When in this part of the country (western North Carolina), most riders head straight for Deal's Gap (Tail of the Dragon), perhaps the most famous twisty ride in the world.  However, that particular road lends itself more to the multi-color leather clad, full face helmeted, crotch rocket types.  I'm wearing a t-shirt and pulling a trailer.  I was looking for something less crowded and more serene.  I found both on the Cherohala Skyway.  This quiet little two-lane road winds through spectacular Smoky Mountain scenery for 36 miles between North Carolina and Tennessee.  The same area once populated by the Cherokee people before they were forced west of the Mississippi into Oklahoma on the "Trail of Tears".   The long sweeping curves are numerous and predictable.  Once you start a turn, the line stays steady all the way through.  No surprises.  Like riding a rail.  The most expensive highway in North Carolina is a thing of beauty for anyone to see on a bike OR a cage,  Check it out...

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I was supposed to meet other HRRC members from the Milwaukee and D.C. chapters at 7:45AM to ride to one of the many staging points for this gigantic annual parade of biker humanity.  Unfortunately, I was 20 minutes late and had to find the staging area by myself.  It wasn't too hard.  I just had to find a nearby Harley dealer with 4,000 bikes parked out front.  (Pic1  Pic2  Pic3 Pic4)  What I couldn't find was the other members.  Around 9:00AM, we were escorted by police to a parking lot at the Pentagon.  Along the way every overpass was crowned with onlookers waving and cheering.  (Pic5)   At the Pentagon, everyone starting heading towards another parking lot where vendors were setup... about a mile away.  Following the crowd, I spotted three porta-potties with 200 people in each line.  I was wishing I hadn't had coffee that morning.  I had heard we were leaving at noon, but nobody seemed to know for sure.  The crowd was unbelievable.  An ocean of bikes and bikers filled the Pentagon lot.  (Pic6  Pic7)  I grabbed a quick hot dog and drink and started the long walk back to my bike.  Amazingly, I found the lost Highway Riders along the way.  Around 1:30PM, bikes started to fire up around us.  We jumped on our bikes and waited our turn.  After moving about 30 feet, everything came to a complete halt.  A few minutes later, people started to dismount.  False alarm!!!  My many years of practice standing in parking lots did not prepare me for this long wait.  Finally, around 3:20PM we started to roll.  This time, it was for real.  We turned onto the Arlington Memorial Bridge and headed down Constitution Avenue towards the Capitol.  Very cool.  Thousands of people lining the street along the route.  A lone Marine holding a salute at a turn.  A quick turnaround at the Capitol back towards the Vietnam Memorial (The Wall).  I had visited The Wall the day before, so I elected not to fight the crown today.  I had already logged 2 hours of being lost, 7 hours of standing around and 1 hour of excitement.  Next time, I want to be a spectator...  with a lawn chair and a cooler.

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On Wednesday, May 18th, a group of riders from the "Run For The Wall" (RFTW) organization left Ontario, California on their annual sojourn to Washington, DC.  On Saturday, May 21st, the "Southern Route" group arrived in Weatherford, TX.  Early Sunday morning, I packed my gear and rode to the National Cemetery located in Grand Prairie to join the group.  It was a huge processing of bikes and support vehicles that wound around the circular driveway through the cemetery.  I fell in behind the group and followed as they exited the grounds.  Special thanks to Jack and Angie, who came out to see me off. (Pic1  Pic2)

Day 1  (Weatherford, TX to Minden, LA)  -  The first stop was Terrell, TX.  This is where I registered to ride with the group.  The Terrell Chamber of Commerce provided free gas, fruit, snacks and water to all riders.  About 250 riders joined at this location. (Pic3  Pic4  Pic5)  Stop 2 was in Longview, TX.  A great lunch as provided by American Legion Post #131.  Back on the road after lunch, we made a quick stop in Minden, LA for gas.  The final stop was in Monroe, LA.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans served us a great catfish dinner at the Shriners Hall.  It was a long hot day.  (Pic6  Pic7  Pic8  Pic9  Pic10  Pic11  Pic12  Pic13  Pic14  Pic15)

