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Just Checking In

Discussion in 'Pull up a chair and sit for a spell' started by JohnnyBiker, Nov 15, 2017.

  1. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Hey there gents, what the heck have you all been up to? it has been a long time since I have posted here so I thought I would pop in and say hello.

    Not a lot happening here other than work is being demanding along with family and of course riding. I have been able to make some money wrenching on bikes but still haven't made the plunge into doing it full time, actually, I guess I haven't completely decided if I really want to or not. I kind of like having the ability of picking and choosing which projects that I take on, just hard for me to give up my own riding time I guess.

    For those of you who remember my wife, Hot Rider, is now a licensed real estate agent here in Minnesota. She has sold three homes now and it seems that things are gaining speed rather well. As always, she is my constant companion when I am out on two wheels. Late in the Spring, Hot rider and I boarded a plane and went to go see another forum member that goes by the name of Red Rider out in Nevada. That was an outstanding trip in which we went kayaking, rode on 2 wheels, went 4 wheeling and shot some really cool guns. Red Rider and his wife Reb were very gracious hosts. Very GOOD FOOD TOO by the way.

    Life has been pretty good to Hot Rider and I. We have a granddaughter that will 3 years old here in a few months and I have to say that she is just a HUGE JOY to have around. We get to see here a lot as our middle daughter Chevelle babysits her niece a lot as her mommy is out working and going to school. Chevelle, our middle daughter is now in the 8th grade and is doing fantastic. She is a very good student and is getting more and more involved in school activities such as choir and the school musical. This spring she is contemplating on trying out for softball but she hasn't made up her mind as of yet. Our youngest, Lexus, is also a really good student, however as of now, she hasn't shown any interest in school activities other than going to class which is fine by us if that is what she chooses.

    As far as I go, as mentioned, I am still busy with my regular job and working on bikes and as always, I am always doing something to mine. My bike is now paid off so now is the time to be serious and I am now, finally, putting the custom 124" engine together. I guess I thought it to be better to wait until that my bike was paid off until I put that kind of coin into it. This week I will be ordering up a bunch of parts for it which won't leave me much left to buy. One of the funnest parts of this build so far was having the "semi custom" cams made for it. I am really excited for those!

    This summer, Hot Rider and I will be heading out for another bike trip. This will be a 2 week trip and it looks like that we will be heading east. I have a cousin in Kentucky that has been nagging for me to go out there and visit so I finally broke down and said OK. Kentucky is not the only stop though. hot Rider and I will be heading to Tennessee and North Carolina to ride the Dragon. (One of those bucket list things). Also on the list will be the Blue Ridge Parkway. No real plan and if I don't get to it, then I don't.

    Anyway, that is all I have for now. I hope that everyone is doing well. I hope to talk soon.

    JB
    Red Rider likes this.
  2. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    JB, the Skyline Drive(n0rthern part of the Blue Ridge Pkwy.)Is among the most scenic rides in the country. Don't miss it. JMO.
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Sounds like a good trip, there are a lot better roads in NC than the dragon, Hwy 28 is significantly more challenging tighter curves North of Franklin, then take it south out of Franklin to Bridal Falls etc, great ride.

    The Blue Ridge has a 35 MPH speed limit, you can't really hang it out due to traffic and enforcement, ride it a bit but get off and ride the Cherohala Parkway, much better road, higher speeds, great views, and it ends down by the dragon.

    We used to do that trip every year, lots of good roads, when you go down from KY go to Gatlinburg TN, then take 441 out of Gatlinburg over the mountains to Cherokee, get up early, it can get a lot of traffic but it's a great road, with plenty of stopping and taking picture points, Cherokee has all the typical indian tourist stores and a casino if you need a place to base out of, it's a good choice. From there take 19 to 74 over to Stecoah, then hit 28 (that road I told you about) over to Fontana Dam (Harrison Fords Jumping off Dam in The Fugitive), stay on 28 over into TN and hit 129 (The dragon is on 129) and run the dragon from the TN side to the NC side.

    Running 129 from TN to NC you are on the outside lane on the mountain, so you get away from leaning into the turns where cars and trucks grind out rocks into the road that you can't see until you are in them, you don't get blind corners, it's a better ride, you still have to watch the corners for ground up stones, but you'll have a better view, it's a better way to hit the dragon, plus you can always turn around and run it the other way. There is a scenic point at the start of the dragon on 129, get yer picture there then hit the dragon.

    At the end of the Dragon is Deals Gap Lodge http://tailofthedragon.com/ store and lodges. You'll want to stop and get off the bike by then and there are some good links to places to stay from hotels, mom and pop to cabin/motorcycle places.

    Here is a link to the Cherohala Parkway its rated as on of the top 10 motorcycle roads in the country. Once you get off the 129 at Deals Gap you are close to the entrance of the Parkway and it's a nice cool down ride after the Dragon from Robbinsville to Tellico TN.

    http://www.cherohala.com/
    Red Rider likes this.
  4. badinfluence63

    badinfluence63 Well-Known Member

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    Hey JB,

    Sounds like life is moving forward exponetially! Lots on your plate over there. Congrats on your wifes success and hope it continues.

    RR is cool. He stopped here 2 summers ago for a little bit on a leg of his east coast trip. Unfortunately i am not retired so was not able to hang out much. It was great to see him and apreciated him stopping by.

    When you said your heading east i think like new england, virginia etc.... Up state NY is beautiful as well. If ever you find yourself up this way hit me up and youse guys can get a place to stay and some food. Consider my home a safe and friend zone.

    This summer was a riding wash for me having a C6 nerve palsy on my right eye. Suppose to self heal in 9-12 months. Going on 7 months and still fubar'd.

    Good hearing from you.
    image.jpeg
    Red Rider likes this.
  5. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Damn BI sorry to hear and see the eye problem. Hope ya heal faster than the docs say (they only practice on us!)
    Red Rider likes this.
  6. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Man that is a bummer BI. Thank you for your offer and I will for sure keep your offer in mind if I am able to get closer to your area. yes, things have been good around here that is for sure, and yes I agree, RR is a cool dude. I have have been fortunate to clock a lot miles with him considering how far we live apart.
    Red Rider likes this.

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