Stagecoach XIII, Annual Last Ride of the Year @ Stagecoach Cafe', Stockton, AL

[BF]

"Annual Last Ride of the Year" to the Stagecoach Cafe' in Stockton, Alabama.  I saw this on another (local) bike forum and thought I'd post it here. 

If the weather's nice, I might do ride this.  About a 100 mile one way ride for me.  Here's a copy/paste from the site where I found this.......





For you that are in the southern part of the USA. Here is an annual RTE that draws several hundred motorcycles and bikers. The Stagecoach Cafe is located in Stockton,Alabama about 30 miles north of Mobile. It is located about 3 miles off I-65 at exit 34.

Stagecoach Cafe
52860 State Highway 59, Stockton, AL
(251) 580-0608

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73905

The Annual Last Ride of the Year to the Stagecoach Café in Stockton, Alabama for Stagecoach XIII will be on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 around lunch time. In recent years, we have had the event on the last Saturday of the year, but because that is the day after Christmas this year, we are going back to the original RTE date, which is the day before New Year's Eve.

Y'all are invited to ride down to lower Alabama and enjoy some tire kicking, tall tales, and good southern cooking provided by the friendly staff at the Stagecoach Café. There is no fee for the event, but you will need to pay for your meal and reward the friendly wait staff for their hard work.

For you early birds, I am waiting to hear from the Café as to whether or not they will be open for breakfast or not. If not, they will be open at 10:30 am, but I am hoping they will open early for those of you that might want a late breakfast. I will let you know ASAP.

Along with the socializing, we will have four awards that will be presented to riders. The awards will be presented at 12:00 noon. You will have to SIGN IN on arrival to be eligible AND you must be present at NOON to claim it.

LONGEST DISTANCE
We want to encourage long distance motorcycle riding, so there will be an award plaque for the rider that rides the longest distance on a motorcycle to the event. This is the mileage that you have ridden on the way to the Stagecoach Café since you left home. If the mileage that you claim is gonna be sorta hard to believe, please be prepared to back it up with IBA type receipt documentation.

Note: The amazing Mr. Doug Graves has ridden to south Alabama from Washington state in the great NorthWet to claim this award (and participate in the tire kicking, tall tales, and good southern cooking) on a number of occasions, so if Doug is planning to attend this year, the rest of y'all will have your work cut out for you.

OLDEST RIDER
We want to encourage folks to keep riding motorcycles, so there will be a plaque for the oldest rider that RIDES a MOTORCYCLE to the event.

Note: Folks on trikes are most welcome to attend, but they are NOT eligible for this award.

OLDEST BIKE
We want to encourage keeping old bikes running and on the road, so there will be a plaque for the oldest bike RIDDEN to the event. There have been some great old bikes win this award in the past.

Note: riding to the event does NOT include trailering to the lot across the street, unloading, and riding in to the parking lot. Just saying...

YOUNGEST RIDER
We want to encourage new riders to learn to enjoy two wheeled adventures, so there will be a plaque for the youngest rider to RIDE to the event.

NOTE: passengers are NOT eligible to win this plaque ... because we know some of y'all are sorta competitive and we don't want to see anyone strapping a newborn baby seat on their luggage rack.


There is no website again this year, mostly because we still get 400 to 600+ folks without a website (thank you very much!), so please pass the word and let your local riding groups know about it. Folks will be arriving during the morning hours and the parking lot is usually empty by 2:00 PM. The food is good, the folks are friendly, and the weather can be sorta iffy. Some years it has been really cold, some years it has been warm, but either way we hope to see y'all there.

For those that have never joined us, here is a 2008 quote from Ray ***an, one of the founders of the event, that sums it up pretty well:

"If the weather is good (last year was the first in ten years that wasn't) there will be anywhere from 500-800 bikes crammed in the parking lot for an event that may last four hours, if that. It's a spectacle you won't soon forget. Riders come from across the street, down the road, and two states away. They ride from Canada, Maine, Mexico and even Washington State to attend. Over the years we have been host to a who's-who of the motorcycle world and hundreds of their new and old friends. You never know who will show up. There is such a wide variety of bikes in the parking lot that it stuns the senses. To attend is like being immersed for just an instant into a boiling cauldron of "motorcycle". When it's over you stagger to your own bike, look at the now empty parking lot, and wonder if it was real or some sort of dream. Several people have tried to capture the essence of the event on film or in words, but so far nobody has really nailed it."

Hope to see y'all on the 30th.

John Harrison
Birmingham
IBA#203

[Chrisj CMA]

Hey BF....we go every year.......its a fun day, you get to see riders from all over and the food is great.
We leave Crestview around 0800 and get there around 10 so theres a little tire kickin time before lunch 

[BF]

I'm working New Year's day, and I don't know for sure yet, but I should be off  on the 30th for this ride.  How many in your group?  Do you take I10 over that way from Crestview? 

