ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE REVISITED
PART TWO
"...I think of just how nice this trip has been. Next year I hope John will be able to go." -- R. Farmer (5/2012)
"Be careful what you wish for" -- St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Yep! No monies, little planing, and two bikes in need of service. But, "DAMN THE TORPEDOES, FULL SPEED AHEAD!" -- Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870).
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Picture1-3.pngAfter John heard the stories and saw the pictures of last years trip Steven and I took through some of the Southeast States in May of 2012, he sure as hell was NOT going to miss out on this springs trip. Nope, it was upon his desires that I confirmed we would indeed make the trip again, even though I haven't recovered from the economic impact of LAST YEARS trip! For what it's worth, I've NEVER recovered from ANY economic impacts I've incurred since I became an adult. (Juries STILL out on when that occurred)
Anyway, John worked hard to secure two weeks off from his work. With the corporate offices being in NC., and his properties the only two in Melbourne, and him being the sole person on the companies payroll in Melbourne (with the exception of his part time employee Patrick), it was a daunting task.
THANK YOU PATRICK! If you didn't come through, THE TRIP NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!
So now that the time off from our jobs has been confirmed, it was time to get ready.
A little advice from the elder here. Never, and I do mean NEVER, put your transportation in the shop for service in preparation for a out of state trip two weeks before your departure date! You had better get it done at least two MONTHS prior, just in case!
Well, I DIDN'T! And I DID pay the price.
I'll wander a little here to explain.
While I did routine maintenance on the Triumph at home, Stevens Suzuki was having fuel delivery issues related to carburetor problems that I couldn't get worked out, even after three attempts. I also just purchased a '82 Honda CB900C for John to use on the trip.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010002-1.jpgMy plan was to get it serviced and cleaned up, use it for the two week trip, and then give it to John, much like I did with the Suzuki for Steven years ago.
Now my mechanic, whom I love to death, KNEW I needed the bikes by the Saturday before the Monday we were planing to leave on. Well, I guess an emergency in MY life doesn't necessarily constitute an emergency in HIS! First, we discovered that the valves were bent in the Honda, so it's out of the picture. I secured a Harley Sportster from Eagleriders, but at a cost of $1,400.00 for two weeks. A fair price, considering it was for unlimited miles, and came with the best, upgraded insurance. Something I opted for, knowing I'd have a lesser experienced rider on a unfamiliar bike, in an unfamiliar land, with the unfamiliar "third dimension"! BUT, still, $1,400 added to the trip! Sh%t!
So with the Honda out of the way, we concentrated on the Suzuki.
Friday day, not wanting to "disturb" my beloved mechanic, and knowing he KNEW how important it was to pick that bike up at the end of the day, I didn't try to call him until dinner time. NO DICE! NO ANSWER!
So, Saturday morning I got in touch, and he was having real problems (Did I mention I tried to fix those problems three times!??) getting things jetted. But he felt confident he would have it by days end. Well, by days end, he couldn't be reached.
Now, in a panic, and NOT WILLING to call off the trip at ANY expense, I got in touch with the fine folks at Eagleriders to secure ANOTHER Sportster, at ANOTHER $1,400.00!!! Can you say "DAMN-IT MAN!"?
OH, they were accommodating, oh yeah, and we made plans to pick it up Monday if the Suzuki wasn't ready.
Monday morning
My discussion with the shop went something like this;
"Is it ready?"
"No. It's better than when you brought it in, but no, it's not ready. You CAN take it if you choose, and we'll finish up when you get back. IF you get back."
A minutes silence.
"Well I really don't want to spend another unexpected $1,400".
"It's your call. I'll do my best, and you can pick it up around 5:00".
Another minute of silence.
"Yes, I'll chance it. It went fine last year, I'm coming to get it."
So I called Eagleriders to cancel the second bike, and around 5:00 Steven and I went to the shop and picked up Susie.
We loaded up the gear on all three bikes Monday night and prepared to leave Tuesday morning.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0061_zps3a5711b3.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0074_zps870bfa83.jpg"DAMN THE TORPEDOES, FULL SPEED AHEAD!"
Tuesday morning (5/7/13)
We left around 10:00 AM.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0085_zpsd257e728.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0093_zpsc248b7ec.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0095_zpsf3f73ece.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0097_zps577f1d2f.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0100_zps552b6d93.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0103_zpsd2784f2a.jpgBeing a day behind schedule, I used the same Google Maps I printed out last year. NO MAJOR HIGHWAYS!!! How much easier it would be to take the same, proven route. Right?
