Long, Slow Burn
Archive for the 'Motorcycling' Category
01 7th, 2008
This was my first “Send Off” event for the PGR that I had been on. The morning was below my current riding limit of 42 degrees so my neighbor, Kevin Whitley and I drove down in his truck. This was Kevin’s first event for the PGR and the weather turned out nicely. Beautiful, sunny day. Enough of that though.
We were there to send off the 2125th Garrison Support Unit. It is my understanding that they were flying to Virginia for a couple weeks of training and then off to Iraq for a 400 day mission. This is a reserve group so not only are they serving their country, not only are they leaving their families behind, they’re leaving jobs and their “normal” life behind to serve. What an amazing and impressive group of people they are. It was my honor to stand in recognition of what they are doing. By looking into their eyes, I think it meant something to them for us to be there.
The totals are that there were 43 bikes and 11 cages (cars) there for the event. Once we completed the “meet and greet”, Dekalb shut down 285 for us as we escorted two chartered buses to thei airport. We even had a helicopter escort. Very cool. Thanks to the members of the 2125th for their fine service. Thanks to the family of the 2125th. I salute your sacrifice as well. Thanks to my PGR brothers and sisters for making me feel welcome again, and for everything you do for our troops.
To the 2125th, please come home safely.
11 8th, 2007
Just great. Motorcyclists don’t need this kind of people.
Drivers Attacked By Motorcycle Riders
First it’s the loud pipe crowd, and now this. Here’s what I’m suspecting: the group of motorcyclists are riding in a large group, and some cars are probably passing in an unsafe manner on the left and right. Read as “in an illegal manner” of passing. The bikers then get pissed off (rightfully so) and take matters into their own hands (wrong thing to do). It sounds like in one incident, a car was kicked and in another a rock was thrown through the back window of a car.
Why are motorcyclists carrying rocks while riding? If they were, then they’re punks looking for trouble.
Anyway, the right thing to do is to call the cops … which is extremely difficult to do on a motorcycle. Or write down their license plate … also a hard thing to do on a motorcycle.
I hope these motorcycle punks get caught before they really hurt someone, or create such a bad reputation for other motorcyclists that more of our rights get infringed upon.
REMINDER: Someday I’m going to write an entry on my thoughts on loud pipes and hopefully present it from a scientific viewpoint. Hint: I’m not in favor of loud pipes.
06 2nd, 2007
I left this morning around 7:30am to get to the Walmart in Canton. There were already around 50 bikes in the parking lot. I met several new friends. There were lots of first time riders there which is good to see. The message is still getting out, and being felt.
We had the normal mission briefing but then something unusual happened. Sgt. Ardron’s wife appeared through the crowd and thanked us for showing support for her husband. Waterworks! We’re there to be of some small comfort, and she’s thanking US! This beautiful young woman will never be healed fully from this. It is our honor to pay tribute to her husband.
Kick stands up at around 8:30 and we had full escort to Sosbee Funderal home. If I was to guess, I would say that there were around 100 bikes rumbling down the road. The service was a short one at about 45 minutes long.
I met a kind gentleman who was standing next to me who served in Vietnam and is almost recovered from Post Tramatic Stress Disorder. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t get his name. He’s a survivor. He is working hard to overcome his condition. Good luck to him and many others.
The funeral doors opened and Sgt. Ardron was brought to the hearse. I heard sobbing but I didn’t turn to see who. I can’t imagine the hurt being felt by the family and friends. I was crying too.
Full escort to the Macedonia Baptist cemetery which is about half way home for me. There were hundreds of people lining the route, hats over heart, flags flying proud, vets saluting. Sometimes I wonder if its just old biker dudes who are so patriotic and that maybe some do it just to get out and ride … and then you see the support of people of the whole community. It’s a beautiful thing. When I passed a vet, I put my hand over my heart and bowed my head to them. I hope they understood that I was thanking them for their service to their country.
We lined up at the cemetery and gathered close for the burial ceremony. Few words were spoken but the emotions were all there. I looked over to the left and saw Thumper, GA Ride Captain, make her way out of the crowd. She was crying and I think it was too much for her. The 21 gun salute almost scared me out of my wits, and taps made me weep … again.
Shortly thereafter, we were dismissed. I was very proud of the Patriot Guard today, and proud to be a member of such a great group. I was too shaken to head home right away. I was still trying to recover from the emotion of the event, so I stopped in to The Great Wall for some Chinese for lunch. This gave me some time to calm down and regroup.
I hope the next Patriot Guard ride is a long time from now.
UPDATE: Here are some pictures from this mission to honor Sgt. Ardron. Click here.
02 8th, 2007
I’m going to be leaving in about an hour to go to a memorial service. I’ll be standing with the Patriot Guard to honor a too young Cpl. Richard O. Quill III. Richard was a 22 year old U.S. Marine that died in a non-hostile accident in Iraq.
