 if he went back home AFTERwards!
After getting off the phone, I go to the front desk clerk only to realize I cannot get money back. I had been in the room 10 minutes and only used the phone. The clerk explains it is policy and out of his hands, yet calls his manager. The manager confirms what the clerk said.
GAH! I almost kept their card key and when they mailed me about it I would've told them that it would cost the price of a refund. ; )
I go back over to the Shell, thank paranoid guy who gave me the money and tell him help is on the way. We chat for a bit and then Curtis pulls into the parking lot at about 30 mph rubber-necking looking for my dumbass! I say good-bye to the guy and go see Curtis. This whole time the owner has been once-again giving me an eye! I won't miss him!
We got the bike loaded, which with a flat rear tire, was *much* easier than I thought it was going to be, got it tied down, and headed north. Curtis is a leadfoot! he has a 350 in that truck and believes in using each cubic inch of it! ; )
As we pulled into his town, I asked if we could hit a beer store. He said that was already in the plans.
Sadly, the store he had in mind was closed by 10 PM on a Sunday night. Kroger was next door so we head in and find there is still two minutes of "selling hours" left.
We take a brisk pace across the store, grab the first thing that looked good and rush to the self-service checkout. I got it scanned in time, but we had to wait on the clerk to check my ID. By the time she entered my birthdate, it was too late. Ugh!
I had a couple beers I was planning to take home, but they would be drank now instead. We got back to his house, and pull the wheel so all we have to do is put it in the truck in the morning.
We jumped online and checked our options. I figured we would either get a tire, tube, or I would leave it, take a bus home, and come get it another day. Tires were a bit out of budget, but a tube wouldn't be.
During our research, we found that I could get a bus ticket online for $13 that would leave Marietta (near his work) at 7 AM. Cool! Then the Greyhound site didn't allow you to buy the ticket. Okay we will show up at 630 AM and buy the more expensive ticket at $40 (still cheaper than a tire).
We then hung out for a bit and shared a couple beers. It was now 12:30 AM and we were leaving at 5:45 AM, so it was bedtime.
We got to the bus station only to find that it was closed and wouldn't open until 9. WTF?!? Man! we could've slept longer had we known *that*! What an inefficient-run operation!
So we hit a McD's to usurp their free wi-fi. We find that there is a bus leaving Atlanta for Knoxville at 2 PM. We decide to go back to his house and do some more online searching for tires/tubes.
No one opens until 10 AM, so we sat around twiddling thumbs for a couple hours. We tried Cycle Gear first (as they are the NAPA of motorcycle shops -- you may pay more, but they will likely have it in stock). I found a tube and they mounted it. The guy asked what happened to the tube and I told him.
Apparently, the tire guy in GA had tried to inflate and seat the bead using the valve stem from the busted tube rather than affixing a tubeless valve stem -- it's no wonder the damn thing wouldn't seat! I was tired and wasn't paying attention -- that's my story anyway.
The guy at Cycle Gear aired up the tube, and even balanced the tire. At checkout, he only charged me for the tube, no labor.
We head back to Curtis' house and remount the wheel. Of course, I put the wheel on and then realize I had forgotten to put the chain on the sprocket. DOH! I'm not tired, nope ... not at all!
Curtis points me to I-75. It's about noon by now so I pull into Arby's for some food and to figure out a game plan as it is too pretty to slab it all the way home. I opted for US 411 to GA-136 to GA-368? which would take me to GA-5. 136 and 368 looked real curvy on the map but turned out to be less so. It was still better than slab!
I stopped in Blue Ridge, GA for some caffeine as I felt the "sleepys" setting in. Then it's on to TN-68 and a stop at Hunt's Lodge, only to find no one there. I will need gas before I get home, so I stop and get $10 worth. I am dog-tired and fighting to stay awake. Some stretching and a bit of sugar and am off.
I take TN-360 to US 411 on home. As I approached Sevierville, the sky was black and the mountain tops were ate up by clouds.
