My Ride Home
Posted on Aug 28, 2007 9:37:22 AM by Scoop
Hello HOGbloggers! We made it home safe and sound. First let me tell you how much fun I’m having with this blog. I had a great time talking to H.O.G. members from around the country at the rally and I’m enjoying your comments. Let’s hear about your most memorable moment at the rally.
Saturday night, we had a delicious dinner at The Butcher Shop, a steak restaurant at World’s Fair Park, right behind our hotel. We all shared some of our highlights of the rally.
Joe and Nancy loved flying the Lehigh Valley H.O.G. Chapter flag in the parade. Nancy got a great tip for carrying the flag thanks to a woman from Alabama, who recommended placing the flag pole in her jeans pocket. Along with the flag, they flew the banners from previous rallies. This was Nancy’s first time in a parade. Joe said he really enjoyed meeting and talking with all the people at the parade staging.
Bruce enjoyed all the rides (minus the heat!). In fact, he had so much fun that he headed on to Nashville on Sunday morning. Hope it cools off for him.
Mator loved the demo rides. After riding a Road King on Friday, he took out two V-Rods on Saturday. He said he’d like to own a V-Rod as a 3rd or maybe 4th bike. Mator really enjoyed talking with the H.O.G. staff, especially since he missed last year’s rally due to a heart attack. Can you believe he was up in a tree, trimming branches when he had the heart attack? I really enjoyed hanging out with you, Mator. Just like old times on the Open Road Tours and at the 100th.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007 – DAY ONE (445 miles)
Woke up Sunday morning about 5:00 to the sound of thunder. My first thought was it might actually get cooler. My second thought was having to wear rainsuits again! We packed up the bike and I must say I really like the new H-D travel bag we bought for the trip. It zips open from each side, has side and front pockets, and easily slips over the backrest. The best part is when Jay takes it off the bike, I can pull up on a handle and wheel it around. It doesn’t hold quite as much as our old T-Bag but it’s much more convenient. Luckily, for a small fee, Joe and Nancy agreed to bring home a bag of dirty laundry and our T-shirt purchases so I could fit my electric kettle in the bag. I need my morning and evening cuppa tea!
By 8 a.m. the roads were drying and we headed out with Joe and Nancy, minus the rainsuits. BUT…40 miles later we pulled over to the side of the interstate to suit up. Under the next several overpasses were small groups of bikers doing the same thing. I guess we all managed to scare off the rain and only experienced a “dry drizzle” (to quote our friend Terry).
Traffic on I-81 was horrendous due to the race at Bristol. The highway looked like a motorhome convention and after several bouts of stopping and going very slow, we got off the interstate and hopped on Rt. 11 after taking off the rainsuits. It was a beautiful ride and a nice change of pace on a two-lane highway. About an hour later we got back on 81. Joe and Nancy split off at the Dublin, VA exit to visit Dave and Sue overnight. We stayed on 81 and joined small groups of bikes now and then as they also headed for home.
As we neared the Natural Bridge area the skies grew very dark. Once again there were small groups of bikes under all the overpasses putting on raingear. We joined a couple from New Jersey and did the same thing. We ran through a 20-minute shower (took me longer to put on my gear!) and were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow. We were planning to meet up with Jer and Steph from the Battlefield Chapter in Roanoke but decided to put a couple more hours of riding in so that Monday would be an easy ride home.
Arriving in Winchester, VA about 6:30 p.m., I felt like I’d been rode hard and put away wet, and then it occurred to me, I had! It was a 10-hour, 445-mile day. After checking into a hotel, we got back on the bike and rode into the historic district of town and had a delicious dinner at the Cork Street Tavern and walked around town after dinner. Winchester is a beautiful town. The cobblestone main street through the historic district is lined with small shops and restaurants in beautiful brick and stone buildings and open for pedestrians only. I definitely want to add Winchester to our ride calendar this fall for a chapter overnighter.
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007 – THE FINAL DAY (213 miles)
The weather was perfect for our last day of the trip. Not a cloud in the sky, the roads were uncongested, and we actually had to wear light jackets. Unbelievable! Within an hour we left Virginia and passed through West Virginia. It always feels great when I see the “Welcome to Pennsylvania” sign along the highway. It’s great to see the lush cornfields, farms, forests, and rolling hills. We saw two Amish girls on a country road next to the interstate riding their bicycles with vegetables in their “saddlebags.” That’s what we love best about H.O.G. The rallies give us a reason to travel to various parts of the country that we may never have visited before. There is no better way to experience America then from a Harley-Davidson.
When we merged onto I-78, we only had another hour and a half before we’d be home. There is an attraction along 78 called Roadside America. Out front are 10-foot statues of an Amish man and woman, whom I call Amos and Esther, holding a pitchfork and waving to the passersby. Whenever we go by, I always wave back. Everyone laughs at me (including Jay) but it’s been a tradition I started years ago (can’t remember why) and now I even have a chapter friend Lisa doing the same thing. Only an hour more ‘til home sweet home.
