El Toro Joe
FYYFF
...don't forget to wash yer hands
Redfish in The Smoky Mountain Rain
- Thread starter Redfish Hunter
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Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Glad to have you along my dear. You will find my camera skills suck compared to yours.Me too.
That one kicked my candy butt. I don't know if my shirt was wet from sweat, blood, or my tears.
We told you, it happens. Bikes get dropped, they get scratched. If they get used anyway.
And I know I am ugly but I have a Great Personality!
Hmmm... A college age daughter in Birmingham you say? And I have seen pics of your wife in your RRs so I know the daughter must be attractive...
Just kidding my friend.
First, because when it happened we were not sure if the kickstand worked or not and he was not getting off the bike until we knew it wasn't going to just fall over. Second, because I keep a Gerber Multi-Tool in the side of my tank bag, it pays to have certain...things ready for immediate use.
At the HD shop I was already dirty from the gravel parking lot we had just left and I got Pop to sit on the bike while Mike went in to buy the spring. I had the old one off before he got back and I was already "experienced" by the time he returned with the new part. He did argue with me but I was already laying on the ground.
And mostly because Redfish takes care of his friends.
Not surprised. I saw plenty of lakes to fish, there must be lots of waterskiing going on up there!Nice job as usual. IN.
BTW, did you know there is a ski resort in Alabama?
Unless you meant "snow" skiing? God help us...
Sub'd
So far, so good. Love the "cabin" on the hill
So far, so good. Love the "cabin" on the hill
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gixxerjasen
Well-known member
Not sure what the issue was, but you might have asked for, or maybe pack a small piece of safety wire. That and a multitool should be able to tackle most springs. Works VERY well for exhaust springs. I've also had success with that method for a broken spring in a clothes washer.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
When we reached Tail of the Dragon Overlook we stopped for a water break and a conference. I did not want to lead my friend into this place without a word or two of advice.
No, I did not advise him to drag his knee and throw sparks in front of the Killboy setup.
Mike is a mature rider and he knows to Ride his Own Ride. He and I are not competitive with our bikes and I know that curves and extreme lean angles are not his thing. I do not try to convert him. I do want him to be able to enjoy this wonderful road for what it is.
While we were there Bockelrider pulled up on his '05 and I walked over to meet him. Nice guy, I enjoyed meeting him. While we were talking my attention was continuously distracted by the brunette creature that had parked behind him in a hopped up Subaru. She was wearing a black net shirt over a black bra and was the very picture of Naughty. I was not focused on conversation.
We had a Very Good Ride down the Dragon. Pop was concerned about getting good pics from Killboy and I found that amusing. We got passed by faster riders twice and we just moved to the far right and waved them by. They appreciated it and we did too.
Of course we had to buy some T-Shirts at Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort.
We headed down 28 which is a fantastic road and we really enjoyed that one too. My method was for Pop and I to burn through a few curves and then slow in the straights until I could see the Harley again. I was not comfortable just taking off and waiting at the end of the road. I did not want my friend to feel pushed or hurried and I wanted him to know I was not just running off and leaving him. He rides well and keeps his own pace, he does not need a babysitter but I did lead him there.
Not far from Fontana Dam Pop yells into my headset, " A bear! A BEAR!!!" I did not see it, it jumped up as I passed it and both he and Mike saw it clearly. I shut down and looked back in time to see it cross the road toward the water. I thought Mike was going to get a picture of it and I wanted one as well. Pop was NOT going back because it was a young bear and he felt that Momma Bear had to be close. I am not sure but I kept my distance. No pic.
We rode over to Fontana Dam where we met a couple gentlemen on FJRs, one an '05 the other a '12. We snapped a couple pics and continued East.
This time we all went to the Grocery Store before we headed back to The Cabin. And we all made it up the hill just fine in spite of the growling and fussing coming from my companions. I was really beginning to like that climb.
No, I did not advise him to drag his knee and throw sparks in front of the Killboy setup.
Mike is a mature rider and he knows to Ride his Own Ride. He and I are not competitive with our bikes and I know that curves and extreme lean angles are not his thing. I do not try to convert him. I do want him to be able to enjoy this wonderful road for what it is.
While we were there Bockelrider pulled up on his '05 and I walked over to meet him. Nice guy, I enjoyed meeting him. While we were talking my attention was continuously distracted by the brunette creature that had parked behind him in a hopped up Subaru. She was wearing a black net shirt over a black bra and was the very picture of Naughty. I was not focused on conversation.