SHIT! I been dry all day and I am going to get drenched the last 20 miles! However, I managed to get home completely dry. It was sooo good to be back home.
Again, a big, big thanks to Curtis, for going waaay above and beyond. While at it props to Harley dude for trying to help, and paranoid guy as well.
I am truly blessed to have people like that show up at such a trying time.
Monday, April 28, 2014
LIGHT!
A sliver of light cracks through
The darkness that surrounds.
At least there is light.
This time, it seems, it will stay.
As the light continues to glow,
It offers a glimmer of hope.
Spirits rise,
As I readjust.
It's wonderful to see again!
The darkness that surrounds.
At least there is light.
This time, it seems, it will stay.
As the light continues to glow,
It offers a glimmer of hope.
Spirits rise,
As I readjust.
It's wonderful to see again!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Long time coming .....
I got in touch with Tim Schwab, who recently arrived back home from his latest tour over in Afghanistan. I had a new rear tire that needed breaking in and wanted to see if he was available to get together and ride some.
He had some business to attend to early Saturday morning but would be freed up by the afternoon. We made a plan to meet at 1 PM. I told him I would try to be on time and he laughed at me.
As mentioned, I had a new rear tire so I just jumped on the interstate so I wouldn't be tempted to play the first 100 or so miles. Besides, I-40 isn't all that bad near the NC/TN border. I am rolling along and enjoying the beauty of the redbuds that are lining the side of the highway, which are in full bloom this time of year.
I pulled into the Sonic where we were to meet at 10 minutes before 1 PM. Yay!
Tim wasn't there yet. However he rolled in about 10 minutes later. Greetings were exchanged and we grabbed a quick bite to eat before hitting the road.
He wanted to head up NC-181 and maybe do the Snake (US 421) near Shady Valley, TN -- works for me. The *fun* part of 181 was about 15 miles up the road and Tim wanted to top off his tank prior to hitting it.
We stopped at an Exxon and it took him nearly 5 minutes to pump 1.65 gallons of fuel. He remarked he burns it quicker than the rate it was coming out of the pump.
He gave up at 1.65 gallons and I was glad, because I was roasting sitting there. It was about 75* and the sun was beaming down. Great if you are moving, but when in gear and no air movement, it gets warm quickly!
We got rolling and it wasn't long before we hit the good stuff. Tim had been in the lead, but when there was a pass opportunity and didn't capitalize, I did. He is still knocking off some rust from not riding the past 14 months or so, and I am ready to break in this tire!
He followed suit and we took that hill with a measure of aggressiveness that was merited. 181 is great! while the curves are not wide sweepers, they aren't crazy-tight technical turns that keep you at lower speeds either. By the time we are halfway up the mountain, my heart rate was significantly heightened. Good stuff!
We got to the top and jumped on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yeah life is tough!
What a beaut of a road! The scenery sure makes it difficult to concentrate on the road, though.
We went by one overlook, and you could see mountains in the distance .... forever. I was still in the lead and pulled into the next overlook, told Tim I wanted to go back, and took a couple pictures.
Here is a panorama of three images I took ....
This gives you perspective of what the Cherokee once saw. It was the only time I got the camera out all day, but I made it count. ; )
After getting a couple pictures, we resumed our brisk pace along the BRP. This road NEVER gets old!
We reached 421 and had to exit the parkway in favor of heading to "The Snake". I haven't been on this road since leaving DAMSME, a couple years ago. Oddly, I was with Tim that day as well.
I was admittedly disheartened when I saw the sign to Mountain City (the south side of the Snake) was still 23 miles away. This stretch of 421 is very slab-ish. Bummer!
We endured it, because we knew what was waiting ahead. The Snake is riddled with posted-20 mph curves in such succession that you are frequently sashay-ing to the left and the right. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!