Day 2  (Minden, LA to Meridian, MS)  -  Early riders meeting at 8:00am, and on the road at 8:30.  (Pic16  Pic17)  The group is very well organized and moves quickly.  We must have 350 or so riders at this point.  As we cross the Mississippi river, we are quickly surrounded by Mississippi State Police motorcycles and even a helicopter flying overhead.  The state police blocked every freeway onramp and provided a rolling road block for the group all the way to Jackson, MS.  This was one awesome sight.  In Jackson, we were escorted to Jackson Harley-Davidson, for lunch.  As we rolled down the service road to the H-D dealer, there were men in various military uniforms lining the road.  They were dressed in uniforms from Vietnam, WW2, WW1, Civil War, and Revolutionary War.  They were at full attention, and holding a salute as we rode by.  Civilians were waving, clapping, cheering, and saluting.  Caught up in the sheer emotion of the moment, tears rolled down my face.  (It would not be the last time on this trip.)  As we parked the bikes, a Blackhawk helicopter flew over and the "Black Daggers" special forces unit parachuted towards the crowd, carrying the US and POW flags.  Inside, all the bikes were replaced by rows and rows of tables covered with white tablecloths.  A Navy brass band played in the corner.  Various dignitaries were introduced, including two Tuskegee Airmen, the youngest ever Medal of Honor winner Jack Lucas, and the governor of Mississippi, Haley Barbour.  Governor Barbour awarded the Mississippi Medal of Valor to the widow of Jesse LeRoy Brown.  Ensign Brown was the first black Navy aviator.  (Please take a few minutes to read about these amazing individuals.)  (Pic18  Pic19  Pic20  Pic21  Pic22  Pic23  Pic24  Pic25  Pic26  Pic27  Pic28  Pic29  Pic30)  The final stop of the day was in Meridian, MS.  We were escorted downtown where dinner was provided for riders.  The Fire Department hoisted a huge American flag with their ladder truck.  Everyone gazed at the flag as a choir sang the National Anthem.  Just as the song ended, two military jets overflew the surprised crowd.  No warning, just BOOM, and they were there and gone.  It was perfectly timed, and a great ending to a great day.  (Pic31  Pic32  Pic33  Pic34  Pic35  Pic36  Pic37  Pic38)

Day 3  (Meridian, MS to Chattanooga, TN)  -  We had sunny skies and 72 degrees as we departed for our first stop in Tuscaloosa, MS.  We quickly gassed up at a Love's truck stop, then rode to the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center.  Hundreds of staff and patients lined the driveway as we rode in.  They waved and cheered as we passed.  After the usual speeches and handshakes, we were escorted inside for lunch.  Very nice.  This is a regular stop for RFTW, and they really appreciated us being there.  (Pic39  Pic40  Pic41  Pic42  Pic43  Pic44  Pic45)  After lunch, we departed for Chattanooga, TN.  Traffic was getting really heavy now and we had to be careful.  The RFTW Road Guards were doing a great job of protecting the group.  We stopped at Thunder Creek H-D.  There we were greeted by a Native American veterans group, who fed us dinner.  Afterwards, an honor guard performed a ceremony to honor fallen comrades, while Taps was played on a wooden wind flute.  (Pic46  Pic47  Pic48  Pic49  Pic50  Pic51)

Day 4  (Chattanooga, TN to Wytheville, VA)  -  There was a small Confederate cemetery located behind the Harley dealer where 155 unknown Confederate soldiers were buried in 1862.  In the morning, a RFTW color guard laid a wreath to honor the fallen soldiers.  (Pic52)  As we waited to depart, the Native American veterans blessed the bikes with smoke fanned by eagle feathers.  (Pic53)  It was a cool clear morning, and we were getting close to our destination.  Our first stop was Knoxville, TN for fuel and a coffee & doughnut break.  (Pic54  Pic55  Pic56  Pic57  Pic58  Pic59)  Stop 2 was in Baileyton, TN for fuel and lunch.  Some of the guys bought coonskin caps at the Davy Crockett Truck Stop!  The final stop was Wytheville, VA.  The Mayor of Wytheville had been riding with us for several days.  Upon arrival, local police escorted us downtown for free fuel, and then to the city park.  (Pic60  Pic61  Pic62  Pic63  Pic64  Pic65  Pic66  Pic67  Pic68  Pic69  Pic70)

Day 5  - I decided to leave the group at this point.  My son and his family live near DC, and I was staying with them until I returned home.  I would like to say that my short time with this group was one of the most touching I have ever witnessed.  While I am not a veteran myself, I did grow up in the Vietnam era.  (The war ended shortly after my high school graduation.)  I had friends that went there, and some did not return.  The soldiers that did return were treated poorly by the American public.  They were welcomed only by their families.  If they had families.  Many still carry the emotional scars which only others that have shared their experiences can understand.

Although I have covered the highlights of the trip, there were hundreds of other wonderful moments.  Some only lasted a second.  We passed dozens and dozens of highway overpasses, where people were waiting to wave and cheer.  An old man stopped his riding lawn mower to stand and salute.  Children and mothers waving flags along the side of the road.  A simple thumbs up sign from a passing car.

I was so proud to see the patriotism exhibited by everyone we encountered while on this ride.  Some of the old veterans could no longer stand upright, but they could still manage a sharp salute to the flag.  It was an amazing ride, and I urge everyone to share the experience.  You will remember it always.

 

The Tarrant County Chapter of the USA Highway Riders held their 3rd annual "Fun Run", benefiting Shriner hospitals today at Sammies BBQ in northeastern Fort Worth.  Instead of drawing cards like a regular "Poker Run", there were games setup at each stop, and everyone had a chance to win one or more tickets for prize drawings and cash.  There were quite a few vendors setup in the shade behind Sammies, and two guitarist played under the gazebo.  The heat was hot, and the ground was dry, and the air was full of sounds.  (oh, wait... 70's flashback moment).  I meant to say the women were hot, and the beer was cold. (that sounds a little better).  Anyway, everyone had a great time.  Special thanks go out to Sammies BBQ, and to all the area Highway Rider members who helped with the event.  We hope to see you all next year.

