extrememarine
Well-known member
reposted here to share with those who don't play in both sandboxes...
"Milestones"
Mile´stone` n. 2. An event or accomplishment marking a significant advance in an endeavor; a notable achievement;
As I begin to put this ride report together, Annette and I are still at the hotel in Johnson City. All but a few stragglers have hit the road home this morning. Vader sits alone out front. We rested today, and are ready to head home in the morning. The past year has been filled with goals and milestones. On October 6th, 2008, I had surgery to fuse a fractured vertebra. On 8 Oct 08, I stood and walked for the first time in over 2 weeks, and watched Annette go home from the Hospital. On Thursday, 17 September 2009, I rode into the parking lot of the EOM HQ hotel. A milestone that I will cherish for years to come.
First off, I can't tell you how good it feels to be typing this from a hotel room. Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of our accident. We have come so far, and there is no doubt in my mind that we would not be here if it were not for the love, support, and kindness of our extended family of fellow riders. Thank you all.
We left Michigan on Wednesday so we could get to Johnson City a day early. I felt that I really needed an extra day out solo to allow me to continue down the path of regaining confidence on the bike. We got in Wednesday night, and there was already a small contingent of riders here. I quickly unloaded the bike and hid the trailer in the far parking lot…
Thursday morning presented what I would call "humid" conditions. Annette stayed at the hotel to rest up for the weekend's rides. I ventured out about 10 o'clock, heading east towards Shady Valley. The roads were dry at first, and then turned damp as I dropped into the valley towards the store. A quick stop for a drink of water and then I was south bound, towards Mountain City. The roads dried as I moved towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. I got on the BRP from NC226 and headed towards Asheville. The idea was to ride to Asheville and link up with Charlie, who was northbound on I-26 with Julio and Everett. I hit the BRP and the "humidity" increased along with fog as I climbed in elevation. My pace was slowed to just above a crawl; as I came around a left hander, I was presented with a flock / herd / whatever a shitload of Turkeys are called; standing in the middle of the road. I came to a stop right in the middle of them; they just stood there looking at me like, "WTF, can't you see we're walking here?" I bailed out onto Mackey Creek Road and followed it into Old Fort, NC. As soon as I was down the mountain, the road was dry and clear. I ran I-40 west into Asheville, and then did another stretch of the BRP. That put me on the west side of town, where I stopped for gas and to check my phone. Charlie was rolling north, and getting close. So I killed some time watching the highway for north bound feejers. As the time for rush hour traffic grew closer, I decided to run north up I-26 to get north of town and wait there. I stopped to check my phone, and Charlie was just north of me by about 6-7 miles. Warp 9, Scotty!! I missed him at the exit 11 gas station by minutes, but I know I was closing in. I pointed Vader north and pulled the trigger. As I arced through a left hander, I saw a bike on the shoulder ahead. It was Charlie!! So we rolled north towards to hotel, it was very emotional for me. This was our first ride together since last September. Milestones….
We arrived to find the hotel buzzing with EOM traffic. What a great feeling it was to be back, with great friends and even better times to be had. The usually suspects had arrived; Jeff, Jason, Dom and so many more; it was a great reunion.
Friday had a unique start. Our plan was to tag along with the usual suspects – Red Diver, JWilly, NGArider, and Haulin'Ashe along with TriggerT. We had agreed (some what reluctantly) to a 0700 kickstand up launch time. Without much prodding, Annette was up and ready to go; she was ready to ride. Since our ring leader had fallen victim to a time on deck indicator malfunction, we had some time to kill…
After the short delay, we were off to McD's for a quick bite, and let TriggerT know that his exhaust header did not, in fact, have any dents or damage to it… We headed out and rolled north, following the EOM-8 "Straight to hell" route. The weather didn't look too good at first, but the further we rolled, the better it got. Again, I can't put into words how good it felt to be back in the saddle on good roads with this group. I ran my pace, and was comfortable with being sweep since I was the only bike 2-up. A tire air retention issue provided a short break while everyone pitched in to correct the issue. Think this slowed things down at all?
