Stories From the Road
Letter from Rick
Well I hope everyone has adjusted to daylight savings time. The days are getting longer and I’m enjoying being able to use that extra daylight to ride after 5 PM!
As of this writing, many of my friends are down in Daytona Beach enjoying Bike Week. Sadly to say I didn’t make it this year but plan to next year. I’ll be adjusted to retirement by then and should be able to take it all in!
If you ride a motorcycle, I’m sure you been caught in the rain at least once and had to ride it out. Definitely been there. In this issue, I’ll talk about some of the things I do to cope with the wet roads.
I take some time to help a friend in need on St Patty’s Day. The luck of the Irish shown down on Gypsy and her band of friends.
Also, I visit a new establishment in Summerville, SC called Alibi Bistro and Billiards and share my thoughts.
As always, I’ll throw in some random pictures of people and other places I’ve been. Might even see a bunny rabbit and Easter Eggs.
Thank you all so much for your support!
Be sure to check out my YouTube ‘Stories From the Road’channel too! Ride safe! Ride Often!
I would love to hear your road stories and share them with others in my newsletter. If so, just email your story and send a few pictures to: storiesroad53@gmail.com
Slippery When Wet
Ichecked WeatherBug and the forecast was blue skies and sunny weather. WeatherBug being my final authority on everything weather, I headed to the mountains giddy with excitement I would soon be riding highway 28 in North Carolina. Most of my biker buddies knows what that means, so if you don’t, just email me and I’ll send you more of a detailed explanation. Based on that forecast I chose my skull helmet and left my rain gear at home. After having a grand breakfast with one of my friends at Grits and Groceries, we headed towards Last Chance Saloon along hwy 28. We stopped and sampled some of the moonshine my buddy had bought at Palmetto Distillery in Anderson, and chatted with some locals about the little sheds in the back that doubled as rooms for the night.
We hit the road to enter Georgia, then North Carolina for some of the finest mountain road riding you’ll see. Long story short and to get to the point of this story (grin) we actually ran into rain just outside of Hendersonville. I couldn’t believe it! We tried to ride it out, but the rain got so heavy we were forced to stop at a little convenience store where some other riders had stopped to wait it out too. Now I guess WeatherBug doesn’t know about the popup thunderstorms that are common in South Carolina and bordering North Carolina. I looked at WeatherBug radar and was surprised to see that this little thunderstorm was the ONLY PLACE ON THE ENTIRE SOUTHEAST COAST that it was raining. Remember me saying I had left my rain gear at home and was wearing my skull helmet? Bad choice on both counts. We pulled out on
to the highway and rode a few miles only to catch back up to the only storm on the southeast coast,AGAIN! So we stopped at a local bank under the drive through teller lane cover to wait it out. Now there’s a side story here involving a nature call, an alley between the bank and another building and a female police officer. (If you’re interested, email me and I fill you in).
Well, I finally got home later that day having been soaked and air blown dry a couple of times.
But there was a lesson learned from all of this. Following are some of my observations from this experience.
It’s All About the Gear
Never, never, ever leave home without rain gear in your bag. (reference previous story).Also, don’t settle for cheap rain gear unless you don’t mind the pants legs being held together with Velcro, flopping against your leg leaving bruises. Or a rain coat where the zipper separates in the middle of a heavy rainstorm exposing your only dry item. Invest in comfortable, waterproof gear. Especially your boots. If wearing leather boots be sure to oil or wax them thoroughly to keep water out and your feet dry. Most importantly, be visible. with hi-viz and reflective materials, along with brighter colors.
Leave Fingers Over Brakes/Open Following Distance
Now I’m not going to give statics about how far it takes to stop a motorcycle at 60 miles an hour using given conditions. No one knows your riding style better than yourself. But here are some things to consider while riding on wet roads. Using the hypothetical 60 mph example (didn’t I just say I wasn’t going to do that? Oh well) under perfect conditions, a skilled rider can come to a full stop in around 5.4 seconds; that includes a one-second delay before hitting your brakes. Now, suppose fingers were already covering that brake. Now, you’ve just saved yourself around a second, and can stop sooner. Covering your brake lever can mean the difference between life and death.
Another thing to remember, lengthen your following distance. I generally ride 3-5 seconds behind cars. When it’s raining, I open that to 6-10 seconds. This leaves you much more time if an emergency braking/ swerving action is needed.
Watch for Extra Slippery Spots
Now we all know rain makes asphalt slicker. Some things to avoid are painted lines, tar snakes, manhole covers, metal bridges, and metal bridge expansions which are much slicker than other areas.
Another good rule of thumb is never stop in the middle of the lane. That rainbow of colors caused by oil or diesel residue are pretty to look at, but are a real source of rider shame as this area is much slicker than anything else on the road. I know two riders who dropped their bikes at stops one for using too much front brake in the middle of the lane, and another who was to the right of the lane, but
put his left foot down on the slippery stuff and did the boot scoot boogie.
Railroad Crossings
Remember the question on the motorcycle rider’s test about crossing railroad tracks? These are extremely slick during rain. When approaching wet railroad tracks, take them on as close to perpendicular as safely possible, as the tires will be less likely to slide on the steel.
