Left home at 10:00 on Thursday Morning. It was a beautiful, bright, clear, not a cloud in the sky, AND HOT!!!! Took Indian River road to 64 towards Suffolk. Picked up 10 to Surry and caught the Jamestown ferry. We followed the Colonial Parkway to route 60 and the hotel, but not before stopping at the Jamestown visitor center for a drink and a rest break.
Got checked into the hotel and then headed two blocks to the host hotel and got checked in and received our welcome packet. Visited the vendors and checked out all of the goodies that we can't afford. After riding around and checking out the area we ate a late lunch/early dinner at Cracker Barrel. We hit the pool at the hotel and went through our packet to decide what we wanted to do while at the event.
Ok, first thing on the agenda is the opening ceremonies at New Town. We headed in the general direction of New Town, fortunately we found a group who were headed there and we followed them. I never would have found the place on my own. After the ceremonies there was a poker walk where you visited the participating vendors and collected tickets. Winning numbers will be posted at the host hotel Saturday or Sunday (check, didn't win anything).
Grabbed breakfast at the hotel and when we were ready we gassed up for the day and Debbie grabbed a cup of Joe from 7-11. Since things were not really open yet we relaxed at the hotel and planned what we wanted to do for the day. First up, Police motorcycle demo. The Norfolk and Portsmouth motorcycle police departments put on a pretty good demonstration of riding skill. After the demo we checked out the vendors again and spent some money.
Next up...lunch. We went back to the Colonial Parkway and headed to Yorktown. A few miles south on route 17 and we were at Hampton Roads HD. They were having a free cookout for rally participants. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and baked beans. Good biker lunch and since it was free it was even better.
We headed back to our hotel by the same route, made a quick stop at Arby's for a root beer float. We took a short break at our hotel and then headed back to the host hotel for two hours of biker bingo. When you call it biker bingo it implies that you will be doing some wild and crazy biker stuff. Well, biker bingo is bingo played by bikers. That's it, just regular bingo. It has become a tradition for Debbie and I, we play it every year.
While we were playing bingo, the sky opened up and a major thunderstorm rolled through. Well not so much rolled through as strolled through. It was a huge storm and it hung around for the rest of the afternoon and all night. We wanted to get some dinner at a place called Sal's and then head to the lighted bike show. Well, because of the rain our plans changed. We found out that Sal's delivers so we ordered our food and ate in the room. We never made it to the lighted bike show.
The next morning was cool and cloudy but things were drying up. There were two events scheduled for the day. One was the parade of flags and the other was the closing ceremonies. We decided we didn't want to do the parade and we never do the closing ceremonies so it was time to pack-up and head home. We left the hotel and headed down the Colonial Parkway back to Jamestown and the ferry. Back down route 10 to Smithfield where we picked up route 32 to 17 and headed south on 17 to Portsmouth. We stopped at Bayside HD and looked around a little bit and they were celebrating an anniversary and of course they had food. Hotdogs for lunch and then we headed home.
As usual the state HOG rally is always a good time. Looking forward to next year in Roanoke, hope to see you there.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Update
For those of you who may still be checking this site, I'm sorry for not posting sooner. Anyway, I have been riding to work as much as possible, but there is not much to report just riding around the block.
However, There have been three rides that have had some purpose.
April 12 - 15 there was Barry's Bike Rally in Grandy NC. The weather was pretty bad on the day I decided to check this out so of course I was on my own (no wife). I left and headed out North Landing road to Centerville and headed south on Centerville to 168. A left turn and it was a straight shot south on 168 through Moyock to Grandy. Of course 168 becomes 158 but its the same road so who care. I have attended this rally before and this years event was basically the same as every other year. It is a small event with a few vendors. However, If you are into partying then you need to attend this rally. The days are pretty lazy, but in the evening things come to life. During the day people come and go but at night the bar is full and everyone seems to be having a good time. Barry's is a bar/restaurant with a small hotel attached, call early if you want to try and get a room. So, in summary, The food is good and the beer is cold, what more could you want.
April 21 - 29 was the Outer Banks Bike Week in Harbinger NC. I have been to this event every year since it's beginning and it is a really great event. However, due to family commitments we could not attend the first weekend so we were forced to go the last weekend of the event. The weather was terrible. The wife was a real trouper and we bundled up and left and headed South on 168. She didn't complain, but I could tell she was cold and miserable, just one of those hunches a husband gets after 35 years of marriage. Anyway, by the time we got to where 168 merges with 158 I relented and we turned up 158 to Elizabeth City and we ate lunch at the Circle II and then headed home. When we finally got home we were both so cold we jumped in the hot tub just to get warm.