We did run through a few quick damp spots, but not enough to even pull the electronics off. Now, this was a classic Haulin'Ashe route, and Annette's first experience with one. Dom was kind enough to scout ahead to ensure it would be ok for me. I appreciated the extra consideration and concern of the group; they made sure I was ok throughout the entire route. Chip seal was the report. "Piece of cake, "says me. However, comma, pause for effect…
Chip seal gave way to gravel (of course). Steep gravel with switch backs up hill, then down hill. Now this is classic EOM routing and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!! At the next stop, Jeff told me that he was thinking to himself as he came down that section, "I sure am glad I'm not 2-up" and that he would not have given me any grief if he had had to come back and lift the bike up off us. Vader was officially broken in now.
We ended up at the south end of the Devil's Triangle. I was at a point that I knew I needed to call it a day. Jason needed to get back to get registration stuff set up, so we headed SE /w Jason and Charlie while Dom, Jeff, and TriggerT headed up the Triangle (which turns out was a wash due to construction equipment on the road). Mr. Garmin took us over hill and dale on the way back; giving me some more practice on the gravel (did I mention I was 2-up?). An unplanned fuel stop forced us to split off from Jason. Once back, total mileage was somewhere north of 380 miles. Not bad for a hobbled up half cripple, eh?
Friday night brought more good times, but we're here to ride…
Saturday was a slightly later departure, following the EOM-5 "North like Daniel Boone" run. This was a mostly 2-up group, and another great ride. There was some drama at the first rest stop when we realized that Annette had left her purse at the Starbucks back in Johnson City. The first call back to Starbuck's employee #1 (who I will refer to as "Mr. Genius" was not good, "sorry man, it's not here". Next call to the bank, kill our credit cards, etc, then a second call to the Starbucks in hopes of talking to someone who might give two s#$%'s. We struck gold; between calling Annette's cell phone and the "good" Starbuck's employee, they found it. Crisis averted, we pressed on. The weather held well for us, although not so much in other areas around Johnson City. But our luck continued to hold. The route lived up to expectations, providing great roads, great scenery, and some mild goat trails, and put us back at the hotel in plenty of time to get ready for dinner. Oh, and we did hit some rain, about 7-8 miles out from the hotel, for less then 5 minutes. Good planning, or good luck, either way, we'll take it!!
The EOM banquet was preceded by the traditional group picture, here's my version.
Dinner was good, but then things went south… Jason and staff, along with co-conspirator Annette, felt the need to poke at me a little more… Jason discussed how he noticed that my riding has changed; I prefer the term "evolved". I'm not sure how Jason connected suspenders with being old and slow, because the only other fellow I know who wears suspenders is anything but that (at least the slow part). Annette and I were given a few minutes to pass along one more round of much deserved thank you's. Annette was so much better prepared than I. I managed to get choked up almost immediately; and couldn't really put a clear thought together. There was so much more I needed to say, but just couldn't get the words together. Annette and I were so happy to be able to attend this year; it has been one of the biggest motivating factors in our recovery. I owe being where I am today to Annette. Last September, while laying in Roanoke, I had made the decision to walk away from motorcycling. I was ready to give up this thing that I had so passionately embraced for quite a few years because I just could not stomach seeing Annette injured. She has been the driving force in getting me to at least attempt a return to riding. Standing in the dealership back in March, leaning on a cane & staring at the '09 brought such a mixed batch of feelings. As much as I didn't want to hear it, it was calling my name. That little voice in my head kept saying, "come on, ya know you wanna." The bike sits now with almost 4k miles on it. Going from a hospital bed to that in 365 days is a milestone that I hope nobody else ever has to endure. But thanks to Annette, I'm "all in". Charlie is the other reason I'm where I'm at today. Without him, who knows what would have happened that day. I owe Charlie the world. He was the calmness in the storm that day and I will never forget that. Thank you Charlie.