We had a Very Good Ride down the Dragon. Pop was concerned about getting good pics from Killboy and I found that amusing. We got passed by faster riders twice and we just moved to the far right and waved them by. They appreciated it and we did too.
Of course we had to buy some T-Shirts at Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort.
We headed down 28 which is a fantastic road and we really enjoyed that one too. My method was for Pop and I to burn through a few curves and then slow in the straights until I could see the Harley again. I was not comfortable just taking off and waiting at the end of the road. I did not want my friend to feel pushed or hurried and I wanted him to know I was not just running off and leaving him. He rides well and keeps his own pace, he does not need a babysitter but I did lead him there.
Not far from Fontana Dam Pop yells into my headset, " A bear! A BEAR!!!" I did not see it, it jumped up as I passed it and both he and Mike saw it clearly. I shut down and looked back in time to see it cross the road toward the water. I thought Mike was going to get a picture of it and I wanted one as well. Pop was NOT going back because it was a young bear and he felt that Momma Bear had to be close. I am not sure but I kept my distance. No pic.
We rode over to Fontana Dam where we met a couple gentlemen on FJRs, one an '05 the other a '12. We snapped a couple pics and continued East.
This time we all went to the Grocery Store before we headed back to The Cabin. And we all made it up the hill just fine in spite of the growling and fussing coming from my companions. I was really beginning to like that climb.
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Tiger_993
Well-known member
Great RR!
Uncle Hud
Just another blob of protoplasm using up your oxyg
I am sure you're HORRIBLY MISTAKEN about mountains in northern Alabama. And just as sure you're HORRIBLY MISTAKEN about twisty two-lane (or more like 1.5 lane) roads through National Forest land there. HORRIBLY MISTAKEN.
Otherwise, I am waiting patiently to hear the end of this tale of rain and cold.
Otherwise, I am waiting patiently to hear the end of this tale of rain and cold.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Supper Sunday night was nothing special. I nominated Pop to work the grill again while Mike and I drank beers and encouraged him. He did the best he could with the cheap family pack pork chops I had selected.
It had been a good day. We only got rained on 3 or 4 times and we had seen some wonderful things.
I told Pop that our plans for the next day were to visit a museum. His look of disbelief turned to one of horror and then anger when I informed him that we would be going to The North Carolina Western Mountains Quilting Museum. I explained that we would be treated to a 3 hour tour that would teach us about quilting boards, different styles of patchwork and we would learn the benefits of sheep's wool as opposed to modern fill insulations.
Pop was not fooled.
I told him that we were going to visit a museum but that it was an antique motorcycle museum. He has heard of Wheels Through Time but did not know much about it.
Monday morning I cooked another decent breakfast and we set off for Maggie Valley. We had a decent ride and the museum was Very Nice. We all three enjoyed it very much.
I have heard it said that it is mostly a Harley museum but I did not find it to be so. It is a fact that there are more Harleys than anything else but there are good reasons for that. Harley Davidson is the ONLY brand that actually survived from the early 1900s and they sold more motorcycles. Everyone else eventually folded. Was it because Harley had a better product? Did Harley have better business managers? Was it luck? Call it what you want, Harley Davidson deserves their place in history.
Enough preaching.
The next time I get involved in a "Tire Thread" and someone asks "Which tire is best?" I am going to repost these pics:
The I&E tech part of my personality was impressed with this device which was able to test early generators and ignition systems:
Did anyone know that Indian once built outboard motors?
I wanted to trade my ZTR for this fine grass cutting machine:
The Traub was a major reason for my visit. Short version, there is only one and no one knows anything about it. It was discovered hidden inside a brick wall in Chicago in 1967.
For those of you who whine about the FJR's headlights I bring you this Compressed Acetylene headlight. That tank on the bars was filled with Acetylene and there was a hose running to the headlight which fed the FLAME.
My second favorite Corvette of all time, a 1956. My favorite was the '57 because of the introduction of the 283.
I was left with the impression that motorcyclists have grown soft and spoiled over time. As I listened to the pot bellied ******* on the porch wearing his black Harley shirt telling his friend how boring those quiet BMWs were, I wished he actually had to RIDE one of those old hand shift Harleys. Our ancestors had a lot more to deal with than which tire grips best in the rain, or how comfortable this custom seat is compared to that custom seat. I was honestly ashamed of how soft I am as compared to those men who rode those old bikes. We all should be.
