ONE LAST PEAK AT THE PAST

Sandy, thank you so much for sending me all of those old TWO WHEEL TALE posts.. thank you so much for saving them. I found an old story that happens to be one of my most favorite rides so below is the story ...enjoy!!!! DON’T MESS WITH THE DRAGON FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND TASTE GOOD WITH KETCHUP THE FOLLOWING STORY WAS WRITTEN A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AFTER A VERY JAM PACKED WEEKEND TO W. VA.

Dear Family and Friends,
We have done some nutty things but this past weekend tops our adventures
Round trip we logged 1340 miles.
Our trip began Thursday evening at 5:45 pm . We loaded up the bike and headed out Destination Knoxville Tn. The ride was fairly calm and sweet.. The Traffic was decent but not too intense and we arrived safe and sound around 10 pm.
Friday we met up with some friends who came from Nashville.. and we had a hearty breakfast at Cracker Barrel. WE pushed out of Knoxville around 9 30 or so and believe it or not we headed to WEST VIRGINIA.. I still find that hard to believe that in less than 3 days we pulled off a ride like that.
This was our first time traveling with a group of people for a long ride. One of the lessons we learned was that there are those that love motorcycles and those that love motorcycling. We were soon to learn the difference.

There are things you do in life because you are provided with a rewarding challenge This was one of those moments. As we cruised through Bristol, making our way to Virginia.. the rolling hills and deep cut outs of the freeway through ebbed mountain became richer and deeper as the day wore on.. our time was mostly spent on the Highway and where most highways are dull and repetitive.. As you make your way through Virginia and West Virginia it seems as if the Mountains just yearn to share their stories. Traversing our way through 2 tiled tunnels through the sturdy mountains was so wonderful.. I had actually forgotten just how cool that was… to think the amount of labor and craftsmanship that went into making those tunnels.. pretty amazing if you ask me.. The day trickled on and the scenery provided more and more treats.. We ended up making an early day of it.. We settled in for a nice evening at the Pipestem Lodge in West Virginia.. IT was here that lessons became more apparent that those that ride do so for many vast reasons. It is important to ride with those that share your passion .. A journey such as we took needs that passion to make it successful.. Steve and I loved riding up to Pipestem and seeing the deer along the road side. This was our second trip here. WE loved settling into the Lodge having dinner and probably the highlight of the evening was sitting outside and gazing at the patchwork quilt of a star lit night. For we seemed so close to the billions of tiny little lights.. I do not think I have ever seen a sky so lovely.. Steve and I and one of the other couples we were with enjoyed this view.. I have a feeling out of the whole group that night we were the only ones in the back lawn appreciating God’s light show I kept waiting for a shooting star but the cool night air eventually chased me inside.. That too was one of those rare moments that the journey spilled forth .. like a secret gift…

The next day.. Saturday.. we packed up and headed deeper into West Virginia.. WE visited the New River Gorge.. just as beautiful as the last time we saw it.. the awesome bridge .. the busy waters below.. what a highlight to the day.

I can go on and on about the beauty of the landscape yet the most striking thing you see as you weave in and out of these mountain side towns is a poor economy … trailers barely standing .. rickety old homes with purple shutters… battered old shacks mingle with clapboard houses… and tiny spurts of wealth through out the mountainside .. As I said earlier TWO WHEEL TALES… describing this place the last time we visited.. One thing that strikes me funny is that no matter how beaten up the residence there was a satellite dish perched on every roof or poled in every yard. By whatever means possible… A local friend of mine here in Birmingham, who was originally from W. Va. Said those sat. dishes have become the state banner.. These true to the bone Appalachian folk are a different breed. They know tough winters, they know how to get by.. they know how to survive.. Several times I said to Steve who am I to comment on how poor these folks are for perhaps to them .. they are the wealthiest ones out there… they have what they need .. and that’s what is the most fundamental of things… knowing what you need and having it. Not what you want.. but what you NEED.

