July 2008 Meeting and Barbers/Dreams Ride

When we crossed the median into RCPS around 7:30, the majority of those going were already there.

 

“Hey, David!”, I yelled as I placed the helmet over the speedo and tried to shake out the helmet hair. “I‘ll trade with ya!”

 

David was over talking with Glenn and the others gathered around, “What’s that?” he asked.

 

“I’ll take that curlin iron if you’ll take this”, I said as I lifted the trunk open revealing a six pack cooler stuffed inside.

 

I’d been giving Karen a hard time all morning

over bringing that six pack cooler and she whipped her head around giving me that “just try me” look. It was Pam’s curling iron I was referring to in the trade offer and she cut me a glance as well and said, “If you don’t watch out you’re gonna be in the doghouse.”

 

“Hell, I stay in there so much I had it carpeted!”  I threw back.

 

A couple more rolled in while we sat around talking and  by ten till, Juan says, “Hey Wendell, you ‘bout ready to head out?”

 

We cranked up and just before pulling out, Tom and Drew rolled in just in time to drop in line.

By - Wendell Rogers - Aka: Rocketcitymadman, Photography by Pam Bodie and Wendell Rogers

West bound out of Madison!

Perfect timing!

Click on any of the pictures to see more pictures from that day.

Back

In a matter of minutes we were  heading down I65. The traffic was a little heavier than I was expecting at this time of morning, but the temps were nice and comfortable, the sky, a pretty shade of blue and it was shaping up to be a wonderful trip down to Victory Warehouse.

 

We were  getting close to the last Cullman exit when Karen tapped my arm letting me know she was ready to take a break. I hit the turn signal, merged over and onto the exit ramp. We pulled in at the first gas station on the right and parked. The smokers lit up while others stood around and still others hit the store. We hadn’t been there 5 minutes and a little cloud that at first looked harmless,

opened up. For a few seconds, there was a mad scramble while we pulled the bikes under the pump canopy. We ended up sitting there probably a good thirty minutes before it passed and we were able to continue.

 

Traffic and the road construction through B-ham was the typical bitch. That and the 30 minute delay for the rain shower made us late. We were supposed to be there by 10:00 but pulled in to Victory Warehouse around 10:15. When we got there Vagous, Tigger, Dodat, Jethro and Getsmart were  out the door to greet us. With the handshakes and hugs out of the way the group headed inside to check out the place. I went back out to the bike to get the camera and while I was out there  I heard a rumble coming up from the side of the building. I looked around in time to see Bruce and Rhonda rounding the corner.

 

While Joel and I were getting things prepared for the meeting the rest of the group was looking through the toys and clothing.  Although somewhat late we started the meeting was done in less than probably thirty minutes.

 

As we’re getting ready to head to 29 Dreams you could see that the dark cloud in the direction we were to head, was dumping

At least he got a belt!

Eye Candy!

Hidden Treasures!

rain not too far from us. Karen put her rain suit on but I opted not to. Some of the group didn’t have one and we were hoping we could get to 29 Dreams before running into the rain. We made a quick stop for gas at the end of the access road and then hit AL52. We hadn’t gone more than a couple miles down AL11 before the rain hit. By the time we found a place to pull off where we could find cover we were drenched, except for those that had one and was smart enough to put on their rains suits. I was already soaked so I grabbed my suit out of the saddle bag and was heading to where Paris was to let here use it. By the time I got to her Jason had already brought out a

jacket  for her to wear. I gave her my suit pants and  put on the jacket. We sat there for a few minutes until it let up some before heading out again. The rain continued steady for the next few miles, then became a slow drizzle and eventually quit totally. By the time we pulled into 29 Dreams my pants were already showing signs of a drying process.

 

The group headed over to the bar and grill for  some excellent grub and that cheeseburger I had really hit the spot. With lunch out of the way we all migrated up by the gift shop to sit around the porch and talk while the others did some more shopping. At one point David and I walked down where the cabins were.

Anybody got a dry shirt?

Ready for a nap!

