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July 30^th, 2008
Built For Comfort

muse@bikerenews.com

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Finding myself on the northeast side of Richmond, having just finished the 2007 Virginia Grand Tour (VGT), and still having a free day for riding, my only option was to start the 2008 VGT immediately.

I headed southwest. Of course, on a motorcycle a straight line is never an option. I hopped on I-295 south and caught VA-10 to I-95 south. I turned on US-460. East of Blackstone, I turned onto VA-153. I followed this road about 10 miles to CO-615. This took me to the General Store in Mannboro.

I noted the name, took a picture of the bike in front of the store, and headed back for VA-153. It was a quite mid-morning on CO-615 which is county road with no markings. I was cruising along at 55 mph having a pleasant ride. As I topped a little knoll, my eyes popped as I saw a STOP sign at the bottom of the knoll.

Skippers

I hit the brakes hard and started to feel the rear end come around. I had two choices: lay the bike down and let it go; or to ride the skid out. I choose the latter. By the time I stopped the bike, I was across both lanes of VA-153. During the skid, I looked to my left and saw a car approaching about 100 yards away from my left, and another approach from my right about 50 yards away.

When I came to a stop, I got off the bike and walked around the bike to make sure me and the bike were OK. I checked myself in the mirror to make sure that I wasn’t having a "Topper Goes Riding" experience (a reference to the old Topper movies of the 1930’s).

I will admit it. I was shaking and it took me a few minutes to gather myself enough to continue on my way. After a couple of deep breathes and a drink of water, I threw my leg over the saddle and promised myself that I would pay closer attention on county roads.

I made my way back to US-460 and followed it east to VA-40, which lead me to I-95 south. The next stop was at Skippers (exit #4 off of I-95). I got my mandatory picture of my bike in front of the Good Earth Peanut Company, and headed for the last stop of the day.

I rode up I-95 to US-58 and continued until I got to VA-258 in Franklin. Riding north to Rescue, I located the local post office on CO-704. I documented the color, took the picture (yes, of the bike), and followed CO-704 back to US-17. Along the way, I rode past a refuse for zoo animals that need a break from all of those humans who visit them in the zoos. It reminded me that Phil (our Editor) had shown Rich (The Hun) and me this place the first year I joined the Biker eNews Staff. It is funny how memories pop into my head.

The ride back to Virginia Beach was a simple US-17 to I-664 to I-64. It was a familiar road and without the heat, it would have been a pleasant ride. But, the sun was reminding me that I was too cheap to buy the A/C option for my Sabre.

I pulled into the garage, unloaded the bike, and reflected on the end of my 2007 VGT adventure, and looked forward to continuing with my new adventure with the 2008 VGT.

My bike had to wait until to the next weekend to continue my adventure. On Saturday morning, I headed for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. My first stop was only 13 miles from the house. It was the Fishing Pier next to the Gift Shop on the south side of the bridge.

After answering my question, I was back on the bridge going north to Keller, where CO-180 crosses US-13. I turned east and road it to the dead end in front of CAPT Zed’s. If you want to know what CAPT Zed sells, you will have to make the trip yourself.

I headed back to Virginia Beach since these were the only stops on the eastern shore. When I got back home, I had an email from Phil saying that he would be home for the rest the day, and would help me (he’s doing all the work) with mounting a plate on my tail rack to support my trunk box. From his picture, you can see where the old rack snapped from the weight.

I rode over to his house to enjoy talking with him while he rearranged his garage for what has to be the 1,000th time. He took some measurements and drew up a schematic for the plate. About this time, flat tires started to arrive by the gross. Check out his article from a couple of weeks ago to learn how he is learning a new trade.

All in all, it was a good short ride, a good time with Phil and Flo, and I was still back home before the street lights came on. It was a comfortable day. I guess Howlin’ Wolf was right . . .

Some folks are built like this, Some folks are built that
But the way I’m built, Don’t you call me fat
I’m built for comfort, I ain’t built for speed,
But, I’ve got everything a good girl needs

Until the next time, Ride Safe and I’ll be moving down the highway with my bike and the Blues.

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