YEAH, RIGHT!!!
Now, going back to the condition of the Suzuki. Prior to the very first stop for fuel, we had to pull off on the side of the road cause John's Sportster was running out of fuel. As Steven turned off his motor, fuel immediately started overflowing out of the air filters. In the spur of the moment with fuel pouring on the ground, I hauled off and just KICKED the bank of carburetors, and VIOLA!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/qYphrFW_-_Imgur_zpsb49bbff7.jpgNow I'm really in a predicament. With the Suzuki acting up, do we turn around, play it safe and go home? Or do we proceed on and have something go wrong further from home, out in the country?
"DAMN THE TORPEDOES, FULL SPEED AHEAD!"
(That WAS the ONLY hiccup with the bike, thank heaven)
After our share of "missed turns", we, the Three Amigos, arrived once again at the McDonald's Lodge in Hazlehurst, GA., around 7:30.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/XRXLUNi_-_Imgur_zpsfc5d19b4.jpgI DID mention the few missed turns, didn't I?
To our surprise, what a difference a year can make. The Lodge was just purchased by new owners, and they haven't had the time to get it renovated yet. It was in piss-poor shape. John almost wanted to get our money back and proceed on to the next available motel, but Steven and I could sleep in a dumpster, so we all settled in.
The long day on the road, the late arrival, The LODGE, and the missed turns kinda put us in a "pissy" mood for the evening, but it was short lived, as we were out cold in less than an hour!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/IzqeYKQ_-_Imgur_zps0fda08e7.jpgWednesday, 5/8
The Three Amigos depart from the beautiful McDonald's Lodge hell bent on getting to the cabin before the sun goes down. Now we're out of congested traffic for the rest of the trip until we hit Jacksonville on the way home.
What a difference there is once you get out of Florida! If I NEVER set foot back in Orange County again, that would be FINE WITH ME!
Once we enter the city limits of Hiawassee, GA., Steven and I both become extremely relaxed, as we NOW know EXACTLY where we are. We turn North onto 515/17/69 off of 76 in Hiawassee and stop at the Welcome to North Carolina sign for a photo op.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/37kUSLG_-_Imgur_zpsa6f9e395.jpgJohn doesn't fully realize why Steven and I are so excited at this stop, but Steven and I BOTH KNOW, the cabin is now just about a half hour away, and we KNOW THE WAY!
We follow 69 North into Hayesville, and about twenty minutes later, with white knuckles and strained gluteal muscles, we pull up to the "Driveway from hell" off Sweatwater Bend!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010039_zpsae14cc01.jpgLet me pass something on to all the "experienced cruisers" out there. I've lived and traveled from Detroit, Los Angeles, Florida, made a couple trips to Adairsville, GA. to visit with my fathers side of our family, and traveled from Florida to Texas, and the trips through the Southeast and down to Key West, and I DON'T EVER remember ANYTHING being as challenging as the roads from north Hayesville to that cabin!
Oh, I remember a trip or two in San Bernardino Valley outside Los Angeles when my mother had some choice words to say about the roads and even the driveways of friends there, but I digress.
If you ever get the chance, SKIP THE DRAGONS TAIL, and ride north out of Hayesville on Main Street till it ends at Tusquittee Street. Go N.W. on Tusquittee St. and turn left (west) onto Qualla Road along the Hiawassee River. Merge right onto Piney Road and get out your "E" tickets!
THIS IS WHERE THE FUN BEGINS!
Follow Piney Road and merge onto Sweetwater Bend. Ride Sweetwater Bend (some paved, some County maintained, SOME NOT!), you'll be about two to three feet from the Hiawassee River.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010071_zps775e4bf3.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010040_zps1862b943.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/CTWwOWD_-_Imgur_zps4e10e30e.jpgIt turns into Lance Cove Road,
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010069_zps228ac00b.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010078_zpsd115c2c7.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/HZwuD0j_-_Imgur_zps7aff70ed.jpgand follow that till it dead ends back at Hwy 64, about a third of the way between Hayesville and Murphy.
On a motorcycle, you'll involuntarily relieve yourself along the way. But that's ok, as you probably won't be able to have a "movement" for the next couple of days. Ask us!