My mission and purpose is to show the family and friends of this brave hero, that their loss will not be forgotten. It’s not about politics or my beliefs for or against the war. It is about recognizing the loss of this family.
I am giving up my evening. Well worth it.
01 10th, 2007
This was my second ride for the Patriot Guard Riders. This past Saturday, I had the honor of riding for Captain Hayes Clayton. Both Captain Clayton and Sargent Wheelous were killed in the same vehicle on Christmas day in Iraq. For the Captain Clayton, there were over 200 riders. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures.
I didn’t want to go to Sargent Wheelous’ funeral. I was going to be cold and windy. It was far away and beyond my current riding ability. But I was compelled to go. My son’s schedule also cleared up so I decided to take my cage (car) and bring my son along. It’s time that he sees what price we pay (and have payed) for our freedom.
The service was on a Tuesday and I was afraid that there wouldn’t be over 20 riders there. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw over 60 riders! It was a sad event and I cried for the family.
It is interesting watching the family and friends entering the funeral home. Some act as if they’re on a stroll on a sidewalk. Others are dazed. Some you can read the pain on their faces. Some people pass us by as if we aren’t there. Some thank us for being there. There’s always applause for the service men and women with calls of “Thank you for serving our country” coming from the Patriot Guard. I’m hoping that my being there, matters and helps take away some of the pain.
I’m proud to stand with my fellow Patriot Guard members and honor our fallen soldiers.
12 4th, 2006
It was a beautiful day yesterday. I didn’t know what to expect from this ride. This is my second charity ride. The first was “Ride for the Troops” in Cumming and it only had about 20 riders. Would I be the only biker on this ride? I was riding towards the Kroger grocery store in Macedonia and I spotted another biker. I thought “Oh, perhaps he’s going to the ride.” Sure enough he turned into the Kroger as I waited for the traffic light. Then I spotted another biker, and then another, and then another.
I had to fill up with gas so I stopped in at the gas station before going down the hill to the Kroger. At this point I still couldn’t see the Kroger but there were some bikers at the gas station too. Filled up and turned right to go down to the Kroger. OMG! The entire parking lot was filled with bikers. I feel sorry for anyone that was trying to pick up groceries.
I heard an estimate of over 700 bikes! 90% harley of every size, color and shape. I believe there were 4 sports bikes. 
The first leg was to the Moose Lodge in Canton. We started off at a good clip but suddenly came to a hard brake. It was stop and go all along Hwy 20 for several miles. There was a fender bender that delayed things. Luckily it wasn’t bikers involved. Two cars. Sorry. “Cages”. It looked like the lady in the accident was going to cry having hundreds of bikers see her accident. Luckily the cops blocked traffic and let us get through.
We made a short jaunt on 575 to Canton and stopped at the Moose Lodge. After turning over my “Little Mermaid” toy (gotta get toys for girls too!), we were treated to sandwiches, pretzels, sweet tea and a variety of cakes.
Second leg was to Jasper and the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce. I handed over my Power Rangers Cycle to a helpful volunteer. They thanked us all for helping needy children of Pickens county. More sandwiches, Cokes and tea, cookies and other good times.
Some fellow riders pointed me in the right direction home since I don’t know my way around North Georgia too well. Hwy 5 to Ballground and 372.
It was an amazing site seeing two miles of bikers ahead of me and and another two miles of bikes behind me cruising down 575. Several times there were people stopped on overpasses with signs supporting the cause, waving wildly and thanking the bikers.
It seemed like a good time was had by all. I was really tired after the ride. 70 miles round trip, Four hours in total.
06 26th, 2006
Yesterday, our family was heading to my sister’s house for a get-together to celebrate my birthday. I decided to reward myself by riding over to their house on my bike. I had been working all morning and hadn’t looked at the weather. By the time I looked out the window and saw it was spitting rain, I had all of my gear on. I decided to push on. Georgia’s in a drought so I figured that it wouldn’t rain until the afternoon at least.
I headed out and half way there there was a downpour. I kept steady, allowing for greater stopping distance. No problem. I got through that part and it was only spitting rain the rest of the way and I arrived safely.
While I was at my sisters however, thunder was clapping and the rain was coming down. I couldn’t believe that it was raining this much.
It was time to leave and still raining. Luckily, the thunder and lightning had ended. I needed to stop for gas too as my fuel guage was blinking at me telling me that it was on it’s reserve supply now.
So I started out and quickly learned that my boots aren’t water proof. I stopped for gas and the shins of my jeans were soaked. I guess my windshield was doing some protection of my body. It’s funny to see the rain drops flipping forward towards the windshield off of my helmet. Strange wind flow patterns locally behind the windshield, I guess.
Well, I made it home. The traffic was light and my headlight modulator again paid for itself in making me seen by cars that would have otherwise turned in front of me.