That brings us to today, May 19th, the Elizabeth City potato festival.
We have been to this event before and while it sound like a pretty corny event it is really a very well organized happening with plenty of good food and lot's to do for kids of all ages. I would recommend this event to everyone whether on a motorcycle or not. We headed south towards Moyock and turned on to Balyhack road which come out on 17. We took route 17 south to Elizabeth City and took the Halstead exit. After a very enjoyable three hours of walking around and seeing all of the sites, we headed out 158 east to 34 to 168 and headed home. This is an excellent event for the whole family.
Well, now we are all caught up. The next big happening is the Virginia state HOG rally being held in Williamsburg in June. Hope to see you there.
Keep the rubber side down and ride safe.
However, There have been three rides that have had some purpose.
April 12 - 15 there was Barry's Bike Rally in Grandy NC. The weather was pretty bad on the day I decided to check this out so of course I was on my own (no wife). I left and headed out North Landing road to Centerville and headed south on Centerville to 168. A left turn and it was a straight shot south on 168 through Moyock to Grandy. Of course 168 becomes 158 but its the same road so who care. I have attended this rally before and this years event was basically the same as every other year. It is a small event with a few vendors. However, If you are into partying then you need to attend this rally. The days are pretty lazy, but in the evening things come to life. During the day people come and go but at night the bar is full and everyone seems to be having a good time. Barry's is a bar/restaurant with a small hotel attached, call early if you want to try and get a room. So, in summary, The food is good and the beer is cold, what more could you want.
April 21 - 29 was the Outer Banks Bike Week in Harbinger NC. I have been to this event every year since it's beginning and it is a really great event. However, due to family commitments we could not attend the first weekend so we were forced to go the last weekend of the event. The weather was terrible. The wife was a real trouper and we bundled up and left and headed South on 168. She didn't complain, but I could tell she was cold and miserable, just one of those hunches a husband gets after 35 years of marriage. Anyway, by the time we got to where 168 merges with 158 I relented and we turned up 158 to Elizabeth City and we ate lunch at the Circle II and then headed home. When we finally got home we were both so cold we jumped in the hot tub just to get warm.
That brings us to today, May 19th, the Elizabeth City potato festival.
We have been to this event before and while it sound like a pretty corny event it is really a very well organized happening with plenty of good food and lot's to do for kids of all ages. I would recommend this event to everyone whether on a motorcycle or not. We headed south towards Moyock and turned on to Balyhack road which come out on 17. We took route 17 south to Elizabeth City and took the Halstead exit. After a very enjoyable three hours of walking around and seeing all of the sites, we headed out 158 east to 34 to 168 and headed home. This is an excellent event for the whole family.
Well, now we are all caught up. The next big happening is the Virginia state HOG rally being held in Williamsburg in June. Hope to see you there.
Keep the rubber side down and ride safe.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Here we go again
Well, it is now March and the weather is pretty nice. I just got back from a ride to Bayside HD. I took back roads up and back. All local riding but I managed to log 75 miles. It was a little brisk on the bike, but all-in-all a pretty nice day.
It has been a pretty mild winter and like most bikers I got in some nice local rides whenever I could. With the weather being so nice it won't be long now until things get going full blast. Check out the events page for a listing of upcoming events in Virginia and North Carolina along with some of the major events across the country. I'll try to keep the events updated. There doesn't seem to be any information on the Virginia Beach Bike Classic for this year. It's usually in April, but I can't find anything. If you hear anything e-mail me at www.dandpent.biz and let me know.
Keep the rubber side down.
It has been a pretty mild winter and like most bikers I got in some nice local rides whenever I could. With the weather being so nice it won't be long now until things get going full blast. Check out the events page for a listing of upcoming events in Virginia and North Carolina along with some of the major events across the country. I'll try to keep the events updated. There doesn't seem to be any information on the Virginia Beach Bike Classic for this year. It's usually in April, but I can't find anything. If you hear anything e-mail me at www.dandpent.biz and let me know.
Keep the rubber side down.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
End of season?
Well, unless you live in Florida, Texas, Georgia, or some other warmer climate, the event season is just about over. But that doesn't mean the riding season is over.
As I am writing this it is a sunny 62 degrees outside and I can hear the bikes running up and down the road having a blast. I would be out myself, but the Road King is in the shop (took it up yesterday) finishing the performance upgrades I started at the beginning of summer. I should have it back in a day or two and should be riding to work again in no time.
I am planning a ride that I am calling a dealer ride. I plan to ride to all of the Harley dealerships not just locally but also in Petersburg, Emporia, Outer Banks and maybe a couple more. I'm also looking at planning a Ghost ride. This might be several rides, but there are a lot of supposedly haunted houses in Virginia (I'm not sure I believe in that sort of thing), but it might make a nice ride to check them out.
