FJRfarrier
Well-known member
Just a few weeks late.....
And THAT is why I prefer to do a ride report DURING the ride!!! It gets completed! And the memory is still good! And the excitement to share it with others is still well and pumping!
But alas, this is the FJRfarrier summary and view of this years SFO - held in Alabama.
While I was riding and writing my summer trip (Windsong of the West) - FJRBandit had commented and mentioned to me about making sure I had enough vacation time left to venture down to their event. So after some research on the forum, I had found the coveted event.
Alabama - a state I hadn't yet visited and marked on my map.
On the last weekend in October.
Being held at a backwoods camp property.
With a handful of guys that I had never met.
Yup! I'll be right there!!!!!
So after some talking with the hosts, Bandit and his wife, I had weasled my way out of a tent and into a bed in the barn. (Playing my "girl card" real well there.)
Leaving NW Ohio - My plan was to leave Tuesday after work and get south to Lexington for the night. Luckily we did not have an early winter blast. The weather was decent. There have been times where we have had snow and ice for halloween trick or treat. Smooth sailing for Tuesday's quick jaunt. Didn't need a tire this time through Lexington. (the start of the EOM trip was stressful...)
This trip I also had the honor of escorting Beemerdon to SFO. So Wednesday morning I leave Lexington, and skip the interstate (shocking!!) and venture across the rolling hills towards Lebanon, Kentucky. Beautiful farms full of miles and miles of fencing, acres and acres of green grass and lots of shiny brown 4 legged creatures.
Once in Lebanon, who internet-claims to be the center of KY (but no sign found in town)- I found my way towards Maker's Mark Distillery. Well known for their bourbon, folks.
Because of lack of time and personal interest, I did not take the tour. But the front desk gentleman was kind enough to allow me walk around the grounds to take some pictures, and he even stamped the Beemerdon guest book.
Sitting there in the parking lot, eating a breakfast snack, I was thinking. Here I was, "escorting" Don around on the way to SFO. A man who I briefly met last year, at EOM. And at that time, I was a piddlydink who was barely on the forum. It was a brief passing- not even long enough for a handshake. I remembered him- but did he remember me? So, on this trip- was I doing right? Would this be acceptable? About that time- I looked down at my tankbag. And there were my handwritten route numbers for how to get us to Tennessee. The route which had been thought of earlier, but only just last night written onto the notepad from the hotel. It was then that I told myself- this might be different and new for Don- but it definitely is going to be an adventure!!!
Saddled back up and headed on into the country side again. Enjoying the solitude, beautiful weather, and spectacular scenery. Finally hit the interstate and made my way towards Nashville, TN. Once near there, I detoured to the Grand Ole Opry. I've been there before (yes, even on the FJR).... but I figured it would be a neat thing for BeemerDon to experience. Of course, we were there mid-week and mid-day. No one playing inside or outside - even though the weather was nice. And I didn't realize it was so difficult to find stickers!!! my gosh.... lol. I settled for 2 guitar picks- one for my bike, one for the book.
Back onto the bike, back onto the road. Traffic and heat- I just wanted to keep moving!! Finally rolled into Alabama- check that off the bike-it list! This state was already not what I was expecting- and I hadn't even seen the best parts of it.
I got into a hotel outside of Birmingham- planning to visit the Barber Museum in the morning.
------
Thursday morning- time to visit the world renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum!!!!
My parents had visited here last year.... but even with their pictures and stories- I was blown away.
I walked around, took pictures, and admired the bikes. Through text- my dad was able to tell me what bike his mom first rode. And I found one similiar!! 1935 Indian Chief.
And her first BMW. 1969 R69S. Red- just like this.
My grandparents were avid travelers- this country and overseas. And the "girl riding her own bike" thing- yeah, it's genetic. Both my grandmas ride/rode their own bikes. My mom rides her own. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree- and I love my family tree.
Saw many other bikes; but throughout the moments, I wished my dad was beside me, showing me what is what and why it's special. This museum will definitely be on my return-to list- but with my father next to me.
So as I was done looking around for myself- I went back out to the bike and got the Beemerdon picture.
I took it back in and made sure I was allowed to walk around with it and take pictures of it and some of the bikes. The front desk lady was very nice about it. So as I was struggling to get the picture lined up with the atrium of bikes, a young security guard offered to hold the picture for me.
I thanked him, and he walked away. After a short bit, he comes back and asks what I am doing. So I tell him how Don passed away unexpectedly last December. And how his picture and guest book have been traveling around and attending different events. And how I am on my way from Ohio to Alabama to attend a weekend of riding and socializing with likeminded individuals. And how I thought it would be neat to "show" Beemerdon the spectacular Barber Museum.
