May 2007 Knobbie Newsletter
BMWRA
#53
BMWMOA #216
ON THE AVENUE
Knob Mountain North Carolina Motorcycle Chapter
Newsletter #2 – May 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 Sunday ride. First Sunday in every month is “Picnic Sunday” – bring a picnic for the
ride. Even if you can’t ride, come join us for breakfast and fellowship!
WELCOME 2007 NEW MEMBERS -- Bettie Drum, Michael Sloane and Paul & Sara Phillips.
NEWSLETTER UPDATE – It’s exciting to be working on our second newsletter for 2007! Our goal is to
publish the newsletter every third month – February, May, August and November. Sharon and I
appreciate the kind words and support on our first newsletter. We are pleased that we had several
folks to submit articles for this month’s newsletter! Please keep sending in your articles and share your
travels and good times with
us! So, until next time
… have fun and ride safe! Patsy & Sharon
MESSAGE FROM GENE -- Wow!!! That’s the impression I want to leave with everyone about our
Knobbies. I’m just astounded when we’ve made a suggestion about anything, then our folks in the
club just step up and go for it!!!!
Take our new web site. I want to tell you I just can’t thank Daryl Carswell enough for all the work he
has done. In case you haven’t had the opportunity, go look at this new web site and as Daryl said,
please offer any updates, pictures, etc. I can personally tell you that it takes DAYS and DAYS and
WEEKS to set up a web site so my hat is off to Daryl.
Then take our four corners update. Bradley and Candy have not only stepped up to the plate, but
started swinging!! I just love all the action we have going! I’ve asked Bradley and Candy to develop
a flyer or some means to advertise the four corners ride for the RA Biltmore Rally. I honestly think we
will get a lot of response and great advertising for the Knobbies, all for a good cause! Like I told a
non-motorcyclist, if I have to explain why you would ride four corners, you are not a motorcyclist.
AND, look at the list of our members that have submitted their mileage to the MOA this past year. If
I’m not mistaken here, Dave and Cheryl Kiziah qualify as our MOA Iron butts. Now of course I can’t
forget our own club Iron butt, the “world famous” Gary Clark!! When I saw all our members listed, I
said to self, “self, it’s time to submit my own mileage”. In this time of rising gas prices, this gets
significant.
Think I’m done praising our club yet. Hold on! Thanks go to Penny Carswell (and Daryl again) for our
campout plans. Penny has been busy raising prizes from local merchants; so don’t miss our campouts
this year. Our spring campout is going to have a significant grand prize drawing, (you must be
present to win); so don’t miss out on that. We’ll have other prizes and drawings that our motorcycle
vendors provide, so not only will this be a fun campout, but a good opportunity to win a prize!
Then last but not least is our upcoming RA Biltmore Rally. Our heaviest day for registration will be
opening day of the Rally, Thursday, June 7, so anybody willing to volunteer can contact Bert
Brumfield or me. Dave Huey and Hank Roland can sure use help so don’t miss out volunteering. Sam
Aycock is serving as Treasurer. A special thanks to these guys as well for all the many hours they have
spent to help make the RA Rally a success!
Here I was wondering what I was going to write about this month and now that I’ve started, how do I
finish? Oh, thanks for all our contributors to this newsletter and our co-editors. Without our members
input, this letter would not be as much fun. So, with that in mind, let’s go riding and have some fun.
Whaddayasay?
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING – by Crystal Gibson. Gene Smith called a special meeting to be held
February 11, 2007 at 9 a.m. at Timberwood Restaurant in Morganton, NC. The main objective of the
meeting was for the club to vote whether or not that the “Knobbies” would like to be the host club
for the BMW RA Rally at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC June 7-10, 2007.
Prior to the vote, Candy Richey discussed the “Four Corners Tour.” She informed the group that there
are shirts and sweatshirts available. She revealed the fantastic logo for this ride. Points were:
* This is not a motorcycle or Knobbie exclusive event.