I have to take you back through our journey.. and not just the tiny towns we saw I have to take you back on those mountain roads that twisted like the most crisp ribbon through out the highlands. I have to share with you the smell of clean air laced with the sweetness of the latest blossom I simply must share with you the water falls.. and majestic mountainsides filled to over flowing with lush greenery and just a hint of fall colors. The roads in that part of the country never cease to amaze me. They twist and turn and curve and glide so snuggly in the belly of the mountains.. they wind up in to the cool air of the higher peaks.. These roads near Covington and beyond and back.. never never let you down.. they take talent and skill to master and the patience to know that your reward lies in the journey not the destination. These are not just flowery words.. they are indeed words to live by.. APPRECIATE WHERE YOU ARE AT… don’t live for where you are going.. Know that when you take a journey like this as a motorcyclist.. this is not about the next meal or gas stop.. this is not about a chain place to eat.. or something loaded with what one THINKS is needed… when in reality Moments like these are solely about the ride.. and discovering what is really important… that is what makes a motorcyclist true to his destination.. his journey…. The whole story is in the ride.
We eventually split from part of the group .. their choice.. and with the other couple mentioned ealier we kept on traversing some beautiful and breathless byways.. Eventually as the sun came to rest in the sky .. we too saw the need to wind down for the day.. we made our way back to Abbingdon Va a small town near Bristol and slept very well .. a twelve hour day in the saddle does that to you…

Sunday morning we had a quick breakfast and headed on back down the Tennessee highway through GA. Back into Al. Sweet home that it is.. West Virginia will always be on my mind .. looking forward to taking a more extended visit there soon.. SO much to see so many roads to explore…
BY the way the very first lines in my post regarding the DRAGON ( DON’T MESS WITH THE DRAGON’S BUSINESS FOR YOU ARE CRUNCHY AND TASTE GOOD WITH KETCHUP) is referring to a bumper sticker we saw in West Virginia … I LOVED IT!!!!!. For you see in GA. There is a road called Deals Gap .. and it’s nick name is the DRAGON it is a road that has taken down many seasoned riders.. yet it is a road that every rider always loves to challenge again and again and conquer again and again.. while in W. VA. nearly every road for us was the DRAGON and we conquered them all.. safe sound… and back home…
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
HAPPY TRAILS

ANOTHER ROAD POEM

THE STORIES THEY TELL PART 2

SUNDAY
WARM WITH SUMMER
COOL WITH ANTICIPATION
CONTINUING JOURNEY RIDING DOWN THE GRAVEL INCLINE
PARK AMONG CHROME HORSES
STRECH
WALK
TIME FOR COOLNESS DOWN PARCHED THROATS
A WIDE PORCH
VARIOUS CHAIRS
FILLED WITH THAT HUNGER OF THE ROAD
SO SETTLE DOWN A WHILE
LISTEN
SHARE A SMILE
LEARN FROM NEAR MISSES
SHARED EXPERIENCES
SIT QUIETLY
SOAK IT IN
WATCH THE FACES
ALL BECOME YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN
NO MATTER WHAT THEIR AGES
AS THEY SHARE THEIR STORIES
ADD TO THE PAGES
SOME A LITTLE DAUNTING
USUALLY THE MELLOWEST OF SOULS
SOME TRYING TO PROVE SOMETHING NO ONE REALLY KNOWS
YET STRIP IT ALL AWAY
THEY SHARE THE MOST BASIC PLEASURES
A BROTHERHOOD
A SISTERHOOD
WE HAVE ALL GOTTEN THERE THE SAME WAY
TWO WHEELS
THE WIND
THE PERFECTION OF THE DAY
SHARING THE ROAD
CREATING THE MOMENTS
MAKING THE STORIES
THAT TIME WILL KEEP
SUNDAY WARM WITH SUMMER
COOL ANTICIPATION
TAKING A MINUTE
STEALING SOME TIME
UNTIL THE NEXT DESTINATION
THE STORIES THEY TELL
THE LINES THEY WEAVE
FINE THREAD ON PASSERS BY
FINE THREADS ON ME
7/10/01