Once again, Tim feeling rusty, had me take the point. I had no problem with this, but fully expected the man to blow by me when he got bored with my pace. He didn't! He stayed right in my tire tracks, but never went by.
I have ridden this road many times. It's typically better than the Dragon, due to the fact it is lesser known, so much less traffic and law to contend with. The curves are every bit as tasty, just with less worry about some idiot being in your lane as you come around a curve.
That said, this was the first time I had a free run at it. There was NO traffic going our way -- NONE!
There were a few going the other way, and one guy on a bike was rather close to our lane. This happens, but most riders adjust when they see it. This guy was either over his head and couldn't or didn't care. It worked out, but it got my (and Tim's) attention for a second or two.
Although most curves are marked as 20 mph (some are 15), it is very difficult to obey those recommendations when you have nothing but open asphalt in front of you. I'm not saying we were over that mark, but we might have been once or twice. (giggle)
We got to the store and I was as giddy as a school girl. I couldn't believe we just ran the whole thing without encountering another vehicle. MAGIC! Tim told me he never got to do that either.
Shortly after our arrival, other riders showed up. One of them cracked me up.
He was all decked out in his Icon jacket (with armor), Joe Rocket leathers with knee pucks, full faced helmet, and gloves. He swung his leg off the bike to reveal he was wearing (GAK!!) ... SNEAKERS! The dude can afford decent riding gear and is looking sharp, but wearing .... sneakers?!? WOW! .... just WOW! .... it cracked me up!
Tim and I planned on doing a southbound run of the Snake and this time I told him to take the lead. I fully expected him to run off and leave me since he is a much better rider. Apparently, he IS rusty as I was able to keep pace with him through the whole stretch. Once again, we had a free run at it -- with luck like this we should hit Vegas -- NOW! ;j
This weather is tailor-made for riding -- not too hot, not cold, no rain -- where is everyone? While it didn't break my heart, it was befuddling. Anyhow, we got to enjoy two free runs at it.
I half-wanted to go do it again, *because* there was no traffic to deal with! Nonetheless, we both told our wives we would be home at a decent hour and stuck to it.
When we got to TN-167, I split off headed west and he continued on south toward our respective homes. 167 was one I hadn't been on before (so I thought .... funny how after a few curves you recall, 'yeah I *have* been on this road before!!). It was mildly fun and terminated on TN-67 which dropped me onto US 321. 321 gets kind of interesting along Watauga Lake. It's not technical, but has plenty of nice curvy sections with beautiful scenery of the lake. Good stuff!
I wound my way to Johnson City then found US 11-E to get me back to the house. 11-E has a stretch of "country" to it. There is nothing to it for 30 miles or so.
It just traverses the countryside. There are some nice farms out that way that are lined with beautifully verdant, green pasture.
I got home before dark, to the tune of 400 miles with a sore ass and a smiling face. It was a great day of riding only made better by the company of a very good friend.
He had some business to attend to early Saturday morning but would be freed up by the afternoon. We made a plan to meet at 1 PM. I told him I would try to be on time and he laughed at me.
As mentioned, I had a new rear tire so I just jumped on the interstate so I wouldn't be tempted to play the first 100 or so miles. Besides, I-40 isn't all that bad near the NC/TN border. I am rolling along and enjoying the beauty of the redbuds that are lining the side of the highway, which are in full bloom this time of year.
I pulled into the Sonic where we were to meet at 10 minutes before 1 PM. Yay!
Tim wasn't there yet. However he rolled in about 10 minutes later. Greetings were exchanged and we grabbed a quick bite to eat before hitting the road.
He wanted to head up NC-181 and maybe do the Snake (US 421) near Shady Valley, TN -- works for me. The *fun* part of 181 was about 15 miles up the road and Tim wanted to top off his tank prior to hitting it.
We stopped at an Exxon and it took him nearly 5 minutes to pump 1.65 gallons of fuel. He remarked he burns it quicker than the rate it was coming out of the pump.