This was my first time at 29 Dreams and he was giving me the nickel tour. I must say I was really impressed with the place. The whole place had a rustic feel to it but you could tell it was well maintained and the owners really had the motorcyclists needs in mind. Now that I’ve seen it first hand I’m looking forward to Chick and I coming back for a stay. I liked the fact there was a mechanic on duty to help with needed repairs. I hear there is usually a large crowd on the weekends and a band for entertainment on occasion. It wasn’t real crowded while we were there but I guess that could be attributed to the weather and track days at Barbers. I’m sure most would agree that we could have

Barbers Museum!

stayed there the rest of the day and we’d have considered the day a success. I know I was about ready to find a patch of grass and take a nap after that delicious lunch, but there were plans to be carried out.

 

We left somewhere between 2:00 and 2:30, dropping a couple in the process. Tigger opted to head on home, as well as Getsmart. The ride down the mountain was over way too soon as we were easing through Leeds in no time. A couple of turns here and there and we were on the access road to Barbers.

 

We spent the  better part of a couple of hours touring the museum and watching track days

You and that camera!

Heart of Dixie Victory Riders & Friends at Victory Warehouse in Pelham, AL

Back L-R—Joel, Tom, Jason, Jeff Kevin, Bruce

Middle L-R—Wendell, Karen, Ginger, Mike, Jamie, Pam, Juan, Paris, Rhonda

Front L-R—Jeff, Glenn, David, Drew

The view of the track was awesome!

through the glass wall on the back side. On each floor we would make our way to the back and watch the action. This was the first time for Karen and I to visit Barbers but it definitely won’t be the last. It was amazing to see all the various makes and models from the earliest to the latest. I never knew there were so many different manufacturers of cycles. The care and attention to detail along with the craftsmanship put forth in each restoration was a sight to see. You could easily spend a whole day there and still not have enough time to admire the work to the degree it deserves.

 

Before long we all started gathering outside the front door, finding a place against the front of the building to lean on or a piece of

concrete for the backside while we rested up for the trip back. From where we were you could see that the sky was getting darker behind the building. That was back to the west and I knew we were heading north so  I  wasn’t too concerned.  About that time Bruce and Rhonda walked out.

 

Bruce says, “It’s looking pretty bad back that way”, as he pointed to the back of the museum. “Which way are we headed anyway?” Joel points toward the back of the building and says, “We have to head that way to get to 65 before you can head north.” The last of the group was out the door a few minutes later and we  hit the access road for a stop at the gas station by the on ramp to I20. I almost opted to leave off the rain suit again but at the last minute decided to at least put on the jacket. We bid farewell to those heading elsewhere and took I20 toward the darkside.

 

The tail end of the group of which Karen and I were a part, along with Paris, Glenn and Pam and David were held up by traffic. By the time we got loose and onto 20, because of the traffic, along with hitting the rain about a couple miles down the slab, the others were way out ahead of us. From where I was I couldn’t even see them. I knew once we got out of Birmingham on the North end we’d eventually get back together so we just settled in to a pace that was right for the rain and traffic. We were in rain for about 5 to 10 miles and it eventually started easing off and not long after completely stopped.

 

The ride through the middle of town on 20/59 was once again enough to make it pucker and grab hold of the seat, if you know what I mean. We were a good 10 miles north of town on 65 when I noticed a few bikes up ahead on the shoulder. Once we got closer I could tell it was the front of the pack. As we passed by, Jamie, Drew and Tom merged in behind us. We stopped to take a break at the Sulpher Springs exit about 20 miles south of Cullman, and as we’re pulling in to the gas station I noticed Jeff and Ginger in the pack as well. Come to find out they had pulled off to wait for us before the others did. I completely missed them and never new they were back there.

 

We made one more stop at the  Priceville exit and never saw rain the rest of the way.  It was between 6:30 and 7:00 when Chick and I pulled in the driveway. We made a quick change shedding the still damp clothing before heading down to Bandito Burrito for bike night.

 

A thank you goes out to Victory Warehouse for hosting our meeting and to 29 Dreams for making us feel welcome as well as the excellent lunch. Joel, can’t say enough about all you do to help and the representation you bring to the group from the central part of our little gaggle. Excellent lead and by the way, don’t sweat the details, some things are just out of your hands. I’m perfectly content to follow your taillights any day! I believe this was one of the largest group rides we’ve had so far and it was  a good indication that it’s only going to get better. Man, I can’t wait till October!