Closing thoughts
I don’t consider riding in the rain to be a romantic thing or a source of bragging rights about how much of a biker I might be. However, anyone who rides a motorcycle, will eventually get caught riding in the rain. So it’s still a good idea to learn and use these tips when you get caught in the wet stuff. The new tire technology, and the advent ofABS (mine excluded) and some sort of traction control (also mine excluded), allows riders safer riding in rain. Their ability of enjoying motorcycles during rain is only limited by themselves. But caution on the side of safety. Ride within your abilities.
Live to Ride, Ride to Live
For Gypsy’s Benefit
I awoke to the sound of rain pattering on my bedroom window. It was still dark, so I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. Today was going to be a long day, but a day put to good use to help a friend in need.
6:30 a.m. was flashing on my cell phone lighting up the bedroom on every beat. The night before I had received a message from Gypsy asking for help to man one of the poker run sites. ‘Of course’I replied.Afew moths earlier, Gypsy had fallen and broke her left leg in three places and would be out of work for six months. Things like this can stress anyone's finances so a benefit sponsored by RedAnchor Pub & Grill had been set up to help Gypsy out. The rain outside was not making a good turnout for this event promising. Still thinking about the benefit run, I got up to make some coffee and prepare for the ride to Charlie’s. (the starting point for the poker run) Breaking one of my rules of not purposely beginning a ride in the rain, I put on my rain gear, full coverage helmet and opened the garage door. The rain was falling harder, but I continued out, fired up the big twin and headed towards Charlies.
food orders while keeping me company as well.As the afternoon went by, the rain had stopped and the sun was fighting to be seen. However, the turnout at Ventures was slow and I was concerned for the success of the benefit run for Gypsy.
4:00 p.m. finally arrives and I head towards Red Anchor with the sun embracing my smiling face.Arriving at RedAnchor, I’m delighted to see a parking lot full of bikes and cars.
Gypsy and Retread arrive around 10:30 a.m.. It was still raining but we are all optimistic that the rain would blow out by early afternoon. I got my instructions and headed towards Ventures, my station until 4:00 p.m.
Amanda was operating the bar and handling
Inside Red Anchor was literally standing room only! Gypsy was sitting in the front of the room, so I went over to give her a big hug and congratulate her on a great turnout for her event. The pool table was covered with donations for the silent auction as well as other items that would be sold by a traditional auction as well. Heading out the back door, laughter and music greeted me and the rich aroma of barbeque chicken filled the air.
Old friends and new ones all gathered for a common cause. A 3-legged Easter Egg Hunt was being organized, but my bum knee kept me from participating. A good thing too, some people were very competitive (Woody).
Everyone was having a great time and I for one was so grateful to God for a great turnout for Gypsy!
What’s Your Alibi?
It was a cold damp Saturday in Lexington when I headed towards Charleston to visit Alibi Bistro and Billiards and Carolyn Bartholomew. As I normally do, I took my favorite backroads until a little rain patters against the shield of my helmet. Great, 2 hours of this will make for a rather unpleasant trip. So, when my route crosses over I 26, I decide to take interstate. Maybe, just maybe I’ll out run the rain. The biker gods smiled upon me and the roads would be dry from Orangeburg to Summerville. Riding down Meyers Road, near Summerville, I pull into the parking lot of Alibi Bistro and Billiards. From the outside it looks pleasant, welcoming and
clean. Brick makes up most of the building's outer structure.
As I entered the bar through the doubled paneled glass door, I was welcomed by a sense of home. The bartender was working to get the bar ready for the day but still welcomed me with a smile and a hearty ‘Welcome to Alibi’s! (I’d later find out her name is Grace)
It's as engaging inside as it is on the outside. Hanging lights highlight dark wooden tables, chairs, and booths. Along one wall there are several dart boards while another wall invites you to try your skills at an arcade game. A great area for entertainment and a friendly game of darts. On the right side of the bar a billiard table is ready to test your 9 or 8 ball skills.
The bar is long, lined with comfortable stools. Behind the bar, a wall of glass shelving is lined with various bottles of liquor and glasses. Drink wells are located on each end of the bar. The
design of the bar is appealing and warm.
Finally, I meet Carolyn. I’m pleasantly surprised to hear she’s from Boston, Massachusetts. (the accent gave it away!) To the left of the bar, Carolyn takes me through two doors that separate the front area from the rear area. She begins ‘the tour’ from there and leads me towards the stage where two people are getting it prepared for an event that evening.
She begins her story of how she felt compelled to branch out and open a venue where large events could be held in a ‘bistro’ atmosphere. Proud of what she has accomplished so far, her dream is that Alibi will be ‘the place to come’ for concerts and a gathering place for friends to come and have a good time. Lining the outer portions of the room are billiard tables. Now I used to play in college, well I might add, but wouldn’t think about going against anyone who plays here. Bil-
liards must be big here or I wouldn’t see so many tables. Also, in the rear area is another bar to accommodate patrons during concerts and other events. In the middle and close to the bar, are tables and chairs. In front near the stage is an area I believe is large enough for dancing.
As I mentioned earlier, Alibi has a front venue, which is non-smoking, which is used for friends to gather, drink, and eat. Games are available and a billiard table for entertainment. There is a little stage in the corner used for karaoke and live music.
The rear venue is open for special events during the evening. It can support a large crowd for any event that is booked or private parties. I think it accommodates inside smoking, but don’t hold me to that because I’m not a smoker.
I really like this venue and look forward to attending some events here. There’s something always going on and the bartenders are friendly and waiting to serve you.
