Sunday, and I'm Outa Here

Plenty of events going on today, but I'm going to hit the road. I'm glad I rode up, and it was fun to see friends, but this event just isn't what I expected. I don't know what, exactly, they could do different, but I probably won't get back here unless someone does some serious arm-twisting.

So maybe, if I push it, I can get back to Alexandria in time to catch the end of the Brickyard 400. I'm reasonably sure Tony Stewart will be winning!!

Now to load up the bike. Who buys all these fucking t-shirts?!?!


Cowboy

Saturday night at MountainFest

It's Saturday, and I'm done for this day. Up early, rode around, visited Triple S Harley Davidson, which was a mini version of the rally. People, food, live bands, and cold beverages aplenty. And yeah, women and motorcycles.

After that I got my LEDs installed, and afterward, checked out more of the area before going back to the hotel. Went back over this evening to make sure we hadn't somehow missed something, and it seems like we covered the bases well. No stones were found left unturned!! Every vendor's goods pawed, all women stared at, and each motorcycle critiqued. We found lots of sub-standard women and bikes, but the real "keepers" offset the rest.

And I just gotta say that people from miles around came to this event, and all too often they were just car people, here to mostly get hammered. It worked. I think it takes a little something away when the crowd is mixed like that, but others seemed to enjoy it, so maybe I'll just chill out and let them have their own party. I'll take East Coast Sturgis. Maybe there's an interim solution. The little town girls can come next year, but boyfriends and husbands gotta stay home.


And so on. Kinda tired, and need to think about riding home tomorrow. Might read a bit and call it a day.


Cowboy
sent from iPhone Land.....

MountainFest, Day 2

Saturday in Morgantown, West Virginia

I'm sitting here on a plush couch in a decidedly up-market hotel (the best M'Town has to offer), and trying to plan a day of fun. I'm not sure fun is necessarily plan-able, but there's so much to do, I feel the need for some kind of agenda.

Mountainfest is held in a park, predictably on the outskirts of town, but there are goings-on at Triple S Harley Davidson that reputedly rival those at the park. And Triple S is on the other side of town.
Oddly, Mountainfest is also popular with car-people, so traffic here is a bear. When mixed with the regular M'Town traffic, on a single lane road, it ain't good.

Bikes got so hot in traffic yesterday, they started cutting off, and anyone with a Softail Harley (like me) got treated to severely overheated crotches and inner thighs from the oil tank that sits just below your private parts. Before you laugh, you need to experience this for yourself. Not good. Bev got toasted so bad, she ride a block on the sidewalk just to get back to the hotel!!!! And me: roasted nuts!

Spent much of last night prowling the fairgrounds and vendors, and of course, taking in the scenery. There's a kaleidoscope of people here, mixed in with the oft-maligned West Virginia folks, and there's plenty to keep anyone's head turning. And I now really think there's some truth to the WV stories about interbreeding.

The have some great bands here, and though I missed the headlining Charlie Daniels Band, I caught Kashmir, a Led Zepplin tribute band, who were pretty darned good.

Time to get moving. The only "must" in my schedule is having my bike available for a 2PM appointment to have some LED lights installed. Now I REALLY need to keep the chrome polished. Actually there's another "must" on the schedule: Charlie said there's some kind of t-shirt contest that's not to be missed. Gotta find out where that is!!!

Cowboy

Addendum.......MountainFest

So maybe there's a little life left in the Southern Comfort blog, and just to be sure, I'm adding a thing or two. There's two....and maybe three.....more biker rallies this year, and I figured I'd add a post or two about them.

First there's MountainFest in Morgantown, West Virginia, and I'm rolling out for M'Town tomorrow morning, pretty early. It's a little over 200 miles, and given the distance traveled on the Southern Comfort ride, I should damn near be able to push the Harley for this little jaunt. I'm meeting my Southern Comfort friends, Linda and Charlie, in Morgantown, plus my great friends....hell, they're actually family....John and Bev. John and I go back to single-digit ages, we grew up together, and we've been riding together for over 40 years. He's my Bro! And Bev just keeps me straight, or tries to. Love that lady. Also have my fingers crossed that we get another visitor, but that's all I'm saying. I usually don't like surprises except at Christmas, but I'll make an exception.

