Virginia City, NV

Had a great weekend, calling at the Silver State Roundup, in Reno, NV! After finishing on Sunday, we rode up to Virginia City, between Carson City, and Reno, way up in the mountains. One of my favorite Old Towns! It's almost like going back in time. The locals dress the part, and they do a good job, making you think, you're walking the wooden sidewalks in the late 1800's!

Below, D&D at an overlook, in Virginia City

A couple of old churches. The architecture of the first, is amazing!

Our friend Nick, with D&D. Notice Decah's ice cream cone. I think that's why she has such a big smile!

We met up with another 'Ol friend, Bax. I met Bax several years ago, while visiting V.C., and we try to see him, anytime we're on the mountain. As you can see, he's quite a character!

Nick, Bax, D&D

Upon returning to the lake house, we grilled a great supper, and celebrated another friends birthday. Dr. Bill, serenading David, with a birthday song!

What can I say? Just another ho-hum day, in paradise!

Out West

Decah and I departed Dallas, Monday morning, heading for Reno. We rode the first day to Santa Rosa, NM. The weather was great, and we had a very pleasant ride! Day 2 found us riding to Holbrook, AZ. We spent a bit of time in Albuquerque, replacing my cell phone, and our air card, since they both took a dive! Again, we had a terrific ride, with great weather!

Day three (Wednesday) was a terrific day! We rode to Las Vegas. We made a stop in Flagstaff, where we visited a Harley Roadhouse! It was terrific! We had lunch, that was "above and beyond"!

This photo was taken outside of Flagstaff. It was the first sign of snow!

The photo below was taken inside the roadhouse
Decah, outside the Harley dealer
Darry, outside the dealer. Obviously, we couldn't find anyone to take our photos.
Below, taken above Hoover Dam. As many times as I have ridden through here, I am always amazed at it's beauty, and grandure!
D&D above the dam
A great shot of Decah, that she was not expecting!
D&D, on the strip, in SIN CITY
A shot of the laser light show, along the strip
Day 4, Thursday, found us riding from Vegas to Reno. We crashed out at our good friends, Bill & Sheri's lake cabin. This was the hardest day of riding, since we fought a fierce wind, and dropping temperatures, the farther north we rode! We were totally surprised, to wake up to snow on Friday morning! WoW, what a beautiful sight!
Another shot of the foot hills, at the lake.
As you can see, our bikes had there first encounter with snow!
Something I haven't done for forty years!
Another great day! The forecast for the weekend, looks great! After the Round-up, we are calling, we plan to enjoy some riding, in this great area!

Finally, The "Dragon's Tail"

Well, I guess the third time, was the charm! They opened up the North Carolina side, which meant, I had to travel approx 250 miles, round trip, to ride the "Dragon", again. The wait was worth it! As I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway, I passed thru a thick cloud. Couldn't see past my windshield! Didn't dare stop, as I was afraid whoever was behind me, wouldn't stop. Below, is a map of the loop, I rode. Didn't hit ant rain, but it was cold!!!!!!

Below, some of the great scenery, along the way!

More great scenery, from the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Fontana Dam

D, at Deals Gap. This is one of the most famous motorcycle rides, in the U.S.! 311 turns, in an eleven mile stretch. Was able to ride the majority of the Tail, but part of the Tennessee side was still closed. If the Tail had been open, all the way through, the ride would have been only a hundred miles, or so! The total trip took about 11 hours. Was definitely worth the wait!

Traveled the Cherohala Skyway, on the return trip. Was a very beautiful ride, but I passed through another cloud, which was as bad, if not worse, than the first! Another great day of riding!

Elkmont Loop

After learning that The "Dragon" was still closed, I decided to take a short ride from Wears Valley, to Elkmont, and on to Pigeon Forge, then back to Wears Valley. Another nice ride!

Above, is Wears Valley, where I started my ride. A friend of ours,

Roy Pennington, was gracious to invite me to "crash" out at his home, there.

Below, is the Little Tennessee River, along the way.
Will try the "Dragon", again tomorrow!

Barn Stormin'

After a great weekend in Gatlinburg, Tn, calling with Steve and Debbie Kopman, I had a few days off! Decided to take advantage of the area, and get in some great riding! I wanted to ride the Dragon, again! Unfortunately, the Dragon was closed because of rock slides! I decided to do some "barn stormin'. Old barns have always had a special attraction, to me. I rode to Cade's Cove, and salvaged the day!

Above is D, Debbie, and Steve

Above an old mill, I found in Cade's Cove

Below, is several barns, I found.

Below, is a scene taken from 129, off the Foot Hills Parkway.

Below, is an old shed, I found in Wears Valley.

An old livestock barn, in Wears Valley.

A view of Wears Valley, taken atop Buckeye Knob

Had a great day, riding! So much great scenery!

Will try to ride the "Dragon", tomorrow.