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October 1^st, 2008
A Family Affair

muse@bikerenews.com

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I’m sure everyone has heard the old saying about, "killing two birds with one stone." Well, a couple of weekends ago, I got a chance to kill a few of birds with one stone (or two wheels).

First, my very talented niece, Heather, was acting in a play in Greensboro, NC (Moon Over Buffalo). Second, my family and I had not been to see my father in several months. Third, my brother and I had not been on a "real" motorcycle trip since he bought the Sabre. And, most importantly I hadn’t gone on a long ride for several weeks.

All of the above was taken care of by working out a simple plan. My brother and I would ride our bikes, while my family and niece (not the one in the play) would ride in the van to Greensboro. Of course, the first problem arose over the route. My lovely wife, who was very understanding about me riding on the motorcycle, was not interested in the scenic route. The solution was for the van to take US-58 to I-85 to Greensboro. The Brothers decided to ride down US-168 (Battlefield) and take US-158 across NC until we could find a road to take us south to Stony Creek (between Greensboro and Burlington).

The Brothers Danny & Gary Me & Chantal Danny & Rhiannon ST1300 Family Sabre Family

The short version is that the van trip was about 4 and a half hours while the two-wheel trip was about 6 hours. The mileage difference on US-158 was only about 40 miles. But, with the speed limits dropping down to 35 and 45 mph, and getting behind the occasional driver who thought 55 mph was the maximum speed limit, the two lane route added an extra hour and a half. Of course, we started an hour after we planned. Danny blamed it on his daughter, Rhiannon, I think adults should take ownership for their own behavior.

Of course the family did not get the chance to enjoy the thrill of the open road, and the feel of being in the environment. They were stuck in the air conditioned van, napping and drinking soda. Come to think of it, the 92 degree heat combined with the engine heat did have me thinking that cages aren’t always the evil monsters I think they are.

Danny got his first real taste of motorcycling. This was the first overnight trip he’s made, and more importantly, it was the first "tank to tank" riding he’s done. Luckily for him, the Sabre’s safe operating range is 120 miles. After that, you might be able to go another 20 miles, but you had better hope there is gas can waiting beside the rode for you.

We didn’t try riding in group formation, but decided to travel in the same direction without cars getting between us. We made our required gas stops and one lunch stop. Other than that, we keep to the road with our hand on the throttle. We arrived at my father’s just as my family was unloading the van.

I guess I should mention that my "chicken of a brother" had neglected to tell my father that he had bought my Sabre and had joined the ranks of two-wheelers. Despite my making it very clear that I did not encourage or promotion Danny’s entry into the world of motorcycle adventuring, my father is convinced that two of his sons have lost all of the commonsense he brought to our procreation.

After a quick visit and getting cleaned up, we all loaded into the van and headed for the theater. Moon Over Buffalo is a comic farce (lots of confusion on stage). While all of the actors did very well, my bias and sentimental opinion is that my niece, Heather, was great. I would pay to see her again, and if any of you are in Greensboro when she is acting at the Broach Theater tell them I sent you and they will let you in (for a price).

The next morning, we were late getting on the road again. I tried to get everyone organized, but couldn’t make it happen. Like I said above, I think teenagers should take ownership for their own behavior.

The trip back was suppose to be a simple parting of ways, with the van heading back up I-85 and the bikes heading up to US-58. Unfortunately, when two teenage girls are involved, change is the only constant. My daughter and niece, Chantal, and Rhiannon had decided that they wanted to ride on the bikes long enough for my son, Christopher to take pictures of them for their "My Space" pages.

Being the perfect fathers we are, Danny and I agreed. We decided we would give them a ride on I-85 for about 15 miles where we would turn off to head up to US-58. From the picture, you can see that Chantal was not properly attired, but I figured it was only 15 miles and gave in (that is the last time Chantal!). Well, we started out and rode along at 55-60 mph in the far right lane. My wife, Nicole, operated the van like a T.V. film crew chasing a tornado for the 6 O’Clock news, while Christopher clicked away with two different cameras.

With pictures taken, we pull off the interstate to offload our passengers and get started with the motorcycle part of the trip. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of pulling into the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Just like one person yawning, all it took was one person to say they were hungry, and our plans were changed again. Everyone wanted breakfast, so what could two "Fathers of the Year" do, but park the bikes and treat their loving families to a "sit down" breakfast.

I have got to confess, once the eggs, hash browns, grits, sausage paddies, and three biscuits with gravy were consumed, I was looking around the parking lot for a trailer to rent so we could haul the motorcycles back to Virginia Beach. My stomach felt as swollen as the 7.7 gallon gas tank on the ST 1300. Despite, my overwhelming desire to curl up in the van and sleep all the way back to Virginia Beach, Danny and I said our good-byes and headed up NC-49 to US-58.

NC-49 was good road to start the trip home on. It was two lanes, but since it was Sunday morning, traffic was light. The pace was a steady 55 mph with enough curves to get us interested and an occasional stretch of tree shaded roads. We connected with US-58 just west of Clarksville. The ride from Clarksville to South Hill is a nice ride. The traffic is usually light and passing by the Kerr Lake Reservoir is always nice.

In South Hill we stopped for gas and some much needed cool water. I wasn’t looking forward to the last leg back to Virginia Beach. Including this trip, the last four east bound trips on US-58 has been in 90 degree heat. In my mind, I think of that last 130 miles as "uphill" all the way. After a refreshing pause, we were back on the road.

Our final stop was in Suffolk to top off our tanks and to get fountain drinks from Burger King (they have a beverage bar). We made our way to 264 (thank goodness the tunnel was open) and finally we arrived at my house (Danny had to pick up Rhi and ride down to Dam Neck).

All in all, it was a good weekend trip. Visited with family, saw my niece’s play, had some family time with my own family, and rode approximately 540 miles with my brother. I guess it is possible to kill more than one bird with two wheels.

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