Time for a ride

[sirbike]

It’s been six years since I’ve been on a ride over six days.
It is hard to leave this

and a lovely wife and our canine pack, partially resulting in leaving today instead of yesterday.
Not feeling so great with a relatively mild gout attack going. But two wheel therapy will momentarily take my mind off of that.
Light miles and physical therapy are on the list.
Hotels, yes.
Camping, maybe.
Which roads, I’ll know when I rode them. But for now heading over to I-77 to West Virginia.

 

[sirbike]

Two great days. 70-75 degrees mostly sunny.
I rode I-77 to Marietta, 7 to cross the Ohio at St. Mary. Then 16 south, about 75 miles of twisties to I-79 to hotel near Charleston.
As usual on my first night of sleeping on a week long plus ride, I had all crazy dreams. It seems to be built up stress just flowing out of my head unlike any other travel that I do. I’d been feeling slower than usual and going with that.
Halfway through today I stopped and rested north of Welch WV
after having slabbed to Beckley and getting on 16 again.
When I got going I was back up to speed and feeling in the groove. Perfect for riding the Back of the Dragon.
I stopped at an overlook to relax for a moment on that stretch.



There is a great Japanese restaurant in Marion VA.
I had bunch of servings of sashimi and a couple salads.


Slab to Bristol VA hotel.
Nice view from the room.
I am going to sleep well tonight.

 

[sirbike]

Yesterday spent a lot of miles riding in rain to Shelbyville TN.
Treated myself to this nice room.

It’s 8:30 am.
Let’s see if I can make it to Hot Springs by noon.

 

[Sunday Rider]

It is tough to breakaway from the gravitational pull of home on the first night. Hopefully you will be in the groove of your tour and enjoy the ride and adventure. Great pics and writing; thanks!

 

[sirbike]

It is tough to breakaway from the gravitational pull of home on the first night. Hopefully you will be in the groove of your tour and enjoy the ride and adventure. Great pics and writing; thanks!

As soon as the motor turned over.

 

[sirbike]

Making good time

 

[sirbike]

 

[Sunday Rider]

Now that looks like great fun! Awesome!

 

[sirbike]

We have a flat on the DC-3 port side main and looking for a tube, tire and jack.

 

[sirbike]

15,000 pound jack.
we are waiting on return calls for transportation from Tulsa or Shelbyville.
Holiday weekend.
Weather is nice though
Nice piece of scenery too

 

[Vespa]

It’s been six years since I’ve been on a ride over six days.
It is hard to leave this

Beautiful home, beautiful bike, family sounds lovely. I hope you have a wonderful trip and look forward to your photos (if you post them). West Virginia is a beautiful state - Those mountains. Pleasant and safe travels!

Edit: Yep - Great photos!

 

[Pop-Pop]

It’s been six years since I’ve been on a ride over six days.
It is hard to leave this

and a lovely wife and our canine pack, partially resulting in leaving today instead of yesterday.
Not feeling so great with a relatively mild gout attack going. But two wheel therapy will momentarily take my mind off of that.
Light miles and physical therapy are on the list.
Hotels, yes.
Camping, maybe.
Which roads, I’ll know when I rode them. But for now heading over to I-77 to West Virginia.

your wife and house will b thee when u get back! Ride safe!

 

[W0QNX]

Enjoy the ride, I did in 2019.

 

[sirbike]

Last night I stayed in a place with weekly rates. The kind with interesting people. Ok for high mile days but this is a mini vacation inside a motorcycle ride. So I moved next door.



Good thing we have a tube coming from Tulsa and wouldn’t you know someone at the event knows someone that has a jack leftover from owning a DC-3 right on the way from Tulsa.
Good thing too because this place is above my pay grade.

 

[sirbike]

Also in Hot Springs is Garvan Woodland Gardens.
A beautiful 210 acre private garden property that was turned over to an organization and not to be turned into a housing development.

 

[sirbike]

Alright, yesterday a tube from Tulsa OK was brought to Mena AR where the jacks were. The truck going from Hot Springs to get these items got a flat tire. It was late enough in the day, nerves were frayed, fatigue was setting in and the wind started blowing hard enough that it was decided that a fresh start in the morning would be best.
This morning we turned the plane to face downwind to jack it up.
It was an interesting process to be involved with. Took about 5 hours with 5 variously mechanically inclined guys methodically putting forth ideas and moving towards the goal, plus one hefty built photographer that helped break the bead.

 

[sirbike]

If it hadn’t been enough of an adventure, the crosswind tail wheel take off was rather exciting. Probably nothing unusual for these skilled high time pilots but certainly interesting for me to experience.
The ride back was beautiful and the landing was really smooth.
The name of the plane is Flagship Detroit. It is the oldest DC-3 flying.
It went in to service with American Airlines in 1937.
It is very well kept going in for thorough maintenance every winter.
The crew are all great people, highly professional and enjoying life.
Check their schedule at
Flagship Detroit
Similar to here, I went for the plane and found great people.