Biker Retreat

Jon and I headed out this last week for our 2nd annual biker retreat. Jon's parents graciously agreed to watch our kids so we could head over and join some other family members for a long weekend of motorcycles.

Last year we went with one of the groups that was already organized. It was great fun, but we would have enjoyed speeding up a bit more. So this year Uncle Bucky asked Jon to lead his own group. Due to some changes in the format of the retreat we were about the only "young" people there this year. Then the introduction to Jon's ride included some references to his laying the bike over in an accident. =) So we didn't get very many takers. And because of some bike issues we lost a few of the riders before the ride had even started. But this didn't seem to put a damper on it. When riding motorcycles at the pace my husband enjoys the saying "the more the merrier" is NOT true.

Our group the first day (for most of it any way)

Jon, Uncle Ken, Uncle Tom & Rod.

Some of our riders have caught up with us again.

The views were outstanding on Cherohala Skyway. This is one of our favorite roads to ride on. We enjoy it so much that we included it on every ride.

One of the riders in our group - love his bike.

On Friday night we learned that 4 of the people at the retreat had gone down and one of the guys was at the hospital having surgery on his leg. So Sabbath morning we all got up and rode (around 100 bikes) together to the hospital. It was interesting to have a trail of bikes that long going through the Tail of the Dragon. 

We stood in the hallway waiting on him to come out of one of the rooms where he was having some tests done. We signed his one remaining boot to show our support.

Some of the bikes in the hospital parking lot.

Then we headed back into the mountains for some more riding. The weather was gorgeous and while I had a very numb bum, it was incredibly breathtaking and worth every sore spot.

 Biker clothes aren't always the most flattering. =)

These pictures are taken in front of a fantastic bakery. If you are ever in Tellico Plains, TN check out this little place downtown. Worth the drive!

Stopping at the falls for some pictures.

A few of the Murrell Men

 This guy Rodney rode with us on Sabbath. Hilarious guy from Australia. 

 I might be slightly biased, but we are a very nice looking group. =)

 The falls without all people blocking the view. =)

 This guy is so awesome. I know it's harder to ride w/ me tagging along on the back. But he's so sweet about it and never complains. Hopefully someday I'll have my own bike and won't be dragging him down.

 Uncle Tom, Aunt Sue, Bonnie, and Uncle Bucky! 

Most of our housemates. Love these people.

I didn't take very many pictures. About the only downfall to flying going faster is that you aren't stopping at every fire hydrant to pee or at every overlook to take pictures. So I didn't get as many pictures this year, but I had an amazing time. Can't wait to go again next year!

Even more biker retreat

On the second day I took my point and shoot so I could use it while on the bike. I was so thankful I did because we ended up going through Cades Cove. We didn't stop because we needed to be back by 8pm for a meeting, but we were going slow enough to shoot a few pictures.

 Jon and I cracked up over this sign. The hill they are referring to is short and not very steep. 

So I have no idea why these signs are posted.

These pictures don't do these mountains justice. It was absolutely breathtaking.

I live in a beautiful country.

More bike weekend

Here are some more pictures from our biker's retreat a couple of weeks ago.

 It was dusk when I took this picture and the bridge was a bit far for flash. 

Jon told me that the picture wouldn't turn out. While it isn't perfect, I like it.

 

 

Biker Weekend

Several years ago I saw an article about Tail of the Dragon. I might have made the comment that if Jon wanted to ride it he would have to ride it alone.

Fast forward several years and Jon's uncle helped to start a biker's retreat in NC. Jon wasn't able to go the first two years, but we made plans to go this year. I had no idea what the details were. Jon took care of registration and travel details and I took care of child and pet care.

We got a later start than planned and it was after dark when we stopped for a break that I realized that I was heading into the Tail of the Dragon at 10pm at night. I was going to go through 318 curves in 11 miles IN THE DARK!

I drove the car in and then rode on the bike with Jon the whole weekend.

Very blurry picture. But this is where I realized where we were headed.
The dragon kind of clued me in.

Let me tell you - It was the most fun I've had in ages. Remind me next time I make a declaration that I should probably leave things open to change. Because I can't believe what I was missing this whole time.

Jon outside the chapel right before our ride.

I am married to the most amazing man, just in case I forgot to mention that.

I was taking pictures for people when I looked up and noticed Jon taking my picture.

Proof that I actually went on the ride since I'm usually behind the camera.

Also proof that I'm a bit goofy. =)

Uncle Tom and Aunt Sue.

Some of us stopped for a break and took some pictures.

After riding through the Dragon we stopped at Deals Gap for a break and to discuss where to go from there.

While riding Jon felt a bug hit his glasses and slide by his face. He had his face shield up.

When we stopped he mentioned to someone that his worst nightmare was having a bumblebee come into his helmet. We got back to the cabin and Jon took off his helmet to find this little guy.

He was still very much alive.

More pictures to follow.