I got to the Rally in Richmond KY, and spent time exploring the area and the rally. Got carried away and did not post for awhile.
Today, I left around 10:30 or so in the morning and got home a few hours ago, safe and sound! Ended up just 15 miles short of 1,000 mile trip. With newer tires, there is some rounding error, so I am claiming it as my first 1,000 mile trip!!!
Lots of pictures to post....will add them in the next day or two.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Day three - Two states, rain, thunderstorms, rain, and Bob
The ride started in Hurricane, WV in hot, sticky weather that smelled of rain. Within about 40 miles, a light rain started and I pulled off to a Bob Evans. Then the sky opened up, and down came the rain in buckets. Thanks to the nice waitress and manager, I was able to sit for a couple hours sipping coffee and waiting for a break in the weather. Finally, it came, and I took off in a light shower.
That quickly changed back to downpours, at times so hard it was difficult to see. I pulled off at this gas station, filled up the tank, and waited until the heavy stuff passed, and then I was off again. I kept thinking of those cowboys from years ago, trudging for days on horseback with no protection and days between towns.
It stormed almost the entire way - 150+ miles of ugly rain, thunder, and lightening. But I finally got to Richmond KY and met up with a couple of VROCers who had just pulled in. They had rain for about 30 mins....me, over several hours! The map below is the route that I took, and the red hashes are where I ran into storms.
I know someone is saying "why didn't you wait until it passed?' The forecast called for worse weather tonight and yet worse for tomorrow. As I am sitting here in the hotel looking out the window, I see blue sky and sun shine. I hate weather forecasters.... 8^(
That quickly changed back to downpours, at times so hard it was difficult to see. I pulled off at this gas station, filled up the tank, and waited until the heavy stuff passed, and then I was off again. I kept thinking of those cowboys from years ago, trudging for days on horseback with no protection and days between towns.
It stormed almost the entire way - 150+ miles of ugly rain, thunder, and lightening. But I finally got to Richmond KY and met up with a couple of VROCers who had just pulled in. They had rain for about 30 mins....me, over several hours! The map below is the route that I took, and the red hashes are where I ran into storms.
I know someone is saying "why didn't you wait until it passed?' The forecast called for worse weather tonight and yet worse for tomorrow. As I am sitting here in the hotel looking out the window, I see blue sky and sun shine. I hate weather forecasters.... 8^(
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Day 2 - Asylum, aliens, thunderstorms, hail, and 2 states
Took another 200 day trip. This time from Washington, PA to Hurricane, WV. Two states, and a lot of beautiful roads.
The first stop was the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston WV. Constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world, next to the Kremlin. It was renamed Weston Hospital.
Then a stop in Flatwoods, WV to see the "Green Monster." I was a little disappointed in trying to find a souvenir of the monster. Just some big ugly plastic things. What's the Green Monster?
"September 12, 1952 the United States Government was shocked when a damaged UFO penetrated this country’s airspace and crash-landed on a farm in the small town of Flatwoods, West Virginia among the Allegheny Mountains. "
Stopping for lunch, a thunderstorm ran through the town. I figured it would pass -and it did. But it was followed by lightening, thunder, and hail. After it all passed, the sun came out and I resumed the trip. About 10 miles down the road I ran into another thunderstorm. It was ugly and the curves became a little unnerving. But eventually made it to Charleston, WV - in rush hour. A multi-car accident on the highway made the final miles of the trip miserable, but I finally made it to Hurricane, WV where I am spending the night. My butt is sore, and I am soaked and tired. But that is nothing that a couple of beers and a shower wont fix!
Tomorrow, I am planning on making it to Richmond, KY which is where the rally is being held.
The first stop was the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston WV. Constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world, next to the Kremlin. It was renamed Weston Hospital.
"September 12, 1952 the United States Government was shocked when a damaged UFO penetrated this country’s airspace and crash-landed on a farm in the small town of Flatwoods, West Virginia among the Allegheny Mountains. "
Stopping for lunch, a thunderstorm ran through the town. I figured it would pass -and it did. But it was followed by lightening, thunder, and hail. After it all passed, the sun came out and I resumed the trip. About 10 miles down the road I ran into another thunderstorm. It was ugly and the curves became a little unnerving. But eventually made it to Charleston, WV - in rush hour. A multi-car accident on the highway made the final miles of the trip miserable, but I finally made it to Hurricane, WV where I am spending the night. My butt is sore, and I am soaked and tired. But that is nothing that a couple of beers and a shower wont fix!
Tomorrow, I am planning on making it to Richmond, KY which is where the rally is being held.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Day 1 of WWR trip, three states
As typical of most of my adventures, getting started was a true challenge. Got the dogs to the vets, but the little one was petrified. So scared that he actually threw up! Then I got back home and thunderstorms and lightening crashed in about the area. I thought I would have to cancel and start a day late.