At some point, a "wanna go for a ride" conversation happened, and at 2230 I found myself rolling out to squish the Snake with Jeff and JamesK. In the dark. Needed to put some of the extreme back in extrememarine…. Running at night in the twisties is not foreign to me, but quite a challenge and unique experience. I took quite an *** chewing from Fairlaner, "Be CAREFUL, you crazy Fooker." I took up sweep and rode my ride. Much to my surprise, I saw Jeff and James' tail lights turning into the Shady Valley Store parking lot as I came down the last straight away. We continued on to Mountain City, then u-turned and did a second run through the valley, then back to the hotel. This was a big confidence builder for me; running in the dark, you can eliminate some of the distractions presented during the daylight and focus on the road. There was no moon out, so ambient light was zero. The Snake is now road kill…
Sunday saw more doom and glum in the forecast, but once out on the road, it wasn't so bad (the road tends to do that…). We started out on the same run over the Snake, stopping in Shady Valley for a drink and stickers. Jeff, Dom and a few others rolled in just after us, and we headed out on TN-91 just as a couple of Tennessee's finest rolled into the valley. We got as far as lunch and I knew it was time to call it a day. The miles were taking their toll on my back. We parted ways and were back at the hotel by 3pm. As much as I wanted to press on, I knew that the fatigue could lead down a road that I had no interest in revisiting. Although I'm back rolling on two wheels, I still have a ways to go in getting back to the level of endurance and stamina I had pre-accident.
We saw the last of the travelers off Monday morning and decided to just take a rest day. We lounged around and took a nap. After dinner, we loaded the bike and packed things up so we can hit the road for home in the morning.
We stopped in Columbus Tuesday night, and had dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Bikergeek (who had just gotten home). After a short visit with family in Columbus Wednesday morning, we made the final leg north and were home by 4pm.
Overall, this was a great trip for us. Some reports may mention that it rained some at EOM this year, but it really just depended on which way you headed each day. Some got soaked, some didn't, it's all part of the experience. We had a great time, with some of the greatest people you could ever meet, on even more of the greatest roads on the east coast. Thanks Jason and staff for putting together another excellent EOM!!
Wayne
p.s. And I will be monitoring this "facebook" thing a little closer, Jason…
p.p.s Fairlaner, your trophy was transported successfully, just waiting on a mailing address…
__________________
"Milestones"
Mile´stone` n. 2. An event or accomplishment marking a significant advance in an endeavor; a notable achievement;
As I begin to put this ride report together, Annette and I are still at the hotel in Johnson City. All but a few stragglers have hit the road home this morning. Vader sits alone out front. We rested today, and are ready to head home in the morning. The past year has been filled with goals and milestones. On October 6th, 2008, I had surgery to fuse a fractured vertebra. On 8 Oct 08, I stood and walked for the first time in over 2 weeks, and watched Annette go home from the Hospital. On Thursday, 17 September 2009, I rode into the parking lot of the EOM HQ hotel. A milestone that I will cherish for years to come.
First off, I can't tell you how good it feels to be typing this from a hotel room. Tomorrow will be the one year anniversary of our accident. We have come so far, and there is no doubt in my mind that we would not be here if it were not for the love, support, and kindness of our extended family of fellow riders. Thank you all.
We left Michigan on Wednesday so we could get to Johnson City a day early. I felt that I really needed an extra day out solo to allow me to continue down the path of regaining confidence on the bike. We got in Wednesday night, and there was already a small contingent of riders here. I quickly unloaded the bike and hid the trailer in the far parking lot…
Thursday morning presented what I would call "humid" conditions. Annette stayed at the hotel to rest up for the weekend's rides. I ventured out about 10 o'clock, heading east towards Shady Valley. The roads were dry at first, and then turned damp as I dropped into the valley towards the store. A quick stop for a drink of water and then I was south bound, towards Mountain City. The roads dried as I moved towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. I got on the BRP from NC226 and headed towards Asheville. The idea was to ride to Asheville and link up with Charlie, who was northbound on I-26 with Julio and Everett. I hit the BRP and the "humidity" increased along with fog as I climbed in elevation. My pace was slowed to just above a crawl; as I came around a left hander, I was presented with a flock / herd / whatever a shitload of Turkeys are called; standing in the middle of the road. I came to a stop right in the middle of them; they just stood there looking at me like, "WTF, can't you see we're walking here?" I bailed out onto Mackey Creek Road and followed it into Old Fort, NC. As soon as I was down the mountain, the road was dry and clear. I ran I-40 west into Asheville, and then did another stretch of the BRP. That put me on the west side of town, where I stopped for gas and to check my phone. Charlie was rolling north, and getting close. So I killed some time watching the highway for north bound feejers. As the time for rush hour traffic grew closer, I decided to run north up I-26 to get north of town and wait there. I stopped to check my phone, and Charlie was just north of me by about 6-7 miles. Warp 9, Scotty!! I missed him at the exit 11 gas station by minutes, but I know I was closing in. I pointed Vader north and pulled the trigger. As I arced through a left hander, I saw a bike on the shoulder ahead. It was Charlie!! So we rolled north towards to hotel, it was very emotional for me. This was our first ride together since last September. Milestones….
