FUN WITH KIT AND BOO

We had some friends come through Montgomery last Friday on their way to spend a few days at 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort up near Birmingham. Kit and Peeka Boo, who live in Tallahassee, FL., met Kit's brother and his wife, Mr. J and Jtoo in Dothan, AL., and rode up together. The J's live in PC with most of our other friends and we haven't seen either of them since we partied together in Holt. (See my BikeFest Series, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly)

We met them for lunch at Ryan's Friday as they were traveling through, and after we filled up our bellies, we decided to ride up the road with them for a while. Jtoo rides her own Road King and I had to compliment her on her tag. "RDQWN". She told a quick story about some young guy talking to her about her cool "Road Queen", but he thought the Road Kings were cool too! We just laughed about how many people will say the stupidest things to try and appear cool and knowledgeable.

We mounted up and headed north, up Hwy 231 to Hwy 9 and made a pit stop in Rockford, AL at Indian Hills Motorcycle Resort. Kit wanted to check out this facility, and it gave us a great place to stop for a stretch and a drink. We split ways here though, and headed back home to Montgomery, and they proceeded north to 29 Dreams. We made plans to meet the next morning in Talladega and ride up to Mt.Cheaha State Park and spend the day riding and sight seeing around that area.

At 2407 feet, Mt. Cheaha is Alabama's highest point in elevation. The view is beautiful and on a pretty day, you can see for miles. The Park has cabins and chalets available along with a full restaurant and hotel. For those who like it rough, primitive camping is available, and swimming too! It would be a great place to have a chapter meeting or a group weekend getaway. There is a lot of nice riding in this area. It's fun and curvy on one side of the mountain, and more curvy and slower going on the other side. Harley and I have ridden up here so often, I would have to consider it one of my favorite places to ride.

It's Saturday... Flag Day. The day was perfect! A slightly overcast sky kept the sun from scorching us, which just made the ride even more pleasant. Unfortunately, something was wrong with Mr. J's bike and they weren't able to join us. We hoped they would get it going and join up later, but no such luck. Sadly, Jtoo stayed behind with him, but they made the best of it by enjoying some rest and relaxation back at camp.

We met Kit and Peeka Boo in Oxford, and after a short visit to the Mt. Cheaha Harley Davidson Dealership, we started our ascent up to the park. Boo was snapping pics as we rode and she got one of me leading us up the mountain. Harley's gauges weren't working, and being more familiar with the road, I took the lead. I'm usually not in front, but I have to say, I liked it! I could get used to that!

We took advantage of some great photo opportunities at the scenic overlooks. A really nice fella, also out riding, didn't mind taking the time to snap this pic of Harley, me, Peeka Boo and Kit. Thanks Dude!
Of course, I had to get one of our bikes on the overlook, with the beautiful Talladega National Forest in the background.

We stopped at the top and stretched our legs and took some more pics. I was having fun! Kit and Boo were taking it all in and I think they were enjoying the ride too. I always get satisfaction from my rides, and I think today was a little more special because we were sharing it with someone. As we continued on our way down the twisty curves on the other side of Mt. Cheaha we went through Talladega and ended up near Pell City.

We found a good smelling BBQ Shack and decided to stop and get something good to eat. Since I'm the one who spotted it, I'm glad we weren't disappointed. To be honest, I smelled it before I saw it. I bet you can't do THAT in a car! I guess I have a good nose sense for good grub!

After we ate lunch, we took a couple of county roads south and rode along the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. It didn't seem long before we came to the turn were Kit and Boo would head west to go back to 29 Dreams, and Harley and I would proceed south to Montgomery. We waved our goodbyes and made promises of keeping in touch. "Bye! Ride Safe!"

As I watched them ride off, I just smiled. I was thinking, "What a great day we had!" I enjoyed seeing our riding friends again and I look forward to the next time we can have an opportunity to get together. I hate we didn't get to have as much time with Mr. J and Jtoo, but at least we got to share a nice lunch and short ride together.