After stopping for a dark chocolate hand-dipped ice cream cone at Maggie Moo’s, we rolled into Springtown about 1:30. I always look for little changes after being away. Nothing different at the firehouse except we’re having a Community Day the end of September. (Jay tells me that “we” volunteered to work in the kitchen that day.) Stopped for the mail at the post office (mostly junk). Turned down our road, crossed our bridge, and waved to my soon-to-be-90-year-old mother sitting on her porch. She always worries when we travel on the motorcycle and is so excited to see us arrive home safe and sound. She called right away and invited us down for supper tomorrow (one more night of not cooking!).
Took a picture of Jay on the bike in front of our cabin. Unlocked the backdoor and was greeted by Alpo, Choo-Choo, Rocky, and Scamper—our cats. They were happy to see us home although our neighbor Cathy took great care of them this past week.
Before I even unpacked the travel bag, I fired up the computer to check the blog. I read all the messages from folks who were at the rally and others who traveled with us via the Internet. Then we visited a friend in the hospital, picked up some Chinese food for supper and a few groceries. As I finish writing this at 10:00 p.m., the living room floor is cluttered with clothes, brochures, and riding gear. Tomorrow is another day and I already reported in late for work (good thing my boss is also my brother!).
Thanks to our riding companions this past week for their friendship, camaraderie, and allowing me to share their experiences. I especially want to thank Jay, who carted my butt around and kept me watered and fed. After nearly 30 freakin’ glorious years of wedded bliss, I thank him for talking me into going to that first chapter meeting 19 years ago. I consider my H.O.G. friends, near and far, the best friends in the world. If you don’t belong to a local chapter, consider joining soon. You won’t be sorry!
For those of you who rode Down Home to Knoxville, let’s all give a great big thank you to the H.O.G. staff, Harley-Davidson employees, volunteers, the city of Knoxville, the entertainers and vendors, and everyone else who worked behind the scenes in extremely hot weather so we could party a couple of days and go hog wild. Their dedication and enthusiasm spurs our passion to “Ride and Have Fun!”
Remember, I’d love to hear from you via the blog. If you had fun at this rally, imagine what the H.O.G. 25th and H-D 105th will be like next year! This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. And who knows, you may meet me on the Road Home. Take care, ride safe, laugh lots……..scoop
Hello HOGbloggers! We made it home safe and sound. First let me tell you how much fun I’m having with this blog. I had a great time talking to H.O.G. members from around the country at the rally and I’m enjoying your comments. Let’s hear about your most memorable moment at the rally.
Saturday night, we had a delicious dinner at The Butcher Shop, a steak restaurant at World’s Fair Park, right behind our hotel. We all shared some of our highlights of the rally.
Joe and Nancy loved flying the Lehigh Valley H.O.G. Chapter flag in the parade. Nancy got a great tip for carrying the flag thanks to a woman from Alabama, who recommended placing the flag pole in her jeans pocket. Along with the flag, they flew the banners from previous rallies. This was Nancy’s first time in a parade. Joe said he really enjoyed meeting and talking with all the people at the parade staging.
Bruce enjoyed all the rides (minus the heat!). In fact, he had so much fun that he headed on to Nashville on Sunday morning. Hope it cools off for him.
Mator loved the demo rides. After riding a Road King on Friday, he took out two V-Rods on Saturday. He said he’d like to own a V-Rod as a 3rd or maybe 4th bike. Mator really enjoyed talking with the H.O.G. staff, especially since he missed last year’s rally due to a heart attack. Can you believe he was up in a tree, trimming branches when he had the heart attack? I really enjoyed hanging out with you, Mator. Just like old times on the Open Road Tours and at the 100th.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007 – DAY ONE (445 miles)
Woke up Sunday morning about 5:00 to the sound of thunder. My first thought was it might actually get cooler. My second thought was having to wear rainsuits again! We packed up the bike and I must say I really like the new H-D travel bag we bought for the trip. It zips open from each side, has side and front pockets, and easily slips over the backrest. The best part is when Jay takes it off the bike, I can pull up on a handle and wheel it around. It doesn’t hold quite as much as our old T-Bag but it’s much more convenient. Luckily, for a small fee, Joe and Nancy agreed to bring home a bag of dirty laundry and our T-shirt purchases so I could fit my electric kettle in the bag. I need my morning and evening cuppa tea!
By 8 a.m. the roads were drying and we headed out with Joe and Nancy, minus the rainsuits. BUT…40 miles later we pulled over to the side of the interstate to suit up. Under the next several overpasses were small groups of bikers doing the same thing. I guess we all managed to scare off the rain and only experienced a “dry drizzle” (to quote our friend Terry).