* Packets still available for $10 each
* Participants may take up to one year to complete the 4 corners
* Short sleeve shirts -$12; Long sleeve-$15; Sweatshirts-$20
* Small stickers are also available one for $2 or three stickers for $5
* Any profit for this ride will be donated to the Ride for Kids
A special presentation of the first pin was given to Haskell Shealy. We were then informed that
Haskell was the model used for the pictures in the “4 corners” packet. Candy then presented Haskell
with a special plaque with all of his corner pictures. This was a special moment and he was very
appreciative.
The BMW RA Rally was then discussed. Gene started the meeting and then Sam Aycock injected
that this was a nice thing to do and that we only had to volunteer at the rally. If a profit is made, it
may be possible for the Knobbies to acquire a percentage of the profit. The percentage is not
known at this time. The club has no liability as the Rally has insurance through the AMA. ALL
volunteers must register for the Rally and pay the registration dues. There will be a sign up sheet on
the internet for volunteers to select a specific block of time. Volunteers will only be responsible for the
time period signed. Burt stated that the $35,000 fee paid by the RA for the use of the Biltmore would
include all showers, chairs and toilet facilities. The BMW RA rally is not BMW exclusive. They invite all
motorcyclists and guests. Gene then held the vote and the AYES have it. Knob Mountain Motorcycle
Club will be the host club for the RA Rally to be held in Asheville June 7-10, 2007.
2007 KNOBBIE CAMPOUTS –
May 18-20, Kickstand Lodge, Stecoah, NC. Don’t miss our spring campout in just a couple of weeks!
Penny and Daryl Carswell are gathering a lot of great door prizes and there will be one “grand prize”
this year. We look forward to a lot of good fellowship and fun. Cabins are $35 per night, bunkhouse (4
beds) is $15 per bed and tents are available to rent. Electric is $2.00. There are also 5 RV sites at $30
per site. Camping reservations are not needed. You may contact Mo at mo@kickstandlodge.com or
call her at 828-479-6069 if you need more information.
September 7-9, Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC. Reservation can be made for
cabins by calling 828-235-8350. Be sure to call early as they get booked fast. Cabins are $45 per night
(2 night minimum on weekends). Camping reservations are not needed.
NEW KNOBBIE WEBSITE -- A very special thank you to Daryl Carswell for all his hard work in setting up
the new Knobbie website. Daryl has put so many weeks, days and hours into this task. The website is
great and will be enjoyed by all. He would love to hear any suggestion and comments. Please take
time to check it out! The new website address is http://knobbies.org.
BMW RA AT BILTMORE ESTATE, June 7-10, 2007 – Plans and work continue for the upcoming BMW RA
Rally. Several of our club members attended a workday on April 10th at the Biltmore House to meet
with Debbie Harbour, RA Chairman, and Biltmore Estate staff. The word is that it is going to be a
fantastic rally! Volunteers are still needed and you will only have to work the time slot you signed up
for. Contact Bert Brumfield if you are willing to help with registration at 336-785-0224 or email him at
bert-bmwra@hotmail.com. Dave Huey can be contacted to help with door prizes at 828-874-7135 or
email Quacker1a@hotmail.com . Hank Roland can be reached at 828-201-7322 or email
hankr@compascable.net for help with vendors. You may also sign up on the BMW RA website.
NORTH CAROLINA FOUR CORNERS TOUR UPDATE-- by Bradley and Candy Richey. As of April 24, 38
have signed up, 5 completed – Haskell Shealy, Bradley & Candy Richey and Hal & Bobbie Smith and
3 finishing up – P.O. Wilson and Dave & Cheryl Kiziah. There are still stickers, t-shirts and sweatshirts for
sale. Bradley and Candy normally have a few with them on Sunday rides. Contact Candy or Bradley
at 828-495-4456 or email bircdr@hotmail.com for information or to receive a tour packet. Cost of the
tour is $10.00 each per rider/co-rider.