Rant over.
It had been a good day. We only got rained on 3 or 4 times and we had seen some wonderful things.
I told Pop that our plans for the next day were to visit a museum. His look of disbelief turned to one of horror and then anger when I informed him that we would be going to The North Carolina Western Mountains Quilting Museum. I explained that we would be treated to a 3 hour tour that would teach us about quilting boards, different styles of patchwork and we would learn the benefits of sheep's wool as opposed to modern fill insulations.
Pop was not fooled.
I told him that we were going to visit a museum but that it was an antique motorcycle museum. He has heard of Wheels Through Time but did not know much about it.
Monday morning I cooked another decent breakfast and we set off for Maggie Valley. We had a decent ride and the museum was Very Nice. We all three enjoyed it very much.
I have heard it said that it is mostly a Harley museum but I did not find it to be so. It is a fact that there are more Harleys than anything else but there are good reasons for that. Harley Davidson is the ONLY brand that actually survived from the early 1900s and they sold more motorcycles. Everyone else eventually folded. Was it because Harley had a better product? Did Harley have better business managers? Was it luck? Call it what you want, Harley Davidson deserves their place in history.
Enough preaching.
The next time I get involved in a "Tire Thread" and someone asks "Which tire is best?" I am going to repost these pics:
The I&E tech part of my personality was impressed with this device which was able to test early generators and ignition systems:
Did anyone know that Indian once built outboard motors?
I wanted to trade my ZTR for this fine grass cutting machine:
The Traub was a major reason for my visit. Short version, there is only one and no one knows anything about it. It was discovered hidden inside a brick wall in Chicago in 1967.
For those of you who whine about the FJR's headlights I bring you this Compressed Acetylene headlight. That tank on the bars was filled with Acetylene and there was a hose running to the headlight which fed the FLAME.
My second favorite Corvette of all time, a 1956. My favorite was the '57 because of the introduction of the 283.
I was left with the impression that motorcyclists have grown soft and spoiled over time. As I listened to the pot bellied ******* on the porch wearing his black Harley shirt telling his friend how boring those quiet BMWs were, I wished he actually had to RIDE one of those old hand shift Harleys. Our ancestors had a lot more to deal with than which tire grips best in the rain, or how comfortable this custom seat is compared to that custom seat. I was honestly ashamed of how soft I am as compared to those men who rode those old bikes. We all should be.
Rant over.
Great story so far. I'm looking forward to the rest of it.
The pic of Deal's Gap is interesting to see...that parking lot is a bit more crowded than the last time I passed through there.
I bought the bike in FL and the next day I rode the Dragon just after a winter storm had rumbled through. The road was a mess, lots of snow, trees across the road in several places...but I had the place all to myself. Never saw the Killboy guy. That was truly a stupid thing for me to do on a bike with 650 miles on it.
The pic of Deal's Gap is interesting to see...that parking lot is a bit more crowded than the last time I passed through there.
I bought the bike in FL and the next day I rode the Dragon just after a winter storm had rumbled through. The road was a mess, lots of snow, trees across the road in several places...but I had the place all to myself. Never saw the Killboy guy. That was truly a stupid thing for me to do on a bike with 650 miles on it.
Can't say enough good things about Wheels Through Time. I've been through it three times and always find something new or something I missed before. The last time I was there, they had a video (made by the History Channel) playing on a big screen TV up on the mezzanine about Dale and Matt making a trip to Iowa for a rare Harley racer, well worth watching, IMHO. Glad to hear your trip is going well, you can't go wrong riding in that neck of the woods.
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
hppants
Well-known member
Great ride report (so far). Brings back some wonderful memories.
Pop looks well and in his element. I would expect nothing less.
Pop looks well and in his element. I would expect nothing less.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
We left Wheels Through Time and continued East, looking for food. We had a couple tips to follow...
I pulled into the Maggie Valley Inn and was NOT impressed. No cars out front, late 1970s look, the lingering smell of staleness in the air, I almost pulled back out onto the road. We were the only customers but the waitress was friendly and happy. We looked over the menu and I really wanted to get up and leave. Mike and Pop both agreed that I worried too much, how bad could it really be? When I asked our waitress about pie and she said they did not serve pie, I was ready to go. I was almost angry, I told her I had heard that this place had an excellent apple and peach pie.
