Rolling Thunder 2014

My son and I made our annual trip to the Washington DC area for Rolling Thunder a few weekends ago. We'd both been looking forward to the trip - our first big trip of the year. My son had been telling everyone for weeks before that we were taking a six hour motorcycle trip to Virginia, making the six hours sound so unappealing. And I'm sure for those that aren't riders, it didn't sound like fun. But we knew otherwise and we couldn't wait to take off!!

Friday, May 23

What good motorcycle trip doesn't start with a stop at Waffle House? And sharing with family before leaving makes it even better!

After getting our fill, it was time to get going. Someone was anxious to get moving...

Our first planned stop was Clarksville to stretch our legs. About ten minutes before we stopped it started to sprinkle. It was so light that as soon as the droplets hit, they dried. At Clarksville we debated putting on the rain suits. The sky was overcast and this was my son's first experience in the rain on a bike. The decision was make to put them on. Which pretty much guaranteed it would stop raining. 

Next stop, halfway point, Sheetz in Farmville. Time for gas and some grub. Or a power pill for my son.

We were having a good time and making good time. Final stop before our destination was Orange. Where we met my father-in-law and uncle for the last leg. It was nice to meet up with them, knowing we weren't far. A nice meal was waiting for us when we made our final stop.

Saturday, May 24

In the morning we head to Patriot Harley Davidson to pick up Rolling Thunder pins and check out what's going on. This year I was a bit disappointed in the number of vendors. It seems they're saving more spaces for bikes to park in the lot, which leaves less for the vendors. But I guess if the choice has to be made between bike parking and vendors, the bikes win.

While we were there, a photographer was working on a project called Why We Roll. In a nutshell, he was capturing images of people participating in Rolling Thunder and what Rolling Thunder meant to them.

Sunday, May 25 - Rolling Thunder

They day always starts with a gathering and breakfast over at Wayne and Theresa's house. It was a beautiful morning. Before the ride, a few words were said in honor of Kelley who passed away. He was a big part of the ride and it just wasn't the same without him.

Then it was time to head out. Nolan would lead the riders out. At the end of the street, he would loop around and hop onto Rick's bike for the rest of the ride into DC.

Hanging out in DC before heading down Constitution to watch the parade.

Checking out the sites at Thunder Alley.

Parade time.

Parade food.

After the parade, it's back to Wayne and Theresa's for the after-parade party.

A future rider?

Monday, May 26

Time to head home. It's been a great trip and we're having fun. But we're looking forward to getting home. So much so, that we skipped our last stop just to get home a little sooner. But not without a stop at Sheetz for some more road-food.

So, until next year...

With Sadness...

Ten years ago I bought my Harley Davidson Road King Classic. I had ridden before but this was the first bike I owed. It opened up a whole new world and passion in me. Since getting the bike, I've been on many adventures, I've met many people, I even became an instructor.

Buying the bike also opened up another world I wasn't expecting. Buying a motorcycle isn't like buying a car, where you go in, haggle over a price, buy the car and leave. Maybe only to return for service if they sold you on that. When I bought the bike at Ray Price Harley Davidson, I met and made friends with the folks at the dealership.

In particular was Brenda in Motorclothes. Our son was just over one year old and Brenda would spoil him every time we walking in the dealership. Through the years, we got to know Brenda and her husband Pete. When we met Pete, he was working in the used parts and clothes shop he had opened for Ray Price. If I would ever walk in the dealership without my son, Brenda would ask where he was. Then she would send me home with Tootsie Rolls for him. We would run into Brenda and Pete at the local Waffle House. We were fortunate enough to celebrate Brenda's birthday with them earlier this year.

About an hour ago I learned that Pete passed away today. I'm really at a loss for what to say. Pete will be missed. Brenda is in our prayers. I'm sad. Our family is sad.

R.I.P. Pete.

Rolling Thunder...