He gave up at 1.65 gallons and I was glad, because I was roasting sitting there. It was about 75* and the sun was beaming down. Great if you are moving, but when in gear and no air movement, it gets warm quickly!
We got rolling and it wasn't long before we hit the good stuff. Tim had been in the lead, but when there was a pass opportunity and didn't capitalize, I did. He is still knocking off some rust from not riding the past 14 months or so, and I am ready to break in this tire!
He followed suit and we took that hill with a measure of aggressiveness that was merited. 181 is great! while the curves are not wide sweepers, they aren't crazy-tight technical turns that keep you at lower speeds either. By the time we are halfway up the mountain, my heart rate was significantly heightened. Good stuff!
We got to the top and jumped on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yeah life is tough!
What a beaut of a road! The scenery sure makes it difficult to concentrate on the road, though.
We went by one overlook, and you could see mountains in the distance .... forever. I was still in the lead and pulled into the next overlook, told Tim I wanted to go back, and took a couple pictures.
Here is a panorama of three images I took ....
 |
| remember you can click on this image and "blow it up" larger |
This gives you perspective of what the Cherokee once saw. It was the only time I got the camera out all day, but I made it count. ; )
After getting a couple pictures, we resumed our brisk pace along the BRP. This road NEVER gets old!
We reached 421 and had to exit the parkway in favor of heading to "The Snake". I haven't been on this road since leaving DAMSME, a couple years ago. Oddly, I was with Tim that day as well.
I was admittedly disheartened when I saw the sign to Mountain City (the south side of the Snake) was still 23 miles away. This stretch of 421 is very slab-ish. Bummer!
We endured it, because we knew what was waiting ahead. The Snake is riddled with posted-20 mph curves in such succession that you are frequently sashay-ing to the left and the right. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!
Once again, Tim feeling rusty, had me take the point. I had no problem with this, but fully expected the man to blow by me when he got bored with my pace. He didn't! He stayed right in my tire tracks, but never went by.
I have ridden this road many times. It's typically better than the Dragon, due to the fact it is lesser known, so much less traffic and law to contend with. The curves are every bit as tasty, just with less worry about some idiot being in your lane as you come around a curve.
That said, this was the first time I had a free run at it. There was NO traffic going our way -- NONE!
There were a few going the other way, and one guy on a bike was rather close to our lane. This happens, but most riders adjust when they see it. This guy was either over his head and couldn't or didn't care. It worked out, but it got my (and Tim's) attention for a second or two.
Although most curves are marked as 20 mph (some are 15), it is very difficult to obey those recommendations when you have nothing but open asphalt in front of you. I'm not saying we were over that mark, but we might have been once or twice. (giggle)
We got to the store and I was as giddy as a school girl. I couldn't believe we just ran the whole thing without encountering another vehicle. MAGIC! Tim told me he never got to do that either.
Shortly after our arrival, other riders showed up. One of them cracked me up.
He was all decked out in his Icon jacket (with armor), Joe Rocket leathers with knee pucks, full faced helmet, and gloves. He swung his leg off the bike to reveal he was wearing (GAK!!) ... SNEAKERS! The dude can afford decent riding gear and is looking sharp, but wearing .... sneakers?!? WOW! .... just WOW! .... it cracked me up!
Tim and I planned on doing a southbound run of the Snake and this time I told him to take the lead. I fully expected him to run off and leave me since he is a much better rider. Apparently, he IS rusty as I was able to keep pace with him through the whole stretch. Once again, we had a free run at it -- with luck like this we should hit Vegas -- NOW! ;j
This weather is tailor-made for riding -- not too hot, not cold, no rain -- where is everyone? While it didn't break my heart, it was befuddling. Anyhow, we got to enjoy two free runs at it.
I half-wanted to go do it again, *because* there was no traffic to deal with! Nonetheless, we both told our wives we would be home at a decent hour and stuck to it.
