Blur

Photo courtesy of Kustom Jeff

So the last couple weeks have been a blur. I am going to take a page from my other blog and let a few pictures do the talking. An in depth report is coming once I have a chance to get my thoughts together.

 

In other news, I am now on Instagram here. 

Barber's Vintage Festival 2013

Once again it was an excellent year. I spent so much time hanging out with folks I don't get to see ofter enough and meeting new people that I didn't see any of the races, any of the special events or anything but the swap meet area really. Thanks to the shine, rum and cold beers a lot of it was a blur. It was great and I even bought a little over an 8th of a minibike. After a couple weeks it ended up in the garage and I've been riding...a lot.

Special thanks to the Inbreds RC for making me feel at home and giving me a place to crash. Also to the Haints for a great party and Lowbrow for the Coctagon. It was great meeting the men of MHT and kicking it with the BamaRides crew. Seriously, if you don't go to this event you are completly missing out.

 

08/03/13

     The night prior was hot and I'm pretty sure nobody slept well. It wasn't bad that morning, just enough to feel it. Everyone got packed up. It was bittersweet for me. I was looking forward to seeing my family but sad to leave the road and the company of friends I had been sharing it with.
      Ken left a bit early for coffee and we picked him up at a gas station near our KOA. He had been scanning the weather radar and it didn't look good. Outside of one small downpour, we had stayed dry most of the trip. I guess it was time to pay for our good fortune.
      Hoping to dodge the front, we got on the road. It wasn't long before we saw the black clouds on the horizon and stopped to put on rain gear, face shields, etc. It was good that we did. The water attacked quickly and with fury successfully eliminating any shred of dry fabric in my pack.
      Though this was easily some of the nastiest stuff I had ever ridden in, we soldiered on. Ride in the rain, get gas, wring out gloves, repeat. During one stop Wyatt and Chris opted to sample some local BBQ. With many miles ahead, Ken and I decided to stay moving.
      There is a bond you forge with someone when you share time on the road. The good times, bad times, sights and sounds you share become part of your common fiber. There is a recognizable difference between friendship and brotherhood. This trip easily moved us from the former into the later.
Though we knew each other previously as just words on a page, this was real. Getting along online is easy. It's crazy how well we transitioned from the digital world into the physical one. When you spend nearly every waking moment with someone for a stretch of days, when its over it leaves a hole.
Our goodbyes were brief. Looks were exchanged that filled in the gaps. I would ride with this crew again anytime. I hope life and fate stay good enough to give us all that chance.
      The sun fought through the clouds at times but we stayed under the rain most of the day. Outside Memphis we stopped for gas, a bite to eat and a glance at the map. Despite the heat, when you are soaking wet a/c turns other's comfort into your freezing misery so we ate fast.

     Right outside Birmingham things got so bad that we had to stop several times. Rain is tolerable. Inconvenient, but tolerable. Riding in a lightning storm is not. Several false starts and breaks under overpasses slowed our progress. The frustration of being 30 miles from home but unable to progress safely gnawed at me. Knowing how dumb I would feel being killed so close to home after traveling so far kept me in place.
      Once there was a break, we got moving again. Things started to get more and more familiar. I approached my exit and waved Ken ahead and then waved again as he passed me. I was 15 minutes from my door. Ken still had hours to go, others days yet. Pulling into the driveway, I instantly missed the open road and my brothers. I was comforted in my loss by my wife and children. I unloaded the bike. Still covered in dirt and bugs from 9 nine states, I locked the door behind me and proceeded to unpack.

07/27/13

     As forgiving as our KOA cabin was, the call of nature woke me up at 4am and cartoons and the Weather Channel lulled me in and out of sleep until about 6. Ken was up and about hunting for hot coffee with no success. Finally, when it became painfully clear that there was nothing fresh to be had, he settled for a Starbucks Via from my stash. I opted to have one as well.
     Cliff makes good bars so I packed six. One was knocked out while ken ate beef jerky on the porch. I joined him and noted the table outside the cabin smelled of Bud Light. We got our helmets and headed for downtown.
     On these trips, I always carry an atlas but ever since I got the Earfuze custom molded earphones, I can hear music better I figured GPS instructions would be easier to hear too. Turned out I was right so the Scout GPS app led us downtown.

      At last, we secured hot coffee and proceeded with the tourist bit. We walked a lot, which was nice to stretch the legs after I day in the saddle. We saw the Ryman Auditorium, a handful of notorious Nashville shops and the river. The scenery was excellent and decorated with locals. It was cool out and the morning was superior.

