ON THE AVENUE
BMWRA#53 BMWMOA#216
Knob Mountain North Carolina Motorcycle Chapter
Newsletter #3 – August 2007
Website: http://knobbies.org
2007 Officers: President-Gene Smith / V.
President-Dave Kiziah / Secretary-Crystal
Gibson / Treasurer- Sam Aycock
Activities
Directors-Daryl & Penny
Carswell / Newsletter
Co-Editors-Patsy Smith & Sharon Wilson
WEEKLY SUNDAY RIDES – Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Timberwood Restaurant,
Exit 106, Morganton, NC for breakfast and a day ride. Even if you
can’t ride, join us for breakfast and fellowship! 1st Sunday in
every month is “Picnic Sunday.”
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS -- Jay and Milinda Middlebrooks, Milan, IN, joined
at the Spring Campout. Charlie Mosteller, Paint Rock, TX, sponsor
Red Murray. Jay and Corinne Lindquist, Center Moriches, NY, sponsor Bob
Steele. Mark and Margaret Gengler, Shelby, NC, sponsor Mike McSwain.
Other 2007 new members to date: Bettie Drum, Michael Sloane and Paul
& Sara Phillips.
NEWSLETTER UPDATE – We have a new computer at home and I have not
had a chance to get email addresses set up for those of you that
requested the newsletter be emailed. So all newsletters are being
mailed this issue! Please give me or Sharon any articles you
would like printed or share your travels with us!
Have fun and ride safe! Patsy and Sharon
MESSAGE FROM GENE -- Believe it or not, I think we all survived the
BMWRA Rally held at the Biltmore in what now seems WAY back in June!
Several of our club members have made all kinds of long distance trips
since then including myself, Patsy and Mike and Pan McSwain, but back
to the Rally.
As we publish this, we still don’t have a full accounting of how
the RA rally finances went, however, I am pleased to tell everyone that
the RA had a record attendance of 3,009! I think the largest rally the
RA has had was in Fontana with about 2,100 attending. I don’t
mind saying this, but over and over I heard a lot of folks who asked
who the Knobbies were and that they had never heard of the BMWRA, so
this helped put us on the map!
I want to take this opportunity to once again say thank you to all you
Knobbies who volunteered to help. There were quite a few of you so I
won’t even try and name everyone. Also, our Rally Chairs, Bert
Brumfeld, Registration; Hank Roland, Vendors; David Huey, door prizes;
Sam Aycock, Treasurer; and last Mike McSwain, Security, did an
outstanding job! These guys worked many long hours to put it together
and make the rally a success.
One last bit of humor here too. This was overheard at the RA Rally by a
very reliable source that just happened to be in a porta john when he
heard two women talking about these portable johns. One says to the
other, “Aren’t these toilets nasty? AND can you believe
what these men do to the little sinks in there?” I’m sorry,
but the first thing I was thinking, did they use the soap that was in
the little sinks???
I also had the opportunity to attend the MOA Rally in West Bend,
Wisconsin, of which Patsy is writing (huh oh geno??). A lot of our
Knobbies made the show (16 that we know of), but let me say that these
national rallies have changed mightily over the last five or ten years.
National MOA rallies used to attract maybe 3 to 4,000 for a good rally.
Last year’s Vermont rally attracted over 9,000. This year’s
rally attracted about 8,700. Next year for anyone interested, is going
to be held in Gillette Wyoming. I think major cowboy country!
So, again we have been riding this year and lots of stuff going on with
our Knobbies. For all those remote Knobbies, be sure to check out our
new web site that Daryl Carswell has done for us. Candy and Bradley are
doing a great job keeping up with the NC 4-Corners Tour. The Ride for
Kids is August 26th so mark that date on your calendar as this is a
very special project we do for a very worthy cause. Don’t forget
our Sept Campout at Cruso – should be loads of fun and I look
forward to seeing everybody there! Geno!
NEW KNOBBIE BANNER -- A special thank you to Shelba Murray for
making a new Knobbie Banner. She did a great job and it was proudly
displayed at the RA Rally in Asheville and the MOA Rally in West Bend,
WI.
KNOBBIE SPRING CAMPOUT REPORT – We had a great time at Kickstand
Lodge in Stecoah, NC, May 18-20. The fellowship and food was wonderful
and the weather could not have been better. Everyone took home a
door prize, with Wayne McBride winning the grand prize, a $250 gift
certificate. Gene won the $100 50/50 drawing. Thanks to our door prize
contributors -- Honda Statesville gave us 3 helmets, a rain suit and 2
tees. Yahama Hickory contributed 2 bottles of cycle wash and 6 cans of
waterless spray wash. Rick’s Cycle in Drexel gave a gallon of
Spetro Oil and Fun Cycles in Valdese, a tank bag. There was also a gift
certificate from Butch’s BBQ. Walt and Lydia Sweat gave Ride for
Kids tees and jackets. Anonymous gifts were a first aid kit, LED
flashlight, waterproof bag, camp knife and a camping ax.
