The 7th annual tax day has come and gone. It was a small group this year. I think part of the reason was we changed locations from Clayton to Dillard. It was so much better. The accomodations were great and everyone commented on the food. Even the picnic lunch was received very well.
It always rains on the Tax Day ride and this year did not disappoint but we did seem to be five miles behind the rain or just in front. The bikes got covered in muddy spray but the pack was all experienced riders with the right gear. We delayed the start on Saturday to let the roads dry - those sport bikers like clean roads - "split and splats". Just as we hit the Cherohala Skyway the sun came out and the ride was on. Leading my pack I jumped on it - as much as a 850 lbs bike can jump on it - and had a great ride. The Skyway is a special place and you could just feel all the quotas, contracts, phone calls, airline miles melt off. Lunch, the Dragon and back to Dillard.
One word on the Dragon. This road is becoming very dangerous. It is not a difficult ride but everyone trys a pushes it and you have no idea what is coming around the corner. It was great to see such a police presence. Hopefully they will slow the pack down.
I had planned for this ride to be the shake down ride for the 2006 Ride Across America. Everything worked as planned. Even the hydration system I installed worked well. Interesting XM Radio and the mountains do not like each other - you were right Henry. When you are between mountains the signal comes back but gets frustrating fading and out. Now I know why I have a CD on board!
The highway pegs are great and will extend my daily range.
Kanuga this weekend with the family. I rode up Friday night and arrived around 11:00 PM. Again, a great ride after a very busy week. Spartenburgh, Washington, Baltimore and Pittsburgh fadded away as the miles increased. With the new position of the spot lights I was able to see more and was not able to out run my lights climbing I-26 into Hendersonville.
I am ready - 75 days to go.
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