Another Gathering…
Time to head out again, so with modest sadness at leaving my friends, we once again did the KSU thing and rode east this time, then north. We would be working our way on backroads towards Marion, VA, and the annual Hillbilly Highways Ride… As is also usual, our route would be determined primarily by whim but heavily influenced by the weather forecast.
Yep, a good chance of rain was being called for throughout the area, so some degree of caution had to be exercised… I hadn’t wanted to arrive early, and I seriously had thought we could dawdle an extra day along the way thereby extending the ride some, yet still keep our risks low… That gamble almost backfired on us!
It had been a great visit in Rickman, TN, at the lair of Big Wolf and… CB (I still struggle to call her by her actual handle!) Such incredibly nice folks, and we always enjoy our time with them. Jerry had replaced the rear tire and tackled a couple of other less pressing chores, so our girl was feeling all prim & proper and eager to go forth and strut her stuff… Her rider was a bit eager for some of that, as well…
It was a pleasant, easy ride to Pikeville, KY, and our night’s stay… leaving only a quite easy stroll down to Marion the following day. My logic had been that we should avoid any rain, but if there were some surprises, the duration of exposure would be short. Wet pavement much of the final forty miles or so, but no more than a dozen drops ever found my cheek. I always carry rain gear, but I diligently seek to avoid ever having to use it!
We arrived in Marion well ahead of check-in time, but the folks there were expecting us, and only a short wait was required for the room to finish being readied for us. Later that afternoon rain did find us, but I was safely and comfortably seated in my nap-chair under shelter casually watching it, while our girl was resting peacefully under her cover. Friends and fellow-Valkers soon began to trickle in, and the festivities quickly got underway.
The idea of group gatherings doesn’t hold great appeal for this usually solitary rider, but without fail, once I’m there I’m always delighted to hang with all the fine folks that show-up. It’s been said thousands of times, I know, but like most of you, I’ve met some of the finest folks in my entire life through my association with our girl… This time, that observation was conclusively confirmed once again.
I declined, as is typical, to ride with the group that Saturday. I enjoy riding with our gang, and they are excellent riders, but.. well… I’m just not much into that any more… Besides, the forecast was for… lots of… you know… Although we did receive some sprinkles and an odd shower now and then at ground-zero, the lion’s share of those dire predictions never materialized. There were other surprises, however, and a couple were downright fabulous!
I still have no idea how the ‘Evil Twins’ got that handle… they most certainly don’t deserve it! Yeah, I’ve heard the story, and I know the explanation, but… Those two wonderful ladies are so opposite, it would be no less appropriate to call Mother Teresa a ‘wench’ than either of those identical twins ‘evil’… And not only because they thoughtfully brought me pig-parts that morning either…
First, Teresa and Curt returned from their breakfast, and she was bearing a gift… an order of bacon just for yours truly! Soon, Lisa and Larry returned, and she was also bearing a gift… a sausage biscuit and senior coffee from Hardees. I’d already devoured the bacon, so my picture belatedly taken only included the container… How could anyone not love sweeties like that!!! Evil? All who know them certainly know better…
Breakfast!
Troutdude was also present, and he predictably carried Community Coffee with Chicory with him… and he generously shared some with others, including this appreciative consumer of that Louisiana treasure! A great event made so by the wonderful attendees, and a couple of start-me-off early-morning treats that made this worthwhile gathering even more so… There’s a better than even chance I’ll be at the next one, too…
DDT