When we got to TN-167, I split off headed west and he continued on south toward our respective homes. 167 was one I hadn't been on before (so I thought .... funny how after a few curves you recall, 'yeah I *have* been on this road before!!). It was mildly fun and terminated on TN-67 which dropped me onto US 321. 321 gets kind of interesting along Watauga Lake. It's not technical, but has plenty of nice curvy sections with beautiful scenery of the lake. Good stuff!
I wound my way to Johnson City then found US 11-E to get me back to the house. 11-E has a stretch of "country" to it. There is nothing to it for 30 miles or so.
It just traverses the countryside. There are some nice farms out that way that are lined with beautifully verdant, green pasture.
I got home before dark, to the tune of 400 miles with a sore ass and a smiling face. It was a great day of riding only made better by the company of a very good friend.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Weaver's Bend
Had a camping trip planned for this past weekend. Since it was going to be out in the middle of the woods, I wanted to bring the KLR and possibly explore some of the forest roads/trails that I would come across. Problem with that is that the KLR keeps blowing the headlight fuse (and it has an expired tag).
I got the tag renewed and began chasing down the short. In the process of that, I managed to blow the starter solenoid in doing so. The cost for a new one is (GAK!!) $75?!?! Ugh! I swear I make things worse sometimes! I checked fleabay and found one that would work in my bike for $16 and free shipping. SOLD!
However, it wouldn't arrive before I had to leave on Friday, so the KLR is out. Meh! that means I have to take the Bandit. Life is tough!
Problem with *that* though, is that it has a bald rear tire and rain was forecast for late in the weekend. I figured I would deal with that problem when I got there.
I got the bike loaded up and took off for Weaver's Bend, which is on the TN/NC border -- basically a half hour away. I took the wrong turn and went about 10 miles out of the way before I found a local to ask for directions. He pointed me the right way and I eventually got there.
Larry and his dog, Sprocket, were already there and had his camp set up. I told him I was only staying long enough to set up my tent and then was off to make a run to the grocery store for beer and food. I *could* have brought that along, but what I wanted isn't available in TN and since I was already near the border anyway, I decided I would drop off my gear (weight) and take a fun run on the bike to get beer and food.
It worked out *perfectly*. I KNOW the roads to the store and had fun twisting the happy handle.
I had a free run at TN-70 over the mountain (which offers a few fun switchbacks but only lasts a couple miles) then onto NC-208 along the river and just laying the bike over to the right and the left in quick succession.
I hadn't had any seat time lately, but my skills were pretty sharp! GOOD TIMES!
Then for the icing on the cake, I had a free run up the mountain on US 25/70! I have NEVER had an uninhibited run up that stretch. The bike gods were smilin' on me!
I got to the store, grabbed some grub and liquid bliss. It was funny, though. As I loaded up the grocery cart (with beer mostly), I began wondering how in the hell I was going to fit it all on the bike. It worked out, but since I only had my collapsible cooler, it was tight. Nonetheless, I got everything packed and I headed back to camp.
Larry was still the only one there and that is how it would be for Friday night. That was just fine. We sat around staring at the fire and an occasional train going by. One of which Larry got a wonderful long exposure shot of ...
In between trains, he and I solved all the world's problems. I must confess though, that the alcohol has clouded my memory and I cannot recall the solutions we came up with. I guess we will have to hold another fire.
The night passed quickly and Larry said to me "well it's 3 AM, I guess I will go lie down". It sure didn't feel that late; time flies when you're having fun!
I was up and moving before Larry so I grabbed the camera to play some.
When I got back, Larry was still snoozing, so I gathered some wood and rekindled the fire. Larry soon got up and we were sitting around wondering if anyone else was going to show or not. In the meantime, these ducks were giving Larry, Sprocket, and I hell!
After that, we discussed tackling the mountain on the other side of the river. It's basically a vertical bluff, topping off at 700' above the river.