The fact that this Saturday was the day that Harley and I celebrated our 28th year around the block of life together, I couldn't think of any other way I would have wanted to spend it. I got to ride my motorcycle all day with the love of my life, and we had some nice friends to share it with! Ride on and ride safe!
Lady R

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

This is our day to celebrate our fathers. I want to pay a special tribute to my dad, my hero.

I am an only daughter, and the oldest in a family with three brothers, so this led me to have a very unique and special relationship with my dad. I was the first one to break him in for all those dad challenges. First kid driving, first kid to date, first one to leave home, you know the drill. Being an only daughter made this more difficult for him, but sometimes it had it's privileges also. I was special!

When I was a little girl, my dad would let me dance on his feet. He would twirl me around and move me to the music. Everywhere he stepped, I would be right in sync. I would laugh and never want him to stop and eventually he would say, I tire him out and it's time for him to dance on my feet! I know many other fathers dance with their daughters this way, and we were no different. He took me to all my Father Daughter Girl Scout events and was my best coach during my softball days. Many Fridays, he would work his tail off, setting up a campsite for our family for the weekend, just to tear it all down again on Sunday. We would have the best time though! I am very thankful that my Dad was around to make memories like this with me.

He's a tinkerer and can't be still. He loves to get into projects and he was always fixing things around the house. To this day, when he comes to visit, Harley will leave little things around undone, just so it will give my Dad something to do. I can appreciate his pride in a job completed and his comfort in knowing that his daughter still needs his help with things.

As long as I can remember, while we were growing up, he always had a motorcycle. He had a Honda 650 he would ride to work everyday that he could, except when the winters set in. Iowa didn't allow year round riding. He and my mom enjoyed riding with friends and when us kids were old enough, they would take off for weekend trips. He didn't bat an eye (not that I saw anyway) when some of my boyfriends would pick me up for dates on motorcycles. It's been several years now since he sold his bike, but Mom said he was very proud that day I called and said, "Dad! I'm riding my own now!" And of course, that didn't come without some words of wisdom and lots of, "be careful out there!"

My dad's getting older and slower these days, but he's still that strong minded, well meaning man he always was. I want thank him for the sacrifices he endured in order to raise his family, and the love and support he always showed us. A lot of my personality, I get honestly from him and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks Dad! Happy Fathers Day! I love you.

RIDE TO LAKE MARTIN

Saturday came with a warm temperature of 92 degrees, and clear blue skies. A perfect day to ride, and ride we did!

Harley and I set out after a late breakfast and just headed east. No particular place to go, we just wanted to enjoy the day with the wind in our face and daily life off our backs. Time for therapy. After a few turns here and there we found ourselves on the east side of our favorite lake. Lake Martin is a great recreation destination, and we find ourselves riding around it's shores often. Boating ramps, camping areas, and fishing spots are available all around the 720 miles of shoreline, and it's a great place to spend the hot summer days.

We stopped at a nice little rest area with a hiking path and picnic tables called Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail. This beautiful overlook is at the southeast corner of the lake looking west toward Kawliga Bridge. We found this place by accident a few years ago, and it's fun to come here every now and then, just to look at the lake, while we have a stretch. Every year for the 4th of July, there is a huge fireworks show on the water near the bridge. This little area draws quite a large crowd of onlookers, all wanting to take advantage of the spectacular view.


Looking at all the boats in water, reminded me of the days when we had a pontoon. We had the "Party Barge" for three summers and we spent a lot of time up here and had a tremendous amount of fun! It's funny how I don't miss it though. I guess it was fun while it lasted. I think of the poor saps down on the lake paying $8.00 a gallon for gas at the marinas and figure, that's why I don't miss it. My Glide gets me all the entertainment I want and then some, and it doesn't take near the hit on my wallet for gas. And on a hot summer day like this, I just look forward to the pool waiting for me at the end of the ride.

