Cherry Blossom Ride April,
2009 By Linda Engle
Ahhhhh……… Springtime in Washington, D.C. and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. A few of my friends and I decided at the last minute to brave the many vistors to our great capitol city for this world renowned event. They had never been downtown for this beautiful adventure and it had been quite a few years since I had been there. So…. What the heck… let’s go.
The traffic was as anticipated (horrendous) and the parking was a challenge. But we beat it all with positive attitudes. We were lucky enough to find an end spot for parking our 3 bikes on Constitution Ave. Great view of the White House and the monuments. I was happy to be riding single with the way the thermometer started climbing. The city was bustling with a population from around the world. The sightseeing busses were full. Some had opened windows but the lucky passengers were the ones inside the air conditioned ones.
As we dismounted and packed our gear away, I grabbed the picnic lunch I had packed for us un benownst to my friends.. Nothing fancy but very refreshing with chilled lunch meat, cheese and chips. Just perfect for a very warm day. We sat beneath the flowering trees along the basin. That spot was great for people watching. Quite a few of the folks around us were Japanese and Indian. The families seemed to be comprised of 3 to 4 generations— many cultures, many languages.
As we finished our lunch, we took a few pictures and continued to walk through the crowd of what seemed to be a mini united nations. The walk around the monuments, florally, and mass of people—I found myself thinking, “this is right in our back yard”.
By mid afternoon we stopped for a little ice cream break and enjoyed a refreshing bomb pop. But, that was not the end of our experience. As we walked back to our bikes, we saw a most unusual sight. A young woman was running across the grounds of the Washington Monument. The strange part, she was wearing her wedding gown and in trail was the groom, what appeared to be a few brides maids and a flower girl. Bringing up the rear was a photographer. We couldn’t resist the temptation to encourage her to “run faster—they are catching you!” Only in Washington DC. We all had a good laugh as they arrived at their destination, a little bit of that “backyard” for their Happy-Ever-After. Good luck newlyweds!
Wild Horse Around The Bay Ride June,
2009 By Dorian Moore
WOW! Not much of a word but WOW is what comes to mind when I think back on the Wild Horses "Around the Bay" ride. I'm writing this more for the women of the All American H.O.G. Chapter out there who may be a little intimidated about taking this type of chapter ride. Let your worries go - nothing but good people and a lot of fun!
Got up that morning after not much sleep - anticipating what was to come. I almost didn't go because my
husband wasn't going to be able to make it and I was worried about a long ride with a bunch of “Iron Butts.” Would I be the only filly among a bunch of wild stallions? Would I be able to keep up? Were my skills good enough? Would I be able to handle the 500 mile trip? I don't know why I spent so much time worrying. I was not the only woman on the ride, I was able to keep up, my skills were pretty good (and getting better all the time thanks to the slow speed/skills practices) and my rear end and the rest of my body made the 500 miles without too much complaining!
We met up at the Wawa coral in Mechanicsville. After some greetings, handshakes and the pre-ride brief we
gassed up and were ready to go. The trip started out a little on the chilly side and most of us were in jackets; as the day wore on, the heavy gear gradually came off and the sunscreen went on (I still managed to get that raccoon eye look.) We set off on the back roads making our way to the Harry Nice Bridge crossing over into Virginia. Had a short wait at the bridge as all of us paid our tolls and waited on the traffic as it was down to one lane - they were working on the bridge. From there we made our way across route 17 (very nice back road) to Lowery's restaurant in Tappahannock. Great breakfast buffet and the staff at Lowery's were great - they handled our large group very well. From there, we headed out to the Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson dealership. They were having their open house, so there were bikes and people everywhere. Had enough time to pick up a shirt for the hubby (who was stuck at home working) and then it was time to head off again. Had some stop and go traffic leaving the dealership due to an accident on Route 64 (where we were headed of course) that was holding everyone up. We had to pull off at one point to let our bikes (and Paula's leg) cool down. Look for the picture of Paula that I'm sure will be posted somewhere/everywhere soon! The heat coming off of those engines can be brutal! Once we got through the backup from the accident, it was smooth sailing to the Chesapeake Bridge/Tunnels. A couple of our folks from the group left us at this point to head to Virginia Beach, so our group was just a bit
smaller continuing on. The noise from the bikes going through the tunnels was deafening! What a great sound. I’ve got to admit the tunnels freaked me out a little - even though they were lighted, it was still dark (probably due to the sun glasses I was wearing) and it threw me off a little. Going across the bridge you could see just how beautiful the water was - pretty blue green and it actually looked clean. It was on to Route 13 toward Salisbury where we were drenched with 5 drops of rain. No really, I counted them. Finally we hit Route 50 and made it to our dinner destination in Cambridge where we had more great food and a little bit of rest for the weary. It was starting to cool down again, so the layers were going back on as we headed out on Route 50 toward the Bay Bridge. I truly enjoy crossing the bridges - love the view from them. Once across the bridge it was on to Route 2 and a short stop in Annapolis to change glasses as our daylight was quickly fading. More jackets went on as well. From there, we gradually lost people in the group as they peeled off to their final destination - their stables! Some left us at the 2/4 junction, some at 231 across the Benedict Bridge back to Hughesville, some at Chesapeake Beach, Lusby and just three of us all the way to Route 235 around the California/Lexington Park area. I pulled in to my own stable at 10:00. WOW! What a day- what a ride-what a great group of people!