FOUND POEMS FROM THE ROAD

THE STORIES THEY TELL

ANOTHER MORNING HIGH
A NATURAL THING
ME
TIME
YOU
ROAD
SKY
WINGING IN AND OUT
CURVES ABOUT
WIND NEXT TO ME
WE SEE
OTHERS LIKE US
ON THEIR OWN JOURNEYS
THE STORIES THEY TELL
THE LINES THEY WEAVE
FINE THREAD ON PASSERS BY
WE KEEP GOING
RESTING
AMAZED
COUNTRYSIDES
HILLSIDES
MOUNTAIN RIVERS MOVING
AMAZED HOW THEY DANCE
AMAZED HOW THEY FLOW
WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE RHYTHM
AND SO IT GOES
A BOND OF TRUST BETWEEN US
WE TAKE THE ROAD AS OUR PARTNER
FAITHFUL IT WILL LEAD US TO PEACEFUL SURRENDER
FAITHFUL IT WILL GUIDE US THROUGH
SKY OF CLOUDS
SKY OF SUNSHINE
SKY OF BLUE
NEVER KNOWING WHEN TEARS MAY FALL
HEAVEN SILENTLY WEEPING
JUST FOR SECOND
A TEARDROP OR TWO
NOTHING WE HAVE NOT KNOWN BEFORE
WE APPROACH MOUNTAINN CRESTS
THE AIR,

SHARP LIKE SHREDDED GLASS
YET CLEAR HEADY DEVINE
THE STORY THE ROADS TELL
AS OUR JOURNEY UNWINDS
7/10/01

So many Spotted Puppies so little time, Atalla bound

Sunday November 12th 2006 .... what a beautiful day. I dressed in two pair of socks, thermals, jeans , a turtle neck, my buff, and my helmet and bike jacket.. NO GLOVES.. need gloves.. just do not have any that fit my hands. It was very brisk when we got started. The sky was a crystal blue, no clouds to be found in any directions... We decided to take the back roads to Atalla and what a beautiful ride.. The leaves are at the height of changing color. The air was crisp and lovely. I have mentioned Atalla Alabama to a lot of folks.. and for those of you I have not mentioned it to.. Steve and I go there almost every Sunday morning, weather permiting. We love to walk and people watch.. but mostly we love to Puppy Hunt.. We got there bright and early this morning and are hunt yielded many rewards.. Sadly we did not bring any of those rewards home with us.. we are still on that hunt. When we first got there we found a bunch of puppies blocked in by crates... they were little lab and sheperd mixes that this lady was selling for about 10.00 each ....boy were they cute pups check out the picture ... they were cuties.. next we found some beautiful Wiemiwiners *not sure how to spell that one* very precious indeed. Steve and I have a rountine.. we walk to the top of the hill and make our way down.. I was pretty happy because I found a cell phone case with a regular ( not ratched clip) clip. Yay.... We got to the top of the hill and started working are way down. Our first temptation were the 10.00 puppies.. Now on to our second temptation.. I thought my heart was going to stop .. we approaced a white box.. a huge white box that said puppies 20.00... We peered over the side of the box and much to our amazement we saw a pup tht looked just like Cookie.. we had always thought Cookie was one of kind.. but this little tyke.. could have been her sibling... She was part Lab and part American Bull dog... That pretty much made me hesitant to take her because I just do not know anything about the American Bull Dog and I would be concerned about an agressive behavior.. I think Steve pretty much felt the same way .. BUT we were both shocked to see her...WOW.. First picture is Cookie and the next is the first spotted Puppy we saw the Lab American Bulldog mix.. We preceded down the hill .. stopping to look at tools, and various other items.. but mostly concentrating on puppies .... We went down a few more rows and grabbed a bag of fresh roasted peanuts