We planned on getting some pictures of camp from above.We figured if the rest of the group showed we would catch up later and headed out with Sprocket. Sadly, the ol' boy has a nagging hip issue, and we didn't make it very far before deciding to turn back for his benefit.
Just as we got to the road back to camp, we heard a couple vehicles coming up the road.
Yay! the rest of the group had arrived. Larry grabbed lunch and plans were made. They planned on floating the river but had to juggle how to leave one vehicle at where they got out. Larry and I were determined to get our pictures.
We started back up the hill. Larry had consulted his map and assured me it was "only 1000' " to which I replied "yeah 1000' straight UP!!!" ; )
It was rather rigorous for this out-of-shape-ol'-boy. Footing was a bit sketchy at parts; not only was it steep but it was slippery! Not a good combination at all! Plotting your next move involved finding the nearest tree or root to grab onto to give yourself some sense of security.
We got separated and Larry took the proper course to get there and I ... did not! I took some pics trying to capture the grade but pictures do NOT do it justice.
I got about 2/3 of the way up and it hit me! This is really friggin' STUPID! I mistakenly jarred a rock loose and it started rolling ... and rolling .... and rolling. I counted and it was a full eight seconds before it stopped. That's a helluva drop! and I am going to have go back *down* this grade!
However, I was this close to the top (so I thought), and figured I would contend with the descent when the time come!
I got to a point where I could see the top of the mountain, but, again, it was straight up. There seemed to be an easier way by going to the left and going at an angle rather than a tangential path -- straight up.
This was not the best of plans. While it did seem "less strenuous" (at this point WTF does that matter?), it also would not take me where I wanted to go, and would even add more ground to cover.
I rounded the edge to where I thought I could get to the peak only to find that the mountain curled back in on itself and then out. So I would have to travel twice the distance I originally thought or I could try the tangential route straight up that I had just ignored.
By this point, I could no longer hear Larry and the sun was getting kind of low on the horizon. I opted to skip the picture and head back to camp. I held on to the hope that Larry got some. He did and I will put them here.
Coming down wasn't as bad as I had envisioned while going up, but was still precarious. There were stretches that lacked handholds or footholds. I would slide for 10-20' and try to steer myself toward the next living tree or substantial felled log that would slow me down or allow me something to grab onto.
By the time I was halfway down, I could hear Larry calling to see if I was okay. I told him I was and for him to go back to camp, but he patiently waited on my slow ass. Poor guy! he may never hike anywhere with me again!
By the time we got back, everyone else was already there. Tales of the day's events were shared and laughs had. We were all sitting around the fire and just enjoying a beverage and each others' company when Brooke mentioned she wanted to get on rope. Robby began trying to sling a rope up and around a tree limb but was not having much luck with it.
Meanwhile, I was obsessing about the mountain I did not conquer. I kept staring at it. I wanted to try and capture the scale so took a walk with the camera. I did a panoramic view to try and show how much it stuck up above the surrounding grade. Here is the best I could do ...
Brooke got bored and climbed a tree while waiting on Robby. He kept on trying but never did get a rope all the way around the limb he was trying for. It sure wasn't for a lack of effort nor determination!
The weight he was using was not heavy enough to come back down once it got over the branch. Anyway, he kept trying. He must've been at it for about an hour. He finally gave up and went for a closer branch.
He finally settled for the tree Brooke had already climbed, which was MUCH lower than the one he was trying to get. You can see how much daylight there was in the pic to the left. The pic below was taken shortly after Robby got a rope rigged up for her.
After the rope adventure, we all were back at the bonfire, except Gavin who started to cook up dinner. This man can cook around a campfire like none other.
His offering for tonight was meatloaf turtles. These are meatloaves covered in bacon with sausages for the legs and head.
Shortly after, and not to be outdone, Robby started preparing his chili. By the time I got around to filling a plate, both were done and Jenn told me I needed to put the chili on the meatloaf. Okay, works for me. It was fantastic. .