The route tomorrow is part scenic and part Interstate. Running west out of Alexandria on US 50, into Winchester where I'll pick up 522 North. I'll follow 522 through Berkeley Springs, to I-68, taking that into Morgantown. Should be fun.

We're staying at the Waterfront Place Hotel, which is the best Morgantown has to offer...and it's going to be filled with bikers...This oughta be good!

I'll be up there until Sunday, the 25th, returning home. Stay tuned for updates and pix

The other two events coming up are East Coast Sturgis starting August 11th in Little Orleans, MD, and then Delmarva Bike Fest in Ocean City Maryland in September.

Guess that's it for now. Gotta finish packing....I am REAL fucking glad I ain't packing for a couple weeks and thousands of miles. This is a piece of cake. Just need to select the right t-shirts!

Cowboy

P.S. It was really cool to find out how many people were following the Southern Comfort Ride...I keep hearing about more and more people who were right there with me, reading all the blog posts and checking out the pix...Thanks!

All good things.......

Just rolled in...Picture taken by a friendly neighbor...

I suppose all good things must come to an end, and I'm sure there's a few folks out there that just can't bear to hear one more damn word about the infamous Southern Comfort Southeast US Motorcycle Tour! To those folks, I'll just say the heck with you, get over it, get out, and do something yourself! To the rest, I'll say thanks for your friendship, your support, and your patience with my endless updates about preparation, equipment evaluation (especially about those damn deflectors...remember all that?), and route choices. And thanks for the kind notes and posts while I was out there. Pretty cool to have that personal connection to friends and family.

My biggest worry, frankly, was whether or not I could actually make it that far, and I was extremely relieved that no intolerable aches and pains presented themselves. I got up every morning expecting misery, but it never happened. If any one thing saved the day, it was that silly-ass 10-dollar throttle attachment that allowed me to relax my right hand. Ken's Hot Tip: For a cheap way to make riding more comfortable....get one. And the seat of the Softail Custom was perfect...lots of back support and padding in just the right places.

The bike performed flawlessly. Three cheers for Harley Davidson, and three more for the crew at Patriot Harley Davidson in Fairfax, Virginia, for getting the bike ready. During the ride, I had to constantly remind myself not to do any burnouts or pull other kinds of stunts that might have hurt the bike. Every belt, gear, valve and switch had to get me back home, and help definitely wasn't right around the corner. The only repair of the trip was replacing my front brake lever. It was broken when the bike fell over during the Mississippi Riverboat photo event. Of course, the day was saved by a couple Mississippi ladies who helped me get the bike back on it's wheels, and I'm grateful for that assistance! I was also glad friends and family talked me into a new set of tires before leaving. Tire wear didn't enter my mind the entire trip. Thanks again, all.

I found out that just about every bit of equipment and support gear I took was used, with few things staying untouched in the bags. Fortunately, the first aid kit was one of the items that was never needed, along with spare light bulbs and fuses. So I didn't overpack, not carrying a lot of unnecessary weight. As for clothes, there were laundry chores along the way, and everything needed a dose of deodorant when I got home. Sweat and rainwater never really dried, and that's a potentially lethal concoction when subjected to 100 degree heat and 90% humidity in a closed black backpack. It didn't seem to matter what was clean and what wasn't.....everything had an aroma by the last couple days! Yikes!

And with very little room, I was totally limited on how many t-shirts and souvenirs I could buy. I got a few, but not all I wanted. And I had a GREAT excuse why I couldn't get gifts for people!

On being alone: I liked riding alone, having the freedom to stop wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and even to backtrack to revisit things. If the route was boring, I just took another without enduring a half-hour discussion about my decision. At fuel stops and overnighters, I was never starved for company. As soon as people saw the luggage, the bike, and the Virginia tags, they were quick to strike up a conversation and I learned about them, and they about me, with motorcycles as the common denominator. The loaded-down Harley drew people in, and as a result I met people I would never had an opportunity to speak to otherwise, with no gender, class, age, or race distinctions. Even Gold Wing riders spoke! At one stop I met an elderly lady who was also traveling alone along a remote and lonely stretch of Natchez Trace Parkway. She let me know she was meeting someone at the rest stop to take delivery of a load of rabbits and retrieve her grandbaby! Scary! I decided not to pursue that bit of discussion further, but did learn that she liked motorcycles and she suggested some routes I could take.