KNOBBIE FALL CAMPOUT REMINDER-- Sept 7-9, Blue Ridge Motorcycle
Campground, Cruso, NC-- Come for a weekend of fun, good food and
riding. There will be door prizes, a few of them left over from the
Biltmore Rally. Even if you don’t camp, please join us for the
day, dinner and door prize giveaways. Telephone # 828-235-8350.
NORTH CAROLINA FOUR CORNERS TOUR UPDATE -- by Bradley and Candy
Richey. As of July 31st, 42 have signed up and 10 completed
– Haskell Shealy, Bradley & Candy Richey and Hal & Bobbie
Smith, P.O. Wilson and Dave & Cheryl Kiziah, Daryl Carswell and
Jerry Rector. There are still stickers, t-shirts and sweatshirts for
sale. Contact Candy or Bradley at 828-495-4456 or email
blrcdr@hotmail.com for information or to receive a tour packet.
Cost of the tour is $10.00 each per rider/co-rider. As of this date,
the proceeds from the Tour is $500 which will be donated to the Ride
for Kids as agreed as at our last meeting.
RIDE FOR KIDS, Sunday, August 26 -- If you would like to help with the
parking this year for the Ride For Kids, please be at McDonalds by 8
a.m.(off Exit 105, I-40). If you want to eat, you will need to come
earlier – leaving by 8.
2006 BMW MOA MILEAGE CONTEST WINNERS. We listed all the Knobbies in our
last newsletter but left out Paul Hoshyla of NY. So, here they are
again. New York – Paul Hoshyla (9,381), North Carolina -Dave
Kiziah (16,822), Mike McSwain (14,354), Bert Brumfield (12,527), Terry
Murray (10,736), Gene Knight (8,198), Danny Wilson (7,836), Sharon
Wilson (6,023), Peter Osta (4,899), Becky Gradus (4,348), Sandra Osta
(4,122). S. Carolina --Robert Menton (6,342).
HOT MAMA! By Gene Smith. I’m sure some of you have heard Patsy
say that when she sweats, it’s hot! Well folks, when we hit Wall,
SD it was 105 degrees, Mike McSwain’s K1100 (Raisin) was singing
and Patsy was sweating! It was so hot that Raisins’ gas was
boiling and literally, that K1100 was making a high pitched scream.
Almost scary.
Now where am I going with this? Heat. I think Danny Wilson is
absolutely right when he says he has gotten to the point that he almost
doesn’t want to ride when it gets so hot. I have learned to pay
attention to the heat as I have gotten older. Years ago, going across
Kansas in 100+ heat, I started to hallucinate in Kansas!!?? Trees
started jumping out in front of the bike? Whoa! So, in my past life I
worked with OSHA, which is not the small town in Wisconsin, but the
Occupational Safety and Health organization and there I learned to take
and record heat stress. However, that is hugely different from what can
occur to us on motorcycles. Heat stress can be life threatening and
even though you may not be aware of it, you can just ruin your
motorcycle trip. As stated by OSHA, signs and symptoms of heat
exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and
giddiness. Signs of dehydration and/or heat stress may be as small as
feeling absolutely worn out and not being able to recover, up to
passing out. We don’t want to do that on a motorcycle now do we?
In years past, we all would stop and wet a T shirt, sweat shirt or any
shirt for that matter. Lots of fun if you had women there, but kind of
sloppy and this wouldn’t last for long. Going down the road, it
would evaporate and a very cool ride for about a half hour or so. I
know that I have let everyone know who cares to listen that last year a
Christmas present I received was a Silver Eagle cooling vest, high tech
version of the wet T shirt.
Here’s my advice to anyone riding in very hot weather. First, do
purchase a cool vest, or any type of vest that will retain water. The
vest I received has an inner layer that doesn’t feel sticky with
the outside layer allowing lots of air flow. There are several
manufacturers of these vests and they all appear to work well. Second,
make sure you carry lots of drinking water or stop frequently. This may
sound a little crude, but if you’re not urinating at each stop OR
if you urine is yellow, you are probably dehydrating and potentially on
the way to heat exhaustion.
When we left Wall SD, we all donned our cool vest soaked in ice water.