BIKES, BIKES, BIKES, CARS, FAST CARS, PENNY CARSWELL – by Hal Smith. Just to let you know the
beginning of this story, I am a race follower from Burke County and have always had a keen interest
in twenty-four hour races and twelve-hour races. Little did I know when I said something about the
twenty-four hours of Sebring, FL, that I was talking consummate follower of the twelve hours of
Sebring in one of our Knobbie members, Penny Carswell. As you all know I am not the shy type so, of
course, I asked Penny if she could get me in. Penny and Daryl have told me so many tales of the
happenings of the McGruff’s Gang and I wanted to be part of the gang. Little did I know that Penny
is the grit, the leader, the person who makes it all so great for the more than one hundred people
who are a part of the McGruff’s followers.
What is McGruff’s? I don’t know if I know but the group runs one of the beer huts for the Sebring race.
It was a joy to help in the beer hut. They also have the Lemon Drop Bar and are very famous for
them. They have a great week at Sebring enjoying each other’s company and having great food.
They bring everything from home – even the kitchen sink. As I later found out, Penny met her
husband, Daryl, at the Sebring race. When he asked her to marry him, he had to agree to take her to
the Sebring Race week every year before she would say yes! After thirty-eight years of marriage for
Penny and Daryl, I guess that’s as good a marriage endorsement as I have ever heard of. Hey, you
know what I think – Daryl and Chelsea like the race almost as much as Penny.
Another thing I found out when I got to Sebring and met the followers of McGruff’s Bar and Grill was
that one of our own Knobbies and an officer of our club, Penny Carswell, had been chosen fan of
the year. This in itself being no easy task when this person is selected from 80,000 race fans. Also,
Penny is the first lady to be chosen as fan of the year. We have a real celebrity in our midst! The
biggest thing I can tell all the Knobbies is that with her fame and responsibilities, Penny took a lot of
time to make sure Bobbi and I had a great race adventure. CONGRATULATIONS PENNY for being the
first lady race fan of the year – you certainly deserve it. Penny made things work well for one and all,
not counting her track famous Lemon Drops Bar, which was abuzz on race nights. Penny made
things work for all of us race fans, both new like me and old professionals like the regulars of McGruff’s
hearty band. Thanks Penny for a great experience.
OUR TRIP TO DAYTONA AND THE KEYS – by Freddie & David Powell. Thursday, March 1, we started out
about 12:30 and it started raining. We spent Thursday night at a rest stop near the edge of Georgia.
It was still raining on Friday morning when we left out but it did let up for a while when we got to
Daytona. So Dave took the bike from the trailer and we went to the Farmers Market at Flagler
Beach. We got fruit and vegetables for the week. When we got back to the campground, the rain
had started again and didn’t stop until Sunday morning. The weather was nice so we went riding,
ate lunch at the Whistle Junction, which was buffet style, and very good. Monday, we had breakfast
and left riding for the day. When we got back, Paul & Sue Hosyla had arrived. We all got together
and ate at the Mexican Place near the Campground. We saw Jim Baker & Mike Cooper at the BMW
Campground. Jim told us that Tim & Susan Hudspeth had ridden down but we had missed them. We
had supper at Martins with Warren & Dorothy Brey, Sue & Paul Hosyla and had a great time.
On the next Sunday, Paul, Sue, David and I left Daytona and we camped overnight in the
Everglades. Then on Monday we went on to the Keys for our second week. We ran into a lot of
friends that we had made the year before and it was good to see them again. We ate at a fish
place for supper -- the fish sure is good in Florida! On Wednesday, we went down to Key West for the
day and stayed until we watched the evening sunset.
While at Key West we went shopping and ran into more folks that we knew. David, Paul, Sue and I,
along with a guy called J.J., went into a Saloon called Captain Tony’s for a beer and sprite. Tony’s
Saloon has been there for a very long time and is where you remove your “bra” and throw it up on
the rafters in the ceiling, so we did. But before you throw it you put your name and phone number
on it. Well we were going down the phone numbers on my cell phone and Hal Smith’s number came
up before Helen Steele’s (which was the number we were aiming for). “So Bobbi, don’t expect too
many phone calls, because the bra is up to high to read the number.” Sorry Helen, I didn’t get your
number on there, but maybe next year. We left the Saloon and went shopping again. Didn’t buy
very much just a few shirts and then we ran into more friends that had also come down for the day.