Thursday, 5/9.
We wake up late and just lounge around.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010002_zps3d019c35.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010112_zps22a17e36.jpgWe decide we would rather leave for the rally in Dahlonega during the daylight of the afternoon instead of trying to find our way in the dark of the early morning. Considering the consequences of being late for Fridays ride.
GOOD THING WE DID!
We went to the same Super 8 motel that we stayed at last year in Dawsonville (Yep! Awesome Bill's Dawsonville). They have the big indoor heated pool, with a big indoor spa, and a movie theater right behind it.
Friday, 5/10.
We leave the motel to make the meeting place for today's GA. Rally with no time to spare.
STUPID MOVE!
Once we got to Dahlongia, we couldn't find the meet-up location! No contact numbers (Yeah, I KNOW), and no clue where we were. But fortunately, we found them, motors running, as they were about to leave. Yay!
Today's ride is short in comparison to tomorrows ride. As best as I can remember, we leave headed east on 52/115 to Cleveland, then north, through Helen, to west 75A for a short distance, and catch Richard Russell Scenic Hwy (348) to Choestoe. From there it's west on Wolf Pen Gap Rd. (180) to Suches, and south on 60 from Suches back to Dahlongia.
Steven didn't come along today, so John and I go BACK to Dawsonville, just to check up on him, and then BACK to Dahlongia for pizza, beer, friends, and enough B.S. stories to last a year.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010019_zps1f2bbcf0.jpgTHEN, BACK TO DAWSONVILLE for bed! Oh what a FINE bed it was! Can't remember sleeping THAT WELL in quite some time.
Saturday, 5/11.
The second day of the BA.com Georgia Rally, and it includes three states, RAIN, and The DRAGON!!!
We leave the motel in Dawsonville for the short ride to Dahlongia. Short IF you know the way, but we DON'T! We meet the BA.com gang with, again, five minutes (or less) to spare. Put it on my tombstone, "NO DAMN GPS"
Already stressed, we all leave on 19/129 north for a long ride across Blood Mountain, cross the Appalachian Trail, and into Blairsville, Ga.
From there we continue 19/129 into Murphy, NC., to Robbinsville, NC., and just north of Topton, NC., we veer left on 129 (Tallulah Rd.), cross the Cheoah Dam (Fugitive Dam), and stop at The Crossroads of Time, 129/28, Deal's Gap M/C Resort for food, gas, rest, and prayers ("Lord, keep us safe from the Squids") as we prepare to cross The Tail of the Dragon.
We do our thing, and then enter the Dragon (129) and enter Tennessee for the most infamous eleven miles in the motorcycle kingdom.
Twenty minutes or so later we stop at the end of the Dragon alongside Chilhowee Lake at the Calderwood Dam for a photo op, conversation, and reflection.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010032_zpsf3438371.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/vz5Woyz_-_Imgur_zps44dcb820.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/6s7aMld_-_Imgur_zpsa7e19a4d.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_1112_zpsf4f076be.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_1302_zpsc11c7023.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/_mg_1283_zps21dfb5dc.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/_mg_1280_zps427e330f.jpgWe regroup and continue on 129 (Calderwood Hwy) till a left onto Hwy 72 (Big Gully Rd.) and left again onto Hwy 411, just north of Fort Loudon Historic State Park.
We cross the Little Tennessee River and again turn left onto Scenic 360, and head south now for lunch in Tellico Plains, TN.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010018_zps032f2f6f.jpgAfter lunch and laughs, we take a more direct southerly route through some of the most relaxing, scenic countryside in the southeast back to Georgia.
With only about two thirds of the trip behind us, we cruise hwy 68 south through Coker Creek, cross the Hiwassee River, and cross back into Georgia at Copperhill, TN., and follow hwy 60 through the Chattahoochee National Forest back to Dahlongia for diner, drinks, and conversation.
Steven didn't feel up to this days ride either, so once again John and I travel on to Dawsonville to check up on him before backtracking for diner, and back to the motel late in the night.
Well, that WAS the plan, but when John and I got to the motel, we decided to see a movie behind the motel, have diner in Dawsonville, and SLEEP! The day may have only been around three hundred miles, but John and I were on the road for about twelve hours, with speeds as low as ten miles an hour!
