JP’s Ramblin’ On 07-19

Published on July 10, 2019 under Born To Ride

Summertime is Here

As it usually happens, this all started in the beginning. Yes, as we were beginning our Mother’s Day ride to the N. GA mountains, when much to my surprise, we encountered a flat tire while roaring up Interstate 85 just south of the Pleasant Hill Road exit. Needless to say, that situation wasn’t too pleasant. We had to get towed home. Thanks to my HOG membership, and nearby EZ Motorcycle Towing Company, that situation turned out to be painless.

The following days while at the service department of Hellbender Harley-Davidson, because of circumstances, I found out that Metzler would stand behind their new CruisTec tire. They sent me a new tire. Thank-you Metzler!

So, for a “replacement” to my wife’s Mother’s Day Ride, we took the same planned route for a Father’s Day ride. We rode north on GA 23, just past Tallulah Falls and took a left onto Old 441 South (still heading north) until we got to Lake Rabun Rd. Left on Lake Rabun Rd., and we were in heaven. BEAUTIFUL!

Now we had planned on a picnic lunch somewhere on this road and we actually found the “perfect” picnic spot. For only a $5 entrance fee, Lake Rabun Recreation Area and Campground had a picnic table in the shade just waiting for us. Having a great picnic lunch overlooking the lake, we celebrated both a late Mother’s Day and my Father’s Day.

After lunch, off we went riding on all of the absolutely great motorcycle roads in the area, including (but not limited to) highways 197, 180, 129 and 60. We rode well over 250 miles of pure bliss that day.

Last month on the local scene, I rode to the 2019 Ride for Kids, starting at the Cumming GA Fairgrounds. This is an annual ride put on by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “Ride for Kids” is the longest-running, most successful motorcycle charity event in the nation. They explained how more U.S. children die from brain tumors than any other disease. I felt good doing my part. Pre-ride entertainment included vendors, food, fun, and games. Truly a good time was had by all, young and old. Then it was off on a police-escorted scenic ride, with several brain tumor patients accompanying the motorcyclists on their ride. What an awesome sight.

My travels also included a ride up to Cartersville, GA to visit Southern Devil Harley-Davidson, who hosted the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 3rd Annual RIDE 4 LIFE. This included live music by Double Barrel, a car and bike show, bikini bike wash, and a mechanical bull. “Save a Hog … Ride a Bull,” is their slogan. All proceeds from this event went to support local veterans and Healing 4 Heroes. What a great cause. They get my support.

Do you enjoy your freedom? Thank a vet!

What I missed last month was Frazier’s Harley-Davidson Customer Appreciation Day. This annual event goes on rain or shine, so they told me when I called ahead on Friday. Well, the next day … it rained. And a lot of rain. Living well over an hour and a half ride away, traveling down 75, around 285, then up 85 north to Frazier’s, I wimped out and chose to stay dry. Next year I’ll go, I promise.

Now, moving into July. More adventures. More rides. More activities … when you see me out shooting an event, please step up and say “hi,” and introduce yourself.

In the coming months, I’ll be sure to include more info on my Metzler CruisTec tires. Until next month, “keep your knees in the breeze and stay riding free.”