In addition, I carried a small water camel attached to the top of my
tank bag. I think it would hold 2 liters and on several occasions I
drained it. We were headed for cooler climes in Spearfish, but we were
stopping about every hour. Again, we would wet down our cool vest, rest
for 15-20 minutes, making sure we were hydrated and then hitting the
road. We all were wearing these vests along with our mesh jackets.
Another little trick I learned was with my Scorpion helmet. I said to
self, “SELF, this is a coolmax liner, so why won’t it hold
water,” and hold water it did. I took the helmet and poured ice
water in the liner, opened all the vents and from there until we
stopped I felt like I had a small ice cube on my head, GREAT! At the
MOA rally, speaking to the Scorpion rep there, she stated they actually
recommended that practice. Alrighty now!
I honestly don’t think any of us could have made that trip from
Wall without our vests. I first read about these in Ryder Magazine
where a review by Clemente Salvadore said they worked to his
satisfaction. I concur. One other hint is to wear a
“wicking” type of shirt instead of cotton so that your
shirt does not hold water and will evaporate quicker.
Now that August heat is on us, good riding!
You Know You’re A Biker When . . . your bike is worth more than your car or truck!
The 20th Anniversary of POW/MIA Rolling Thunder Rally – by Sharon
Wilson. May 25th, Memorial Day weekend, Danny, Dana, Robert
and I went to the 20th Anniversary of POW/MIA Rolling Thunder Rally in
Washington DC. What a fantastic trip! We met up with the Steve
Keller family and friends in Hickory and then proceeded on to
Statesville to the Freightliner Plant where we gathered with over 100
motorcyclists. Freightliner had painted up a transfer CAB in
honor of the Veterans Rolling Thunder Rally which led us to Washington
DC. After a super send off at the plant the ride began. On
Saturday we went down town to visit the monuments, Vietnam Wall,
World War II, Korean and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the
changing of the guards and visit with all the veterans. It was
quite an experience, with men from all branches of the military meeting
up. Shaking hands, hugging, some tears were shed and a lot of love for
our country was shown from the men and women that have given us our
Freedom.
Then on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. we joined over 416,000 motorcycles
lining up in the Pentagon parking lots for the Rolling Thunder
Parade. The parade started at noon and our line took off at 2
p.m., (a 6 hour wait). The parade lasted for 4 to 6 hours, bikes were
finishing the parade and we were still waiting in the parking for our
section to start. Temperature was in the high 80’s and a fully
dressed Marine soldier stood at full attention saluting every
motorcycle as it rode by.
The Christian Motorcycle Chapters passed out bibles, peanut butter
crackers, ice cold water, towels, CD’s, and anything that was
needed to help people all weekend and in the parking lots. Every
Veteran should try to attend, you don’t have to ride but just to
be apart of such an event was wonderful. I was so impressed that
so many Veterans and people get together to remember our fallen heroes
and prisoners of war and our soldiers that are still missing in
action. We truly are lucky and it really makes you see that
Freedom is not FREE. Thanks to all our VETERANS for giving us the
United States of America, The Land of the Free, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
2nd ANNUAL SMITH/McSWAIN TRIP -- Destination MOA Rally, West Bend, WI -- by Patsy Smith.
Gene and I had an awesome 13 day trip with Mike and Pan McSwain -- our
2nd trip traveling long distance together. We covered 13 states, rode
4,850 miles (by Gene’s calculation), and I took 400+
pictures. Thanks to my dear husband, Gene, for planning a very special
and memorable trip for us!
Details of a trip seem to start running together after several days, so
this year I decided to do a daily journal along the way. Although
I’m not quite the “storyteller” that Gene is, I would
like to share my journal with you. So, here goes….
Day 1, Wed, 7/4. Met Mike and Pan in Marion at 5:30 a.m. Gassed
up and Crisis #1 occurs – Gene forgot his cell phone and had to
return home to get it. (If you remember our Vermont trip last year with
Mike and Pan, Gene had a “problem tire” on his camper the
morning of departure and had to made a trip back home to get another
tire; so, Mike, Pan and I have concluded that this is Gene’s
method of getting “extra miles” on Mike). Gene returns and
off we go with Gene leading. Great riding through TN and KY but ran
into a bad storm outside of St. Louis, MO. Pulled off under a bridge
and waited it out. Back on the road, we missed a turn and ended up in
downtown St. Louis pulling a camper (Crisis #2 you might say). It was
quite a sightseeing “adventure” during rush hour traffic
but we enjoyed seeing the city, Bush Stadium and a closer view of the
arch. (Gene’s always reminding me that riding a motorcycle is an
adventure). Camped at Cherokee Lake Campground on the other side of St.
Louis. Rode 758 miles today – butt burn has arrived!