On Thursday we all just hung out at the campground visiting and enjoying everyone’s company.
Friday, our last day at the Keys, we all went out riding to see the Key deer, which are very small. We
only saw a few this year. We enjoyed our stay but we were on our last night and we were to have
our Pirates Meeting for initiation and induction of our New Slaves and Cabin Boys. But first we had a
nice supper of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, potato salad, chips, etc. and cake for dessert.
The meeting was called to order and then the fun began. Sorry I can’t tell anything that happened,
because it is against the rules and I don’t want my head cut off. Everyone had some drinks and a
good time (I had a good time and didn’t have a drink). David didn’t get drunk this year and still had
lots of fun. I was given a red hot pepper and a very small wiener to take care of and it was so much
fun. We all said our good-byes and left Saturday morning. We road back up to the Everglades with
Paul & Sue. We stopped at Robert’s Fruit Stand and got milk shakes. We drove on over to the
Everglades and got our campsite set up. We were sitting outside talking and guess who came
driving in -- three old fellows or farts (which ever you want to call them) -- Bob Steele, Norman
Lowman and Haskell Shealy. All they brought with them was each other -- no food or favors.
Norman and Haskell went out and got supper and some groceries, because there is no food at the
Everglades Campground. Bob stayed at the campground while Paul, Sue, David and I went riding to
see the birds and gators. When we got back, Bob was walking to keep warm, because the other
guys hadn’t got back yet. Paul gave him a coat to wear to get warm until Norm and Haskell
returned. Sue and I told them we would cook breakfast on Sunday morning. We had ham steaks,
instant coffee, eggs and a loaf of bread -- everyone ate and enjoyed the good food. All were
thankful for our hard work and hospitality. We all went out again to see the birds and the wild life in
the Everglades on Sunday. We all had snacks for lunch and then Sue & I cooked Sunday night and
had enough for everyone. It was another nice meal and all thanked Sue and me for cooking. Paul
bought more firewood and made a nice fire. After a few tall tales were told, we all got ready for
bed. Monday morning we had breakfast and said our good byes and David and I left for home. Sue
& Paul went to Orlando and not sure where the others went to.
We were gone for three weeks and it’s good to be home, even though we had a wonderful trip
traveling with best friends. Thanks to Paul & Sue -- we enjoyed our trip very much. See you soon and
travel safe … until we see each other again.
SAFETY REMINDER – TWO UP = HEADS UP. The person who occupies the back seat of a motorcycle
has always been called the passenger. Now they’re called co-riders and it isn’t simply to be
politically correct. The word passenger suggests a person who has no responsibilities for the operation
of the machine; one who is simply along for the ride. A co-rider, on the other hand, shares some of
the responsibilities for the safe operation of the motorcycle.
Sitting in the back seat means a lot more freedom to enjoy the scenery without worrying about the
technical part of the ride. But with the freedom comes the responsibility. A co-rider does not have the
right to bury herself in a book or to take a nap. A blanked out person on the back seat is of absolutely
no help and may even be an additional danger if the rider has to brake or swerve suddenly. Her
reflexive actions (such as to grab the rider wherever she can or to lean away) will probably be
exactly the wrong ones.
The co-rider should ride as exactly that, a co-rider. Not a passenger, but a second rider. While it is
always preferable that the co-rider has had a motorcycle safety course, even the normal street skills
used in everyday driving will help in spotting hazards. Being an extra pair of eyes for the rider doesn’t
mean being a back-seat nag. It means spotting hazards and knowing how the rider normally reacts
and being ready to help in that effort. If the rider does not show that reaction, the co-rider should
speak up. An experienced co-rider knows how hard her rider brakes during normal braking, and
whether hard-line braking will be necessary. She prepares herself by holding the grab rails and
bracing her feet. She does not slide forward, banging helmets and pushing the rider onto the tank.