We came up to another area were puppies were being sold this time.. and what do see.. BUT another Spotted puppy.. this one is called a Catahula Leopard Dog... yep.. thats what it was... here is a picture of this baby... he is curled up with a Jack Russell Shitzu mix.. (one nervous doggie I would guess ) ..before he curled up there.. he was a sassy little player.. very cute... We kept on strolling down the hill and all of the sudden.. Here comes Temptation number 3... A family was strolling the aisles of the flea pulling a wagon and .. sitting in that red wood wagon were two little girls... the girls were loving and hugging some adorable big puppies and people were crowding around... Turns out the family was trying to find good homes for the pups.. I wish we had gotten pictures of those sweet babies.. they were sooooooooooo laid back... They looked like Rotweiler pups but the folks who were giving them away said they were Coon dog Australian shepard mix... They were adorable. and so cuddly.. I held one.. and was in Puppy love.. we came very close to taking the little girl.. she was precious.. but once we figured it would be too traumatic to bring her home on the bike.. we decided against bringing her home... In away I felt like God was sending us some kind of signal.. We have never seen puppies there that were being given away for free that were in such GREAT SHAPE... usually the pups are a little sickly.. as was Cookie when we got her there... Steve said it best.. going to Atalla and getting a pup there.. is equivalent to going to the Animal Shelter... Here is another shot of the Flea Market area .. It is always packed... for our last few visits we have stoped at this truck ..actually it is a place to eat authentic mexican food. They serve out of a food truck and you can sit at little red picnic tables and enjoy a really unique lunch.. yeah its a bit different.. they have decent health department rating so that is good.. and the food is FANTASTIC.. very different from what we think of when we think of mexican cooking.. there is certainly no taco bell in any of this food... Anyway here is the picture I was telling you about.... Yes it is all outside.. We had our lunch walked the Flea one final time.. debated about puppies and we left empty handed.. back on the bike...Here is Steve right before we saddled up and left the the Flea Market . The ride home was wonderful and scenic.. The trees still changing colors from deep green to rich red and yellow and orange... a sky as crystal blue and perfect as there ever was.. You can check out my FLICKR site and see more pictures if you want.. here is the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/honib1/ After we left the flea we took our time heading home.. We decided to go to Elmwood to my dad's grave .. I only like to go there on a beautiful day... it just seems a fitting tribute to my father.. We stayed there for a few minutes.. and headed on home... Though I prefer the back roads.. riding on the Highway can be interesting as well... The different smells that hit you can be a bit overwhelming.. from desil and god knows what else.. from time to time though.. when you travel the bit of highway we were on.. if you hit it just right you can smell the heavenly aroma of fresh baked bread.. that was coming from the Sunbeam bread bakery somewhere in the downtown area.. Eventually we made our way home... .While the journey is the most inportant part of the trip... arriving to your destination is the blessing at the end of the day... Until we meet again... Happy trails..

A thought about my Dad

On November 9th 2001 my dad was killed in a car wreck. Needless to say it was a life altering event in my life.

Sidney Lionel Mazer, my dad, was a WONDERFUL PERSON. A heart as big as the universe and a kind and compassionate spirit. He never believed in being negative. He always sought the best in people, even if they let him down time and time again. He focused on the postive and moving forward. I am blessed to have had him in my life for 39 years. I hope I carry in me, some of what made him such a special individual.

One October weekend, shortly before Dad's death, Steve and I were in Atlanta on the bike.. we were visiting my sister and brother-in-law and nieces. We had a nice visit with them and were heading to the mountains or heading back to Birmingham.. I can't remember which.. but what I do remember is that, my dad was there.. and I remember that he and Steve and I left to go to our respective destinations. Though I know he had seen me riding with Steve before, I could not help but wonder what he was thinking as we sped out onto the interstate with him behind us.. Is he worried? , did he think it was kinda cool.. or was he content in knowing how HAPPY I was .. I kept meaning to ask him about that. but I never had the chance.. . hmm.... well 5 years have passed since that moment and I tend to believe that he was content in knowing how happy I was and still am. We miss and love you Dad. Hope the bagels are good where ever you are.
Happy Trails......