Day 2, Thur, 7/5. Up at 6 a.m. and breakfast at Diamond Restaurant
which served the best homemade bread and biscuits I’ve ever
eaten! Back on the road and Crisis #3 – Mike’s camper
is wobbling and people were passing him and motioning him to look back.
Mike and Gene tried to reposition the stuff in the camper but it
continued to wobble. We proceed on and stop at a BBQ place for
lunch that had wash tubs for light fixtures! On into Nebraska’s
flat country with thousands of acres of corn and bales of hay. Stopped
for the night at KOA in Grand Island, NE. Check in, have dinner,
and Pan and I do our “nightly walk.” A corn field is beside
the campground so we go exploring. Discover this enormous drip
irrigation system which was pretty amazing. We find the guys and they
were quite impressed as well and took lots of pictures. Saw a jack
rabbit standing on his hind legs and motionless! Rode 530 miles
today. Butt burn is much better tonight. (P.S. Discovered
the solution for Mike’s wobbling camper – add a six pack of
beer and a large bag of ice!)
Day 3, Fri, 7/6. Up at 6 a.m. and breakfast at a truck stop. As
Pan would say, “we rode and got gas, rode and got gas.”
Arrive in South Dakota and it is hot. When I get hot, it’s hot!
Time to try the cool vest. Gene got one last year for Christmas and
swore by it so the rest of us decided to give it a try – believe
me, it works! Stopped at Wall Drug in Wall, SD and Mike hears this
whistling noise – Crisis 4. “Raisin,” his motorcycle,
is boiling gas! When we leave Wall Drug and it is 105 degrees! On to
the Badlands but didn’t tour all as it was hot and getting late
in the day. Went on to the Black Hills Stampede Rally held at Chris
Campground in Spearfish, SD. Set up camp and headed downtown
Spearfish where the rally festivities were underway. Ate Italian for
dinner and back to the campground. Rode 500 miles today.
Day 4, Sat, 7/7. Decided to do the Rally Poker Run as the route took us
to the places we wanted to go. Stops to play our hands were
Latchstring Restaurant for breakfast in Spearfish Canyon, Heart of the
Hills Exxon in Hill City, Peter Norbeck Visitor Center in Custer State
Park, National Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, Sturgis BMW, and
back to Chris Campground. While in Custer State Park, saw a herd of
buffalo come running down a hill, cross the road stopping all traffic
and straight to their watering hole! I was on the back of the bike
taking pictures and screaming “Oh My God” in Gene’s
ear -- learned later that Pan was as excited as I was! We also
saw wild donkeys and antelopes. Stopped to view Mount Rushmore and
traveled on Needles Highway, Iron Mt. Road and Wildlife Loop. Raisin
was not having a good day and was boiling again. It was so hot that the
asphalt in Custer State Park was even melting. Went downtown Sturgis
and when we stopped for our last hand at Sturgis BMW; there was a sign
on the door that they closed at noon (due to wedding of owner’s
daughter). Needless to say we were not too happy as we wanted a BMW
Sturgis shirt. Back to the rally for a delicious chuck wagon dinner and
the closing ceremony. I won a ladies watch, Helen 2 Wheel bag and a tee
shirt. Gene won a tee shirt and Mike won a gift certificate from
Olympia in Hendersonville, NC. A great day and a super rally!
Day 5, Sun, 7/8. Packed up in the a.m. and as we’re getting
ready to leave, Crisis #5. Gene discovers the nut to the trailer hitch
ball on our camper is missing! There happens to be a K-Mart close by so
off to eat breakfast and go to K-Mart. Gene is getting what he needs so
Pan and I decided to do some shopping – bought gifts and trashy
Sturgis Harley tank tops to wear at the MOA Rally! Back to the
campground with new trailer hitch ball in hand. Finally get on the road
and head to WY to make our “encounter with the Tower.” Took
pics and shopped at the Devils Tower Trading Post. Make it to ND --
beautiful country where we plan to take Hwy 2 across to WI. Took a
picture of a real cowboy and the “Salem Cow.” Almost
another crisis as Mike came very close to running out of gas. Had
planned to tip Montana but clouds were looking pretty bad so we kept
traveling. Dinner at Texas Roadhouse and stayed at KOA in Bismarck,
ND. Gene was tired so he turned in early. Mike, Pan and I were
still doing laundry at midnight.
Day 6, Mon, 7/9. Up early, breakfast at Oasis Restaurant then a
quick stop at Wal-Mart for batteries and Pan a pair of flip flops.