When she spots a pothole or a large piece of rubber, she knows her rider will soon swerve, and she is
prepared to let the bike move under her. She knows when it is OK to move around, and lets her rider
know when she will make a move, such as scratching her ankle, which will affect the balance of the
bike. The rider also has the responsibility to communicate with his co-rider. He should let her know
when a nasty bump is coming up or if he wants to counterweight a turn. He shouldn’t play “surprise”
just because he finds her reactions funny.
Two-up riding is a team sport. And that means working together to make the ride fun and safe for
both. Taken from Wheels In Motion by Jackie Vaughan.
TEN LITTLE MOTORCYCLISTS – submitted by Freddie & David Powell.
TEN Little motorcyclists, cruising down the line: one had a heavy hand and then there were nine.
Speed limits are set for your safety.
NINE little motorcyclists, the hour was getting late: one dozed a moment, and then there were eight.
A tired rider is a dangerous rider.
EIGHT little motorcyclists and the evening seemed like heaven: one showed his riding skills, and then
there were seven.
Ride sensibly and sanely at all times. A motorcycle is no place for a clown.
SEVEN little motorcyclists, their lives were full of kicks: one bought a bottle, and then there were six.
Gasoline and alcohol are deadly mix. Never drink and ride.
SIX little motorcyclists, impatient to arrive: one jumped a traffic light, and then there were five.
Don’t gamble years of your life to save a second.
FIVE little motorcyclists, touring near the shore: one viewed the scenery and then there were four.
Careful riding demands alertness at all times.
FOUR little motorcyclists, happy as could be: one passed upon a hill. And then there were three.
Never pass another vehicle when your vision is obscured.
THREE little motorcyclists, were busy, it is true: one neglected bike repairs and there were two.
For safety sake, always keep your motorcycle in top condition.
TWO little motorcyclists, and the day was nearly done: one didn’t dim his lights. And there was one.
Slow down at dusk or darkness adjust you riding to existing conditions.
ONE little motorcyclist is still alive today: by following the safety rules.
He hopes to stay that way!
STREET SMARTS – CHIN UP AND LOOK FAR AWAY -- Training one’s eyes to look farther ahead.
The question you should ask yourself is, “Do I look far enough ahead?” The answer should be “Yes.” If
not, you shouldn’t be riding a motorcycle! You must think about looking ahead, because if you do
not your eyes will drop automatically. This is without doubt the main cause of accidents.
Train your eyes to look to the farthest point and it will give you vital information, enabling you to plan
and react to features ahead. You might think that by looking far into the distance you would not see
the vehicles in front of you slowing down and closing with you. Even when looking up, you will be
aware of all that is happening around you by your peripheral vision.
Anticipation is vital for motorcycle safety. It is difficult to hold on to for long periods of times and for
some people even for a short time. This is where concentration comes into its own. Without it the
ability to keep looking far ahead will be lost. You have to be actively looking ahead and thinking
about doing it at the same time. If you do not, your eyes will drop down (human nature, to look
where your front tire is going). How many times have you seen a driver or rider slam his brakes on? This
is because he lost concentration and with it the consciousness of the speed. Many people and
organizations blame speed for practically every accident. This is nonsense and will do nothing to
reduce accidents, which are mainly down to lack of concentration, lack of anticipation and lack of
motorcycle riding skills.
How many times have you traveled along a route and found that you are almost at your destination
without being aware of part of the journey? We all know this happens and the reason is because we
have lost our concentration. Holding on to it is one of the hardest disciplines, but it is essential. Lack of
it is a major cause of accidents, not speed (unless it is accompanied by this lack of concentration
and not using the visual point which considerably reduces your capacity to react). Mental training is
required if you want to be a safe motorcycle rider. Taken from Motorvike.com.
2006 BMW MOA MILEAGE CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED. The April, 2007 issue of BMW ON Magazine
announced the 2006 mileage contest winners for 2006. There were quite a few Knobbies! There were
1,532 participants (154 women and 1378 men) from four countries, 49 states and eight Canadian
provinces. All the Knobbies who participated are listed below along with their mileage. If you are
interested in being a part of the 2007 BMW MOA mileage contest, a form is included in this newsletter
or you may go to the BMW MOA website, bmwmoa.org. Entries must be postmarked by May 15.