So ladies - come join us on the next ride - you won't be disappointed. If you get a chance, please come out for the slow speed/skills practices as well. What a difference they have made in my confidence and abilities. Those slow speed skills came in very handy in the stop & go traffic and I had to make a couple U-turns as well (didn't have to duck walk either!) I intend to hit every skills practice that I can. You can never have enough practice. It just gets better and better.
I want to thank our road captains who helped put this together and make it such a safe and enjoyable ride.
Without them I'm sure we'd be running amuck! All in all, even with the stop and go traffic, getting home later than planned and riding home in the dark, would I do it again? All I can say is "Let's Ride"!!!!!
Royal Tea Room, June 2009 By Gary Robinson
It was a sunny day, with temperatures ranging from the high 70's to the low 80's. You could hear the rumbling thunder of the motorcycles coming up Route 6 from US 301. A group of ten Harley Davidson motorcycles, all from All American H.O.G. Chapter, was heading for the Royal Tea Room. We were led by first time Road Captain Marie Ford filling in for Steve (Smurf) Keene, who was out of town on business. Marie did a great job as Road Captain, following Steve’s route while leading the group from the Mechanicsville Wawa, along the back roads of Southern Maryland, to the Royal Tea Room, and eventually to Bert’s. Marie’s hubby, Dan Ford, was the tail gunner of the group from the 11:30 am departure until the ride’s end. John Specht served as wing man for this ride.
As we rode, we were greeted by a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. At one point I thought Dan was gonna be bombarded by a big crow that had launched from a nearby tree and swooped down towards him. It reminded me of the scene in the movie, “Wild Hogs” when John Travolta was attached by the crow. Fortunately Dan is OK and the bird flew away cawing in the distance. As we rode through St. Mary’s and Charles counties, we were treated to the sites and sounds of spring. The local farmers were cutting hay as well as preparing their fields for crops------Absolutely beautiful.
When we arrived at the Tea Room, the lunchtime customers could not believe their eyes when the 14 fully outfitted riders in leather, denim and T-shirts walked in to have tea, scones, and lunch. One young customer, Brooke, paused while enjoying her ice cream long enough for Dan Ford to take a photograph. Brooke and her mother were having a ladies day and were enjoying a great afternoon at the Royal Tea Room.
After enjoying several different teas and a great lunch at the Tea Room, we hit the road again. This time the group was out for ice cream of their own. After about 30 minutes of riding east bound on Route 6 and the surrounding country roads, we ended up at Bert’s, where Ashley Kilakis was working, for some great ice cream. We enjoyed a variety of flavors and dishes. I think Tom Houck had the largest ice cream dish with his yummy banana split. What a great ride with great people and food.
5th Annual Thunder In The Mountain Ride June 2009, by Joe Bryer
I was up early Saturday morning, the bike was packed and I was ready to ride at 6:45 a.m. I wanted to leave early to stop for gas. I arrive at the Wawa early and am greeted by Dan and Marie Ford. As others arrive, we all mingle and introduce ourselves to each other. You may not know anyone when you arrive to go on a ride; but, will soon leave with a new group of friends. Marie is the Road Captain on this ride and as everyone gathers around for her pre-ride brief, we are soon ready to ride. Although the weather report was calling for showers-it did not deter this H.O.G. Chapter. As we were pulling out, other chapter members were arriving for the Gettysburg with Road Captain John Marshall. Marie leads 8 bikes with 11 members, Dan as tail gunner and Ellen Holcomb as chase vehicle in her truck. We wind our way thru some Maryland back roads to Hwy 301 and over the Harry Nice bridge. I spend $6.00 to cross a $3.00 bridge-Dan couldn’t seem to catch my 3 dollars blowing past him------I dropped my initial toll money approaching the toll booth-But, Dan couldn’t grab the cash and his bike at the same time. I will talk to “Hollywood” about training classes. HA! HA!
Marie led us through the beautiful back roads of Virgina through King George, Fredericksburg and into Orange for a stop at Waugh Harley-Davidson. We were greeted at the front door by the owner Don , sitting at his desk ,who always welcomes you into his dealership. He hands us some flyers on the upcoming events and parties, bike shows etc. going on this month. Don is a pleasure to talk with, he has is always ready to share a road story or some Virginia history.
