Ride To Remember

.............Saturday May 19, 2007, I took part in the 3rd Annual “Ride to Remember” Poker Ride to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This 125 mile ride started at the Macon Harley-Davidson Dealership and after three stops, ended at the Jones County Fairgrounds in Gray, GA. The best poker hand won $500.00 plus there was food and entertainment at the end of the ride too! The Macon HOG Chapter assisted by providing road captains and I was asked to give the safety briefing. This was very much a learning experience for me. It is the first ride of this magnitude where my involvement was more than a rider. With an estimated 135 bikes it is not a time to practice. As the HOG Chapters Safety Officer I tend to analyze every ride I attend now. This was not a chapter ride but I couldn’t help looking to see what could be done better. Let me say the difficulty factor explodes the bigger the event is. I only had a glimpse at the work and dedication it took to pull this ride off. I have to tip my hat to the organizers. Oh, I forgot to mention, this was one of six rides being executed simultaneously. YES, six separate Harley-Davidson Dealers joined this years “Ride to Remember” with rides kicking off in Atlanta, Dalton, Augusta, Albany, Savannah, and Macon, each location a separate ride. Did I see any mistakes? Well yes, there is always room for improvement. Will I mention them here? NO! The reason is the event went off very well. Let me repeat myself: THIS EVENT WAS GREAT! They raised a heck of a lot of money and all the riders had a great time. As for any mistakes I observed, criticizing this year’s event would serve no purpose. I’ll see what I can do to help make the next event better. Oops! I think I just volunteered. I was not involved in the planning of the event and it’s easy to find fault looking from the outside in. I would like to challenge all who take the time to read this article to take action. When you see something that you feel could be done better, step in and do something to improve it. Saturday I was fortunate enough to witness how one couple’s drive to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease resulted in raising thousands of dollars in a STATE wide poker run. Why, because they lost a loved one to this terrible disease. They will never get their loved one back, but they have stepped forward to make a change. I consider myself to be fortunate because they let me ride with them Saturday, more importantly I consider them my friends. I would like you to meet Clay and Lisa, the couple I’m talking about. All you have to do is drop by one of our Macon HOG Chapter events. Take time to get and know some fantastic people who are making a difference. To see some pics from the ride visit http://public.fotki.com/0808/2007-ride-to-remember/

Poker Run

Saturday April 28 I rode in a local poker run to raise money for The Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event was hosted by The Boeing C-17 Wings of Freedom Riders. It was a police escorted ride and I was glad to be able to take part in the event. I would have not ridden in this event if it were not for the local HOG Chapter. The event organizer offered to pay $100 to the club that brought the most riders. The Macon HOG Chapter was able to bring over thirty riders to the event bringing the total number of bikes to 200. We were proud to win the money and I was proud to see the chapter donate it all back to Make-A-Wish. After all, it’s not about who’s the best, or who brought the most, it’s about the kids. The ride was approximately 60 miles long with four poker stops along the way. I really enjoyed one part of the ride. In fact I loved it so much I took my wife out Sunday so she could see what she missed. Buckeye Road is country road connecting Hwy 41 to Hwy 96. What makes it special is one small stretch where the trees provide a beautiful canopy over the road. You just can’t help but to back off the throttle and take a deep breath as you ride through this area. Even during the event the riders slowed down as they entered this stretch of road. We made a right hand turn on Hwy 96 and a couple of miles down the road stopped at Lane Packing Company. If you have never visited Lane Packing I recommend you make plans too. Any time will do but this is PEACH country so if this is out of the way, I would recommend peach season. Visit their web site http://www.lanepacking.com/ and check them out. While you’re on the net visit Make-A-Wish online and make a contribution to your local chapter http://www.wish.org/ . Until next time “Live to Ride and Ride to Live”

Time to Ride

It’s time to ride.
I intended to add an article a month to this blog to chronicle my riding experience. You may notice a gap starting in September. That is because I was involved in a motorcycle traffic accident. I am very thankful my guardian angel was with me on Sept 29th. For without him, and yes I am well aware of who he is, I would surely not be among the living today. I am very fortunate and my life is forever changed. The police officer told me there was 60 feet of skid marks. They were from the van in front of me. Long story short, I broke three bones in my left foot, both bones in my lower right leg, a rib, my right collarbone, dislocated my left shoulder, and deflated my right lung. And can you believe NO road rash. Like I said my guardian angel was with me. I still use a cane and the limp is getting better. The titanium rod in my leg really helped speed up my recovery.
I picked up my new ‘07 Ultra on March 24th. Yes, it’s time to ride.
Today, April 5th, I rode to Atlanta by way of HWY 22. What a ride. I really enjoyed the trees as they border both sides of the road. I left at 8:00 AM and the temperature was a brisk 49 degrees. By the time I reached Atlanta it was 44. YIP, glad I wore my leathers. I plan to take this route again when it is a little warmer. I bet the trees provide some great shade and temperature variations that will add to the excitement of the ride. Also the Open air Barbecue was not opened at this early hour. I picked this route to Atlanta to avoid the interstate. My destination was Granite Mountain Harley-Davidson. It was time for the bikes 1000 mile service. If you have not taken an ‘07 out for a test ride, I highly recommend it. I cannot believe the difference between my ‘05 standard and this ‘07 Ultra.
This break in my riding made me appreciate the warm climate here in Georgia. I cannot imagine living up north where the weather prevents riding for months at a time.
I cannot finish this writing with out acknowledging Paula, my wife. She is my earthly angel. I cannot imagine how I would have managed through the recovery without her. She already had my heart, now I owe her my life too.

Experience the RIDE

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

 

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

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

A trip back in time

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

2006 Memorial Day Ride

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







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

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

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

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

A Crash Course for Motorcyclist

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

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

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

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