He's intrigued. So he steps over and asks an older security guard something, and comes back. Tells me to follow him. That we're gonna do something special for "the man in the picture". So we get in the elevator, he puts his security key in the special slot and hits the "basement" button. He the tells me that we are going to go down below- where not many people have the oppurtunity to go. He proceeded to show me where they do a lot of the renovating. And then down the concrete hallway, through a set of double doors, and into the holding "warehouse" room.
Rows and rows of bikes. Shelves and shelves of bikes. Some bikes covered, some not. Wow.
So we get a picture of Don with the storage bikes.
Thank you to that young man for that experience. It meant a lot to me.
Eventually, I needed to make my way back outside- where Brandon was to meet me for the final jaunt down to the SFO hangout.
We zigged and zagged our way through the back roads- coming across a few cotton fields. We don't grow this stuff up north!!!
We eventually made our way to the Bandit's property. The signs helped to show the way!
Pull up the gravelly, inclined, turning driveway.... and you come across a well laid out property with a smiling Mrs. Bandit greeting the new bikes arrival. Did I mention how much I enjoyed the southern hospitality? The rest of the campers for the night showed up. Tents were set up, and dinner was being prepared. Burgers, dogs, and pie. Always pie.
"Their" camping....
and "my" camping...
-----------
Friday morning- breakfast and day snacks were provided and laid out by the Bandits. Then we saddled up, and rode down the road a bit to meet the hotelers and others.
After we got organized- we divided into two medium sized groups. Honestly- it worried me. Groups of 8 and 9? I was skeptical, but hoped for the best. Come to find out- everyone rode well and behaved themselves and we did good.
Throughout the day we were stopping often for water breaks, pee breaks, scenery breaks, points of interest breaks, and of course, ice cream breaks.
ride some...
stop some...
ride some...
Somehow the groups caught up together, and we all made our way to Cheaha State Park.
Come to find out- it is home to Alabama's highest point!!
Also a nice observation tower.
Fill that with a dozen motorcyclists- and it gets snuggly but fun. Well, hello gentleman....
A little farther in the state park, and you come across Bald Rock Lookout. After a short hike on a boardwalk through the colorful trees....
the view is spectacular!!
While some stayed on the boardwalk....
Some ventured down onto the rock ledge....
After that view of Alabama- the next thing they seem to pride themselves on down here is BBQ. So off to lunch we go.
Had a chopped pork sammich, with the sweet sauce. And a slice of pie.
Off we ride again.... and stop again.....
and ride again..... and stop again.....
And then it's back to camp.
What a day. Evening dinner was a shrimp boil. A first for this northerner!! And wonderful entertainment by a guitar pickin' southern singin' gentleman.
And THAT is why I prefer to do a ride report DURING the ride!!! It gets completed! And the memory is still good! And the excitement to share it with others is still well and pumping!
But alas, this is the FJRfarrier summary and view of this years SFO - held in Alabama.
While I was riding and writing my summer trip (Windsong of the West) - FJRBandit had commented and mentioned to me about making sure I had enough vacation time left to venture down to their event. So after some research on the forum, I had found the coveted event.
Alabama - a state I hadn't yet visited and marked on my map.
On the last weekend in October.
Being held at a backwoods camp property.
With a handful of guys that I had never met.
Yup! I'll be right there!!!!!
So after some talking with the hosts, Bandit and his wife, I had weasled my way out of a tent and into a bed in the barn. (Playing my "girl card" real well there.)
Leaving NW Ohio - My plan was to leave Tuesday after work and get south to Lexington for the night. Luckily we did not have an early winter blast. The weather was decent. There have been times where we have had snow and ice for halloween trick or treat. Smooth sailing for Tuesday's quick jaunt. Didn't need a tire this time through Lexington. (the start of the EOM trip was stressful...)
This trip I also had the honor of escorting Beemerdon to SFO. So Wednesday morning I leave Lexington, and skip the interstate (shocking!!) and venture across the rolling hills towards Lebanon, Kentucky. Beautiful farms full of miles and miles of fencing, acres and acres of green grass and lots of shiny brown 4 legged creatures.
Once in Lebanon, who internet-claims to be the center of KY (but no sign found in town)- I found my way towards Maker's Mark Distillery. Well known for their bourbon, folks.
Because of lack of time and personal interest, I did not take the tour. But the front desk gentleman was kind enough to allow me walk around the grounds to take some pictures, and he even stamped the Beemerdon guest book.
Sitting there in the parking lot, eating a breakfast snack, I was thinking. Here I was, "escorting" Don around on the way to SFO. A man who I briefly met last year, at EOM. And at that time, I was a piddlydink who was barely on the forum. It was a brief passing- not even long enough for a handshake. I remembered him- but did he remember me? So, on this trip- was I doing right? Would this be acceptable? About that time- I looked down at my tankbag. And there were my handwritten route numbers for how to get us to Tennessee. The route which had been thought of earlier, but only just last night written onto the notepad from the hotel. It was then that I told myself- this might be different and new for Don- but it definitely is going to be an adventure!!!
