I pulled in this afternoon around 5pm. Most days after leaving the farm had chilly mornings as today so I was leaving a little later than I would have liked.
The first day (Mon) I left the hotel, stopped by to see Dave but couldn't find him and he didn't answer the phone so off I went.
Bike was running great after Knothead replaced my exhaust gaskets and tightened them down.
Since I HATE going thru Memphis, the past two years I've been dropping down further south and crossing into Mississippi down in Helena. Well that's in my 300 mile/day range so I was looking for hotels -- opted to stay at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel just over the bridge into Mississippi where I lost a record amount of money gambling (for me) Yes, I lost $15.
Yeah, not much of a gambler! And to top it off the Hotel room was $41 plus tax!
Second day was going to be a shorter day (or so I planned) but a missing road sign and I'm on the wrong road, finally corrected that and stayed again in Hamilton AL (as I did on the way out) There's a nice Days Inn there that has a hot tun in the room!
Went across the street (with k-9) and did take out from Dinelli's Italian -- stingiest order of manicotti I have ever gotten -- 1 1/2 manicotti -- Most places I order from I get 3 at least. Lots of garlic bread though and I had ordered an evtra order of garlic bread since I rarely have enough. Never ordering there again.
After several soaks in the Hot tub including one in the morning before pulling up stakes I was on the road again.
Back to Athens GA which was my first stop on the way out -- 2 blocks from the Longhorn steakhouse -- Dave knows where I went to diner.
Got up this morning and packed up and blasted down the road the 300plus back to SC -- pulled in threw the luggage in the house, turned on the AC and went out to see my crew, get diner and I stopped by Suck Bang blow since its bike week.
My only regret is not coming to the farm years sooner, it is so worth the 2600 miles -- classic if I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand!
Now it's time for
New Rear Tire (already here)
New rear wheel bearings
Change the fluids (oil, primary transmission and of course blinker)
Re-tighten the exhaust nuts now that they've settled and heat cycled. -- Thanks again Knothead.
Unlike last year, this year my bike did not get washed --- Guess Eric realized that you really can't teach an old dog new tricks since last years washing did not set me on the clean and polished path.
Rosalie -- thanks again for staying back one day from the riding and making us those cookies!
I'll be at as many of these gatherings at the farm as possible as long I am able! -- Although if my body gets any more beat up, I may have to add another day or two each way! -- Maybe another week and take the LONG way. I want to work on the 250K patch!