BOY DID WE SLEEP!
Sunday, 5/12.
We didn't do much this day, except today we had our first mishap with the motorcycles, at the exact same spot as last years mishap! Bekesh Lane!
We woke late, and got Shooed out of the motel after late checkout. We had breakfast in Dawsonville before heading back to the cabin in Hayesville.
The trip from Dawsonville was pretty uneventful. 9/19 north to Turners Corner Rd. Left on 19/129 to Blairsville. 2/76 through Young-Harris to the west end of Chatuge Lake, where we go north on 17/69 into North Carolina and straight on into Hayesville, and on.
Once we are on Sweetwater Bend Road we stop at 2041. The cabin. And face-to-face with, the DRIVEWAY!
Remember the reference to the "Driveway from Hell" mentioned earlier? Even in last years trip? Well THIS is where the "mishap" happened. Same as LAST YEAR!
In a car, no problem. But on a motorcycle, PROBLEM! That sucker is on an incline of dirt, rock, moss, and RUTS! It has a 100 degree + turn on an increasing incline, and is the ****** of all ******!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Bike%20trip/P1010063.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Bike%20trip/P1010062.jpgDon't let the photo's fool ya, it's worse than it looks!
We ALL dread that driveway.
As Steven is in the turn, he down shifts. As John comes up behind Steven, he doesn't, he just "Opens throttle"! To avoid putting tracks up Stevens spine, he is forced to go 135 degrees to the right. Right OFF and into the damp, moist, and NOW muddy grass. John's surprised, and pissed. Stevens surprised and on the defense, and I'm laughin' SO HARD I can't do anything!
No harm, no foul.
Monday, 5/13.
Today is chill, relax, and sightsee day. We ride the loop from Sweetwater Bend - Lance Cove to Hwy 64. First right on Fires Creek Rd., which runs along the south side of the Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area off the Nantahala National Forest and follows around the north side of the Hiawassee River to it's end at Tusquittee Rd., then the second right is back on Qualla Rd. to Piney Rd. to Sweetwater bend and home.
We stop again at the Bears Cove community of Richard and Laura's which is the first gated entry off of Fires Creek Wildlife Rd., about one hundred feet off of Fires Creek Rd.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/3Awatlw_-_Imgur_zpsa19ba1bd.jpgFrom a Google "Birds eye" view, Bear Cove may just look like single lane asphalt lanes through the woods, but on motorcycles, with the elevation changes, it's as much fun as a Disney World ride! We would ride to the bottom of ALL the cul-de-sacs, SLOWLY turn around (which sometimes required getting OFF the bikes to maneuver them around) and then charge up the damn hill! Our feet and legs would be hangin' straight off the backs of the motorcycles, while laying down over the motorcycle tanks and full throttle acceleration up the hill, only to piss our pants while breaking over the top of the crest and heading straight down the other side! (Well, SPEED MAY have had an impact on the thrill!)
Richard, can CARS really handle that terrain!?? (and I DON'T mean just in your 600 HP S-class AMG)
We stop out front, across Fires Creek Wildlife Rd., at the Bear Creek Pavilion to rest, regroup, and continue around the loop back to the cabin.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Bike%20trip/P1010039.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010062_zps91fc1e02.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010059_zpsf69e32cb.jpgIn the late afternoon, we all go to the Ingles Grocery for supplies and call it a day. We sit out the evening on the back patio. No lights, No noise, No traffic, just black sky!
Man! WHAT A DAY!
Tuesday, 5/14.
A slight change in plans today. Originally, there was NO Whitewater Rafting on our itinerary, But John made sure to change that!
When he was younger, he had a trip with Scouts, or the B.A.D.G.E. program, to South Carolina to do some Whitewater Rafting, and he wanted to do it again!
He contacted the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and having experienced rafting in the past, wanted something a little more on the "exciting" side. So OFF WE GO! (AGAIN WITHOUT STEVEN, he was pissed cause he thought we canceled the watercraft rentals on Lake Chatuge to do this, which wasn't the case)
Out of Hayesville, we take south 69, cross into Georgia, and at the end of 69 we head east on 2/76 through Hiawassee, Macedona, and travel Lookout Mountain Scenic Hwy into Clayton, GA. From there we take a short jaunt south on 441 till we head back east on 2/76 (Chechero RD.), which turns to Long Creek Hwy somewhere around the GA/SC boarder, which IS the Chattooga River.
