HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

I've enjoyed sharing my rides and experiences with my readers over the past year with something I call "PIC OF THE WEEK". With 2009 coming to a close, I took a look back at my accumulated posts and compiled a list of my top ten favorite Pics Of The Week.

Without being in any specific order... here they are.

CATCHING SOME RAYS
CRUISIN' ROUND MOUNDVILLE

BIKERS FOR BABIES -TALLADEGA SPEEDWAY

IVY CREEK CHURCH

DOUBLE ARCH BRIDGE

OLD CONFEDERATE ARMORY

MT WASHINGTON

FALL REFLECTIONS

KYMULGA COVERED BRIDGE

SUNSET ON THE MISSISSIPPI


I thought it would be fun to put a poll up for a couple weeks to see which one of my favorites... is yours. Check them out and place your vote today!

Have a safe and happy New Year and here's to a better 2010!!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

SUNSET ON THE MISSISSIPPI
I have been saving this beautiful shot of the sun setting over the Mississippi river since June. My brother knows how much I love to get pictures for my blog, so he snapped this pic for me one evening after dinner (Yes... he's a sweetheart). I thought it would be a great way to say goodbye to 2009.

One of our favorite places to eat while we're home is the Country Heights Super Club across the river in Wisconsin. Before we came back into Iowa, we rode down to O'Leary's Landing, one of my ol' swimming holes back when I was growing up here. The sun was just setting while we were there and it was absolutely beautiful.

On another note, this day also marks the second anniversary for the Glider Rider. I can't believe I started blogging two years ago... and I'm still here. Time flys when your having fun!

Have a nice week everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

FILL 'ER UP WITH REGULAR!While on their same boys trip to Nova Scotia, Harley and his pals came across this pretty cool collection of old gas pumps and signs somewhere around Conway, New Hampshire.

It's a pretty neat way to decorate your garage, I guess. Just wonder how many folks stop by wanting to know if they can fill up!

I hope you all have your stockings hung and your cookies frosted. Christmas will be here Friday!

Have a great week everybody!

PIC OF THE WEEK - MT WASHINGTON

A memory from the archives!

A couple of summers ago, Harley was lucky enough to experience a ride across Mt. Washington in New Hampshire while he and some of his best pals were off enjoying one of their sacred "boys trips".

MT. WASHINGTON Harley claims, "the ride was most interesting on more than one occasion", and by the looks of the narrow ribbon of road, I wasn't going to challange that statement. The lack of guard rails in the curves and the presence of loose gravel everywhere was enough to make the experience round out with a nice dose of anxiety.


This was the perfect finale to an awesome trip. Since one of our good buddies is a Mass-Hole, they used his home town of Uxbridge, MA as they're official starting point. They rode up to Maine, put the bikes on a ferry and crossed over to Nova Scotia. They made a nice big loop, crossed back into the good ol' U. S. and now found themselves guiding their iron horses across Mt. Washington, New Hampshire... enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way.

I've been after Harley to write a guest post about his trips, but he's not the type to sit and peck at the key board. Maybe I can help him out and bring you some more of his awesome experiences. At least he doesn't mind taking pics... and he's gotten quite good at taking them on the fly. Since I'm not able to go on all these fabulous adventures with him, he always tries his best to bring home full memory cards!

Have a nice week everyone!

Lady R

(11 days 'til Christmas... are you ready?)

PIC OF THE WEEK - SOUTHERN CROSSROADS

Remember when...

This reminds me of one of my favorite movies, "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Remember the "King Biscuit Flour Hour?" Familys would sit around for hours and listen to radio shows and singing entertainment sponsored by some of our favorite groceries.

CAPERTON'S OLD SOUTH GENERAL STORE AND PAWN SHOPWelcome to the corner that time forgot. This is the little community of Weogufka, AL and home for Caperton's Old South General Store and Pawn Shop. It has been our pit stop on many a hot summer days, as it's right on the way to one of our favorite twisty roads. The White Tulip Flour sign is on another old store right across the street from us and this whole corner feels like your standing still in time.

I've been in that store only once... very interesting!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

PIONEER SHOPPING VILLAGE

Harley and I often find ourselves riding on or near Hwy 231 south during our much deserved road therapy sessions. It's also the same road that takes us to Panama City, and as my regular readers know... we go there often.