She laughed and said, "Oh sorry! We do have apple and peach COBBLER made to order with a scoop of vanilla ice cream." I began to feel better but was still unsure. Our food arrived and...
It was Damned Excellent.
We left there happy and satisfied. I did leave a very good tip for the waitress as well.
And for the record, thanks LKLD. Thank you very much for putting this information in your RR. This is what I love best about FJR forum RRs, the useful information that enhances everyone's Next Ride.
I pulled into the Maggie Valley Inn and was NOT impressed. No cars out front, late 1970s look, the lingering smell of staleness in the air, I almost pulled back out onto the road. We were the only customers but the waitress was friendly and happy. We looked over the menu and I really wanted to get up and leave. Mike and Pop both agreed that I worried too much, how bad could it really be? When I asked our waitress about pie and she said they did not serve pie, I was ready to go. I was almost angry, I told her I had heard that this place had an excellent apple and peach pie.
She laughed and said, "Oh sorry! We do have apple and peach COBBLER made to order with a scoop of vanilla ice cream." I began to feel better but was still unsure. Our food arrived and...
It was Damned Excellent.
We left there happy and satisfied. I did leave a very good tip for the waitress as well.
And for the record, thanks LKLD. Thank you very much for putting this information in your RR. This is what I love best about FJR forum RRs, the useful information that enhances everyone's Next Ride.
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Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
We continued east on 19 and a lack of proper planning resulted in me not turning onto 276 so I continued on to Canton and turned onto Hwy 215. A few goofy twists later we were headed Southward on a spectacularly beautiful little road. I really like 215 but when it really got interesting, it also got a little scary. The surface was chip seal and in several of the tighter corners there were little piles of loose gravel mid corner. I lost confidence the first time my front tire slid out, the second time I dialed it waaaay back. Just as well, that allowed us to enjoy the scenery anyway. I could also tell that Mike was not happy with the pace and riding style Pop and I were enjoying.
As we climbed higher toward the BRP the temps dropped lower. As soon as we hit the BRP I found an overlook so Mike could put his jacket back on. Of course, it was getting cloudy as well as cold.
We continued on to Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the BRP so I could get these pictures:
Mike MADE me smile for the damned pic. I tried not to but he said he was tired of my sour face in all of my RR pics.
I have grown very attached to the '15 in the year and a half I have owned it. It is a wonderful motorcycle.
I really like riding the BRP.
I really, really like riding the BRP. Can you tell?
The one thing I do not enjoy about the BRP are the tunnels. I am always running blind when I first enter them. Pop was happy to follow me because he could easily see the reflective decals on my side cases. Thanks Alex with RealTime Industries. You are appreciated.
As we approached the end of the BRP two things became obvious.
1. Mike was tired of curves.
2. The rain had me walled in.
At that point there was nothing I could do about either issue.
I asked Pop what he thought I should do about the rain since there was no escaping it. A classic Pop quote: "I think you should keep twisting that throttle." Thanks Dad.
We found an overlook and finished gearing up. The rain tried to get me before I was ready.
As we rolled toward Hwy 441/Great Smoky Mountains NP we passed an ambulance going the other way, lights flashing. Pop's voice in my helmet echoed my exact thoughts, "That don't look good". We noted there were no vehicles following it.
A few miles later as we were leaning into a "Slow Down, Dangerous 25 MPH Curve" we found an orange Sportster lying on its side just off the roadway. There was a police officer there and no one else. Somehow this nearly ruined my day. I found the sight of that lonely, abandoned motorcycle to be incredibly sad. I hoped the rider in the ambulance was okay.
We rode all the way back to The Cabin in the rain. My companions were not pleased with the idea of climbing that driveway again, especially not in the rain. I honestly felt concern for them, but I had no real worries. My confidence in my riding and in my motorcycle has grown over time and I don't worry too much anymore.
I will say that when I pointed Scar up that steep, wet, incline I had a moment of doubt. I am continually amazed at what a modern motorcycle tire can do. I seriously do not understand how the back tires kept from spinning. I would be talking about how wonderful the Michelin PR3s and PR4s did in the rain but the Big Harley with 17K miles on its Dunlops did not spin either.
This was to be our last night in The Cabin and our meal tonight was a simple one. Since Pop had been just sitting on his bike all day we figured he had plenty of energy left over for cooking. So once again, he fired up the gas grill and cooked our supper.