IT ALL BEGAN ONE DECEMBER DAY 2000

Most people say that you can not change once you become an adult.. that once you grow up.. that is pretty much it. You will either be this type of person, or that type of person... We pin labels on people to define who they are.. I have never been one of those label people. I have always gone against the grain. Not much of a follower and not much of a leader. So on that December day when Steve finally coaxed me into going on a ride with him.. I thought why not.. Why not rock my world a little bit..

Steve fitted me with a helmet with a face shield and bundled me up in an old leather jacket of his. We saddled up and headed out of his apartment complex.. It was a pretty brisk and sunny day out.. Brisk turned to down right freezing as we began our journey. At that time we did not have a communication device so we had to shout back and forth.. I remember riding down the entrance ramp to 459 and the gradual exceleration of speed.. I thought my head was going to snap back into another county at that point... I was holding on to the grips of the bike on either side of me as well.. In fact I think I left finger indentations on those grips . I could not get over how icy the wind had become... or that I was actually sitting on a 2 wheels with a motor attached. It was exilerating to say the least. I really could not relax and enjoy the experience though because .. well for me it was different.. such a huge step out of the box. When we came back home.. I thought to myself wow.. I did it... I thought maybe with a few modifications.. I might actually enjoy this new adventure. Over time we got a communication sytem that is in our helmets.. I moved to a full face helmet which I prefer. We can converse with each other or listen to music. A good bit of the time though I like being quiet and just absorbing the world around me. Just feeling the wind, against my skin.. Sometimes as we traverse old windy back roads.. It is as if we were falling back in history.. I try and imagine what life was like , when these towns were booming. Sometimes when we would ride through wooded areas.. I start thinking about how the Indians made their way across the hillsides. To this very day , 6 years later, I love riding the backroads.. I love seeing old cabins and farms... I love even seeing old grave yards.. where so much history rests... Riding gives me the opportunity to be grateful for all there is to see. For all there is to appreciate in our priceless enviroment. From watching the leaves change , to ridng on beautiful sunny days.. to even riding ( though seldom) in rainy weather..On that cold December day.. my poetry came back, my pros came back and each new ride gives me something new.
Until we meet again,
Happy Trails

FINDING AN OLD MEMORY.. 2005 RIDE

Below is an old email I sent out from a ride about a year ago, it brings back such good memories... I am also so excited because our hosts at Angels Landing ( a B&B in North Carolina) had printed out Several of my old TWO WHEEL TALES emails and had saved them.. she is going to mail me copies so that I can post them to the blog too..
So lets step back to last October... away we go.. Oh by the way.... here is a link to a website about Angels Landing ........

