Two-wheeled Saturdays.

"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move." - Robert Louis Stevenson


Saturday morning - Temperature: Mid 70's - wife just back from a trip up to Seattle with her family. Our youngest son headed off to work at 9:00 AM. There was nothing for it but to load up on Silver and head out to.....wherever.


First the fueling of the bodies. Chocolate chip muffins and milk for her, some muffins and a couple cups of java for myself. Belly tanks filled, we headed down to the garage to begin the comforting habitual rituals necessary before setting out on a day ride.


The conversation was free and easy as my Bride shared more details of her recent trip to the extreme North West. It sounds as though the topography and scenery is much different than that of our beloved state of Alabama. However according to her it would be excellent riding country. Mountainous with giant Conifers....it does sound like a rider's paradise. Maybe hop a flight up to Seattle to see her family and throw in a day or two on a rented motorcycle should be in our future plans?


I backed the Goldwing out of the garage and parked it in the drive as we donned our riding jackets and helmets. Originally my plan was to abandon the jacket, but Tammy said she was wearing hers because of the chill in the air. The days have been so hot this summer that I had grown accustomed to riding without my jacket. My Co-pilot's suggestion changed my mind and as usual her suggestion was right on the money. The jackets felt just right with the low to mid 70 degree temps we rode in throughout the day.


Firing up the motorcycle and holding the bike for Tammy to mount, I was finally asked the question, "Where are we riding to today?". This was a good question since we were about to pull out on to the street. "Ummmm....how about South?" was my reply. As a testament to my Better Half's patience with me, that was a good enough answer.

As I said before the temperature was perfect. Just enough cool in the air to keep us feeling invigorated. We navigated our way to some back roads and rode out to Montevallo, Alabama. From there we worked our way ever further to the south. At first we were familiar with the roads, then "vaguely familiar". Once we reached the "I've never seen this road before in my life" stage I knew we had finally entered that special state that so many of us two wheeled riders long to achieve. This state is when you truly don't know what is over the next hill or around that next bend. The ride becomes the thing...... You become acutely aware of the feel of the wind whipping your clothes, the smells and temperature variations. The sun and shadows take on a special quality as you see vistas you've never seen before. You are part of the countryside you are passing through. There is no history or memories to root you to the area you travel at that moment so somehow you become part of the scenery. Much like the birds you see, you're just "passing through".

It was past 11:30 AM and we were both starting to think about lunch. We found ourselves riding through the Talladega National Forest, some beautiful forested country. Tammy spoke up and asked where I figured we would eat lunch. We had just passed a road sign telling us that the city of Greensboro was 38 miles ahead. I replied that I had plans of feeding her in the big city of Greensboro, adding "They've got the best chicken in these parts." (originally I was going to say "best Bar-B-Q" but realized that we had eaten Bar-B-Q for dinner the night before so I made a quick edit to chicken). Tammy is no body's fool, and having been married to me for quite some time and knowing my ways, she replied, "You've never even been here before! You don't know that!" It was time to fish or cut bait......"You'll see" was my reply. We finally pulled into the dinky town of Greensboro, and what do you think we read painted on a big 'ol sign next to the road? "Welcome to Greensboro, chicken capital of the South!". We both had to laugh at that. Of course I refused to admit I didn't know the first thing about the town.

We filled the Wing's gas tank at a gas station there in town and I asked a local where we might get some good grub. He laughed and gave me the name and directions to a place we might try. I thanked him and we headed out to find this good local eating establishment. As we pulled in it became abundantly clear that this wasn't really an "restaurant". It was just a few tables in a run down gas station. Frankly I am inexplicably drawn to hole-in-the-wall places like that, but I knew Tammy would only be humoring me by going in there. I stopped the bike and made a suggestion, "How 'bout we head up towards Tuscaloosa and see what we can find over there?" My riding partner seemed to like that idea.

We made our way over to State 69 and pointed Silver direct North. This road was an absolute pleasure. Open and smooth, I was able to open up the throttle and let the Wing clear it's throat a bit. Admittedly I might have got a little carried away. We had found ourselves stuck behind a log truck. It wasn't my fault.....really it wasn't. We NEEDED to get past the truck. There was a break in the on-coming traffic and I simply pulled around the truck and accelerated. As we pulled back into our lane I heard a throat clear, "Um, was that completely necessary?" I was confused, "What...you wanted to ride behind that log wagon?" It was her 'patient with her husband' voice, "Well no. But it didn't require us to go 100 miles per hour to pass that truck." I laughed and laughed....that girl doesn't miss much. Evidently she can see the speedo from back there!

We hit some sprinkles on the way.....stopped at a good restaurant by the name of "Willie T's" just outside of Tuscaloosa....then headed on home by way of Interstate 59.

Arriving home, Tammy headed out to do some shopping and I gave Silver a much needed bath.

It was a good day....a great 170 mile ride....with a great Gal. I could not have asked for more. God has blessed.

Hope you all have had an excellent weekend yourselves. Thanks for letting me share my Saturday ride with you.