I turned my boots upside down when I got home and water poured out of them. I’ll have to make sure they air out properly. My first ride in the rain is under my belt and it wasn’t too bad. I didn’t even have the proper gear and it wasn’t too bad. I like my motorcycle. 
06 1st, 2006
20 miles round trip. I had a couple of checks to deposit into the bank, and then Kim needed some milk and something for dinner. That’s a good excuse for a ride if I ever heard one. More than ever, I’m thankful for my headlight modulator. I can tell that people are really “seeing me” as I’m driving down the road. I think they can judge my distance better even.
I forgot to make an entry that last week, my neighbor Kristine, babysat me on a ride. 60 miles all said and done. This was my first ride with another biker and boy, did I get a lesson. Kristine has a Yamaha FZ6 which is a sporty little bike, and she’s been riding for quite a few years. Let me say that it was hard to keep up with her, especially in the corners. I was having to accelerate in the straight aways to catch up. Well, there were some nervous moments where my instincts were telling me to grab some break action, but I resisted as that is *exactly* the wrong thing to do. Well, by the end of the ride, my confidence had grown quite a bit and I feel that I learned quite a bit.
That education and lesson transferred into the ride today. I definitely had more confidence and the ride was much more relaxed and enjoyable. Gone are the white knuckle days. Now, I’m not riding at 80mph. I’m pretty much maxing out at 65 to 70mph but that’s enough for me for sure.
Bottom line: I’m really enjoying my bike.
03 3rd, 2006
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on this blog. I better get to it.
The weather has taken a turn for the better and I’ve dusted off the motorcycle after about three weeks of non-riding. I was nervous but I’ve got to remind myself that I’ve only had the bike for about three months.
So, I start out on my normal safe loop on a lunchtime ride and wow! what a difference! The cars that I’m meeting really notice me and move over. They’re almost driving on the shoulder of the road. Excellent.
I went on a longer drive the other day on a road that I hadn’t ever rode the bike on and it was nice to see the cars really taking notice of me. One time, as I was approaching a 4 way stop, another SUV reached the intersection just before me. The driver looked over and saw me for the first time approaching the intersection and she about jumped out of her seat. I don’t think she would have seen me without my modulating headlight.
What’s also nice, is that I can turn it off just by switching back to my regular headlight, not the high beams.
Well worth the $90. Now I need to install the brake light modulator so I don’t get rear-ended.
01 21st, 2006
My windshield still hasn’t shown up but some clients checks showed up in the mail. I need to deposit them into the bank.
Last time I rode to the bank, it was nerve wracking. I decided not to let fear keep me from doing the things that I need to do so I geared up. It was 50 degrees and partly cloudy at 1:30pm.
I rode out of the neighborhood and cut through on Lummus Road. A landscaping team was sodding a yard on the narrow street and had the one lane road blocked with their truck. There was just enough space to scoot through on the mud covered street. I took it slow.
Coming up on County Line Road, there was a small dog that wanted to attack my bike. The rule of thumb with motorcycles is that “If you can’t eat it in one sitting, don’t run over it.” This dog I could definitely eat in one sitting, but I pulled my slow down, then speed up trick which throws off dog’s tragectories. I didn’t need to kill the dog, which is nice.
Left turn onto Holbrook Campground Road, and left onto Campground Road. A black Honda Accord caught up with me and my 45mph speed. He passed me safely in a straight away and was fully in the other lane, which is nice.
I arrived at my bank and shifted it into neutral. All of the teller girls came over and looked at my bike. One of them grabbed the speaker and said “That’s a nice bike!” She wasn’t hitting on me, was she?!? Naw. It’s the bike.
Riding home always has more traffic for some reason. I was going between 45 and 50 but a truck and a line of cars still caught up with me. I was rounding an “S” curve in the road, with the truck on my tail, there was a boxer and some other small dog in the road, but in the other lane. I could certainly eat the smaller dog in a sitting, but not the boxer. The boxer was looking the other way at his friend and not in my direction.
I downshifted and flashed my break lights for the truck behind me to see that I was slowing down. I slowed down to about 25 and scooted by the boxer before he really moved. Another car was coming around the other direction and slowed quickly as he saw the dogs in his lane. Luckily the car didn’t swerve into my lane. I got by that car and shifted up back into 5th. Disaster averted.
A bit down the road, I checked my mirrors and the truck was gone. Must have turned onto a side road. I came up to the stop sign for my right hand turn with no cars behind me. The way was clear and I started to go and … stalled the engine. I fired it right back up but a car was coming in that direction. It went by and I successfully started and geared up. I came up to the four way stop but did a rolling stop (bad me!) and turned right onto County Line Road.
Successful return back home. 13.5 miles with much less white knuckling! Definitely at 40 mph, the front of the bike starts acting like a scoop and directs more wind into my check. When the heck is that windshield getting here?