After we cross the GA/SC boarder into South Carolina, it's a short trip to Chattooge Ridge Rd. We head north a few miles to the Chattooga Outpost, stored our gear in the SUV of a group of twenty-somethings, and sign-up for Section IV, which is class IV/V rapids made famous by the film Deliverance, and runs through drop-pool rapids including the famous Five Falls, where five tumultuous class IV+ rapids run in quick succession.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307958_zpsc2a86bff.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307969_zps82b14418.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307957_zps5d140ed6.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307956_zps804a599d.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307953_zpsb89e4cc8.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307952_zps87556c80.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307948_zpsbf1fd199.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307947_zps2bf1a9b8.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307945_zpse7b49ae5.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307944_zps8fcbb572.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307942_zps843d3f51.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307941_zps2237844a.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307930_zpsdaeb9d80.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307933_zpsdf50f093.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307935_zps50f8f760.jpgYes, Paula, WE DID HEAR BANJO'S!!!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Picture1.pngThe run took several hours and included lunch on the river next to some falls perfect for photo op's.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307938_zps5189e821.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307939_zps777a560e.jpgWe only flipped one raft, and got ALL the bodies back. Another group caught them downriver.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307962_zps78d884e6.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307963_zpsaf9a00d1.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/307965_zps7bf45b1c.jpgOn our way back to the cabin, we stopped at the Scenic Overlook on the Chattooga River at the boarder to rest up, then off we go.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Uquc2pE_-_Imgur_zps56c5b7e7.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/W8GKd6W_-_Imgur_zps4f2359e0.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/7TPo17q_-_Imgur_zpsa0ee8d49.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/BdSyrpf_-_Imgur_zps2a46ae2d.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/JB01QoW_-_Imgur_zps7d5c6bff.jpgWednesday, 5/15.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010082_zps71d40812.jpgToday just the three of us go to ride the Dragon again, this time across and back, and we drop down to Robbinsville to run across the Cherohala Skyway to the mile high elevation point. Something special for Florida Boy's who live at 100' above sea level!
The day is uneventful, as we decided it would be wise to let the group of Superbikes, with the DUDE IN A BLUE FEATHERED CHICKEN SUIT, leave just ahead of us, instead of behind us! We met them on their way back when we were about 3/4 of our way to the turn-a-round point.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1692352-129Slayer_zpsa39ecb3d.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010093_zps33ead55d.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/5wjEO0B_-_Imgur_zps086e6685.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010090_zps58c4d5d5.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_7456_zps52ca2fa9.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_7453_zps1f387163.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_7448_zps5e9f84a7.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_7449_zpsb269d000.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_7443_zpsf7f6a39e.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1695217-129Slayer_zps0c2ef4a2.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1696077-129Slayer_zps7d695612.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1690266-129Slayer_zps06a699b9.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1694370-129Slayer_zps853f3c5f.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/1695029-129Slayer_zpsdb1aa7dc.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_6603_zps9dd00312.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_6602_zps0766b051.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_6599_zps3c8a06e0.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_6829_zps28edc7e9.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_6820_zpsef733b95.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_1121_zps51019cc8.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/img_1115_zpsad4c0853.jpgOn our way from the Dragon to the Cherohala Skyway, about half way down Tapoco Rd. just north of Santeetlah Lake, where Yellow Creek Rd. goes to the northwest, there's a small suspension walk bridge that crosses over the Cheoah River Run. A rickety, old bridge that makes us question our sanity when we cross it. We go to the other side, hike around a bit, and when we had to cross BACK over to the bikes, DAD goes first and about half way across, starts RUNNING HARD and shaking the bridge from side to side! This makes John and Steven wish DAD wasn't around! But judging from the smiles on their faces, it was worth it.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010109_zps28720025.jpgWhen we get to the Cherohala Skyway and head west, John was in awe of the views, as you could see way off in the distance, and I think Steven liked it too.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/WGCYgZl_-_Imgur_zpsb5b867f2.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/fIPoAxK_-_Imgur_zps7297ad9f.jpgThe day ended with Steven in the best mood he's been in since the start of the trip. He knew we were going to Lake Chatuge tomorrow, and that is ALWAYS the highlight of the trip to him.
Thursday, 5/16.