Meanwhile I supported the local economy. These were from the Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City NC. Pop and I had these each night at the cabin and they were quite pleasant. My friend hppants should be proud of this pic.
Our bikes had to sit in the rain.
As we climbed higher toward the BRP the temps dropped lower. As soon as we hit the BRP I found an overlook so Mike could put his jacket back on. Of course, it was getting cloudy as well as cold.
We continued on to Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest point on the BRP so I could get these pictures:
Mike MADE me smile for the damned pic. I tried not to but he said he was tired of my sour face in all of my RR pics.
I have grown very attached to the '15 in the year and a half I have owned it. It is a wonderful motorcycle.
I really like riding the BRP.
I really, really like riding the BRP. Can you tell?
The one thing I do not enjoy about the BRP are the tunnels. I am always running blind when I first enter them. Pop was happy to follow me because he could easily see the reflective decals on my side cases. Thanks Alex with RealTime Industries. You are appreciated.
As we approached the end of the BRP two things became obvious.
1. Mike was tired of curves.
2. The rain had me walled in.
At that point there was nothing I could do about either issue.
I asked Pop what he thought I should do about the rain since there was no escaping it. A classic Pop quote: "I think you should keep twisting that throttle." Thanks Dad.
We found an overlook and finished gearing up. The rain tried to get me before I was ready.
As we rolled toward Hwy 441/Great Smoky Mountains NP we passed an ambulance going the other way, lights flashing. Pop's voice in my helmet echoed my exact thoughts, "That don't look good". We noted there were no vehicles following it.
A few miles later as we were leaning into a "Slow Down, Dangerous 25 MPH Curve" we found an orange Sportster lying on its side just off the roadway. There was a police officer there and no one else. Somehow this nearly ruined my day. I found the sight of that lonely, abandoned motorcycle to be incredibly sad. I hoped the rider in the ambulance was okay.
We rode all the way back to The Cabin in the rain. My companions were not pleased with the idea of climbing that driveway again, especially not in the rain. I honestly felt concern for them, but I had no real worries. My confidence in my riding and in my motorcycle has grown over time and I don't worry too much anymore.
I will say that when I pointed Scar up that steep, wet, incline I had a moment of doubt. I am continually amazed at what a modern motorcycle tire can do. I seriously do not understand how the back tires kept from spinning. I would be talking about how wonderful the Michelin PR3s and PR4s did in the rain but the Big Harley with 17K miles on its Dunlops did not spin either.
This was to be our last night in The Cabin and our meal tonight was a simple one. Since Pop had been just sitting on his bike all day we figured he had plenty of energy left over for cooking. So once again, he fired up the gas grill and cooked our supper.
Meanwhile I supported the local economy. These were from the Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City NC. Pop and I had these each night at the cabin and they were quite pleasant. My friend hppants should be proud of this pic.
Our bikes had to sit in the rain.
Niehart
Pie Smuggler
I'm in love.
gixxerjasen
Well-known member
I'll admit it, I have a pinterest account. As I read RR's I look stuff up and pin it. Then when I plan a ride, I look up all the fantastic places to stop along the way. There's a lot of your stuff in there, and I'll be adding to it once you finish this one up.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Nice work RfH!
--G
--G
Mudslide Miller
Well-known member
Great stuff Andrew!! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I have only been on the Dragon once. I camped at the KOA & was up at the crack of dawn and had the whole thing to myself. Not something I would want to do regularly with traffic, but was honored to say Been There, Done That.
NTXFJR
Well-known member
Nicely done RFH! Thanks for taking us along.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Futile as it was, we checked the radar every morning before we departed. Same forecast every day, same results at the end of the day. I began to hate the local meteorologists. They were happy to be getting some Much Needed Rain.
I took this pic off the porch while I was fixing breakfast, it was a beautiful and glorious morning.
Two minutes later it was raining.
We cleaned the cabin, packed the bikes and began the Journey Home. My two companions were thrilled to see the last of that little road leading to the cabin. I was not. I am missing it as I type this, I wish I could ride it again today.
My Plan: Take Hwy 28 South to Franklin, then to Highlands, stopping to see a couple of waterfalls along the way.
That oh so twisty and fun section of Hwy 28 was very wet from the rain so I had to ride that at a much slower pace than I wanted. Pop and I still enjoyed it but it appeared that Mike was not liking the twisty roads at all.