http://www.bbonline.com/nc/angelslanding/

OCTOBER 2005

Grab your favorite beverage, kick back for a bit.. and Yes.. WE ARE BACK IN THE SADDLE...
It has been way too long since we took road trip.
Friday after work.. we saddled up and headed to the beckoning mountains of Tennessee, North Ga, and N.C.
How do I describe a Friday where everything wraps up with ease, and leads into 2 days of smooth riding and a nice break from the rigors of the week... ???..
The weather surpassed perfect. It was not too cold, not too hot... just perfect. Even riding into Murphy N.C. at 11:30 pm it was a comfortable cool. Prior to that however as we made our way past Gadsen Alabama and past Fort Payne, You could see it... the slow rise of the mountains in front and to the side of you. the sun was setting and the sky had a very soft pink hue... and in the distance you could see the very beginning of the Blue ridges surrounding you ... like a welcoming hug. Even in the darkness of night you could feel the road begin to pitch and turn .. ever so gently... We rode by the Occoee snaking in and out of the canyons, the wall of the canyon to our left and the river to our right. Even though the roads were suprisingly heavily traveled this late at nite we were so happy to be there... We pulled into Murphy around 11 15 .. we stayed at Angels Landing got there around 11 30.... a wonderful B and B... Happy but we were pooped.
Awaking fairly early on Saturday morning .. we decided to rest a bit longer and finally got on the road around 9:30 or so... There was no way to create a better day. We had a great breakfast at Pappys (now called Suzannes on the River.. ( NEVER AND I DO MEAN NEVER EAT DINNER THERE >>WILL EXPLAIN IN A BIT) after breakfast chatted with a woman selling fresh kettle corn outside the restaurant .. She had been in the corporate world with her husband..and they both decided to .. well change their lifestyle... Her husband retired.. and she got into the Kettle Corn business. She fits right into the unique atmosphere at Pappy's Plaza
It is hard to describe Pappy's Plaza, a eclectic mix of unusual stores and a place to eat. U can find anything from smoked trout to .. ohhh fudge... to.. moccasins.. to candles, to beanie babies.. to life size iron statues of horses and civil war generals.. to a life size Elvis to old cars, and I doooooo mean old... to hand made wood furniture .. even amish butter and cheese.. something for every taste i would say.

After breakfast we headed on out .. taking some of our favorite roads and discovering new ones as well.

As I have said before.. once you are in this part of the country ... North Ga, N.C. and Tenn are maybe no more than 20 miles apart from each other.. so u can wind in and out of each state where they tie into the mountains...
We had lunch at T.W. O .. two wheels only motorycle resort in Suches Ga. Steve and I shared a great chicken salad sandwhich. we shared a diet coke.. visited with the other riders.. and eventually went out to persue our own adventure. Near TWO we discovered this wonderful road, with rolling hills and gentle sweepers... and a beautiful clear creek snaking along side of us. the weather was perfect, even in areas were we hit a little fog that would only last for a few minutes and then we would be back into the sun shine. The ride was great... we explored an old flea market we found some great apples there.. I think they are called Black Arkansas apples.. kinda like granny smiths only harder and with a red and green skin. We rode a little longer and decided to go back to the B and B before dinner..
Normally we eat at a really wonderful little place called ShoeBooties for dinner. however this time we decided to go back to Pappys because we had seen a sign that they were going to have live music.... so we thought that would be fun.... well.. we rested up for a bit.. cleaned up and went on over to Pappy's Plaza and went into Suzzanne's on the River... we thought since breakfast was so good.. Dinner would be even better.... well.. when we sat down at our booth.. I said to Steve.. that they guy setting up the music appeared to be setting up a Karaoke set... Steve said.. no.. they are having live music... much to our chagrin I was right... this guy looked like Burl Ives.. ( no offense to Burl Ives fans out there) but well.. he sureeeee did not sing like old Burl... frankly we still are not sure what he sounded like...
We thought live music meant some good old blue grass or country mountain music .. like we saw this morning when we went back to the flea market to get some more of those apples to bring home. Well we ordered dinner.. which on the menu looked .. well rather deceptive when it arrived at our table... I had burnt trout.. and steve had something called BBQ chicken... and something supposely called FRESH green beans.. only they had the green cooked out of them... IT WAS AWFUL.. between the guy on the Karaoke machine and the bad food... we had to laugh... I guess we figured even if the food was not great the music would be fun.. Oh well... we learned our lesson.. from now on when we r in Murphy N.C. it is Shoebooties for dinner. . we headed back to the B and B... sat outside for a while... it was another terrific night... perfect tempature... no cell phones.. nothing to distract from the simple quiet of a mountain town...
We arose this morning.. a little down because we knew our adventure was writing its own last page this go round. We had a very good breakfast provided by Sandy at Angels Landing .. loaded up the bike... and began our journey home.. As we approached the Occoee .. this time on our left and the canyon walls on our right... we knew the mountains were gently saying goodbye for now... we watched the rafters and kayakers ... stopped for a bit.. and enjoyed the soft sound of the water.. We both looked at each other and knew we had to leave and head home.. Cookie and Baz were waiting at the vet.... things needed to be done at home.. and so forth and so on.... the ride home was terrific as well... Even with the heavy traffic .. going there and coming home.. nothing can take the smiles off of our faces... One thing about a great time as we all know.. Great times go by so fast... they simply must be deeply appreciated... I can not stress to each of you.. that some where along the way .. by car, by plane by bike... you need to visit this part of our country... for there really is nothing like the beautiful byways right in our own back yard.. only 281 miles from Leeds, Alabama... 750 miles of smiles for us.. back home... safe.. happy sound..
Until we meet again.
Happy trails.
Honi