PIONEER SHOPPING VILLAGE

Well, there's something called the Pioneer Shopping Village on Hwy 231 just north of Troy, AL that always captures my attention when we ride by it. On this particular day of riding, we decided to stop in and see what it was all about.

ADAMS GENERAL STORE

In the little village, there are antique stores, gift shops, a Blacksmith shop, Grist Mill and a restaurant. You can find ceramics, glassware, old books, knickkacks and custom knives. I'm not much of a shopper, but I've determined that this would be a cool place to find some very unique Christmas gifts!

There are some other historic structures scattered around the village that's connected by a nice paved walking path as well as large shelters and picnic areas available for large gatherings. This would be an awesome playground for the kiddos during a big family reunion!

W. T. SMITH LUMBER COMPANY TRAIN I wonder just how much lumber this old locomotive moved around in its prime.

I've always wanted to stop in here and take a look around, and I'm glad we did. Sometimes, when you look at things with a fresh eye, you'll realize you have some pretty cool stuff right under your nose! The Pioneer Village would be one of those gems.

Have a great weekend everybody and ride on!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - THE ROAD THAT SAYS "AHHH!"

This country road is part of Pike County, the same area that last weeks cotton field picture came from, and is home to many southern pastures and farms.

THE ROAD THAT SAYS "AHHH!"
There's no doubt I have fun on twisty curvy roads to challenge the playful side of me, but nothing says "ahhh" like a nice long sweeping country road that lets you see in front of you... sometimes up to a mile or so.

These old barns and farms have a lot of character in them and as I cruise by, I think about my home in Iowa. I grew up in the heart of farm country, but there's something just a little more charming about the farms in south. Maybe it's just the absence of pigs! Shew!!

Have a nice Monday everyone!

Lady R

Author's note: I feel like I've been neglecting my blog lately, as it's been quite a while since I've posted a nice ride report or let you peek into my diary. I've been very busy of late, and have had more computer issues, but hopefully that's behind me now. I know I'll continue to be preoccupied over the next week, as I have my brother and his kiddos coming for Thanksgiving. I'm very excited to have them, but I'll probably not be able to post anything of significance for a few days. Please don't give up on me, and I hope to be back in the swing of things again real soon. In the mean time... just ride on!! Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK - WAY DOWN SOUTH IN THE LAND OF COTTON

Saturday was a beautiful day for riding! Clear skies and warm temps (low 70's... again!) so Harley and I decided to head south this time for our road therapy. Instead of the woodsy, twisty terrain of the Talladega National Forest that we usually enjoy to the north, we experienced a more relaxing ride as we encountered the rolling hills and open pastures that grace our southern Alabama farmland.

WAY DOWN SOUTH IN THE LAND OF COTTON
We stopped to take a picture of this cotton field on Hwy. 29 in Pike County. It's amazing at how much this looks like snow!

Here's our future bath towels! LOL!

Have a great Monday everyone!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

About five years ago, Harley and some pals took a boys trip down to the everglades and the Key West area. The original destination of this particular trip was to go to a Nascar race at Homestead, but they found themselves with plenty of free time to explore other places of interest while they were in the area.

FISH CAMP IN THE EVERGLADES
This little cabin seems like the perfect place to spend a quiet peaceful weekend and fish till your hearts content. The kind of place you can go to and nobody knows how to find you. The kind of place that is so secluded that your cell phone will be nothing but dead weight on your belt. Sounds nice, heh?

The only problem is... this is the only way to get here.
That's right... they had to park the bikes and hop on board this air boat, but they said riding on that thing was an awesome good time! I've never been on one, but I can assure you, I would definitely enjoy taking my turn!

I enjoyed a busy girls weekend with some PC girlfriends, and Harley also enjoyed his kitchen pass down there on a poker run with the guys. Since I didn't get much riding in myself, I pulled these pics from the archives. They took this trip during November of that year, so I felt like this would be a good time to share them.

After my gal pals left on Sunday, the sun was high and the air was warm and I just couldn't resist the urge to start that motor. So I ran a couple errands then rode down Hwy 231 until I met up with Harley who was on his way back home. So you see... I wasn't completely skunked!