Along the way I visited Civil War sites I'd only read about, and stopped at various other historical markers, roadside overlooks, and anyplace else that caught my eye. It was so much more fun having the luxury of time. I could finally see the south, which was what this adventure was all about!

New Orleans was the centerpiece of the trip, and friends Linda and Charlie met me there at my hotel, the Olde Town Inn. In N'awlins, I was able to actually unpack (hooray!), and I stayed for 5 days. There's probably nothing I can say about New Orleans that adequately describes it, so I'll just say that everyone should visit Bourbon Street on a hot Friday night. And whatever you do, leave the kids home. I also got knocked off my feet there by my new friend from Kentucky, Becky, and I ain't been the same since! But at least I was able to gather my wits enough to ride back home! Ginger, the manager from the Olde Town Inn, gets two gold stars for helping make my stay comfortable and lots of fun. She's great!

I spent a day on a side trip to Grand Isle, LA, where the dreadful BP oil spill hit so hard. Visiting there, and seeing for myself the emptiness, the frustration, the anger, and the true extent of this disaster touched me in a way I wasn't prepared for. The media can't hope to tell this story.....only the people of Grand Isle can. Please listen to them, and help if you can.

I started the return trip running east along the Gulf Coast, through Mobile, AL, and going as far as Destin, Florida, before stopping again. Entering Florida, I was amazed at the sugar-white sand and the incredible color of the water, thankfully unspoiled, as yet, by the oil spill, though there were barriers strung offshore to help contain any oil coming that way. Destin was a really cool place, so I decided to stay an extra day, soaking up the sun, and also enjoying the rare freedom of riding my bike without a helmet!

I finally left the coast, heading due east to Jacksonville, FL, with serious storm clouds brewing to my left all day; going north was simply not an option. The rest of the trip was dominated by storms along the Atlantic Coast, and plans to visit Savannah, Charleston, and Raleigh were scrapped in favor of a more direct, and hopefully dry, ride home. And it almost worked! Rain drove me indoors as I came out of Florida into Georgia, so I spent the night in Brunswick, pondering route options. The dreaded I-95 offered the best shot at getting home safely, so I went for it the next morning, figuring on an overnight stop to break up the 628 mile ride. The weather stayed clear, so I kept pushing, finally realizing that with a few evening breaks, I could maybe ride all the way, and so I did. 12 hours, and the aforementioned 628 miles later, I was back in Alexandria. I hit rain for the last 40 miles, but I was too close to stop. I had friends watching weather radar, and they guided me between storms and helped get me home safely. Thanks!

And so I've been back a couple days, have had a chance to process my experiences, and sort through 560+ photos I took. It really was something of a dream come true, and I'll never forget the ride. 3,139 miles of Southern Comfort in 13 days.

Added this August 6 - Great Southern Tattoo Company, Sean Bajek

Can't wait until next year. Western Comfort? (A WC tattoo might be out, but I'm up for the trip!)

Cowboy
July 16, 2010

Home....

3,139 total miles later, and 628 of those today (many in the rain), I'm back in Alexandria. And those miles passed through 9 states: Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. I hit just about every city on the itinerary too, and over the trip 561 photographs were taken. Every one is a memory of an adventure I'll never forget.

Today, I had a chance for a quick stop in Fayetteville, NC, to see two of my grandsons, Matt and Brian!

I'll get some photos up and compose my thoughts on some of the (to me) more entertaining moments, and trust me, there were countless events that made the trip all the more special.