MORE RIDES, 9/11,ONE FIESTY HORNET

Towards the Summer of 2001 I was becoming more adept at riding . We took many day trips and weekenders that continously opened my eyes to the magic of motorcycling. While I realize there is danger in this new hobby, the magic over rides that danger. It is difficult to describe to one that has never ridden. I have succeeded in freaking out most of my family and friends. Everyone to this day is shocked that I travel with Steve on that bike.. I consider myself greatly rewarded. Riding brought back my passion for writing poetry and pros. Riding opened my heart to the environment and how unique and fragile our planet is.It also has taught me what a treasure this part of the country is as well. Riding has taught me about consideration and good attitudes.. It has also taught me that not everyone is well taught. While most rides yield great pleasure.. Every now and then the rudeness of people on 4 wheels can be amazing.. It is as if they are oblivious to anything on 2 wheels out there on the highways and biways of life. They would sooner run you off the road than acknowledge your right to ride.. More often than not though that is exception not the rule.

By Fall of 2001 a lot was going on with our country.. 9 - 11 -01 brought a new kind of patriotism alive. I can remember shortly after that day .. taking a trip up to the Suches , Ga. area... So many homes that nestled in the landscape proudly flew the red white and blue. I can remember heading up to Brasstown Bald.. I believe that is the highest point in Georgia. We got up to this point and there was a park area.. and you could ride up to the top and have a breathtaking view. Up on top of the peak at the highest point, a HUGE American Flag flew.. the sky was a light cobalt blue and there was a cool breeze cradling the flag.. It has been an image that has stuck with me for 5 years now. When we left and rode down.. so many homes and vehicles waved the flag.. It was incredible.

I suppose you are wondering about the feisty hornet.. well on one of our journeys to North Ga. After spending so much time hearing about this one ride.. I knew.. that now was the time.. NO MATTER WHAT!! including feisty European Hornets. Deals Gap is a stretch of road that is twisty beyond belief it is a fun challenging ride... So low and behold we were heading that way when we decided to take a bathroom break at a park rest area.. I went into the bathroom.. and thought to myself .. I don't thiiiiiink soooooo.. with that I turned around and walked back to the bike.. much to my later chagrin.. apparently a hornet had hitched a ride on my inner left thigh. We saddled up and were heading on .. winding about the road.. when I let out a scream saying I have been stung .. I have been stung..STOP THE BIKE....... Steve said ,"NO you were not stung.. it was probably a little bug hitting your leg or a little rock... (YEAH that was some rock alright) .. he pulled over and at the side of this particular road sheltered by a beautiful landscape .. welll..... I pulled down my pants... (hornets and modesty do not go hand in hand) I looked at my leg and saw nothing and I slid the leg of my pants down a little bit more... and then WHAM!!! THERE IT WAS... and it was HUGE.. even Steve said I had hole in my leg the size of 3 penny nail. it was swelling up.. and I did not have my Eppy Pen with me if I needed it.. WE were in the middle of no where... I pulled my pants back up and we headed on .. coming to a small town with a drug store... The people there were so kind... they were running around the store finding benadryl and someone gave me a ice pack to help control the swelling.. here I was with my pants down in the back of a store with ice on my thigh.. lol.. it was pretty funny... and I really did not care..