Traffic on I-81 was horrendous due to the race at Bristol. The highway looked like a motorhome convention and after several bouts of stopping and going very slow, we got off the interstate and hopped on Rt. 11 after taking off the rainsuits. It was a beautiful ride and a nice change of pace on a two-lane highway. About an hour later we got back on 81. Joe and Nancy split off at the Dublin, VA exit to visit Dave and Sue overnight. We stayed on 81 and joined small groups of bikes now and then as they also headed for home.
As we neared the Natural Bridge area the skies grew very dark. Once again there were small groups of bikes under all the overpasses putting on raingear. We joined a couple from New Jersey and did the same thing. We ran through a 20-minute shower (took me longer to put on my gear!) and were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow. We were planning to meet up with Jer and Steph from the Battlefield Chapter in Roanoke but decided to put a couple more hours of riding in so that Monday would be an easy ride home.
Arriving in Winchester, VA about 6:30 p.m., I felt like I’d been rode hard and put away wet, and then it occurred to me, I had! It was a 10-hour, 445-mile day. After checking into a hotel, we got back on the bike and rode into the historic district of town and had a delicious dinner at the Cork Street Tavern and walked around town after dinner. Winchester is a beautiful town. The cobblestone main street through the historic district is lined with small shops and restaurants in beautiful brick and stone buildings and open for pedestrians only. I definitely want to add Winchester to our ride calendar this fall for a chapter overnighter.
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007 – THE FINAL DAY (213 miles)
The weather was perfect for our last day of the trip. Not a cloud in the sky, the roads were uncongested, and we actually had to wear light jackets. Unbelievable! Within an hour we left Virginia and passed through West Virginia. It always feels great when I see the “Welcome to Pennsylvania” sign along the highway. It’s great to see the lush cornfields, farms, forests, and rolling hills. We saw two Amish girls on a country road next to the interstate riding their bicycles with vegetables in their “saddlebags.” That’s what we love best about H.O.G. The rallies give us a reason to travel to various parts of the country that we may never have visited before. There is no better way to experience America then from a Harley-Davidson.
When we merged onto I-78, we only had another hour and a half before we’d be home. There is an attraction along 78 called Roadside America. Out front are 10-foot statues of an Amish man and woman, whom I call Amos and Esther, holding a pitchfork and waving to the passersby. Whenever we go by, I always wave back. Everyone laughs at me (including Jay) but it’s been a tradition I started years ago (can’t remember why) and now I even have a chapter friend Lisa doing the same thing. Only an hour more ‘til home sweet home.
After stopping for a dark chocolate hand-dipped ice cream cone at Maggie Moo’s, we rolled into Springtown about 1:30. I always look for little changes after being away. Nothing different at the firehouse except we’re having a Community Day the end of September. (Jay tells me that “we” volunteered to work in the kitchen that day.) Stopped for the mail at the post office (mostly junk). Turned down our road, crossed our bridge, and waved to my soon-to-be-90-year-old mother sitting on her porch. She always worries when we travel on the motorcycle and is so excited to see us arrive home safe and sound. She called right away and invited us down for supper tomorrow (one more night of not cooking!).
Took a picture of Jay on the bike in front of our cabin. Unlocked the backdoor and was greeted by Alpo, Choo-Choo, Rocky, and Scamper—our cats. They were happy to see us home although our neighbor Cathy took great care of them this past week.
Before I even unpacked the travel bag, I fired up the computer to check the blog. I read all the messages from folks who were at the rally and others who traveled with us via the Internet. Then we visited a friend in the hospital, picked up some Chinese food for supper and a few groceries. As I finish writing this at 10:00 p.m., the living room floor is cluttered with clothes, brochures, and riding gear. Tomorrow is another day and I already reported in late for work (good thing my boss is also my brother!).
Thanks to our riding companions this past week for their friendship, camaraderie, and allowing me to share their experiences. I especially want to thank Jay, who carted my butt around and kept me watered and fed. After nearly 30 freakin’ glorious years of wedded bliss, I thank him for talking me into going to that first chapter meeting 19 years ago. I consider my H.O.G. friends, near and far, the best friends in the world. If you don’t belong to a local chapter, consider joining soon. You won’t be sorry!
For those of you who rode Down Home to Knoxville, let’s all give a great big thank you to the H.O.G. staff, Harley-Davidson employees, volunteers, the city of Knoxville, the entertainers and vendors, and everyone else who worked behind the scenes in extremely hot weather so we could party a couple of days and go hog wild. Their dedication and enthusiasm spurs our passion to “Ride and Have Fun!”
Remember, I’d love to hear from you via the blog. If you had fun at this rally, imagine what the H.O.G. 25th and H-D 105th will be like next year! This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. And who knows, you may meet me on the Road Home. Take care, ride safe, laugh lots……..scoop