Water day on Lake Chatuge.
The Three Amigos turn to watercraft today, instead of our trusty Steel Horses!
We drop back down into Georgia today (Imagine THAT!) and head east on 2/76, but turn south on hwy 288, before Hiawassee. South on 288 goes to Boundary Waters Resort and Marina, where we rent another Craigcat.
They seat two, have stick steering, bimini top, dry storage boxes, and a fuel injected, 30hp, four stroke outboard.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/Bike%20trip/P1010115.jpgWe also rent a Yamaha VX Cruiser Jet Ski.
We head out and spend the day in a somewhat reckless manor, WHAT ELSE would one expect a father and his sons to do!??
We cross the boarder into North Carolina and head up to the Chatuge Dam.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010120_zps83e0cee4.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010113_zps3b5fcdfd.jpgMan was that Yamaha a blast! However, once the boys learned how to soak someone with the roostertail, it got annoying. At least for me, and that seemed to make their day!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010131_zps787ed8f4.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/P1010132_zps21a5517c.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/3peolg2_-_Imgur_zpsdbe71c79.jpgAnyway, after a couple hours of soaking poor ol' dad on the Craigcat, we headed back to the marina, go back to the cabin, and clean house, pack the bags, load the bikes, and go to bed early in preparation for the first day of the two day trip back home.
Friday, 5/17.
GOOD-BY PARADISE!!!
Man what a stay! We were ready to head home and start planning the itinerary for NEXT year.
We stopped at the bottom of the driveway to give the ol' "One finger salute" to that driveway. No sir, the Driveway from Hell would certainly NOT BE MISSED! (Probably should NOT have done that, as it MAY remember us the next time we visit). Anyway, every mile we rode, was a mile of terrain that we'd never see again for quit some time.
Sad, really.
Quickly we enter Georgia and throttle-up for a ten hour trip to our half way stop in Hazlehurst.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/oYfcWJT_-_Imgur_zps45c2277a.jpgWe take 2/76 out of Hiawassee to Macedonia, then 17/75 south (Unicoi Turnpike) to Helen, GA., along the Chattahoochee River.
What a trip Helen is! Google this one! As we pass through, there are more BMW and Volkswagen cars in and around Helen than you'll see ANYWHERE on this continent! I assume there was some type of rally going on this weekend, but never did verify that. Poor Stevens head was going back and fourth from the right side to the left as he was checkin' out all the nice rides. Tuners, vintage, and custom vehicles EVERYWHERE!
As we head out of Helen, the cities and towns pass as quickly as miles on the odometers. Clarksville, Cornelia, Baldwin, Commerce, Athens, Madison, Milledgeville, Dublin, Alamo, Lumber City, and FINALLY, Hazelhurst! YEAH!!!
THIS TIME, we make sure there's no McDonald's Lodge in our stay. We noticed the Americas Best Value Inn is directly across the street from McDonald's Lodge, and it looked real cozy. It was, and we unloaded, found local dining, and went down for the night.
Saturday, 5/18.
The Final Leg.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/ZKOa62G_-_Imgur_zps3fc107d7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TpZK0ej.jpgUnlike last year, when the last day had me thinking "...I can truly relax and enjoy the sights...For the first time, time is no longer a concern. We'll be home today, sometime today, and it just doesn't matter when."
Nope!
While the last day is less complicated due to knowing the way home, I STILL have that RENTAL BIKE on my mind. I need to have it back to Eagleriders by closing (5:30) to avoid paying another days rental, approx. $100.00.
Another issue that reared it's head was a THIRD person. Yep, a third person equates to a 100% increase in personal conflicts. Instead of just me having to deal with Steven, and him just having to deal with me, NOW I must deal with BOTH Steven AND John, and of course, each of them must cope with the other two in the clan.
We got along amazingly well through the last two weeks, BUT tensions were on the rise.
As anyone who knows us can testify, we are NOT three peas from the same pod! We love each other immensely, but our personalities and likes vary greatly!
I'm not sure if it was IN Jacksonville, or just before or after Jacksonville, when we stopped for lunch at Wendy's. (one of the few, VERY FEW, places Steven will eat)
When we enter Wendy's, you'd have thought it was Sunday in small town, USA! Most everyone looked like they were having a small lunch after church. Everyone but US!