But all turned good and I finally got on the road. Kermit (my motorcycle) handled great, and I had no rain. Put on just a little over 200 miles which will be my intended average. Not a lot of miles, but with high temps (in the 80's) and high humidity, it will beat ya down!
This picture came as I crossed the Ohio River, going from Ohio into West Virginia. I missed the welcome to WV sign, but thought it was a good idea to focus on my riding instead! ;-)
Here is a pic as I entered into PA from WV. This one, I pulled off the road to get a decent picture - so don't yell at me on this one! OK, so I did have to step into the road, but I looked first!
The bike is in a covered area at the Red Roof Inn (there was room at the inn, of course it is not Christmas yet). The rain just started coming down, and a bunch of construction workers who were planning on a cookout have scrambled into their rooms. Tomorrow, if the weather holds, it is back into WV to stay in Charleston - another 200 mile day. Hopefully it will be a little cooler, but just as dry.
But all turned good and I finally got on the road. Kermit (my motorcycle) handled great, and I had no rain. Put on just a little over 200 miles which will be my intended average. Not a lot of miles, but with high temps (in the 80's) and high humidity, it will beat ya down!
This picture came as I crossed the Ohio River, going from Ohio into West Virginia. I missed the welcome to WV sign, but thought it was a good idea to focus on my riding instead! ;-)
Here is a pic as I entered into PA from WV. This one, I pulled off the road to get a decent picture - so don't yell at me on this one! OK, so I did have to step into the road, but I looked first!
The bike is in a covered area at the Red Roof Inn (there was room at the inn, of course it is not Christmas yet). The rain just started coming down, and a bunch of construction workers who were planning on a cookout have scrambled into their rooms. Tomorrow, if the weather holds, it is back into WV to stay in Charleston - another 200 mile day. Hopefully it will be a little cooler, but just as dry.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
From Here to Kingdom Come
Whether you call it the WWR (Wolfman Wondering Rally), the KY rally, or the "From Here to Kingdom Come" rally, its all the same. A couple hundred motorcycles from all over the continent converging on the small town of Richmond KY.
Images of Hell's Angels come to mind, but would be so far from wrong. We are all members of the internet-based riding club called VROC (Vulcan Riders and Owners Club). Vulcans are a brand of motorcycles manufactured by Kawasaki. Over 30,000 people have joined the club at www.vroc.org and exchange technical information, and more often connect on a personal level sharing personal successes, tragedies, and request for support and prayers to overcome our daily challenges.
So members often stage get-togethers (rallys) where we can actually meet those we share our lives with in the virtual world. Most are smaller, local rides and rallys. But there are some larger get-togethers as well, and this is one of them.
Instead of riding directly to the event, I am planning a more circuitous route - including WV, PA, OH, KY and maybe TN if the weather holds (map below). I am taking the blackberry and laptop with me, and hoping to do some posting of the pictures taken along the way.
For more info, check here: http://www.heretokingdomcome.com/
Images of Hell's Angels come to mind, but would be so far from wrong. We are all members of the internet-based riding club called VROC (Vulcan Riders and Owners Club). Vulcans are a brand of motorcycles manufactured by Kawasaki. Over 30,000 people have joined the club at www.vroc.org and exchange technical information, and more often connect on a personal level sharing personal successes, tragedies, and request for support and prayers to overcome our daily challenges.
So members often stage get-togethers (rallys) where we can actually meet those we share our lives with in the virtual world. Most are smaller, local rides and rallys. But there are some larger get-togethers as well, and this is one of them.
Instead of riding directly to the event, I am planning a more circuitous route - including WV, PA, OH, KY and maybe TN if the weather holds (map below). I am taking the blackberry and laptop with me, and hoping to do some posting of the pictures taken along the way.
For more info, check here: http://www.heretokingdomcome.com/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run this Saturday
Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run this Saturday, and I plan to be there!
On October 14th, 2004 Deputy Brandy Winfield was murdered in the line of duty. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to his community while assisting a disabled motorist. He died doing what he loved. Brandy was also a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend to anyone that had the pleasure to meet him.
On October 14th, 2004 Deputy Brandy Winfield was murdered in the line of duty. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to his community while assisting a disabled motorist. He died doing what he loved. Brandy was also a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend to anyone that had the pleasure to meet him.
We continue his spirit of giving back to his community. The proceeds from this ride will benefit RICHWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT K-9 UNIT FUND and Fraternal Order of Police, Steve Young Memorial Lodge #24, Marion, OH.
Since the first run on June 4, 2005, the Brandy Winfield Memorial Poker Run has raised $68,400. The groups and organizations that have benefited from this are the Winfield Children Trust Fund, The Brandy Winfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ridgedale High School Athletic Department, Concerns of Police Survivors – Ohio Chapter, Concerns of Police Survivors – Kids Camp Program, Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School Law Enforcement Program, Marion Safety City Program and Marion City Police Officer Cory Winfield's Recovery Effort.
--- http://www.brandywinfieldrun.org/index.html
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