North Carolina (49 finishers) – 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).
South Carolina (7 finishers) – Robert Menton (6,342).
QUICK TIPS – PREVENTING MOTORCYCLE THEFT -- Follow these tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
* Lock your ignition and remove the key.
* Lock the forks or disc brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.
* If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.
* If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled,
such as a light pole.
* Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.
* When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and
park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.
* Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle
periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no
suspicious individuals lurking about.
* If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make
sure it is locked.
* Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest
place for your title is at home.
* Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique
markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.
* Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.
* Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.
Taken from MSF
MOTORCYCLE WISDOM OF THE ROAD
* Midnight bugs taste best.
* Saddlebags never hold everything you want, but they CAN hold everything thing you need.
* Home is where your bike sits still long enough to leave a few drops of oil on the ground.
* The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rearview mirror.
* Bikes don’t leak oil, they mark their territory.
* Never mistake horsepower for staying power.
* If you don’t ride in the rain – you don’t ride.
* A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.
* Young riders pick a destination and go…old riders pick a direction and go.
* A good mechanic will let you watch without charging you for it.
* Sometimes the fastest way to get there is to stop for the night.
* Winter is nature’s way of telling you to polish your bike.
* Well-trained reflexes are quicker than luck.
* The best alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.
* A fried is someone who’ll get out of bed at 2 a.m. to drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere.
* There’s something ugly about a NEW bike on a trailer.
* Practice wrenching on your own bike.
* Never be ashamed to unlearn an old habit.
* Maintenance is as much art as it is science.
* If you ride like there’s no tomorrow – there won’t be one.
* Gray-haired riders don’t get that way from pure luck.
* There are drunk riders. There are old riders. There are NO old, drunk drivers.
* No matter what marquee you ride, it’s all the same wind.
* Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window! Taken from motorroads.com
CHIT CHAT AND RIDES (Feb 4-April 22) – by Sharon Wilson.
Sunday, February 4. It was a pretty cold morning with the temp being 23 degrees when Danny and I
got on our bikes and left for breakfast. We had a good group for breakfast, about 25. Thinking the
temperature was to get warmer, we headed on out. It was a great ride with the wind pushing us all
over the roads. Being picnic Sunday and with it being windy and chilled, we road to Duke Power
State Park now known as Lake Norman State Park. We found a covered shelter, (with no walls)
moved a table into the sun and attempted to enjoy our lunch. We got to Myra’s about 3:30 after
riding 175 miles and the temp was 35 degrees. We had a great group with Bradley and Candy
Richey leading most of day. PO Wilson, Dave Kiziah, Gary Clark, Danny and me.
Sunday, February 11. We had a great group for breakfast. Gene had called a short meeting to get a
vote to see if the Knobbies wanted to be host chapter for the BMWRA National Rally in June (see
Special Meeting Minutes for details). Now to the ride, what we enjoy most. PO leading, Dave Kiziah,
Bobbi, Dave Brickner, Danny and I then Candy, Bradley and Gary took off. Heading south hoping for
warmer temps. It did get a little warmer, but the wind continued to try and blow us off the road.
Sunday, February 18. PO Wilson gave the report on the ride is as follows. Dave Kiziah and I rode from
Timberwood to Steele Creek Park to see Danny, Sharon, Bradley, Candy, Bobbi and Hal who were
working the Unifour Trail Bike Club with the Brown Mountain Enduro. There was too much snow to ride
north on 181 so we rode Adako Road to Colletsville. Stopped by to see Pam and Sam Chester but
they were not home. We then went east on Hwy 268 to the Wilkes County line. We at lunch at
Sattlebread Restaurant. Temp never got over 39 degrees and wind was furious!
Sunday, February 25. No one showed up on their bikes because of the cold and hard rain. But we
had 22 Knobbies to eat breakfast together.