Have a nice Monday everyone!

Lady R

HAPPY FALL YA'LL

I love fall. To me, while growing up in Iowa, fall meant... bright foliage and burning leaves, cold noses and sweatshirts, football games with blankets, and the anticipation of... snow days! It seemed like a nice transition from the warm and sunny summer to the long cold winter that allowed us to linger in between that change of season. But now that I live in Alabama, fall for me just isn't the same. Believe it or not, we can get pretty cold here, but it usually goes from warm to cold without much in between. While I've been reading about everyone else's dropping temperatures and winterizing their bikes, I'm thinking... WTF! It's still hot here!

I've been belly aching for weeks that I was ready for cooler weather and the brilliance of fall to show itself. The lingering summer heat was beginning to wear out its welcome as far as I was concerned.

Two weekends ago on the day we rode up to Mt. Cheaha State Park, we finally got our cold snap. The temperatures dropped to the low 50's with an overcast sky, so it was quite chilly during our ride. It was nice to feel cold air around me for a change. Hell, the weekend before this one we were still riding around in nothing but a long sleeve t-shirt with sunny 70's! (oh... I guess I had my jeans and boots on too!) But the point is... we in the south finally got that cool blast from the north we so desperately needed. Thank you Mother Nature!

Riding north for 85 miles made such a difference in the color we saw that I felt priviledged to be so close to such a pretty area. I put together a slide show of our wonderful scenery while we were on our peeping expedition. The great road shots you are about to see were taken by Harley while we were on the move. Who needs a helmet cam??!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mt. Cheaha is the highest point in Alabama at 2407 feet and we love to come up here when we're riding. I highly recommend a visit here to anyone who finds themselves near the area.

There's a small lake that borders the camping and picnic area and while we were snapping pics of the view, we noticed this poor chap pushing his bike to the camping area where we were parked.
By the time he made his way by us, I spoke a sympathetic hello in his direction and he managed to mumble out a return greeting. I felt a little guilty that right at that moment, that he was not sharing my jubilant attitude... understandably so.

We had a great rest of the day, and I really enjoyed our "cool" ride through the park. Our afternoons still like to heat up to the high 60's and low 70's, but the crispy 42 degree mornings are a promise of what's to come.

HAPPY FALL YA'LL !!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

"I'M WATCHING YOU!!"
Last weekend, while leaf peeping at Mt. Cheaha, Harley was able to capture this handsome dog in his mirror while he waited for me to pay our way into the park.

There's a little country store with a gas pump at the entrance to the park with folks coming and going, but this pretty brown boy seemed to be very comfortable with his surroundings. He was quite amusing to watch as he walked around and greeted the guests and wagged his hellos to everyone. Apparently, Mt. Cheaha has a mascot!
Usually dogs and motorcycles don't mix, but he stayed very still when we were moving around. Thanks fella! I'll be sure and bring you a bone the next time I come back!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Happy Monday everybody!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK... PLUS A COUPLE

Saturday morning we headed north, knowing the fall foliage would be at it's peaking beauty around Mt. Cheaha State Park. Besides being the highest point in Alabama at 2407 feet, it's fun to ride on these twisty, hilly, playful roads... and the change of seasons makes going back a delightful treat!

FALL REFLECTIONS
Smooth lake water shines a reflective image of the colorful trees along these banks.

Harley took several great shots like this one, while riding down the road.
He's really quite good at it and I'll be putting together a slide show of other fantastic shots he got during our chilly Saturday ride.

The breathtaking views at the overlooks were stunning and could keep you staring at the horizon for hours.
Bald Rock on top of Mt. Cheaha State Park.

The weatherman promised a nice fall day with plenty of sunshine and temps in the upper 60's. A great day for riding! When we left the house at 9:30 a.m., it was 53 degrees and overcast! Brrrrrrr!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R

ARE YOU IN THE MOOD??

My friend Darlin' sent me an email yesterday that made me laugh so hard, I just had to share it with ya!

Muwahahahaha! Take the hint boys and thanks for spreading the fun hun!!

I hope you all have a great weekend and it includes some riding time. Our crazy yo-yo weather down here promises to be in the 70's again this weekend, so with or without my layers... I'll be cruisin'!