I got the tag renewed and began chasing down the short. In the process of that, I managed to blow the starter solenoid in doing so. The cost for a new one is (GAK!!) $75?!?! Ugh! I swear I make things worse sometimes! I checked fleabay and found one that would work in my bike for $16 and free shipping. SOLD!
However, it wouldn't arrive before I had to leave on Friday, so the KLR is out. Meh! that means I have to take the Bandit. Life is tough!
Problem with *that* though, is that it has a bald rear tire and rain was forecast for late in the weekend. I figured I would deal with that problem when I got there.
I got the bike loaded up and took off for Weaver's Bend, which is on the TN/NC border -- basically a half hour away. I took the wrong turn and went about 10 miles out of the way before I found a local to ask for directions. He pointed me the right way and I eventually got there.
Larry and his dog, Sprocket, were already there and had his camp set up. I told him I was only staying long enough to set up my tent and then was off to make a run to the grocery store for beer and food. I *could* have brought that along, but what I wanted isn't available in TN and since I was already near the border anyway, I decided I would drop off my gear (weight) and take a fun run on the bike to get beer and food.
It worked out *perfectly*. I KNOW the roads to the store and had fun twisting the happy handle.
I had a free run at TN-70 over the mountain (which offers a few fun switchbacks but only lasts a couple miles) then onto NC-208 along the river and just laying the bike over to the right and the left in quick succession.
I hadn't had any seat time lately, but my skills were pretty sharp! GOOD TIMES!
Then for the icing on the cake, I had a free run up the mountain on US 25/70! I have NEVER had an uninhibited run up that stretch. The bike gods were smilin' on me!
I got to the store, grabbed some grub and liquid bliss. It was funny, though. As I loaded up the grocery cart (with beer mostly), I began wondering how in the hell I was going to fit it all on the bike. It worked out, but since I only had my collapsible cooler, it was tight. Nonetheless, I got everything packed and I headed back to camp.
Larry was still the only one there and that is how it would be for Friday night. That was just fine. We sat around staring at the fire and an occasional train going by. One of which Larry got a wonderful long exposure shot of ...
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| bridge lit up by train crossing at night (photo taken by Larry Walden) |
The night passed quickly and Larry said to me "well it's 3 AM, I guess I will go lie down". It sure didn't feel that late; time flies when you're having fun!
I was up and moving before Larry so I grabbed the camera to play some.
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| the view out of my tent |
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| down river |
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| up river |
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| Larry's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink idea of camping |
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| sunrise |
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| duck take-off |
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When I got back, Larry was still snoozing, so I gathered some wood and rekindled the fire. Larry soon got up and we were sitting around wondering if anyone else was going to show or not. In the meantime, these ducks were giving Larry, Sprocket, and I hell!
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| Larry talking (cursing out?) to the ducks |
After that, we discussed tackling the mountain on the other side of the river. It's basically a vertical bluff, topping off at 700' above the river.
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| this mountain is MUCH steeper than the pic indicates |
We planned on getting some pictures of camp from above.We figured if the rest of the group showed we would catch up later and headed out with Sprocket. Sadly, the ol' boy has a nagging hip issue, and we didn't make it very far before deciding to turn back for his benefit.
Just as we got to the road back to camp, we heard a couple vehicles coming up the road.
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| (photo taken by Larry Walden) |
Yay! the rest of the group had arrived. Larry grabbed lunch and plans were made. They planned on floating the river but had to juggle how to leave one vehicle at where they got out. Larry and I were determined to get our pictures.
We started back up the hill. Larry had consulted his map and assured me it was "only 1000' " to which I replied "yeah 1000' straight UP!!!" ; )
It was rather rigorous for this out-of-shape-ol'-boy. Footing was a bit sketchy at parts; not only was it steep but it was slippery! Not a good combination at all! Plotting your next move involved finding the nearest tree or root to grab onto to give yourself some sense of security.
We got separated and Larry took the proper course to get there and I ... did not! I took some pics trying to capture the grade but pictures do NOT do it justice.