Stopped by Lewis and Clark Expedition. On to ND, passing beautiful
fields of lavender and yellow colored plants but didn’t know what
they were. Made a special stop in Minot, ND for Norman Lowman as he had
requested a tee from Minot Harley if we passed through. While in the
Harley shop I asked if anyone knew what the lavender and yellow plants
were and was told the lavender was flax and the yellow was canola
– interesting info to learn in a Harley shop! Saw a
gorgeous Harley tank top that was calling my name – so a major
impulse buy. Another Harley tank for the BMW Rally!
On to Rugby, ND to see the Geographical Center of North America.
Grand Rapids, MN was our next stop for more “shopping” at
Cabela’s! Later stopped for gas and the guys learn that beer in
MN is not sold in convenience stores – Crisis #6. Found out
you had to purchase in a liquor store which we found one – a
Kodak moment of Gene and Mike coming out of the liquor store with
smiles from ear to ear! Back on the road, Pan and I both are taking
pics of clouds – so beautiful and the sky was a blue like
I’ve never seen before! Stayed at a KOA in Bemidji, MN.
Time for a picnic -- best meal ever of bologna and ham sandwiches,
potato salad and beanie weenies!
Day 7, Tues, 7/10. Had a bad storm last night and Mike had a bad
night – he spent most of the night keeping the rain from puddling
on top of the camper. Packed up everything wet. Next stop is Duluth, MN
for more “shopping” at the Aerostitch factory.
“Shopping” has now become a favorite word in Mike’s
vocabulary and Pan and I have been determined to get Mike
“styling.” Mike was like a kid in a candy store trying on
pants and jackets -- I particularly liked the yellow pants! Finished up
and back on the road and the wind is blowing. Touched tip of Michigan
in Wakefield where we saw the highest gas prices -- $3.69 a gallon. Met
two nice Harley couples at the gas station who showed us a short cut
back to Wisconsin. Major wind is now blowing -- at least 40-50
mph. Gene and Mike were exhausted from fighting the wind so
stopped early at Lake DuBay Shores Campground in Mosinee, WI for the
night -- 3200 miles to date. We all caught up on telephone calls back
home and I wrote my kids another post card. Miss my daily chats with my
daughter! Talked to Lamar Strickland as he was on his way up to meet us
at the Rally in West Bend. He was traveling with Mark and Margaret
Gengler. Mark is a co-worker of Mike’s.
Day 8, Wed, 7/11. Breakfast at Perkins and off to the Rally! Stopped
for gas in Oshkosh and there just happened to be a Columbia Outlet
across the street – so, more “shopping.” Arrived at
Washington County Fairground in West Bend in the early afternoon for
the 35th BMW MOA Rally – destination accomplished! Gene and Mike
have this Rally thing figured out – arrive a day early and
volunteer for 4 hours. We sign up for “security” of all
things! Get our campsite set up – Crisis #7 – Gene left the
canopy poles at the last campground so a trip later to hopefully find
poles (more miles for Gene again). Lamar arrives so we have
Knobbie Central set up with the new “Knobbie” banner that
Shelba Murray made. Mark and Margaret (who rode up with Lamar)
went to visit relatives as they are originally from that area but will
be coming by the rally regularly. By the way, Mark and Margaret are our
newest Knobbies! Off to dinner and find poles, which we did! Next stop
is the Bier Garden at the rally and to hear (and dance) to the
“Rockin Robins.”
Day 9, Thurs, 7/12. Mike, Pan, Gene and I are up early to do our
8-12 security duty which we received a cool security hat and a tee for
our services. We were given a golf cart, a 2 way radio and
instructions to tour the fairground, be visible, answer questions, hand
out garbage bags and have fun! We actually had some excitement as there
were two illegally parked vehicles in the RV section so we posted
bright orange florescent sticky signs on the windows of the vehicles! I
really enjoyed the “duty” and had a lot of fun as Gene
would say being a “Security Nazi.” Back to the campsite
where Paul and Sue Hoshyla had arrived and joined Knobbie Central (such
an adorable couple). Crisis #8 – Mike has a grommet to come
out of the roof of the add a room. Mike tried everything to fix it and
the only thing that worked was Pan’s new pink flip flop –
he cut a hole in it and it worked perfectly! Off to the vendors for
more “shopping.” I bought a Scorpion helmet, Mike’s
now styling with new mesh pants, Gene bought a Scorpion face shield and
Pan purchased a cool BMW tee that said “Fill, Ride,
Repeat.” Mike and Pan fell in love with the Aspen camper on
display which will probably be their next purchase. The fairground at
the rally is really nice with lots of grass. There are plenty of hot
showers, porta johns with mirrors and hand sanitizer dispensers in each
one.