Thursday, March 1. Freddie and David Powell headed to Florida to meet other Knobbies for bike
week and a trip on down to the Key West for another big event. Paul and Sue Hoshyla, Dot and
Warren Brey, in Daytona, then, David, Freddie, Paul and Sue headed on to Florida Keys to meet with
the Pirates. Bob Steele, Norman Lowman and Haskell Shealy joined them in the Everglades for a few
day of camping. Look for Freddie’s write up about their exciting 3 weeks on the road.
Saturday, March 3. PO Wilson’s two daughters and their families gave PO a huge 70th surprise
birthday party for him with about 100 people in attendance. PO’s friends there were his golfing
buddies, American Legion and motorcycle friends. He arrived to be completely surprised, his friend
Vivian had ask him to stop by the LDPA building to drop off a cake for another friends get together.
Sunday, March 4. After the big party, PO was able to lead us on another great ride. Riders were
Bobbi, Dave and Cheryl, Maynard and Tina Annas, Candy and Bradley, Danny and I. It was picnic
Sunday and with the temperature being low we went east to Dan Nichols State Park. It is a very nice
park with covered picnic areas, no other people picnicking, we rode in and picked out a site and
spread out our sandwich goods. As we were finishing up a Ranger, dropped by to let us know that
we should have paid for the spot, but since we were almost done he said not to bother. The Park
was really nice with a children’s playground, rides, and more. Thanks to Sara and Paul Phillips for
telling us about the park. Road about 200 miles.
Monday, March 5. Daryl Carswell and Jerry Rector headed off to Daytona Bike Week. Sounds like a
lot of fun with them camping out at the Cabbage Patch, where you could watch the women
wrestling in the slaw, and where the camping prices were better, at $20 ahead and $5 for a shower.
They ran into Mike Sloane, another new Knobbie, and had a lot of fun. Coming back on Thursday
and working the weekend, Daryl headed back to Sebring, Florida on Tuesday for a car road race,
where he joined Penny and Chelsea, wife and daughter for another wild week of fun. Penny was
named the Fan of Year, also the 1st female to receive this honor. There was a picture and write-up in
the program and a nice article in the local papers. If I remember correctly, she has been attending
the race for 37 years and before accepting Daryl’s wedding proposal he had to promise that she
could go ever year to the Sebring Road Race for the week.
Tuesday, March 6. Gary Clark and Tom Hildebran headed down for Daytona, after Tom had
shoveled his bike out of the snow in Ohio. We saw them on Sunday the 11th with their tanned faces,
sharing some good times about the Rally.
Sunday, March 11. Warm weather at last, we headed for the mountains with PO leading. Cheryl and
Dave rode 2 up, Paul and Sara, Danny and I, Mike Sloane, Candy and Bradley, and Bobbi. PO led us
up 181 over to Mountain City and Shady Valley, up to Damascus, East on 56 to Galax for lunch at
Macados. Then down 18 to N. Wilkesboro and then home to Myra’s in Valdese for ice cream. Good
riding and great weather. Sam left out with us but after about 100 miles decided he had some yard
work to do. A good 300 mile ride.
Sunday, March 18. The weather turned back to 25 degrees and we had a small group at breakfast.
PO led us over to Chesnee and onto a great buffet for lunch. Riding we had Dave, Candy and
Bradley, Gene Smith, Sam Aycock, Maynard Annas, Danny and I. After a great lunch we rode onto
Cashiers. About a 250 mile ride.
Sunday, March 25. The weather was to be in the 80’s and the decision was made that we would do
the Southwest Corner. So an email was sent out and phone calls were made to let as many know
that we could. We would leave at 7 am from Timberwoods, with breakfast eaten and all tanks full of
gas. We had a good group to show up and everyone was ready to go, 15 bikes and 17 people. It
wasn’t long until 2 more bikes joined the group. There we were going up I40 in a mad rush to get to
the other side of Murphy, to the corner. Bradley, Candy, Danny, Hal, and Bobbi had already been.
