July 17-19, 2007
With the blessings of my wife, I took off yesterday for a nice little ride to the Nashville area... about a 500 mile trip. Big Don and myself had made plans during our last visit to come back up this week.
I was debating on whether to ride or cage it but when I looked up and saw blue skies, I threw my pack on the bike. I made it all the way to Birmingham before I hit any rain. It was the little showers that just gave me a good reason to stop and cool off.
I had some wicked drivers on the highway with me. One girl ahead of me (probably talking on a cell phone) got off the interstate and onto the median, did some swerves and a 180 and back in the right direction. She muscled that baby right back onto the highway. Mario Andretti would have been proud. I pulled up to take a look at the driver and about that time she pulled off at the next exit. To clean out her drawers no doubt.
I ran into some more excitement in about another 100 miles. An 18 wheeler had lost its load of plywood, I think. I took a picture and will post them when I get back home.
Other than that, it was a beautiful trip. I got all the way to Central Pike before I hit another shower but by this time, I was there. I pulled up and half of the half ashlars were sitting out front waiting on me.
We had a few cold ones and socialized for the next few hours and took some pictures.
Don and me rode back over the the hotel where he had rented a room and sacked out until this morning.
We got up about 8:00 and met Spanky, Wayne, and Bullpin at the Crackerbarrel by our hotel. Afterwards, we rode around the area for a while and then rode over to Bear's to check on him. He is still in a lot of pain and getting stiff I think from having to not move. I suggested he try to get up and work it out the best he can and to stay well hydrated. I've noticed too that he is using his meds according to instructions.
After a while, Bear looked like he needed to try to get some good rest so we took off so he could do just that.
I'm going to ride over to Covinton with Big Don and visit for a while before I head back home; maybe cook out or something...
Wayne, Albert, Stickman, Cool Breeze and Big Don at the Half Ashlar Headquarters.
Don with Spanky and Snot.
Stump and Wayne
Spanky, Don and Wayne's lady, Theresa.
Andy, Wayne and Richie.
Spanky, Wayne, Billy, Don and Mike.
In front of Bear's house.
We made it to Don and Beverly's and after some fine Mexican cuisine are currently kicked back watching a movie, Smokin' Aces. We collectively give it an "A". The Last Confederate is in que... maybe the south will win this time:)
Enjoying some true southern hospitality !
Big Don and I enjoyed a nice 200 mile ride today. Nothing out of the ordinary...
Big Don and a lodge brother.
Don and Beverly.
I finally got motivated to leave the comfort of Big Don's santuary about 1300 hours today. Don and Beverly are the best! My odometer was sitting on 30,000 miles exactly. We stopped to get gas before leaving town and after managing to get 100% of all my printed gas receipts, today pump #13 didn't produce. Just fodder.
On the way out of Covington, Big Don pulled off to show me an old Confederate cemetary that had just been refound. A lot of people died in their 20's and 30's back then.
We headed on down south as Big don escorted me to some recognizable roads. He bought us lunch in Semler, TN and I called Deacon and Lonewolf to see what they were up to.
Stickman with Albert "Lonewolf" Reiner in Corinth, Mississippi.
Deacon was at work but Lonewolf was able to come out and ride a little. He met me at the Visitors Center in Corinth, MS and we got to hang out for a few minutes before I had to burn rubber to get home. I guess I left Corinth around 5:00 p.m. with a lot of miles to go.
I got home tonight just after midnight. No trip problems to report, just some great riding time.
I checked my milage from the time I left Mobile, I have rolled up a 1263 miles this week. I do know it is 435 miles from Big Don's carport to my driveway. I spent almost 12 hours in the saddle today.
It was great seeing all the brothers and as always, looking forward to our next gathering.
Night Rider.