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09 Oct 2007, 8:29 am / Elated
I woke up this morning to find that we finally had that misty morning fog I am so fond of. Leaving out for the BW meet up full of anticipation, the fog clung to the windshield of the car as Red Molly still requires some much needed parts and I need more practice before the two of us can make a ride, it would not be today. Driving through the country side with the fog hanging just above the grassy fields it resembled a snowy blanket covering the ground. It melted away as I approached the tail of the dragon and the sun got higher in the mountains. Alone in solitude and thought my mind wandered through many things, the future, the past, dreams and reality. My mind was taking as many turns as the road that lay ahead.As I started the ascend I found an overlook where many were stopped, the breath taking view of the water cutting through the rugged mountains was awe inspiring and worthy of preserve, so I took a few pictures. Realizing I was pushed for time if I were to make it to Fontana Dam by 10 to meet up with LSS and CC I pushed on after a brief conversation and picture taking with some of the riders. Riders in front of me and behind me, I respectfully admired the skill of the riders that were in front of me. Of course I was equally concerned for the skill of the one behind me as he was riding way too close to my bumper and making me nervous. I finally reached Deal's Gap and I pulled off for a quick break. Wow, what a great place. Of course there were many motorcycles and riders there and everyone was friendly and in good moods as we all had great weather for the ride. I ran in and got a quick snack and verified that I did know the way to the dam and headed back out to meet my friends. As I rounded the base of the dam I had to stop, how impressive this massive dam is. A towering wall of concrete and steel, a quick thought of panic shot through my mind as I thought of the millions of gallons of water this structure was holding back and here I stand at the bottom of the bowl. I took a quick picture and was off again. Climbing past Hellbender's Pit Stop and rounding by Fontana Village I finally had arrived. As I looked around for an inkling of familiararity I realized I must be the first one there. I found a nice little spot in the picnic area and sitting in the overlook there I discovered I was no longer disconnected from the outside world, I had a cell phone signal! A strong one at that. I called my parents to let them know I had arrived safely and was fine. Then I called my love to let him know how awesome it was and how I wished we were riding it together. Then I patiently waited and watched as every bike went in and out. I observed some wild turkeys as they investigated the reminants at the picnic sites and of course photographed many couples for their photo logs and invited many of them to BW's site. Good thing I had those cards on me. I headed back down to the dam, the first time through I walked right past LSS & CC thinking that is probably them but I did not reckognize them with their hair up, in leathers, and in helmets. They had left when I came back. I waited longer and decided to go back to the picnic area in case someone was trying to call. As I drove out the they rode back in. Realizing these were the only two ladies I had seen all day riding together I boldly decided to walk up and ask "Are you meeting someone here?" LSS answered "yeah, you!" As soon as she spoke I reckognized her voice and I was elated to see them! I can say this, of all the times I have been let down in my life by others, I NEVER even doubted that they would be there or that we would meet up. The faith in my riding sisters was fully bonded this day, and I never had a doubt that I could trust them. We checked out the dam, tried to call the others we were meeting up with and then headed out to Deal's Gap for snacks, bike watching, chit chat and wait to see if the others might arrive. We saw some pretty awesome bikes. There was this one in particular, I talked to the rider a bit while inside the store. It was a burnt orange bike with a sidecar and a specially designed trailer. The bike was designed for the rider and his buddy who was in a wheel chair, the bike and sidecar were just beautiful and the friendship between the two was a testiment to the heart of bikers everywhere. It was a priveldge to have met them. Of course I had to see "the Road Rash Wall of Fame" and check out the "Tree of Shame and Pain" I had heard so much about. Didn't see many Harley parts on the tree but lots of sport bike parts, hmmm? Well I headed out about 2 pm to let them hit the road and enjoy thier ride and I got to go back down the tail of the Dragon on my way to Six Mile Cycle to look for the parts Red Molly needs, now with a new determination to get her running and myself up on her skilled enough to takle that this spring for the next ride along with LSS and CC. Until next time... keep it rubber side down and ride safe!
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