Continuing on our way, we rode west on CR 50 and stopped at the Jack B. Venable bridge on the Tallapoosa River. The history behind old broken bridges like one this interest me. These retired, crumbling bridge abutments stood as haunting reminders of the original structure that once graced this spot. They almost seem like a sad memorial to an era gone by, and the history they hold deteriorates with them as they age and weather. Proudly, the new stronger bridge stands mockingly significant, next it's decaying mentor.


We road about 200 miles and got back home 5 hours or so later, feeling completely content with the way the day had evolved. Nothing crazy happened to either of us. No dive bombing hawks or darting foxes. No u-turning SUVs controlled by teenage drivers. Just us, the road, and a warm summer day to ride your worries away. The sun warmed us up a little, so taking that cool refreshing dip in the pool was the best ending to a great day. Ride on! Lady R

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

I hope I haven't over loaded any of you too much with my red, white and blue rhetoric. I just can't help my self sometimes, and I realize that I get carried away. It's Monday morning and I just thought I would reflect on my weekend a little. I hope all of you had a good and safe Holiday as well.

Harley and I had a very lazy Memorial Day Weekend this year. Truth be told, H. is probably glad I didn't try do drag him downtown for the big Jubilee CityFest, we have every Memorial Day Weekend. It's fun and all, but it's best if you wait and go down at night and listen to the bands at the amphitheater. We rode the motorcycles Saturday, pretty much all day. I laughed to myself as we headed out thinking, Harley and I will be our own parade! We took off and headed north and played around in Talladega County most of the day. One of my favorite roads we take when we head in this direction, has a big wide bridge that crosses over a small river. We usually stop here for moment just to look at the water and stretch our legs. If you look close, you can see a small row boat with two people fishing. It was so peaceful and quiet here, that I almost hated to start my motorcycle and break the tranquility of the moment. But I did!

Sunday did not bring us anything more than catching up on honey-do's and playing in the pool all day. We'd do a little something, then jump in the pool. Do a little something more and jump in the pool again. I don't mind doing a little yard work, as long as I can take a quick dip to cool off. I cooked us up some Ribs, corn and cucumber salad, and we watched a little bit of the Indy Race before settling down to watch the Coca Cola 600 later that night. Told ya. Very Lazy!

So, this brings us to today. Our Memorial Day Holiday. I'm sitting here reflecting how glad I am that I have one more day to play, before our work week starts. Today is going to be another beautiful day so, Harley and I will probably continue on our mission of laziness, and ride the Glides again to a destination yet to be determined. We'll come home, take a cool down dip in the pool and eat leftovers. Sounds good to me!

Memorial Day is a day for remembrance and thanks. The sacrifices that have been made, so I can enjoy riding my motorcycle in this free country we call home, will not go unappreciated. To all of our Military Armed Forces, Veterans, and families of POW's and MIA's. This day is for you.
THANK YOU!

PICNICS AND PARADES

When I was a little girl in Iowa, growing up in an industrial town on the Mississippi River, Memorial Day meant Picnics and Parades! I didn't grow to really appreciate the significance of Memorial Day until a bit later in life, particularly when I became a member of the Armed Forces myself. My dad was a Navy man, and he likes to tell me the story of having to jump ship and go AWOL, (that's absent with out leave) so he could see me in the hospital when I was born. Being born in a Naval Hospital and having a Sailor for a father, I guess it was destiny that his daughter would join the Navy too.

During my childhood, my very patriotic dad, liked to involve himself in Navy Clubs and different Veteran Organizations. This is how we found ourselves at every parade our town ever held. He would participate in Honor Guards and Color Guards, or maybe his help would be needed to build the Float. I remember a time when I was about 9 years old, I got to walk in the parade with my mom. Our job was to walk in front of some cars carrying some "official people" and this big float, holding the banner that says, "The Dubuque Navy Club". I was prancing that day, I can tell you!

Some of my favorite parade participants, where the Shriners. They would bring a group of twelve or so, on either small mini-bikes, or little cars, and perform maneuvers every couple of blocks on the parade route. To see these full grown men on miniature motorcycles doing figure eights, intersecting with each other, circling within circles was very fun and entertaining. Our local war veterans would be showcased and honored, riding in brand new Cadillac Convertibles provided by sponsoring car dealerships. Throw in some marching bands and pretty floats, fire trucks and beauty queens. This little girl loved parades!