Day 10, Fri, 7/13. Coffee lines were long this a.m. so Gene gets our
coffee going with his “jet boil.” Paul had never seen or
heard of a“jet boil” so if you know Gene and Paul, you can
imagine the very entertaining discussion between the two! Lamar
agreed to take Mike, Pan, Gene and I sightseeing today as he is very
familiar with this area. We’re at breakfast and Crisis #9 –
Gene forgot his medicine. Gene heads back to the rally to get his
medicine (how many extra miles on Mike now?) We rode through tourist
towns and rode along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Stopped to take pics
and I found a $10 bill folded up – my luck for the day! Had lunch
at the Ladder Bar and Grill in Sturgeon Bay. Then on to Lambeau Field
in Green Bay where I took an interesting photo of Pan! Thanks Lamar for
a great ride! Back to the rally and Hank Roland has arrived and
set up camp at Knobbie Central. Other Knobbies that we saw at the Rally
are Matthew and Sara Mims (Sara flew), Ed Blackwelder, Fred Roland,
Carroll & Jessie Henson (in their RV), Jim Baker, and Drew Sams.
Had sandwiches for dinner and then off to hear two blues bands,
Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin Altar Boys and Bryan Lee &
The Blues Power Band. Both bands were terrific -- Gene, Lamar,
and I danced all night with Mike and Pan cheering us on. There was a
group from New Orleans and one of the guys was giving beads to chosen
ladies and I got beads – NO, I did not show anything! We enjoyed
meeting and talking to one of Lamar’s trucking buddies who was at
the rally with two of his brothers and his son – nice family! We
closed the place down at 1 a.m.
Day 11, Sat, 7/14. High wind and rain last night. Mike was up during
the night as his camper add a room broke a peg and Lamar didn’t
sleep thinking his camper was going to blow over. Gene had ear plugs in
so I was up chasing things left outside. We go
“shopping” again and Lamar buys new riding pants
(he’s styling now). Did prepacking for tomorrow’s trip back
home then went to the closing ceremony – 8700 attendees. Three
BMW motorcycles were given away but no Knobbie win. Dinner at Texas
Roadhouse with Lamar, Mike, Pan, Mark and Margaret. To bed early.
Day 12, Sun, 7/15. Left at 6:30 a.m. with Lamar leading. Pan and
I are NOT ready to go home. Ran into several detours and then met up
with Mark and Margaret to travel back home with us. Stopped for
breakfast and then on to IL for our first road toll of the trip. Saw a
truck that had a sign on the back “Panty Check 53’
Ahead” – never seen this before! Stopped in El Paso, IL for
gas and met a guy who asked if we had been to the rally. He had not
been able to go as he was filming a movie, “Satanic Panic”
– not sure I want to see this one! Kept traveling seeing more
corn and cows. Lunch in Lebonon, IN. On to KY and camped at the KOA in
Louisville while Mark and Margaret stayed at the nearby Holiday Inn.
Pan and I thought about staying in a hotel on this last night –
but decided NOT!
Day 13, Mon 7/16. Met Mark and Margaret at the Holiday Inn for our
“last breakfast” together. Run into our first traffic
jam in Louisville. Seeing familiar country of trees and rolling hills,
reminding me of home. Lunch at Shoney’s in Sevierville, TN -- a
welcome stop as weather is hot and humid – another reminder of
home. Our last stop together for the day was at Stuckey’s on
I-40. We shared a few stories, hugged and said our goodbyes!
Gene and I had a wonderful fun filled time with our traveling buddies,
met and made new friends that we’ll never remember their names
but will remember their faces and saw more of our beautiful United
States! As always, I treasure the time Gene and I spent together to
reconnect from the daily routines of our busy world. I also cherish the
special moments when we’re just buzzing along on a highway and he
reaches back and pats me on the leg – all is good! Thanks Gene
for a safe trip back home and another memorable scrapbook to add to our
collection. Thanks Mike and Pan for making another fantastic journey
with us and Lamar, Mark & Margaret for a great trip traveling back
home with us. And I can’t forget Raisin and Blue for carrying us
the distance! So, until next year’s
adventure…Gilette, WY…here we come!
CHIT CHAT AND SUNDAY RIDES – by Sharon Wilson.
April 29 - Was a very nice day for riding and we did a lot of curves, I
really did not realize that Mitchell County had so many curvy
roads. We ate at a super restaurant called the Lazy Susan, home
style cooking and it was great. But it was their last day open
for business, due to a new road going through the town it was no longer
on the main street. Riders were Patsy & Gene Smith, Mike
McSwain, Sam & Laura Aycock, PO, Bobbi, Michael Sloane, Dave Huey,
Dave & Cheryl, Bradley & Candy, Danny and I.