We fueled up in Franklin and got caught up in traffic (as always) on our way South to Highlands.
I wish I knew what thought process was taking place in the lead vehicle that always holds up the traffic on these mountain roads. Are the drivers so stupid that they do not realize they are holding up 15 cars and 3 motorcycles? Are they so arrogant that they do not care? Or are they perhaps too caught up in the stress of driving to even notice what they are doing?
We FINALLY reached Dry Falls.
Pop was happy to wait at the top while Mike and I got in our cardio for the week.
I took this one from the backside of the falls, you can just make out Pop on the observation deck.
We could not get our pics at Bridal Veil because there were barricades across the roadway.
The houses and neighborhoods are considerably more upscale in Highlands. Lots of money there, I have no idea what supports it.
We turned West on Hwy 106 which would eventually take us back across the Georgia border. It was a jewel of a road, Pop and I really liked it. By that time Mike was DONE with twisty roads. He was ready to get back to something straight. Pop kept hoping for another chance to drag his footpegs.
We had a mostly uneventful and smooth ride back home. We spent the night in Clanton Alabama, and we ate supper and some Delicious Peach Cobbler at Peach Park in Clanton.
Our last day the temps never got above 77F, we never got any rain, and everything went well. It was almost a letdown.
I should mention that on the Hwy 22 Bypass at the SE corner of Selma Alabama there is a RR crossing with no barricades. There is a STOP sign in the RR Xing sign. At least I was told that there is a STOP sign by Mike and Pop. I never saw it coming or going. A few miles South of there I almost ran another Stop Sign at a major intersection, I have no clue as to why I did not see it.
As I was fussing about this in my helmet, Pop's voice came through the speakers with The Answer. "It ain't your fault. They should have painted those Stop Signs a nice, bright color so they would be easier for YOU to see. Maybe Bright Red would have been a good choice."
Gotta Love Pop.
I took this pic off the porch while I was fixing breakfast, it was a beautiful and glorious morning.
Two minutes later it was raining.
We cleaned the cabin, packed the bikes and began the Journey Home. My two companions were thrilled to see the last of that little road leading to the cabin. I was not. I am missing it as I type this, I wish I could ride it again today.
My Plan: Take Hwy 28 South to Franklin, then to Highlands, stopping to see a couple of waterfalls along the way.
That oh so twisty and fun section of Hwy 28 was very wet from the rain so I had to ride that at a much slower pace than I wanted. Pop and I still enjoyed it but it appeared that Mike was not liking the twisty roads at all.
We fueled up in Franklin and got caught up in traffic (as always) on our way South to Highlands.
I wish I knew what thought process was taking place in the lead vehicle that always holds up the traffic on these mountain roads. Are the drivers so stupid that they do not realize they are holding up 15 cars and 3 motorcycles? Are they so arrogant that they do not care? Or are they perhaps too caught up in the stress of driving to even notice what they are doing?
We FINALLY reached Dry Falls.
Pop was happy to wait at the top while Mike and I got in our cardio for the week.
I took this one from the backside of the falls, you can just make out Pop on the observation deck.
We could not get our pics at Bridal Veil because there were barricades across the roadway.
The houses and neighborhoods are considerably more upscale in Highlands. Lots of money there, I have no idea what supports it.
We turned West on Hwy 106 which would eventually take us back across the Georgia border. It was a jewel of a road, Pop and I really liked it. By that time Mike was DONE with twisty roads. He was ready to get back to something straight. Pop kept hoping for another chance to drag his footpegs.
We had a mostly uneventful and smooth ride back home. We spent the night in Clanton Alabama, and we ate supper and some Delicious Peach Cobbler at Peach Park in Clanton.
Our last day the temps never got above 77F, we never got any rain, and everything went well. It was almost a letdown.
I should mention that on the Hwy 22 Bypass at the SE corner of Selma Alabama there is a RR crossing with no barricades. There is a STOP sign in the RR Xing sign. At least I was told that there is a STOP sign by Mike and Pop. I never saw it coming or going. A few miles South of there I almost ran another Stop Sign at a major intersection, I have no clue as to why I did not see it.
As I was fussing about this in my helmet, Pop's voice came through the speakers with The Answer. "It ain't your fault. They should have painted those Stop Signs a nice, bright color so they would be easier for YOU to see. Maybe Bright Red would have been a good choice."
Gotta Love Pop.