[Chrisj CMA]

We will probably have 2 or 3 bikes....sometimes we meet up with some from milton, but we stay off the interstate.  We have a route through baker on Hwy 4 that is pretty enjoyable.  You are welcomed to join us.....I have a "scenic route" planned for the ride home depending on time and weather.

[BF]

If I find out I'm off later in the week, I'll pm you for details/place and time.  Hope to meet you sometime.  I'd like to see that red & white.   

[Chrisj CMA]

If I find out I'm off later in the week, I'll pm you for details/place and time.  Hope to meet you sometime.  I'd like to see that red & white.   

Ya, I know, them red and whites are sure good lookin.......yours may make THREE on the ride, wouldnt that be outstanding!!!

[X Ring]

As of right now, I'm planning on attending.  So that'll be 4 red and whites.

Marty

[Chrisj CMA]

As of right now, I'm planning on attending.  So that'll be 4 red and whites.

Marty

Awesome!!!  Hey maybe we can get RedValk and Slowroad to head on down and have a full blown red and white convention

[RedValk]

i haven't posted this....but....i tore a tendon in my right wrist about 7 weeks ago. i tore it right off the bone.....doing HEAVY lifting. i'm just now out of the cast/splint. i haven't been able to ride, lift, shoot, fish (or a million other things with my right hand....like brushing your teeth, combing your hair...wiping your.......eh.........ok, YOU GET THE POINT!).

It's SLOWLY healing. There's no blood supply to a tendon........so.......it's slow going. I did ride to work the other day..........for the first time........to see what it felt like. i made it the 25 miles in to work. It hurt like heck. After 8 hours at work, i JUST WAS able to ride the 25 miles back home.

So..........we'll have to see how much it has healed by 30 Dec. So far, after 7 weeks, it's a VERY SLOW go...........

I went into the Ortho Doc a few weeks ago, and he said AT LEAST 6 more weeks to heal.......at that time!

No lifting has KILLED me. Though, i have been lifitng with ONE HAND....my left hand...and LOTS of leg lifting! but it aint the same. For me, no lifting........is DEPRESSING. No riding is bad too...........but the lifting.......it's KILLING me. It's been very rainy and cool/cold here for weeks on end..........so the lack of riding...has been to this point....a bit more bearable.

I JUST HOPE THIS IS HEALED BY CHEAHA!!!!!!!!    

[Chrisj CMA]

i haven't posted this....but....i tore a tendon in my right wrist about 7 weeks ago. i tore it right off the bone.....doing HEAVY lifting. i'm just now out of the cast/splint. i haven't been able to ride, lift, shoot, fish (or a million other things with my right hand....like brushing your teeth, combing your hair...wiping your.......eh.........ok, YOU GET THE POINT!).

It's SLOWLY healing. There's no blood supply to a tendon........so.......it's slow going. I did ride to work the other day..........for the first time........to see what it felt like. i made it the 25 miles in to work. It hurt like heck. After 8 hours at work, i JUST WAS able to ride the 25 miles back home.

So..........we'll have to see how much it has healed by 30 Dec. So far, after 7 weeks, it's a VERY SLOW go...........

I went into the Ortho Doc a few weeks ago, and he said AT LEAST 6 more weeks to heal.......at that time!

No lifting has KILLED me. Though, i have been lifitng with ONE HAND....my left hand...and LOTS of leg lifting! but it aint the same. For me, no lifting........is DEPRESSING. No riding is bad too...........but the lifting.......it's KILLING me. It's been very rainy and cool/cold here for weeks on end..........so the lack of riding...has been to this point....a bit more bearable.

I JUST HOPE THIS IS HEALED BY CHEAHA!!!!!!!!    

Sorry to hear this Tim.  You take care of yourself......I have been battleing tendonitis for a year now, so I know how slow the process is, and mine wasnt injured like youres was.  Its HELL getting old aint it!  The bod just doesnt do what it used to do!  Im sure we will see you at Cheaha!!!

[X Ring]

As of right now, I'm planning on attending.  So that'll be 4 red and whites.

Marty

Awesome!!!  Hey maybe we can get RedValk and Slowroad to head on down and have a full blown red and white convention

Cool!! I've been wanting to meet them both.

Marty

[stormrider]

Hey BF....we go every year.......its a fun day, you get to see riders from all over and the food is great.
We leave Crestview around 0800 and get there around 10 so theres a little tire kickin time before lunch 

To be correct, I checked the pic and don't see Jeff or a red & white . The red boxes were out and about  . Don't know if I'll be back from my brothers and a hunting trip but if so, I'll get up with you. Haven't talked to Jeremy (Sparky) in awhile so will be a good chance to get up with him and see if he's still riding. Also need to get in touch with James (Radio). And we may get Bruce out as well. I'll scare off those red boxes though.

[Chrisj CMA]

Hey BF....we go every year.......its a fun day, you get to see riders from all over and the food is great.
We leave Crestview around 0800 and get there around 10 so theres a little tire kickin time before lunch 

To be correct, I checked the pic and don't see Jeff or a red & white . The red boxes were out and about  . Don't know if I'll be back from my brothers and a hunting trip but if so, I'll get up with you. Haven't talked to Jeremy (Sparky) in awhile so will be a good chance to get up with him and see if he's still riding. Also need to get in touch with James (Radio). And we may get Bruce out as well. I'll scare off those red boxes though.