May 6 - Picnic Sunday and we made it to Caesar Head, SC where we had
hot dogs, Cheryl baked a cake, PO’s special Cole slaw and the
works. Danny led to Cliffside and then PO led us to Caesars Head,
back thru Brevard, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Old Fort. What a
ride with PO, Bobbi, Gary, Gene, Dave & Cheryl, Tom Hildebran,
Danny and I.
May 13 – Mother’s Day. Lamar, Danny & I rode over to
check on Sam and Pam Chester. Sam had gotten hurt at work and unable to
ride, but Pam had gotten Sam out of the house for the day. After
convincing Lamar that he should ride on with us to have lunch with Dana
& Robert. We had a great Mother’s Day lunch and a nice
ride.
May 18-20 - Our Knobbie Camp out at Kick Stand Lodge. Danny and I left
early on Saturday to get back for my nephew’s Eagle Scout Award
presentation. Matthew chose for his project the Veteran’s
Memorial on the grounds of the Connelly Springs Town Hall
May 25 - Memorial Day Weekend, Danny, Dana , Robert and I went to the
20th Anniversary of POW/MIA Rolling Thunder Rally in Washington DC.
June 8-10 - Was the BMWRA National at the Biltmore Estate. With a
lot of work from the Knobbies and others, went very well. Thanks for
all Knobbies who worked and it is great to be apart of such a Wonderful
Motorcycle Family.
June 17 - We rode 237 miles to Galax, Va. to eat at McAdoo’s
Restaurant. Riders were: Dave Huey, Dave and Cheryl Kiziah,
PO, Gene, Dean, Bobbi, Danny, Gary and Sharon rode. Knowledge of
today: When out of deodorant, use milk of magnesium, kills
bacteria – we won’t mention who gave us this most valuable
information!
June 27 - Fred Reese had both knees replaced, home in 5 days and thanks
to Bob Steele who drove him to Sunday Morning breakfast on July 8th.
Note: Bob also brings Haskell Shealy to breakfast most Sundays, and
also brings Jack Inman when he can.
July 1 - Picnic Sunday we rode to the State Park at Hot Springs for
another great cookout. We had PO’s Cole Slaw, homemade
chili and a chocolate pound cake made by Cheryl, Sara made potato
salad. It was all good. Riders and eaters were: Gary,
Tom, Mike S., PO, Bobbi, Paul & Sara Phillips, Bettie & Earl,
Wayne McBride, Cheryl & Dave Danny and I.
July 8 - Brad led up to the Charahola Park way and then onto Tellico
Plains, and then to the Field of the Woods where the Church of God
maintains the location where the 10 commandments are written on the
side of the mountain, a tomb and several other items of
interest.. This is located outside of Murphy, NC. He also
led us across Candy Mountain. It was another great day for riding over
450 miles. Riders were: Candy and Bradley, Red Murray, Dave
and Cheryl, PO, Bobbi, Danny and I. We met Gary and Tom in
Asheville on their way to pick up some new items for Tom’s new
Gold wing.
July 15 - We made a quick trip to Laurel Spring for lunch, where we ran
into Roy and Shirley Anderson on their dirt bikes. Roy now works
for Kawasaki doing the rallies where they have the demo rides.
What a job, Shirley also does this part of the time, but somebody has
to have a real job. Couldn’t happen to a nicer
couple. After 214 mile from breakfast we ended up at JJ’s
Theater where Crystal Gibson had rented for the Knobbies to watch the
movie “HOG WILD”. It was really funny and all
enjoyed. Thanks Crystal for setting things up. Riders
were: Dave & Cheryl, Bobbi, Danny, Red, Gary and I.
While waiting on our food, the female bartender came around the table
to paint at least one finger nail with a love potion. Sorry
that Sam Aycock and PO missed the ride and the movie, but they made it
to breakfast and then onto the golf course for an event.
July 22 - PO lead us up 181 and through Hounds Ear and then on to
Damascus, Va. We had lunch at Elk River, TN the diner where they
give free Bananas Pudding with your meal. Don’t think
anyone turned it down. PO, Gene, Dave, Cheryl, Bobbi, Brad,
Candy, Danny, Gary and I road about 286 miles.
July 28 - Sam Chester asked Danny to get up a ride, which an email was
sent out to meet at Timberwoods at 1 p.m. and then we would end up at
their Creek Bank for a Surprise 50th Birthday Party for Pam.
July 29 - Weren’t many to ride only PO, Dave, Bobbi, Danny &
Gary who rode to Jonesboro, TN. The oldest town in Tennessee,
where they had lunch.