Hard to believe we're already in May and it's time for Rolling Thunder! I guess it's the way the weeks are falling in the calendar this year, it sure seems a lot earlier.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. It will be a nice ride with my son. I took him for the first time last year and he really enjoyed it. He's been talking about this year's ride ever since! He's been telling anyone that will listen that he's riding this weekend. Of course his statement about being on the motorcycle ride up for six hours doesn't make it sound appealing. I'm sure if I offered for him to stay comfortable at home he'd decline! I know it's not an easy ride for him, but I also know he really enjoys it.

Tomorrow morning we'll start our journey. We'll make it a leisurely trip without wasting too much time. That means tonight I need to run around making sure we have everything we need for the trip. I see my wife has already started gathering stuff for us. She's amazing!

Distracted Driving...

In recognition of Motorcycle Awareness Month, the AMA published an article about distracted driving. I like the message and think it's effective. I just wonder how many non-riders will read it or even thing about it.

Just remember, safety in traffic is *everyone's* responsibility!

Ride for Kids

This past Sunday was the Ride for Kids... We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather turned out gorgeous and the event was excellent.

The day started out little early and a little chilly. But with the right layers on, it didn't matter and made the rising temps more appealing. One stop for gas on the way out and we were on our way to meet up with the rest of the BBQ Brothers.

We got to Jordan Lake, took care of registration, grabbed some donuts and biscuits to eat and left some time for meeting and greeting. Got to talk to Bob from Bob and the Showgram. He'd been out for a couple weeks so it was good to see him again. I was really impressed when I introduced my son to him and he took the time to talk to my son and told him a story about when he was younger and rode bikes with his dad.

After the blessing, it was off for the ride. A nice 60 mile, police escorted ride through the beautiful North Carolina countryside. The event has been going on long enough that people line parts of the route to watch the motorcycles go by. Especially as we go around the courthouse in Pittsboro. That's an impressive site as a a 3 mile long line of bikes loop around, passing each other and filling the streets.

Some pictures my son took while we were riding.

Once we got back from the ride, it was time to grab some lunch and celebrate with the Stars of the ride. This is the best part of the event because the Stars share their personal stories and we get to talk to them and their families.

In the end, our club raised almost $12,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the event raised almost $88,000. It was quite an honor for our club to take top honor for raising the most money for a motorcycle club.

So with the end of this year's event, it's the beginning of our efforts for next year.

Check out the ride map...

Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month...

Today kicks off Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. Seems like a good time get back to updating this blog and to remind everyone watch out for motorcyclists. As we get past this grueling winter we've had and the weather gets nicer, we're going to start seeing more and more riders out on the road. Well, the hope is that we do *see* the riders.

May is also kind of the kick-off to my riding season. Not that I really ever stop riding for the year, it's just the first few organized events kick-off this month. Especially this year since I couldn't ride in the Cape Fear 1000.

It starts this weekend with the Ride for Kids. Our team, BBQ Brothers, has put a small chunk of change together, with more to come!! I'm thinking the weather will be nice. It will be good to share some time with my son. And, best of all, it's all for a good cause.

Towards the middle of the month, I'll be teaching, so that'll give me a chance to ride to/from class. Although I don't really need a reason to ride. Just need to do it!

The month will wrap up with Rolling Thunder. I'm really looking forward to that weekend. A chance to take a longer ride with my son and spend some time with him. And he really seems to enjoy it as well. I think he likes both the time out on the road riding as well as Rolling Thunder - what it stands for and what it means. This year we're even contemplating riding in it instead of just observing from the side. About the only thing that will change all that is if my wife decides to come along and ride instead. And I can't say I'd be disappointed if that happened. In fact, I think it would be great if she came along. Well just see what happens.

bummer...

meandered over to the smoke chasing site this weekend only to find they're not running the tour this year. seems team strange is focusing their time on special 30th anniversary tours. and why not - 30 years is a long time and certainly deserves celebration!

i'm sure i won't have any problems filling my time with some other adventure this year. i'll look forward to smoke chasing in 2015 and wish team strange best of luck with their tours this year...