     Jumping back to the KOA, we packed up and headed out but not before tinkering with a tail light issue with Ken's bike. It was minor and fixed to our satisfaction. It was just starting to get warm and I was eager to get moving and a little cooler.
     My goal again was to stay off the interstate and on back roads. A classic mistake I make again, I forget that population density equals slower travel. Our route was marked as scenic and though it took time to reach it, it was well worth it. On the road, you are always chasing the good on the other side of the horizon. It is great when it delivers.
     The road opened up on both sides and retail and urban sprawl became fields and farms. Semi's became tractors and we became guests of the open-armed land. I was reminded of why we stay off the slab. The interstate is not America, this is America. It was vast and breathtaking and as you cross the land at 65 miles per hour it is impossible not to feel something and that something is that you are alive. As excellent as things were, light was growing short so we had no choice but resort to the interstate. Its funny, looking back. Walking in downtown Nashville seems like a lifetime ago.

     We reach Wes' place in North Vernon, again aided by the GPS. I know I am in the right place because I recognize a bike I've never seen in person but know well. It's Chris' Softail. He, Wyatt and Wes come out to greet us and almost immediately, its like old friends sharing stories and laughs. We adjourn for the dinner table where Wes and his wife have prepared and impressive spread of foods made with local, organic ingredients. It is excellent. Everyone has seconds.
     After we are all stuffed to the gills, we go back outside for more bs'ing. Again, the story and laughs rush out. I drink excellent beer and feel overwhelmed by my quality of life. Other than the sting and emptiness of missing my family, I am otherwise overcome by a striking inner peace.

     Making this trip was a good decision. These are all good people and I am stoked about sharing the road with them. I grab a shower and hit the sack. I'm exhausted but afraid I might not sleep.

Health Food. But no, seriously...

The Krispy Kreme burger cheese-dip dog heard round the world...

On a serious note, thanks to everyone who came out to my birthday (observed) party. 

My friends are awesome and came bearing gifts and food and liquor and even combinations of those things. You know its good when you look at the camera the next morning and there are pictures confirming things you thought you might have just imagined...like someone hanging upside down from your children's swing set or photos of the long-winded speech you made before blowing your candles out. 

I have the best family and friends. Thanks for all the well wishes and to everyone who has made the 35 year mark celebration marathon the glory that it was. 

Much love.

Memorial March at Railroad Park

If you're frustrated and deeply saddened by the death of Jarmaine Walton, join us in a memorial march on Saturday evening at Railroad Park.
Come be reminded that we live in a city that believes in growth, diversity, and community. Support those that lost a young man and those that are trying to create an environment where violence isn't tolerated.
We'll meet under the main pavilion before 7pm and start our march at 7pm. We'll walk around the park once in solidarity, and then have a moment of silence.
Thank you so much to Edward T. Bowser and his inspirational article found here.
More info on facebook here.

Swap and Drag

Had another great time at this event, as usual. I didn't take a ton of pictures this time around and spent most of the day catching up with people. It's pretty great to see so many folks you know all in one place and having a good time.

Kustom Jeff and I left out at 7am Saturday morning in the freezing cold. The first hour and a half was brutal but after the first gas stop and a little coffee, it got warmer quick and the rest of the ride was awesome. 

The drags were fun as usual with a crazy mix of bikes, muscle cars and odd stuff like mopeds and lawnmowers going down the strip. Amazing what some people want to run and race...like a Ford Explorer vs a Chevy Tahoe...not one of the more interesting races. 

Got to see a AJ from Mississippi, make a couple new MS friends and thanks to Jeff's genius, actually got to set up the hammock near the track. Ross made some killer chili that we all heaped onto closeout hot dogs and we spent the rest of the evening huddled around the fire drinking beer and moonshine and talking shit. Met the folks from Hate City and yes, all of the stories you've heard are true.

The next day we took our time getting up and out. The fire was re-lit and we huddled again as the sun rose. We parted ways with the MS crew and got everything loaded and hit the road. We stopped for breakfast and Jeff and I boogied back to Birmingham. If there is some reason you haven't made it to this one yet, you need to. It's a great time with good people and plenty to see and good parts up for grabs. Do not miss the next one...

Stole the last two photos from Ian, thanks dood.

Bad Saturday Night?

Going through the neighborhood Sunday morning I saw this bike lying on it's side. Expired tag, no headlight but there was evidence of a crash: a broken lever, marks in the grass, etc. I didn't see anyone around and it was early so I opted not to knock on any doors. Went by later to see what was up and it was gone. I noticed the homeowner had pushed it up by their front door. Curious, wonder what the story is here...