Many trips have been made by the Knobbies that I don’t know the
details, so hope we get some stories. There are a lot of others
that I failed to write down. Let us know about your travels!
Other bits of information that we have heard about….
1. Sam and Laura Aycock shipped their bike out west and then took
a flight out to ride for 2 weeks? (Sam is working on a story).
2. Patsy and Gene Smith, Mike and Pan McSwain rode to Wisconsin
to the MOA National, and others joined them were Lamar Strickland, Hank
Rowland, Matthew & Sara Mims, Sue and Paul Hoshyla of Long Island,
NY, I’m sure there are others I left out.
3. Dean Curfman rode to Maine and Nova Scotia. Would love to have a story about his trip!
4. Bob & Helen Steele, Freddie & David Powell, went to
the side car rally. Warren and Dot Brey were to go but Warren got
sick and ended up in the hospital.
5. Lamar, Bill Clayton, and others took Fred Reese over to Kings
Mountain for a camping weekend to get him out the house and so Becky,
Fred’s wife, could get some rest!
6. Gary Clark (who is always going somewhere) and Tom Hildebran
are on their way to Sturgis. Not sure who may be traveling with
them.
7. Paul and Sara Phillips purchased a camper and have been camping several weekends. Where???
8. Mike and Pan McSwain have a new Aspen camper ordered and expected to arrive any day.
SWAP SHOP – If you have items for sale or trade, please give to
Patsy or Sharon for the next newsletter. Email addresses are
psmith1951@charter.net or sharondannywilson@charter.net.
2002 Lees-ure Lite Camping Trailer. Front pod, 2 awning poles, 2
pockets and spare tire. $2,850. Contact Dave Huey at 828-443-9043.
2003 Suzuki 400 Burgman Scooter for sale. Like new – only 2,700
miles. Includes hand guards and detachable heated handgrips. $3,600.
Contact Gene or Patsy Smith at 828-439-9754.
2006 Yahama 250 Morphous Scooter for sale with about 2000 miles. Contact Sharon Wilson at 828-397-6419 for details.
Moto Guzi with side car for sale. Contact David Powell at 828-327-4868 for details
2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 16-19 Daniel Boone Rally, KOA Campground, Boone, NC
26 Ride For Kids, Asheville, NC
Aug 31-Sept 2 ROK’ON Rally, KOA Campground, Newport, TN. bmwrok.org
Aug 31-Sept 2 Sherando Lake Rally, Sherando Lake National Recreation Area, VA
Sept
7-9 Knobbie Fall Campout, Blue
Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC 828-235-8350
7-9 Cherokee Survivors Fall Bike Rally,
Cherokee, NC
15 Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride,
Chattanooga, TN to Florence, AL
October 3-7 Myrtle Beach Fall Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, SC
4-7 Smoky Mt. Bike Week, Fontana
Dam, NC
5-7 North of the Border Rally,
Virginia Beach, VA. bmwmchr.org
5-7 Return to Shiloh Rally, TVA
Campground. bmwrams.com
18-21 Biketoberfest Rally, Daytona
Beach, FL
21 Tarheel Travelers Mtg Invitation
from Bobby Pearson (also a Knobbie) – details below
26-28 Tarheel Traveler Halloween
Campout, Pine Lake RV Park. tarheelbmw.org
December 2 Knobbie Christmas Party, Little Sienna Restaurant, Marion, NC
Special Invitation to the Knobbies to visit Bobby and Teresa
Pearson’s Farm: 10/21/07. Come have lunch, which will
be served at 1 pm, with hay rides down to the creek, and around the
field. See his motorcycle shop, tractors, deer stand and have an
afternoon of fun with them in Caswell, NC. This is a dream come true
for Bobby and Teresa to move from the city to the country, their
retirement home. They are looking forward to our visit along with
the Tarheel Travelers BMW Club of Raleigh. Directions: Go East on I40
to Greensboro watch for Hwy 29N exit right toward Danville or
Reidsville to Hwy 158 East 15 to 20 miles. 158 East is 2 lane
road to Yanceyville. At stop light go straight onto County Home Road
past the prison. At stop sign turn right onto Slade Road. End of road
take left onto Hwy 62 North. Go 4 to 5 miles looking for sign on left
showing Yarborough Mill Road to the right. Cross one lane bridge 2nd
driveway on left. Address: 82 Bryant Road, Milton, NC. Telephone
# is 336-234-0484. Teresa’s cell # is 336-504-4113.
Patsy Smith
3821 Laurelwood Rd.
Morganton, NC 28655
KNOB MT NC MOTORCYCLE NEWSLETTER #3, AUGUST, 2007