Those two rides along with all of the toy runs and poker runs in the area should keep me busy for several more months.
I'll keep you posted. Keep the rubber side down and stay warm and dry.
As I am writing this it is a sunny 62 degrees outside and I can hear the bikes running up and down the road having a blast. I would be out myself, but the Road King is in the shop (took it up yesterday) finishing the performance upgrades I started at the beginning of summer. I should have it back in a day or two and should be riding to work again in no time.
I am planning a ride that I am calling a dealer ride. I plan to ride to all of the Harley dealerships not just locally but also in Petersburg, Emporia, Outer Banks and maybe a couple more. I'm also looking at planning a Ghost ride. This might be several rides, but there are a lot of supposedly haunted houses in Virginia (I'm not sure I believe in that sort of thing), but it might make a nice ride to check them out.
Those two rides along with all of the toy runs and poker runs in the area should keep me busy for several more months.
I'll keep you posted. Keep the rubber side down and stay warm and dry.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Belhaven North Carolina
It was 10:30 and 77 degrees when we left home under a clear blue sky for Belhaven North Carolina. Belhaven is located on the north shore of Pungo river. One can go, by water, eight miles southeast to Pamlico Sound. From there the outer banks of North Carolina lay fifteen miles east. We have been here before with friends and it is a nice ride and a great destination.
There two eating establishments in town that I am aware of. One is a fast food burger and fries kind of place, and the other is a sit down restaurant in an huge house. I have eaten in both and they are both really good.
We left home and headed out Mount Pleasant to Centerville, we turned left on centerville and followed it to Battlefield Blvd. We turned left and headed south on Battlefield blvd to Balahack road. Once on Balahack take the first left on to Backwoods Road. Then we took a right on to SouthMills/Old Swamp Road and followed that to Bunker Hill Where we took another right. Bunker Hill dead ends at 343, take a right and keep going bear left at fork in the road. Road dead ends at 17 at South Mills Market. We then took 17 to Winton. Now, my plan was to stay on 17 to Washington NC and then on to Belhaven, however, when we stopped in Winton for gas I was told to find a shortcut pronto. After checking the map we took 308 to 45/99 to Belhaven.
As I said earlier, we have been to Belhaven before but we were not prepared for what we saw when we got there. Work was in progress to clean up after hurricane Irene. Trees were down and although the water had receded, flooding was evident. Both of our eating establishments were closed.
After a run down main street we decided to head home. I was told to not get creative so we headed north on 45 all the way to 17. We then took 17 to Elizabeth City. We stopped in Edenton and ate lunch at a chicken place. We continued North on 17 to Elizabeth City and we picked up 158 and took that to 34 and 34 to 168. Once on 168 we headed North to Moyock and then home.
275 miles round trip. Good day even if I did get yelled at for going the long way.
There two eating establishments in town that I am aware of. One is a fast food burger and fries kind of place, and the other is a sit down restaurant in an huge house. I have eaten in both and they are both really good.
We left home and headed out Mount Pleasant to Centerville, we turned left on centerville and followed it to Battlefield Blvd. We turned left and headed south on Battlefield blvd to Balahack road. Once on Balahack take the first left on to Backwoods Road. Then we took a right on to SouthMills/Old Swamp Road and followed that to Bunker Hill Where we took another right. Bunker Hill dead ends at 343, take a right and keep going bear left at fork in the road. Road dead ends at 17 at South Mills Market. We then took 17 to Winton. Now, my plan was to stay on 17 to Washington NC and then on to Belhaven, however, when we stopped in Winton for gas I was told to find a shortcut pronto. After checking the map we took 308 to 45/99 to Belhaven.
As I said earlier, we have been to Belhaven before but we were not prepared for what we saw when we got there. Work was in progress to clean up after hurricane Irene. Trees were down and although the water had receded, flooding was evident. Both of our eating establishments were closed.
After a run down main street we decided to head home. I was told to not get creative so we headed north on 45 all the way to 17. We then took 17 to Elizabeth City. We stopped in Edenton and ate lunch at a chicken place. We continued North on 17 to Elizabeth City and we picked up 158 and took that to 34 and 34 to 168. Once on 168 we headed North to Moyock and then home.
275 miles round trip. Good day even if I did get yelled at for going the long way.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Mel's Diner Dinner Ride
Sometimes everything comes together and what starts out as a short local ride becomes a ride you want to last forever.
That's what happened to my wife Debbie and I on Wednesday night.