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Well it starts out on an early Wednesday morning 5:00 AM for these brave souls, so they can be there when the gates open, like they say the early bird gets the worm…Well in this case, they get the best spot!. Upon arriving they found quite the line in front of them and landed the best spot for everybody to be together. Set up camp …and the PARTY IS ON!

Thursday, afternoon, More Highway riders show up and get camp set up for them. 2 nice warm days in a row….WOW what a blast… they had venders in the “crater” as they called it where you could get eats, clothes ,patches, Tattoos, and even body paints, you could even put your ride on the dyno and see how much horsepower she has.

Friday after noon  5 more highway riders come in, This is where your reporter joins in the fun.

After riding 150 miles and looking at the clouds in the sky wondering if we were going to get wet, the question was answered 5 miles from the rally site. As we turned out of Henderson down 259 it starts to drizzle, which turns into a very heavy rain within another mile. Now soaked to the bone, as we arrive, we sign in and there is people everywhere, some gathered by camp fires, others just standing under awnings trying to stay dry. Once we found our group, the rain quit and allowed us to set up our tents, and change into some dry clothes. Now I needed a drink by now!!

Let the festivities begin !  The rest of the evening, it did stay fairly dry but a little cool for the normal activities, but there were a few that dared to bare the cold. I don’t think they were feeling much by this time anyway.

Saturday morning…RAIN…RAIN…and more rain. The ground was nice enough to soak it up and only the dirt roads were a little muddy, and a little slick, but ride able. About 1-2 pm  the rains quit, but it had put a damper on a lot of things, no bands were playing and the crater had no activities.  Around 3-4pm the skies parted and out come the sun…. temperatures rose to the mid 60’s warm enough for t shirts…and the parade of people wearing goofy hats, beads, and special outfits begins.  After the sun went down, so did the temperature, on one side of the camping area things slowed down a bit and people were all gathered by their campfires. In the “Crater” as we all called it, the bands were playing, they had pudding wrestling, hot air balloon lighting up the sky. On the east camp…they had on hell of an ICE PARTY going, your mixed drink was poured over these big blocks of ice as you waited under it for the liquid refreshment to reach your mouth.

If you missed this event, plan to go next year…as I know of no one that has had a bad time at a DAWGS ON HAWGS Rally.

There were people from all over that showed up, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas. Missouri, just to name a few that I saw. The locals….they all welcomed our business…..they just asked that next time were out there, “bring Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, we love them and can’t get them here”.  Maybe we should do that….

A Personal note from one of our Highway Riders and his views of the rally

 “ There were a few disappointments, bands that didn't show, showers that didn't show, roads that weren't paved. None of these kept me from having a FAR better time than in Sommerville. The police were almost non-existent every time I rode.

The greatest thing about Rose Hill is the potential it has to be one of the best if not the best location and accommodations for a rally. Yes, there were some glitches but that's to be expected the first year you move an established event like this. Remember how bad the Vets rally in Breckenridge was last year? Bottom line is, it's up to Steve Rolliard that owns the rally to make DOH bigger and badder by what he does from this day on.

I hope I don't sound like I was disappointed. Quite the contrary. I had a blast!!!!!!! I hope everyone in our mixed up group (Highway Riders/Postal folk) and everyone we had chance to meet had a blast as well.

DOH is alive and well. It will continue to be a yearly rally for me to make. Next year, anyone reading this now, plan on this rally. You can't help but have a great time.

Hope to see ya there next April..........

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A beautiful East Texas weekend was the backdrop for a lovely getaway trip for four wandering Highway Riders.  A two bedroom cabin surrounded by tall pine trees at Caddo Lake State Park provided a starting and ending point for an excellent Saturday ride.  We started with "The" breakfast at Crip's Camp on the shores of Caddo Lake.  (I say "The" because they only offer one breakfast.)  From there, we headed east into Louisiana towards Plain Dealings, south to Midway, west to Benton, and back north to Plain Dealings.  Heading back, we passed thru the township of Three States (where Texas, Louisiana & Arkansas meet).  Then Atlanta, Linden, and the historic city of Jefferson.  While in Jefferson, we toured the General Store and then headed to the House of Pie for a quick snack.  After our snack, we headed back towards Uncertain and the Lake Caddo Steamboat Company to take an evening tour of beautiful Caddo Lake on their paddlewheel steamboat.  We took up positions on the bow of the boat as it prepared to depart.  As the boat slowly backed away from the dock, we seemed to pass through a time portal into a strange and unusual new world.  We watched this strange beauty unfold as the boat glided quietly over the dark murky water and past the old Cypress trees, covered in Spanish Moss.  It is truly an unusual and beautiful experience.  If you ever get the opportunity, don't miss it.

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Tarrant County Chapter 1st Officer Ed "Doughboy" Beilfuss presented awards to three members for their participation in 2004.  Johnny "Pooreboy" Schenck won for Hosting Biggest Event (New Year's party).  Michael "Ding" Dingler won for Most Participating Member, and Margaret "Pokey" Hibbard won for Most Improved Rider.  Congratulations to everyone.

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