Now, when the parade was over, we would all go to the park for a picnic. Our family picnics usually consisted of grandma, grandpa, several aunts, uncles, cousins and anybody who just slips in our crowd unnoticed. This can happen with a big family. Especially when the older cousins started bringing outside friends to our family gatherings. You get to a certain age, when the only way you'll show up to family stuff, is if you can bring a friend.

Our family picnics were pretty simple. Everybody brought their own meat, cooler of drinks, and a dish to share. There never seemed to be a shortage of food. We always seemed to have enough grills to cooks everyones food at once. Miraculous! My mom always made potato salad or macaroni salad. I can remember our families usual dishes that would adorn the picnic tables like it was yesterday. We'd have cucumber salad, pork-n-beans, jello salad, copper pennies, and all kinds of cakes and cookies too. My aunt, Hotline, always made a big batch of Rice Krispie Treats and they were always my absolute favorite.

Being on a picnic gave us kids a chance to run around and play like there was no tomorrow. And we didn't have to worry about using our inside voices! I think picnics are a great way to have fun as a family. Doing things with your kids and sharing good times like this, is what instills the tradition of family values. I thank my parents for unselfishly providing me a stable home with lots of love. My brothers and I are very blessed to have parents like ours.

Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember our fallen heroes. This I will do. But for this little girl, Memorial Day is also a day for picnics and parades.

THE DERBY CHALLENGE

Everyone knows what the Kentucky Derby is, right? Just the most exciting two minutes in sports! I know this is supposed to be a motorcycle blog, but today, it's about the anticipation of winning and losing, and a funny little group of women who formed a sisterhood of tradition involving this grand event.

Horse lovers every where will be glued to the TV for this most important race, hoping to see their favorite horse and jockey come in first place, while we girls, will be trying our darnedest to win our own, coveted prize of notoriety. You've never seen a more competitive group of sweet charming ladies, than this bunch. Hence, the nickname, the "Derby Challenge"! The nice thing about the Kentucky Derby, is that it always falls on the same weekend that Panama City holds the Spring Thunder Beach Rally. The first Saturday in May. Woo Hoo! I'm always there!

The rules for this ladies only "Club" for the lack of a better word, are posted on a board, that follows the party every year along with other boards bursting with pictures of past Derby parties. The hostess of the year can change or add any part of the rules, with the exception of a few. We all chip in together and we hire a Butler (usually a handsome one) to spoil us and take care of all our beverage needs for the afternoon. This year we had Thomas and he did an outstanding job. Husbands, Brothers, and teenage sons are lined up ahead of time to be ready for Cab duty. This is one of those annual, without fail, probably gonna get drunk kinda of parties... so my friends and I, and every one else plays it smart and prepares for such matters.

To be included in this Ladies Annual Kentucky Derby Party, you have to be invited in. I was fortunate enough to have been invited in by my good friend, Earth Mother. She would always say, that girlfriends are a very important part of life. She is a great person, and I enjoy being around her. I'm just glad that, because of her, I get to come to this party every year. These girls are a fun bunch to share an afternoon with!

Once invited in, your party attire can be whatever you want it to be but, it MUST include a hat AND gloves. Also, you are responsible for knowing where and when the parties will take place without the help of an invitation.

The party guest that wins the "Best Hat" prize, will be the hostess for the next years Party. This year, Red Light Roxanne was the winner for having the "Best Hat". She really went all out, in dressing true to her name, and was just a delightful character. Her winning the "Best Hat" prize, means next year, about three hours before the race starts, twenty or so women will show up at her house, dressed in Derby attire, ready to party and, you guessed it, watch the most exciting two minutes in sports! Woo Hoo!