With a few days growth on our faces, dirty,over-loaded bikes, dirty jackets, and saddle-sore from the half day,fast 'n' hard ride, we definitely looked out of place.
We're loud people to begin with. Add to that we were use to talking over the traffic and other noise at stops along the way, and it stands to reason that our conversation inside Wendy's was probably a little loud.
Steven got up to use the restroom, and on his way back to our table he stopped to grab some condiments. He hears John talkin' a little Smack about one of his friends, and shouts out "F@*#-YOU JOHN!!!"
EVERY EYE was on us, and it became quiet enough to hear a pin drop!
Steven quickly apologized to everyone inside, and sat down with us. Things went back to normal.
(Damn dirty bikers!)
With about a hundred and fifty miles to go, we hit it hard. The Fast 'n' Furious! Two more stops for gas and drinks, and we hit Apopka. Time is running short. I call Donna and tell her to be ready to follow me up to Eagleriders, after we get home and get the gear off the Sportster.
We hit home about 4:45.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0157_zps915b4673.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0159_zps9db01798.jpghttp://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0161_zps09354dee.jpgWe yank the gear off the rental, and make one last, fast run to Eagleriders. I get there about 5:15.
Post-check gets done, NOTHING is said about the bike NOT LOOKING like the black one they rented (it was DUSTED with the red dust from the red Georgia clay), and the paperwork is finalized.
6:00 PM!
I'm home!
The boys are ALREADY gaming on the computer, and two weeks worth of dirty clothes, dirty gear, and misc. are piled high in the living room. Donna says nothing about it (for a few hours) and just listens to some of the most relevant stories that first come to my mind.
Sunday.
Sunday it seems like everything is back to normal.
Donna's doing laundry, straightening up the house, and bitchin' that "Nobody puts up anything! Crap's scattered all over the house."
The other two bikes are locked in the sheds, with no intension's of riding either one anytime soon.
The depressing realization hits. Tomorrow, Monday, life DOES go back to normal. And I'm truly in need of a major vacation! Woe is me!
"O, woe is me, T'have seen what I have seen..." Ophelia - W.S. - Hamlet
epilogue
I DON'T think we'll be doing this again soon (Not on MY dime anyway), at least not in the next year or two.
Don't feel sad for me, it's my choice (and desire) to choose adventures that surround me with my family, and do things they have dreams of doing as well.
I'll be fifty-eight this year. I'm the only one who says "Fifty-eight" though, all the others say '' 'bout sixty".
Anyway, last summer got me t' thinkin' 'bout MY Bucket List. Not a list of things I want to do before I die, but things I want to do while I'm physically able, and before my children become all consumed with their own lives (spouse, children, careers, mortgage, etc.).
Not surprisingly, my list is short. I put the last two spring trips at the front of this list, as they have been MY most rewarding events of late, and surly will provide me the catalyst necessary to strive toward more meaningful events in the near future with my wife, my children, our family, and the next generation.
This summer will be thirty years of marriage for Donna and I. I REALLY want to do somethin' special for it. Something on HER Bucket List. So all of my efforts, time, and funds will be working to make this happen.
It's now the top item on my list, and nothing will come before.
Further off down the list includes the four of us (Myself, Donna, John and Steven) on Donna and my wish list vacation to the Keys. Ride the bikes to Key West, party like the rich & famous, and ride back home.
The other one is a one month trip around the outer edges of the forty-eight states (NO super slabs). Cross the southern states, Pacific Coast Hwy from San Diego to Washington State, across the north, and A1A back to Florida. This in the company of my sons, and I'd give in to a large "Cruiser" with all the comforts, IF it will allow my wife to go. With her deteriorating spine issues, it's likely that can't happen. But we'll try.
A prime example of life's unforeseen complications that just happen with the passing of time.
As far as adding to the list, there's no hurry. The couple that are already there could take quite some time, and TIME is the race I'm running in.
On the dwindling end of ones normal life expectancy, I feel like I'm running from the fury of the storms of the Gods of Heaven and Hell.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0505_zpscbcb3154.jpgBut as long as I can ride, and "bust the Ton" while doing so, I'm gonna GIVE IT MY ALL to stay at least one step ahead!
DAMN THE TORPEDO'S !!!FULL SPEED AHEAD !!!
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp309/Opissant/DSC_0464_zps9e836a86.jpg --------------------