I got home from work around 5:45 and Debbie informed me that she wanted to go on a motorcycle ride for dinner. So after having one of those where do you want to go? I don't know where do you want to go? I don't know where do you want to go conversations, I changed clothes and we decided to just jump on the bike and see where we ended up.
What a perfect night.
When we left the house the temperature was around 85 degrees, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We headed west out North Landing road to Centerville, down Centerville on our way to Moyock. When we were almost to Moyock I turned to my wife and hollered how about Mel's Diner for dinner? There was an immediate reply of "sounds good". Now that we had a destination we both sat back to enjoy the ride.
Because it was the middle of the week and it was now after 6:00 there was no traffic to speak of. We had the open road on a crystal clear night. We road south on 168 and then 158 to Grandy NC. We arrived at Mel's around 7:00 pm.
For those who may not know, Mel's is a diner with atmosphere. It's decorated in a 50's theme with Elvis pictures and advertisements for cars, appliances, and movies from the 50's. There is music from the 50's and 60's playing continuously and all-in-all it is just a cool place. Mel's gets pretty crowded over the weekends in the summer with all of the folks heading to and from the Outer Banks, but since we were there in the middle of the week it was pretty empty. Burgers, fries, and milk shakes are what Mel's does best and they didn't let us down. Good food, good service.
It was still light out when we left but it was getting late and the sun was starting to set. Debbie pulled a sweatshirt out of her saddle bag but I didn't have one and besides, it was still around 80 degrees. It was around 7:45 when we headed home. A nice easy ride north. As we got closer to Moyock the sunset on our left was awesome. Once again, I didn't want this ride to end.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end at around 9:00 we pulled into the garage. 105 miles round trip, not the longest ride we have ever taken but one that will be remembered for some time.
Note to self 1: Put the camera in the saddle bags and leave it there
Note to self 2: Wrap the camera in a sweatshirt and leave them both in the saddle bags.
That's what happened to my wife Debbie and I on Wednesday night.
I got home from work around 5:45 and Debbie informed me that she wanted to go on a motorcycle ride for dinner. So after having one of those where do you want to go? I don't know where do you want to go? I don't know where do you want to go conversations, I changed clothes and we decided to just jump on the bike and see where we ended up.
What a perfect night.
When we left the house the temperature was around 85 degrees, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We headed west out North Landing road to Centerville, down Centerville on our way to Moyock. When we were almost to Moyock I turned to my wife and hollered how about Mel's Diner for dinner? There was an immediate reply of "sounds good". Now that we had a destination we both sat back to enjoy the ride.
Because it was the middle of the week and it was now after 6:00 there was no traffic to speak of. We had the open road on a crystal clear night. We road south on 168 and then 158 to Grandy NC. We arrived at Mel's around 7:00 pm.
For those who may not know, Mel's is a diner with atmosphere. It's decorated in a 50's theme with Elvis pictures and advertisements for cars, appliances, and movies from the 50's. There is music from the 50's and 60's playing continuously and all-in-all it is just a cool place. Mel's gets pretty crowded over the weekends in the summer with all of the folks heading to and from the Outer Banks, but since we were there in the middle of the week it was pretty empty. Burgers, fries, and milk shakes are what Mel's does best and they didn't let us down. Good food, good service.
It was still light out when we left but it was getting late and the sun was starting to set. Debbie pulled a sweatshirt out of her saddle bag but I didn't have one and besides, it was still around 80 degrees. It was around 7:45 when we headed home. A nice easy ride north. As we got closer to Moyock the sunset on our left was awesome. Once again, I didn't want this ride to end.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end at around 9:00 we pulled into the garage. 105 miles round trip, not the longest ride we have ever taken but one that will be remembered for some time.
Note to self 1: Put the camera in the saddle bags and leave it there
Note to self 2: Wrap the camera in a sweatshirt and leave them both in the saddle bags.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hagerstown Bike Week and a Birthday Party
Our son lives in Hagerstown Maryland with his wife and two children Alyssa and Sydney. The plan was for my wife and I and our daughter, her husband and their daughter Casey to travel to Hagerstown Maryland for Sydney’s first birthday party. Checking the dates for this trip I noticed that Hagerstown bike week would be going on at the same time. Seeing this as an opportunity, I called my son who rides a Harley and had him start checking out the event. I called my son-in-law who also rides a Harley and we started making plans to head north to checkout Hagerstown’s first ever bike week, and to celebrate Sydney’s 1st birthday. Turned out our son-in-law couldn’t make the trip due to work commitments. So mother, daughter, and grand daughter packed up our daughter’s jeep and I jumped on the bike and we all headed to Hagerstown.