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| was using this tree to hold myself in place |
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| lying on my belly and taking a picture |
However, I was this close to the top (so I thought), and figured I would contend with the descent when the time come!
I got to a point where I could see the top of the mountain, but, again, it was straight up. There seemed to be an easier way by going to the left and going at an angle rather than a tangential path -- straight up.
This was not the best of plans. While it did seem "less strenuous" (at this point WTF does that matter?), it also would not take me where I wanted to go, and would even add more ground to cover.
I rounded the edge to where I thought I could get to the peak only to find that the mountain curled back in on itself and then out. So I would have to travel twice the distance I originally thought or I could try the tangential route straight up that I had just ignored.
By this point, I could no longer hear Larry and the sun was getting kind of low on the horizon. I opted to skip the picture and head back to camp. I held on to the hope that Larry got some. He did and I will put them here.
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| (photo by Larry Walden) |
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| (photo by Larry Walden) |
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| What a view! (photo by Larry Walden) |
Coming down wasn't as bad as I had envisioned while going up, but was still precarious. There were stretches that lacked handholds or footholds. I would slide for 10-20' and try to steer myself toward the next living tree or substantial felled log that would slow me down or allow me something to grab onto.
By the time I was halfway down, I could hear Larry calling to see if I was okay. I told him I was and for him to go back to camp, but he patiently waited on my slow ass. Poor guy! he may never hike anywhere with me again!
By the time we got back, everyone else was already there. Tales of the day's events were shared and laughs had. We were all sitting around the fire and just enjoying a beverage and each others' company when Brooke mentioned she wanted to get on rope. Robby began trying to sling a rope up and around a tree limb but was not having much luck with it.
Meanwhile, I was obsessing about the mountain I did not conquer. I kept staring at it. I wanted to try and capture the scale so took a walk with the camera. I did a panoramic view to try and show how much it stuck up above the surrounding grade. Here is the best I could do ...
Brooke got bored and climbed a tree while waiting on Robby. He kept on trying but never did get a rope all the way around the limb he was trying for. It sure wasn't for a lack of effort nor determination!The weight he was using was not heavy enough to come back down once it got over the branch. Anyway, he kept trying. He must've been at it for about an hour. He finally gave up and went for a closer branch.
He finally settled for the tree Brooke had already climbed, which was MUCH lower than the one he was trying to get. You can see how much daylight there was in the pic to the left. The pic below was taken shortly after Robby got a rope rigged up for her.
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| Brooke on rope, Robby drinkin' a beer |
His offering for tonight was meatloaf turtles. These are meatloaves covered in bacon with sausages for the legs and head.
Shortly after, and not to be outdone, Robby started preparing his chili. By the time I got around to filling a plate, both were done and Jenn told me I needed to put the chili on the meatloaf. Okay, works for me. It was fantastic. .
The rest of the night was filled with bonfire, beer, and good company. It just doesn't get any better! Good times!
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| (photo by Larry Walden) |
Usually, I am the last to crash, but I laid down before Brooke and Robby because I was wore out from that hike earlier. I also was sufficiently buzzed! So much so, that I had inadvertently left my jacket out as well as my camera.
At some point, the rain that was predicted moved in. I woke to a soaked jacket (and a rainy, 30* morning -- without a DRY jacket) and to find my camera with water drops all over it. SHIT!
Worse yet, I wasn't alone. Brooke left her phone out in a chair and the water had accumulated over it so the phone was sunk in the water. Oops! She was rather unhappy. I am hopeful my camera didn't take any water inside the case, but time will tell on that. She couldn't be as optimistic.
The rain really delayed everyone packing up. Once it finally broke, I quickly got my stuff packed up and soon others did the same. It was nearly noon before vehicles were packed up.
It was a great weekend. Yes, it was great to get out of the house and all, but the company was what made it so great. Such a great group of folks I am blessed to be able to hang out with.
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