Last Weekend I Went for a Ride

November 30^th, 2004

I've been trying to write an article for about a week. My problem was that I couldn't think of a "Hook" to get me started. I was looking for that catchy phrase or concept that would launch me into my normal (a relative word) ramblings. It seemed that the harder I tried to find an opening line, the more difficult the process became. I guess I was experiencing a "mini" version of writer's block.

Thanks to my fellow writers at Biker eNews, I found the perfect Hook. We held another of our Staff Meetings this weekend and as always, the ride was only second to the company. It dawned on me as I headed for home that I had my opening line. It was simple, to the point, and was as familiar to a Biker as the dimples in a well wore seat. The epiphany was .... "Last weekend I went for a ride." Without further delay I got started.

Last weekend I went for a ride. I was having trouble deciding where to go. Ever since the days started getting shorter and the time changed (day light losing time), it seems like there's not enough daylight to squeeze in a ride. I decided to combine two of my favorite pastimes - eating and riding. I hadn't been up to Pierce's Bar-B-Q (off of I-64 by Williamsburg) in a while, so I thought I'd make a quick run up there and pick up the family special (no drive-thru is too far away for my family).

As I have told you before, I have a psychological problem with my backside that prevents me accomplishing simple, straightforward tasks. As I contemplated my journey up I-64 from Virginia Beach, I could hear a little voice in my head. "Hey, you've traveled on I-64 before. The trip will only be 100 miles round trip. Are you becoming a fair weather Biker?" Letting my throttle hand do the thinking, I pointed the Sabre west and decided to go to Williamsburg via Emporia and Richmond.

Now in your world this may seem a little loony, but the committee that meets in my brain figured this was a great way to chalk up some miles while logging I-95 from NC to Richmond into my Motorcycle Diary. Since the previous month I'd traveled out to South Hill to have breakfast at Arnold's Diner before heading to Petersburg on I-85 and back to Virginia Beach on US-460, all of the voices in my head voted for the extended Bar-B-Q trip.

The sky was partly to mostly cloudy with temps in the low 60's. Not wanting to waste a learning experience, I decided to try out some new riding apparel. I wrapped myself up in a nose / neck scarf, wore my heavy socks, and put on my winter gloves. I wanted to find out if I'd be able to hack the cold weather that would be arriving soon. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the scarf worked like a champ (except for fogging up my glasses under my goggles). Combining the gloves and my normal layering of clothes, I was comfortable the entire trip.

I still like traveling out US-58 (once I'm past Suffolk). The open road with moderate traffic provides a good start for a "Cruiser Trip." Of course, watch out for police (especially between Franklin and South Hill), I usually count 4 or 5 tickets being written when I travel this way. I made it to Emporia and turned left. You heard me. I turned left. I had to go down to the NC border to get full credit for traveling North on I-95 (and to wave at the Welcome Center). It was a short 8-10 miles and worth the bragging rights - so there!

Traveling on I-95, I remembered why the interstate system is named in honor of President Eisenhower. It was build during his administration. This main access running north and south along the east coast shows the decades and millions (billions) of miles that motorists have put on that highway. I-95 below Richmond appears to be a little narrower than north of Richmond, but that may just be that it's two lanes instead of the three (or more) lanes up north. A word of caution for new riders, if you aren't comfortable with speeds between 70 and 80 mph don't get on the interstate unless you like a lot cars riding on your rear wheel. Everyone is in a hurry and safety margins are severally shortened.

Since I always take the by pass, I hadn't been through Richmond in decades. Traveling into Richmond I saw some spectacular overpass highways. I almost believed I was seeing the arches of St. Louis. I was glad I hadn't had to travel around them while they were being built. I quickly turned on to I-64 and headed for Williamsburg. In 30 minutes I was pulling off I-64 for some long awaited Bar-B-Q.

Pulling into Pierce's, I could see that the parking lot was full of cars. I stripped off the winter clothes and took my place in line (about a 10 minute order time and 10/15 minute wait time). Just as I was packing my take out order into my bags, I learned that Pierce's on Sunday is like feeding time in the barnyard - all the HOGS are there. Two or three biker groups pulled into the parking lot. These bikers came in all shapes and sizes. They seemed to be enjoying their Sunday ride and were looking forward to some warm food and retelling their newly acquired memories. I nodded knowingly, threw my leg over the Sabre, and headed for home.

Other than getting lost in Williamsburg looking for a gas station (one day Williamsburg will give up all that scenic stuff for a couple of good mini-marts), the trip home was uneventful. All in all, the trip lasted for about 290 miles and was a steady hum of wheels on payment. I chased those imbedded diamond crystals in the highway while racing the Shadow Biker that always rides with me on sunny days. Watching his wheels spin on the payment, I knew I was in good company.

I can't say that it was the best ride I've taken, but I can say ... "Last weekend I went for a ride."

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