Thank God I never needed that Eppy Pen. Even though the pain was pretty bad.. not hornet, ice pack or anything was going to stop this very important ride.. I got back on the bike.. sat on the ice pack.. and away we went... I was so happy that we had forged ahead ....the ride was great..albeit a bit scarey, especially when a crazy guy on a crotch rocket sped by us on a blind curve and then sped past a car as well.. but when all was done.. I got my tee shirt at the end of the ride....318 turns in 11 miles... we had slayed the Dragon.. YAY!... here is a link to Deal's Gap in North Carolina.. ( North Ga, North Garolina and the Mtns of Tenn. converge near each other.. So u could stay in North Ga and in a few minutes be in North Carolina or Tenn.. .. back to the Dragon.. here is the link http://www.dealsgap.com/index.html .. that too is something to see.. We staying in a B & B that evening.. the swelling had gone down .. Someone had a basket of little black puppies there.. and that took my mind off of any lingering pain...not to mention the benydrl was making me sleepy.

Even with the run in with the Sweddish Hornet.. (Sweddish, European, Japanese, French...which ever ) we were happy to have slayed the Mighty Dragon on that trip.. We headed home the next day as usual.. already planning our next great adventure... Stay tuned...for more Two Wheel Tales.. Happy Trails..

CONDENSED MEMORIES AND A FIRST MOUNTAIN RIDE

Shortly after that initial ride, we made a few adjustments. Though we did not have a communication system yet we found I was more content with a complete full face helmet than with any other type. I felt a sense of balance in my full facer. For the passenger the ride can be a bit different then for the driver of the motorcycle. Usually the passenger gets more wind and feels things differently than the driver.. You could say each of us has our own unique ride. Perhaps by reading my first posting you are thinking .. ahhh I bet she never rides again.. but alas.. she.. me .. saddled up .. again and again and still again... each ride even to this day gives me something new.. Something to keep with me . Before we took a ride into the Mountains fo North Georgia. We covered a lot of back roads in Alabama.. Steve made sure to increase my riding ability. He taught me how to behave as a passenger. One weekend, I can't remember when exactly.. Not only did we SADDLE UP.. but we PACKED UP and hit the road. I was a little nervous with all the traffic, especially the traffic in Atlanta.. wheww.. once we were through all of that.. hitting the mountains would be a breeze.. well not actually more like an awakening of sorts. It was as if I had been tossed out onto a movie set.. the sky was a deep cloudless blue and the mountains rose jagged against it. At the same time there were ripples of smooth edges that threaded through the small jagged peaks.. and here we were traversing between this mountain cut out. On one side of me was the wall of a mountain and on the other a steep drop off with waterfalls scattered about. To me the guard rails were not much security.. but at that point I found myself so lost in my environment that I think security was about the farthest thing from my mind.. I can remember my eyes welling up at the beauty of this perfect day. To think that God creates such masterpieces.. These winding byways deserve to be taken in.. feeling each curve in the drive.. falling into each sweeper and switchback and for once just living in the moment of one perfect moment.. How lucky was I to have someone in my life who was sharing this experience with me.. truth be told, he gave me that experience. 6 years later I can still remember how everything looked and felt.. and smelled.. the early whisper of fall, the still warm air of an indian summer.. and every now and then the warmth of someone burning a fire somewhere.. the smell of seasons changing... feeling my environment around me.... and so it goes... watch for another post on Two Wheel Tales.. the picture included in this post is of Steve and I at the 2006 Antique Bike show and race at Barbers Motorsports Park.. check the link out ... http://www.barbermotorsports.com/ it is something to see to see...