But they led us up the road, stopping about every 100 to 130 miles for gas. We made it to the line,
where Georgia and North Carolina meet. There was no place to pull over, so we stopped in the road,
hoping the road was not heavily traveled. Hopefully, everyone got their picture made. Riders were:
Wayne McBride, Lamar Strickland, Dean and Shawn, Dave and Cheryl, Crystal and Truman, PO, Hank
Roland, Gene Smith, Red Murray, Tommy Robinson, and Sharon. It was a good day and finally found
a Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. Some decided to peel off and come down the mountain on
different roads. We rode about 430 miles and all made it home safe.
Sunday, April 1. The weather didn’t look very promising for riding. Danny got my scooter out twice
and it started raining. So he finally put it up for the third time and said let’s go to breakfast in the car.
The further up the road the less rain and I thought Danny was going to say go back at anytime.
Arriving at Timberwoods, Dave and Cheryl were the only ones riding. Then Bobbi showed up on her
BMW with her rain suit on. As we talked and finished breakfast the more we decided to go home
and meet over on Hwy 18 on our bikes. Dave and Cheryl, Bobbi, already riding, PO, Gary, Danny
and I went toward Kings Mountain. It was Gary’s 65th birthday and we let him decide whether to
picnic and go to eat. We pulled into a Bo Jangles for Chicken and onto Kings Mountain State Park
for our Picnic. The roads were wet most of the way but we stayed behind the rain and ended up at
Myra’s for ice cream. Riding about 200 miles, it started to rain, which Danny stopped, to ask if anyone
wanted their rain suits back on. PO said no he would keep his dry and we made a right turn and
rode away from it. Always a new road or two, one was named June Bug Road and then there was
Daniel. Gary mentioned that Danny could make a boring 10 mile ride, an interesting 30 mile loop.
Friday, April 6. Danny and I headed to the coast to find the NC corners. (I’ll write about this trip later.)
Saturday, April 7, Hal and Bobbi head to visit Bobbi’s family and get the NC corners.
Sunday, April 8. Easter Sunday and we had a pretty good group for breakfast but only 3 of us rode.
We went by Lamar’s for him to pick-up his bike and we headed to Sam & Pam’s to see how they
were doing. But they weren’t home so we headed on down to our son and daughter’s, (Robert and
Dana) for lunch. She and Robert did a super job at preparing chicken in a wrap with cream cheese
and a soup over it, twice baked potatoes and broccoli casserole. They even baked a cake.
Sunday, April 15. It was a little wet but we got our bikes and headed out. PO lead us to the
mountains, the road was dry going up Hwy 181 and I thought it is going to be nice after all. Well lets
just say I was very wrong, the closer we got to Mountain City, TN the harder the rain or it may have
been sleet. With it being church time we got behind every slow person on the road. While eating
lunch at Cooks, the rain got worse and so did the snow, and sleet as we rode back through Boone
and down Hwy 321. Riders: PO, Bobbi, Dave & Cheryl, Danny and I.
Friday, April 20, PO, Dave and Cheryl head out to get the last of their 4 corners.
Sunday, April 22, Hal, Bobbi, Bradley, Candy and I helped Danny at Rattlesnake Ridge Motorcycle
Race work the front gate. That is getting everyone to sign a release form and collect money.
Everything goes pretty well until you tell people that they need to go over to a different parking
location. Which means they will have to do a lot more walking to sign up and to get to the starting
line? Oh well, only one lady decided to get out of their vehicle to assure that we let no one with the
same size or smaller trailer up to the start. After she shares with each of us, how unfair we were being
and how unhappy she was, she finally gives up and walks the mile to find her family.
SWAP SHOP – If you would like to submit items for sale, trade or if you’re looking for something in
particular, please give to Patsy or Sharon for the next newsletter.
2003 Suzuki 400 Burgman Scooter for sale. Like new – only 2,653 miles. Includes a CB radio,
hand guards and detachable heated handgrips. Contact Gene Smith at 828-439-9754 or
gsmith1949@charter.net. $4,000.
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.
Knobbie Store – Don’t forget club items for sale – baseball caps, short sleeve tee shirts, long
sleeve tee shirts, sweat shirts, pins. Special items can also be ordered. Sizes run from M-XXL.
Contact Daryl or Penny Carswell at 828-437-8835 or email darylpenny@charter.net.
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