But before I hit the bed, I'd be remiss without mentioning that my motorcycle is the best damn bike ever built. It ran perfectly through heat, serious rain, deep puddles, lengthy stop and go traffic...mostly stop (Nashville!)...and anything else you might throw at it. The seat was great, I'm still walking, and was far more comfortable than I ever expected. Find a 2008 Softail Custom 105th Anniversary Edition online and buy it. Get the progressive shocks installed and you're set. And yeah, a couple new tires. If nothing else, with new tires your friends will leave you alone. LOL

Stay tuned....

Cowboy

Geography Lesson, Florida

This may not come as any huge surprise, but I found out today that Florida is a W I D E state. I rode from Destin, in the western part, to Jacksonville, on the Atlantic Coast, and folks, that's one long fucking ride. Or maybe the occasional showers made it seem that way. 

I kept wanting to swing northeast, but there were some ominous-looking clouds to my left the whole way. Of course, when I got to Jacksonville, there weren't many options left, so I turned north, up the dreaded Interstate 95.

I made it as far as Brunswick, Georgia, (the 7th state of this trip...seems like more...) before the next storm scared me off 95 and into a dry hotel room. I've checked a lot of weather reports, and things don't look good the rest of the week, so I'm just going to go for it tomorrow morning, pulling off if it gets bad.

Frankly, the idea of rain, I-95, and those goddamn trucks blowing my bike all over doesn't exactly sound like fun!  Ah, the hell with it. I'll just ride easy and take a few days to go the last 640 miles. With that 640, I'll top 3,100 total for the trip. Maybe more if I detour to Charleston.

When I was checking my camera tonight, I realized I hadn't taken a single picture all day, with the exception of the few after I stopped. I was just putting away the miles today, and didn't see anything along I-10 that was remotely interesting. First day that's happened.

Random thoughts:

- Have been in hotels for almost 2 weeks and haven't had one wake-up call or set an alarm clock

- think this 2008 Softail Custom is the best damn motorcycle ever built. What a great bike! Two thumbs up for Harley Davidson!!

- think it's cool having friends following me online and cheering me on. I have great friends, and one awesome new one in Kentucky! An unexpected trip bonus!

- can't help but realize this ride is about to end. It took a long time to put this together and it's ending way too soon

- might never get my bike looking new again. Charlie rubbed off a little dirt for me in NOLA but it's back.

- like the windshield and bags, but can't wait to strip it back down

And so on. Guess I'll get some sleep. I'll need the energy tomorrow.
Cowboy

Where to ?

Threatening storm clouds and the all-too-alluring beach town of Destin, Florida, stopped me in my tracks Saturday, and I've been here ever since. I'd never seen water this color in the States before, and when matched with the sugar-white sand color, the effect is irresistible. And the girls ain't hard to look at either!!

Florida doesn't seem to require bikers to wear helmets, and I haven't worn one for the entire stay. Riding up and down the coastal road with the wind in my hair reminded me of the good old days in Ocean City, Maryland. Not sure where I am with the helmet thing for road trips. They're probably a good idea, but I don't like being forced to wear one.

I spent a little of yesterday at various places including the beach, a hangout known as AJ's, Hooters (of course), and even a little riding around to check out the more affordable areas where someone might want to live. Just for reference. He'll, I even went boat shopping. Boat shopping is fun even when the boats are hopelessly out of my price range. The place was closed so I could roam at will.

I had thoughts of staying another day, but I'd better get moving. There may be another alluring town between here and Alexandria that might require a little extra time.

And that brings me to the morning's primary thought. I'm now on the way home, and therefore nearing the end of this ride. Yeah, I know. I've got the whole fucking week and should quit whining. So I will!!
I've got a couple choices this morning: ride east to Tallahassee, or ride north on some true back roads into Alabama. Or is it Georgia. Can't remember.

Ok, gotta load up the bike and get moving. Got a little sunburn yesterday, and I'm reminded of it as I'm moving around.

Cowboy

On the road again.....

I left New Orleans with a bit of regret, but it did feel good to get back on the road, and there are things left unseen/undone for my next trip to New Orleans, and trust me, there will be one.

I rode east on I10 through Mississippi into Mobile, AL, and then bailed, choosing US 98 that runs along the Gulf coast. As my trip odometer hit 2,000, the "Welcome to Florida" sign magically appeared. Though I haven't seen the beaches, the sand dunes on the edge of the road are made of sand that's almost sugar-white! Really pretty.