We arrived to find the hotel buzzing with EOM traffic. What a great feeling it was to be back, with great friends and even better times to be had. The usually suspects had arrived; Jeff, Jason, Dom and so many more; it was a great reunion.
Friday had a unique start. Our plan was to tag along with the usual suspects – Red Diver, JWilly, NGArider, and Haulin'Ashe along with TriggerT. We had agreed (some what reluctantly) to a 0700 kickstand up launch time. Without much prodding, Annette was up and ready to go; she was ready to ride. Since our ring leader had fallen victim to a time on deck indicator malfunction, we had some time to kill…
After the short delay, we were off to McD's for a quick bite, and let TriggerT know that his exhaust header did not, in fact, have any dents or damage to it… We headed out and rolled north, following the EOM-8 "Straight to hell" route. The weather didn't look too good at first, but the further we rolled, the better it got. Again, I can't put into words how good it felt to be back in the saddle on good roads with this group. I ran my pace, and was comfortable with being sweep since I was the only bike 2-up. A tire air retention issue provided a short break while everyone pitched in to correct the issue. Think this slowed things down at all?
We did run through a few quick damp spots, but not enough to even pull the electronics off. Now, this was a classic Haulin'Ashe route, and Annette's first experience with one. Dom was kind enough to scout ahead to ensure it would be ok for me. I appreciated the extra consideration and concern of the group; they made sure I was ok throughout the entire route. Chip seal was the report. "Piece of cake, "says me. However, comma, pause for effect…
Chip seal gave way to gravel (of course). Steep gravel with switch backs up hill, then down hill. Now this is classic EOM routing and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!! At the next stop, Jeff told me that he was thinking to himself as he came down that section, "I sure am glad I'm not 2-up" and that he would not have given me any grief if he had had to come back and lift the bike up off us. Vader was officially broken in now.
We ended up at the south end of the Devil's Triangle. I was at a point that I knew I needed to call it a day. Jason needed to get back to get registration stuff set up, so we headed SE /w Jason and Charlie while Dom, Jeff, and TriggerT headed up the Triangle (which turns out was a wash due to construction equipment on the road). Mr. Garmin took us over hill and dale on the way back; giving me some more practice on the gravel (did I mention I was 2-up?). An unplanned fuel stop forced us to split off from Jason. Once back, total mileage was somewhere north of 380 miles. Not bad for a hobbled up half cripple, eh?
Friday night brought more good times, but we're here to ride…
Saturday was a slightly later departure, following the EOM-5 "North like Daniel Boone" run. This was a mostly 2-up group, and another great ride. There was some drama at the first rest stop when we realized that Annette had left her purse at the Starbucks back in Johnson City. The first call back to Starbuck's employee #1 (who I will refer to as "Mr. Genius" was not good, "sorry man, it's not here". Next call to the bank, kill our credit cards, etc, then a second call to the Starbucks in hopes of talking to someone who might give two s#$%'s. We struck gold; between calling Annette's cell phone and the "good" Starbuck's employee, they found it. Crisis averted, we pressed on. The weather held well for us, although not so much in other areas around Johnson City. But our luck continued to hold. The route lived up to expectations, providing great roads, great scenery, and some mild goat trails, and put us back at the hotel in plenty of time to get ready for dinner. Oh, and we did hit some rain, about 7-8 miles out from the hotel, for less then 5 minutes. Good planning, or good luck, either way, we'll take it!!