Ya, youse guys lucked out that time...............it cudda been very nasty..........I made the wrong call, but you have to make your call and stand by it...........Im not the one that goes by STORMRIDER....now to be fair........I didnt see the missus there with you..........would you have been so brave?????????  Judy was ready to go if I said go, but we both thought there was too many red boxes........oh well

[X Ring]

Hey BF....we go every year.......its a fun day, you get to see riders from all over and the food is great.
We leave Crestview around 0800 and get there around 10 so theres a little tire kickin time before lunch 

To be correct, I checked the pic and don't see Jeff or a red & white . The red boxes were out and about  . Don't know if I'll be back from my brothers and a hunting trip but if so, I'll get up with you. Haven't talked to Jeremy (Sparky) in awhile so will be a good chance to get up with him and see if he's still riding. Also need to get in touch with James (Radio). And we may get Bruce out as well. I'll scare off those red boxes though.

I'll see if I can get hold of Radio in the morning.

Marty

[TearlessTom]

I had to work last year but am off this year and hope to attend. Unfortunately it is only about 15 miles straight up the road for me but I think it will be worth the trip. Maybe I can get the wife and son and other harley riders to attend too

Tom

[X Ring]

Talked with Radio a little while ago and he won't be able to make it.  He'll be in Orlando getting ready to attend MMI.

Marty

[stormrider]

Hey Jeff, we did luck up on that one. We've had lots of red boxes lately and no miles on the Valk during those episodes. We had a small one near here earlier this week. There will be plenty of dry days coming up. BTW, been thinking of a chilli ride for Jan 1. We used to do a canoe trip to the Cartecay River on New Years day. MOE's, an outfitter, put together a chilli contest and canoe trip on New Years Day. Usually snow and cold. I'm thinking about a big pot of chilli and anyone making the trip is welcome to all they can eat.

[SlowRoad]

As of right now, I'm planning on attending.  So that'll be 4 red and whites.

Marty

Awesome!!!  Hey maybe we can get RedValk and Slowroad to head on down and have a full blown red and white convention

Wish I could add one more the the mix, but I will be working. Several of my PRG buddies are going to be coming down for it and they also invited me to ride. I am really glad I have a job again, but it sure cuts into my riding time!!

[Chrisj CMA]

Bringing this to the top for a final report.  Weather forcast seems to be improving a little each day.  Rain is supposedly on the way and it looks like it may hold off until tomorrow afternoon.  So for now, the ride is on.  But, check the weather in the morning, because if its wet we wont be going...its too cold to ride 200 miles in the rain.  We will meet at the tractor supply parking lot which is 3 or 4 blocks west on hwy 90 from the intersection of hwy 90 and hwy 85N.  So if you are coming from the south, hang a left on hwy 90 in Crestview and go 3 blocks or so and its on your right...cant miss it. 
My cell # is (850) 865-5378.  Anyone anywhere in or near the panhandle that wants to meet up, just call we can meet in Crestview, Milton (hwy 87) or somewhere north like in Centry (hwy 29) or just meet there at the stagecoach.  Ride safe, see you if we see you. 

[BF]

What time?

[Chrisj CMA]

What time?

Oh, that would help wouldnt it.....LOL   0800 we will leave shortly after that

[RedValk]

calling for rain and sleet here tomorrow....miserable weather! this is one of the coldest and wettest Decembers i can remember. NONE of my bikes, have been out of the garage the month of December! that's unheard of down here. but's it's either been raining...or quite cold...EVERY day! Calling for the rain to move in here tomorrow...then clear out Thursday...and turn colder again ALL next week!

this might turn out to be a record for me. I think THE LONGEST...any of my bikes have ever sat in the garage without a ride is right at about a month. Looks like they'll remain so until well into January!

It's almost like living up north....ok...NOT QUITE! But i don't see how those guys up North can stand this!!!!!!!!!!  

[BF]

Just checked Intellicast radar on the internet....it looks to be moving this way fairly fast.....although channel 3 says maybe it'll hold off untill the afternoon.  Don't know...we'll see. 

I'd love to go on this, but I'm no fan of riding in the rain either.  Cold I can handle (well, up to a point), but rain, my Valk and I don't get along too well.  I've never gotten around to buying rain gear either....but even if I did, I still wouldn't want to ride in the rain.  The last time I did that it was on my xs650 Yamaha back in the '70's and I didn't like it then either.

I'll check the radar in the morning and make a judgement then.  Hope it holds off though, I'd really like to ride this.   

[Chrisj CMA]

Well, the radar looks iffy but the weather dudes still say late rain so were going.  If it rains its going to be light, probably too light to worry about rain gear if were moving (if you have a shield) so what the hey its worth it for this ride.  See ya if we see ya.