Happy Friday everyone!!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

We found ourselves riding around near Tallassee this weekend and decided to explore around the Tallapoosa River. Tallassee, AL is a very old and historic little community and there's always something interestesting to see.

OLD CONFEDERATE ARMORY - TALLASSEE, AL
Built in 1844, this old building served as a cotton mill before it was turned into an armory during the Civil War and became Tallassee Calvary Carbines. It remains as the only Confederate Armory that was not destroyed during the Civil War.

Looking at it from the other side of the Tallapoosa River while we're on Fitzpatrick Bridge. I think this place would make a great Haunted House! Booooooo!

And just for the record... I finally wore full leathers (head to toe) for the first time this year and enjoyed my ride as the temps lingered in the uppper 50's. I just turned the heater in the house on for the first time too! I think I can safely say the southern heat has vacated... till Spring! Let me enjoy it while it lasts!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

Our temperature finally dropped to 65 this weekend and it was a real pleasure riding through the cooler air for a change. We took the Glides for a ride Sunday and found ourselves puttering around Lake Martin when we came across these geese hanging out at the water's edge.


LAKE MARTIN GEESEThey didn't seem to mind our intrusion at all as we walked along near the water. It was kind of cute to see them all standing around on one leg and their heads tucked snuggly under their wings.

This little guy was off to himself, watching everything as though he was standing guard while the others took their naps. Such a good sentry!

Some of you may be off today in honor of Columbus Day, and for those that are... have a good one! I, unfortunately, will go to work today.

Have a nice week!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

"MELLOW YELLOW"
"I'm just mad about Saffron.
A-Saffron's mad about me.
I'm-a just mad about Saffron.
She's just mad about me."
"They call me Mellow Yellow,
Quite rightly.
They call me Mellow Yellow,
Quite rightly.
They call me Mellow Yellow."
Harley and I took a short little rest stop at some rail road tracks during our ride Saturday, which gave me the opportunity to capture a shot of these golden beauties that filled my eyes all day and had Donovan singing "Mellow Yellow" in my head!

I know these aren't very spectacular pictures for this weeks "Pic Of The Week" choice, but these brilliant yellow wild flowers where every where and it made me think of that song. The sun was shining bright, while the air was cool and crisp; and after a leisurely 225 mile ride around our Alabama countryside, I was feeling pretty mellowed out myself.

Weekends just don't last long enough... do they?

Have a nice Monday everybody!

Lady R

PAIN

Dear Diary... a glimpse into the pages of journal written by a woman rider.

Friday
October 2, 2009

Dear Diary,
I can't sleep. It's 4:00 a.m. and my mind won't be still. I toss and turn, trying to recapture that comfortable place of nothingness, but it eludes me. As my journal, I realize you'd rather hear how exciting my last ride was, or what a beautiful day it was while on it, but I can't do that today. Instead, I need you to lift my burden of restlessness.

I can't shake this pain in my heart. A pain that was not brought on by anything I did, or didn't do, but a pain that is there... out of love. I looked up the word in the dictionary. It says it's "an unpleasant sensation caused by the stimulation of certain nerves, esp. as a result of injury or sickness; a distressing emotion."

We've all been there... standing on the sidelines, watching someone you love experience the pain. Whether it be from physical injury or emotional distress, we watch helplessly as they fight through the challenge of not letting the pain overcome there whole being. Praying and hoping that they'll feel our strength, giving them the will to go on and fight, and not give up.

How many times have we wished we could transfer the pain from them to us and why do we feel that way? Is is because we think we are stronger and can handle it better? Do we think it will overcome them, and are frightened of what that result will bring? I'm not sure of the answer to that, but my guess is it's because we don't want our loved one to go through the pain and misery alone. Which makes me realize... pain has no boundaries.

We share the burden of pain with them. We stand by their side, whether their pain is emotional or physical; we stand by them until they realize that nothing is insurmountable with the support and love of family and friends. We stand by their side as they see the light and feel the grip that pain had on them weaken and dissipate. Each new day brings strength and comfort as they make progress.

My restlessness comes from pain. Pain of sharing the grief over lost love, pain of sharing the grief over senseless accidents. Pain of knowing that you cannot control the happiness or safety of those you love.

Pain. Please move on, I don't want to feel you anymore.

Me