Near Pensacola, I was treated to a practice performance by the Blue Angels!! Totally cool to watch that.
At about the same time, I noticed two other things: 1) my knapsack had come loose due to a broken zipper, which I'd need to fix later, and 2) some extremely dark clouds were building all around and the wind was picking up.

Instead of pushing on to Panama City, and getting soaked unnecessarily, I decided to stop in the great beach town of Destin. It's got loads of stuff to do, so I'm even going to stay on an extra day and look around. The bartender at Hog's Breath Saloon told me where to go and what to do.

So I'm back at the room watching the rest of NASCAR, the knapsack is fixed, and I'm taking it easy. Feels strange staying in. Lin, Charlie, and I have been out every night for a damn week!!

Beach report to be filed tomorrow. I might even ride in shorts!! Hey, there's no helmet law here, so I took a long slow (sorta) ride along the beach remembering the good old days.

Cowboy

Bourbon Street, Friday Night

 

This is just a short adios to New Orleans, and what a great time this has been. If you haven't seen Bourbon Street on a hot weekend night, leave the kids home and get your ass down here. Now. Like many things, you just have to see it for yourself.

It's been a special pleasure having my friends Linda and Charlie joining me for the past 5 days, and it's simply been great fun to explore NOLA together. I'll miss them as I get back on the road tomorrow.

Charlie even kept the party spirit alive after some idiot cut him off, knocked him off the bike, and left him lying in the street. I'm happy to report he's just scraped up, and was a valuable resource tonight, pointing out interesting sights on Bourbon Street I might have missed. And Linda pointed out things the pair of us missed!! And since it was Linda's bike that Charlie was riding, she's taking it well too. Except maybe wanting to choke the shit out of some hit-and-run driver.

Tomorrow morning I'm packing and will make the decision on which way to turn when I reach I-10.

Nite y'all,
Cowboy

Environmental Awareness Edition, Day 9

My last full day in New Orleans, and I have to say that, of all the places on the map, I couldn't have picked a better place for the mid-trip break. This place is a blast. And the traffic jams ain't a thing like 395 going into Washington, DC.

Yesterday, with a strangely strong feeling of obligation, I rode the 110 miles south to Grand Isle, Ground Zero for the oil spill disaster. I was overwhelmed by the impact this disaster is having, present tense, on this community. Workboats sitting idle at the docks, no one on the beach, and angry signs everywhere expressing frustration and sadness. There was, quite literally, a smell of oil in the air.

I rode to the end of the road, to a point where the high water levels made the road impassable on a bike. Mine, anyway. Turning around, I felt as if I'd fulfilled my obligation, and having seen this for myself, I now understand this in a way that the media could never convey. A bomb couldn't have done more damage.

End of the road...

So!

Linda, Charlie, and I ventured across the Mississippi last night in search of a Hooters, if for no other reason, to satisfy a need to hit one in every town. We had our wings, snapped the requisite photos (for Fred), and made our way back, with no help from my GPS which was determined to route us through all the ghetto 'hoods of Nawlins. Charlie's 50 dollar model saved the day.

TGIF!! There's supposed to be some kind of event tonight in the French Quarter that might mean craziness, nudity, and drunkenness! In short, same stuff, different day. We'll be there participating in whatever way seems right at the time, trusting that whatever happens will appear on Facebook mere seconds later. Watch our pages for those "Did I just do that?" moments.

 

And sometime this afternoon, I need to decide on a route back toward DC. Though it sucks, the decision-maker is weather and not the coolness-factor of all the places I wanted to visit. I'm still thinking Panama City, FL, for the next stop, and from there it's either due North or toward the Atlantic Coast. Kentucky could even sneak into the picture!

I'm trying not to count days, but this is maybe the most enjoyable time I'd had in my life and something I'll never forget. I hate to see it end.

And it hasn't!! Plenty more time.

Hey, sorry to lapse into that somber note at the beginning, but Grand Isle really hit me between the eyes.

Cowboy