The EOM banquet was preceded by the traditional group picture, here's my version.
Dinner was good, but then things went south… Jason and staff, along with co-conspirator Annette, felt the need to poke at me a little more… Jason discussed how he noticed that my riding has changed; I prefer the term "evolved". I'm not sure how Jason connected suspenders with being old and slow, because the only other fellow I know who wears suspenders is anything but that (at least the slow part). Annette and I were given a few minutes to pass along one more round of much deserved thank you's. Annette was so much better prepared than I. I managed to get choked up almost immediately; and couldn't really put a clear thought together. There was so much more I needed to say, but just couldn't get the words together. Annette and I were so happy to be able to attend this year; it has been one of the biggest motivating factors in our recovery. I owe being where I am today to Annette. Last September, while laying in Roanoke, I had made the decision to walk away from motorcycling. I was ready to give up this thing that I had so passionately embraced for quite a few years because I just could not stomach seeing Annette injured. She has been the driving force in getting me to at least attempt a return to riding. Standing in the dealership back in March, leaning on a cane & staring at the '09 brought such a mixed batch of feelings. As much as I didn't want to hear it, it was calling my name. That little voice in my head kept saying, "come on, ya know you wanna." The bike sits now with almost 4k miles on it. Going from a hospital bed to that in 365 days is a milestone that I hope nobody else ever has to endure. But thanks to Annette, I'm "all in". Charlie is the other reason I'm where I'm at today. Without him, who knows what would have happened that day. I owe Charlie the world. He was the calmness in the storm that day and I will never forget that. Thank you Charlie.
At some point, a "wanna go for a ride" conversation happened, and at 2230 I found myself rolling out to squish the Snake with Jeff and JamesK. In the dark. Needed to put some of the extreme back in extrememarine…. Running at night in the twisties is not foreign to me, but quite a challenge and unique experience. I took quite an *** chewing from Fairlaner, "Be CAREFUL, you crazy Fooker." I took up sweep and rode my ride. Much to my surprise, I saw Jeff and James' tail lights turning into the Shady Valley Store parking lot as I came down the last straight away. We continued on to Mountain City, then u-turned and did a second run through the valley, then back to the hotel. This was a big confidence builder for me; running in the dark, you can eliminate some of the distractions presented during the daylight and focus on the road. There was no moon out, so ambient light was zero. The Snake is now road kill…
Sunday saw more doom and glum in the forecast, but once out on the road, it wasn't so bad (the road tends to do that…). We started out on the same run over the Snake, stopping in Shady Valley for a drink and stickers. Jeff, Dom and a few others rolled in just after us, and we headed out on TN-91 just as a couple of Tennessee's finest rolled into the valley. We got as far as lunch and I knew it was time to call it a day. The miles were taking their toll on my back. We parted ways and were back at the hotel by 3pm. As much as I wanted to press on, I knew that the fatigue could lead down a road that I had no interest in revisiting. Although I'm back rolling on two wheels, I still have a ways to go in getting back to the level of endurance and stamina I had pre-accident.
We saw the last of the travelers off Monday morning and decided to just take a rest day. We lounged around and took a nap. After dinner, we loaded the bike and packed things up so we can hit the road for home in the morning.
We stopped in Columbus Tuesday night, and had dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Bikergeek (who had just gotten home). After a short visit with family in Columbus Wednesday morning, we made the final leg north and were home by 4pm.
Overall, this was a great trip for us. Some reports may mention that it rained some at EOM this year, but it really just depended on which way you headed each day. Some got soaked, some didn't, it's all part of the experience. We had a great time, with some of the greatest people you could ever meet, on even more of the greatest roads on the east coast. Thanks Jason and staff for putting together another excellent EOM!!
Wayne
p.s. And I will be monitoring this "facebook" thing a little closer, Jason…
p.p.s Fairlaner, your trophy was transported successfully, just waiting on a mailing address…
__________________