Saddled back up and headed on into the country side again. Enjoying the solitude, beautiful weather, and spectacular scenery. Finally hit the interstate and made my way towards Nashville, TN. Once near there, I detoured to the Grand Ole Opry. I've been there before (yes, even on the FJR).... but I figured it would be a neat thing for BeemerDon to experience. Of course, we were there mid-week and mid-day. No one playing inside or outside - even though the weather was nice. And I didn't realize it was so difficult to find stickers!!! my gosh.... lol. I settled for 2 guitar picks- one for my bike, one for the book.
Back onto the bike, back onto the road. Traffic and heat- I just wanted to keep moving!! Finally rolled into Alabama- check that off the bike-it list! This state was already not what I was expecting- and I hadn't even seen the best parts of it.
I got into a hotel outside of Birmingham- planning to visit the Barber Museum in the morning.
------
Thursday morning- time to visit the world renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum!!!!
My parents had visited here last year.... but even with their pictures and stories- I was blown away.
I walked around, took pictures, and admired the bikes. Through text- my dad was able to tell me what bike his mom first rode. And I found one similiar!! 1935 Indian Chief.
And her first BMW. 1969 R69S. Red- just like this.
My grandparents were avid travelers- this country and overseas. And the "girl riding her own bike" thing- yeah, it's genetic. Both my grandmas ride/rode their own bikes. My mom rides her own. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree- and I love my family tree.
Saw many other bikes; but throughout the moments, I wished my dad was beside me, showing me what is what and why it's special. This museum will definitely be on my return-to list- but with my father next to me.
So as I was done looking around for myself- I went back out to the bike and got the Beemerdon picture.
I took it back in and made sure I was allowed to walk around with it and take pictures of it and some of the bikes. The front desk lady was very nice about it. So as I was struggling to get the picture lined up with the atrium of bikes, a young security guard offered to hold the picture for me.
I thanked him, and he walked away. After a short bit, he comes back and asks what I am doing. So I tell him how Don passed away unexpectedly last December. And how his picture and guest book have been traveling around and attending different events. And how I am on my way from Ohio to Alabama to attend a weekend of riding and socializing with likeminded individuals. And how I thought it would be neat to "show" Beemerdon the spectacular Barber Museum.
He's intrigued. So he steps over and asks an older security guard something, and comes back. Tells me to follow him. That we're gonna do something special for "the man in the picture". So we get in the elevator, he puts his security key in the special slot and hits the "basement" button. He the tells me that we are going to go down below- where not many people have the oppurtunity to go. He proceeded to show me where they do a lot of the renovating. And then down the concrete hallway, through a set of double doors, and into the holding "warehouse" room.
Rows and rows of bikes. Shelves and shelves of bikes. Some bikes covered, some not. Wow.
So we get a picture of Don with the storage bikes.
Thank you to that young man for that experience. It meant a lot to me.
Eventually, I needed to make my way back outside- where Brandon was to meet me for the final jaunt down to the SFO hangout.
We zigged and zagged our way through the back roads- coming across a few cotton fields. We don't grow this stuff up north!!!
We eventually made our way to the Bandit's property. The signs helped to show the way!
Pull up the gravelly, inclined, turning driveway.... and you come across a well laid out property with a smiling Mrs. Bandit greeting the new bikes arrival. Did I mention how much I enjoyed the southern hospitality? The rest of the campers for the night showed up. Tents were set up, and dinner was being prepared. Burgers, dogs, and pie. Always pie.
"Their" camping....
and "my" camping...
-----------
Friday morning- breakfast and day snacks were provided and laid out by the Bandits. Then we saddled up, and rode down the road a bit to meet the hotelers and others.
After we got organized- we divided into two medium sized groups. Honestly- it worried me. Groups of 8 and 9? I was skeptical, but hoped for the best. Come to find out- everyone rode well and behaved themselves and we did good.
Throughout the day we were stopping often for water breaks, pee breaks, scenery breaks, points of interest breaks, and of course, ice cream breaks.
ride some...
stop some...
ride some...
Somehow the groups caught up together, and we all made our way to Cheaha State Park.
Come to find out- it is home to Alabama's highest point!!
Also a nice observation tower.
Fill that with a dozen motorcyclists- and it gets snuggly but fun. Well, hello gentleman....
A little farther in the state park, and you come across Bald Rock Lookout. After a short hike on a boardwalk through the colorful trees....
the view is spectacular!!
While some stayed on the boardwalk....
Some ventured down onto the rock ledge....
After that view of Alabama- the next thing they seem to pride themselves on down here is BBQ. So off to lunch we go.
Had a chopped pork sammich, with the sweet sauce. And a slice of pie.
Off we ride again.... and stop again.....
and ride again..... and stop again.....
And then it's back to camp.
What a day. Evening dinner was a shrimp boil. A first for this northerner!! And wonderful entertainment by a guitar pickin' southern singin' gentleman.