A throttle twist away and we find ourselves at the Dairy Korner Restaurant and ready for some lunch. Dan bragged on the rueben and he was right-on. The rueben with onion rings or steak and cheese sub was a popular choice. Some had breakfast and all enjoyed their meals . It was a nice break with conversation and laughter as we relax. Leaving the restaurant was a bit tricky--- We needed to turn left-there was a major intersection 30 yards away. Our luck was running high, a police cruiser rounds the corner and stops traffic for us as we exit and safely continue on our way. Another hour or so later and we are in the Shenandoah Park, a stop at the wayside station for a break, gas and the souvenir shop was received with stories of last years journey. And Road Captain Dan works his charm on the Park Ranger—She called up to Big Meadow to ensure we would have the needed campsites---since the sign coming into the park read—“Big Meadow-Full.. As we start to reassemble, a shower starts and we don our rain gear and head up the mountain toward Big Meadow-our camp for the night. The showers didn’t last long, just enough to wash off some road dust. Driving along the mountain tops is gorgeous; around every turn is another view and photo. RC Marie had some picturesque stops lined up. A few photos, majestic views and some more twisties along the mountains and we are arriving at the Big Meadow gift shop, camp store and visitor center. Some of us stand on the balcony of the new visitor center overlooking the big meadow across the street and watch a few hikers spook some deer laying in the brush. We catch up with the others at the camp store securing the s’mores supplies and last minute items . This was the end of the first day’s ride with the group all together and Marie as Road Captain. From here the group breaks up for a short time as some folks have hotel reservations at the Skyland Resort and another couple sets out for their reservations down in Luray. The rest of us head into the campground area and set up our tents and unpack. There is a beautiful buck deer laying in the trees by our campsite and we are within feet of him taking pictures, they are almost tame here, and would probably eat from your hand, but, isn’t permitted for various reasons.
The group staying at Skyland met us campers at the Big Meadow Lodge for dinner, which is located of course atop the mountain with another fantastic view of the valley below. As we sit enjoying each others company, we watch the fog and another shower move in from the valley below. After some joking and bet taking on “whose helmets are filling with water,” Dan serves up the coffee and we all enjoy another great meal. I don’t know if these H.O.G. members just have good taste in where to stop for a good meal or if anything tastes good after riding a Harley for hours. But this was a good meal and I may need to join a gym after this ride if these stops continue! Food-ice cream-ride. Food-ice cream-ride. Hey, that’s everything I like to do…..Keep it up!
We all headed back to the Ford’s camp for a relaxing evening around a campfire, for dessert (s’mores), and conversation. Another light shower starts and we are enjoying a campfire in rain gear (a first for me ) but a good time was had by all. Jack , Tracey and Amanda head back to Skyland, the adventurous type we are. Skyland is 10 miles north of us along Skyline Drive. So they head out in the rain, DARK mountain, and deer everywhere for a very long and wet 10 miles at 20 mph. All part of what adventure, memories, and ride stories are made of. The evening activities come to an end and we adjourn to our tents for a well deserved slumber.
The next morning we break camp at 7 a.m. The group heads up to Skyland to meet at that lodge for breakfast. Another fine meal and photo op, and we are ready to ride. However, this is day two and we have a new Road Captain. Dan and Marie have now swapped jobs. Before we can officially start, Road Captain Dan needs to do our safety brief and have some papers filled out before we can ride. That was a relatively quick event. We all hop on our bikes and get started north again. We stop several times going down the mountains to take pictures, and meeting other bikers to take our pictures, riding through the tunnel and doing it again to get pictures . Ellen was happy to take the pictures of us on our bikes since she wasn’t able to ride this trip due to some earlier back surgery. Jack’s about out of gas and we’re running close to Dan getting pictures, “this is Jack with gas” --- “this is one of Jack out of gas” … . But we are all good on gas and exit the park in Front Royal, one more group photo and “let’s head home”….
We stop in Fairfax, Virginia at Patriot Harley-Davidson for a break. Mike notices a pool of gas under my bike. The others gather and pull out some tools, floats stuck? All said and done I have to leave my bike and was able to give Ellen a break from driving the truck. The group continues on to Rita’s in Mechanicsville for a post –ride brief from the Ford’s. Dan thanks everyone for sharing in the trip and gives everyone a souvenir pin “I rode the entire Skyline Drive,” which was very nice of them. What? Of course we had some Rita’s frozen custard. Hey, we ride Harleys, take the long way around, 2 states and 500 miles, for ice cream at Rita’s, in Mechanicsville. We all say our goodbyes to new friends made, and head off in our own direction towards home. I would like to personally thank everyone for helping me with my bike, Dave and Ellen for taking me home and Dan and Marie for putting their next ride on hold while Dan and I went back to get my bike on Tuesday.
Thank You, all. Another adventure is always a ride away.