We left VB at 7:00 am. It was a beautiful day, cool, dry and not a cloud in the sky. The traffic was light on 64 and on 95. Just north of Fredericksburg we picked up route 17. This is where the fun begins. This is where you can slowdown and begin to enjoy the ride without having to worry too much about traffic. We stayed on 17 all the way to Winchester where we picked up 81 to Hagerstown. We arrived in Hagerstown at our son’s house at about 1:00 pm.
My son and I rode to the bike week event and looked around. The event was held at Cancun Cantina on Dual Highway. They were still setting up but things looked promising. We went the long way home where we parked the bikes and we all went to the mall for dinner and I was in the hotel and sound asleep early. All in all a good day. We stayed at a Super 8 motel which is not a four start hotel but not to bad.
Got up and got moving on Friday morning. Our son had a pretty full day planned. First, we rode to Cunningham Falls State Park
and hiked ½ mile to the waterfall. We Checked out the lake and the facilities. This is a beautiful park with camping if your into that sort of thing. There are plenty of other things to do like hiking, canoeing, and swimming.
We left the park and went back to bike week.
This was more like it. For the first year this was a well attended event with plenty of vendors and things to do. They had all of the traditional events, tattoo show, bike show, bikini contest and plenty of food and music along with several rides to local attractions. We ate lunch at the event and got back on the road.
We then rode to Antietam battlefield and checked out the visitor center and walked around some of the displays. We left there and headed over to Williamsport HD. This is a full service Harley dealership but it is located in a corporate center. It’s small, but it is loaded with everything you could ever need.
We headed home and had a good home cooked dinner and visited with family.
Saturday was the birthday party. Plenty of people and plenty of kids, and plenty of food. Sydney made out like a bandit. She got a ton of toys and clothes. Good job to Glorianne and her mom Brenda.
Sunday morning I left Hagerstown at 6:15 and headed south on 81 to Winchester Va. Gassed up and headed south on 17 towards Fredericksburg and 95. Traffic on 95 was heavy but steady, but when I hit 64 things got a little hectic. I got off in Ocean view and enjoyed the rest of the ride home. I was home at 12:15. Once again the weather couldn’t have been better.
This was a fantastic weekend. 668 miles total. Great weather, I visited with family and friends, and I got to ride with my son.
Life is good.
ride safe.
We left VB at 7:00 am. It was a beautiful day, cool, dry and not a cloud in the sky. The traffic was light on 64 and on 95. Just north of Fredericksburg we picked up route 17. This is where the fun begins. This is where you can slowdown and begin to enjoy the ride without having to worry too much about traffic. We stayed on 17 all the way to Winchester where we picked up 81 to Hagerstown. We arrived in Hagerstown at our son’s house at about 1:00 pm.
My son and I rode to the bike week event and looked around. The event was held at Cancun Cantina on Dual Highway. They were still setting up but things looked promising. We went the long way home where we parked the bikes and we all went to the mall for dinner and I was in the hotel and sound asleep early. All in all a good day. We stayed at a Super 8 motel which is not a four start hotel but not to bad.
Got up and got moving on Friday morning. Our son had a pretty full day planned. First, we rode to Cunningham Falls State Park
and hiked ½ mile to the waterfall. We Checked out the lake and the facilities. This is a beautiful park with camping if your into that sort of thing. There are plenty of other things to do like hiking, canoeing, and swimming.
We left the park and went back to bike week.
This was more like it. For the first year this was a well attended event with plenty of vendors and things to do. They had all of the traditional events, tattoo show, bike show, bikini contest and plenty of food and music along with several rides to local attractions. We ate lunch at the event and got back on the road.We then rode to Antietam battlefield and checked out the visitor center and walked around some of the displays. We left there and headed over to Williamsport HD. This is a full service Harley dealership but it is located in a corporate center. It’s small, but it is loaded with everything you could ever need.
We headed home and had a good home cooked dinner and visited with family.
Saturday was the birthday party. Plenty of people and plenty of kids, and plenty of food. Sydney made out like a bandit. She got a ton of toys and clothes. Good job to Glorianne and her mom Brenda.
Sunday morning I left Hagerstown at 6:15 and headed south on 81 to Winchester Va. Gassed up and headed south on 17 towards Fredericksburg and 95. Traffic on 95 was heavy but steady, but when I hit 64 things got a little hectic. I got off in Ocean view and enjoyed the rest of the ride home. I was home at 12:15. Once again the weather couldn’t have been better.
This was a fantastic weekend. 668 miles total. Great weather, I visited with family and friends, and I got to ride with my son.
Life is good.
ride safe.
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