A prize is given to the guest who comes best dressed with the "Overall Kentucky Derby Look". This prize has been won on a regular basis by Crazy Chick and I challenged her to step up her game. I told her I'm coming after the "Best Overall" prize this year! She playfully accepted that challenge and gave me a fair warning in return. Well, I didn't win and yes, you guessed it, Crazy Chic took the "Best Overall" trophy once again! The queen continues to reign "Overall"!

We also fill our time with contests of "Best Shoes" and "Best Gloves" too. What better pastime for a bunch of ladies than comparing shoes and accessories! A lot of fun is had, by looking around at everyone's well put together outfits, and voting on who we think should be chosen to win the playfully sought after prizes.

There's always a betting pool, and everyone gets a chance to draw for horses. It makes the race even more fun for some lucky someone. Whoever draws the winning horse, goes home with $100.00. Miss P, the Lady in Black was our lucky winner that day, when she drew Big Brown. Good for her! Way to go P! Also, I want to express much thanks to Lil' Mama (far left in white dress) for having us all at her place this year. It's hard work getting a party ready for a bunch of wild booze drinking women, who like to play dress up once a year! She was an exceptional hostess and we all had a wonderful time. Thanks B!

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

We may have started out like sweet, genteel ladies, but somehow evolve into wild party girls! Some of these women, I'll see often and some I will not see again until next time. I look forward to this event every year. The bonds of sisterhood will not be broken and the "Derby Challenge" will live on forever. Lady R

RODNEY CARRINGTON AT THUNDER BEACH

On Friday, two weeks ago, Harley and I loaded the Glides, and hightailed it down to Panama City, for Thunder Beach weekend. The weather was clear and pretty, and I was looking forward to the nice three hour ride through our familiar roads, that we travel on often. This time of year provides a special treat for those of us who ride. As we made our way south, I would get hit with the most intoxicating smell of honeysuckle. I love that smell! It would seem like I rode through a cloud of honeysuckle every few miles or so. I was in heaven. Better than cow poo mixed with fresh hay, right Joker?

We have been going to the Spring and Fall Rallies for about six years now, and we always have a great time. I think it's because we're reunited again, with our good friends, Big Ed and Red Light Roxanne, who graciously open their home and always seem to have a vacancy for us. Most of our good friends, live in Panama City, so needless to say, we come here often. When we got into town, Big Ed, Harley and I met up with Lone Ranger and the Beav for couple of beers and unwind from our ride. I saw a few other friends and passed around some hugs before we decided to go to the house. We had to get ready for a big night. We were going to see Rodney Carrington!

Big Ed got us tickets to see Rodney Carrington that Friday night at the Civic Center. So, the four of us; Big Ed, Red Light Roxanne, Harley and I were in for a great evening. We went to eat a wonderful meal first, at Hunt's Oyster Bar down by the Marina. This little local joint has the best fried shrimp, with not too much breading and cooked to perfection. The cheese grits and hush puppies are so good, they'll make you wanna slap your momma! I have never had anything bad at Hunt's. It's one of my favorite restaurants there.

After sufficiently filling our bellies, we headed to the Civic Center to see Rodney Carrington, the stand up comic and country singer. Now, I have never heard of this fella before Big Ed told us about him, but he made me laugh so hard, I had tears in my eyes a couple times. He acts like a simple ol' country boy that just can't get enough titties and beer. Yep, that's him. The titties and beer dude! If you have never seen him before, check out Rodney Carrington - King of the Mountains. We all had a good time at the show and our cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. If you can't handle a little nasty mixed with the funny, this show is not for you. Especially when he sings, "Show'em To Me", you just might get a sneeky peeky of something good! I did. Woo Hoo! (see something, that is, not show something!)

I have to share this video I found of Rodney, doing an interview at a radio station and singing one of his songs. It cracks me up!

Our first night in town was great, as usual. We went home that night, back to Big Ed's and Roxanne's, musing over our next days plans. The boys were going to go play on the motorcycles and meet up with some other pals, while Roxanne and I were going to be at the Derby Party. Some of us girls have termed it "The Derby Challenge!" What's the Derby Challenge, you ask? Well, stay tuned and you'll find out! Ride on! Lady R