Letter from Rick
Wow! By the time you read this, I’ll be somewhere in Florida. But who knew that I wouldn’t produce another issue of Stories From the Road until June! Two events occurred during this time. The most significant one was the loss of my wife, Susan. She died of natural causes on May 9th, 2020. I miss her so much. The second event was the COVID-19 virus. Many people were affected by this pandemic and still are, but I was home with Susan during her illness, and it didn’t really affect me that much. I have opinions about it anyway, but I will keep them to myself for now.
This month’s cover is Ashley Nicole Kanapaux. She is Vici Amanti’s newest Mint Minx gal. Her story is inside, and I must say I like this woman. A country girl through and through. Read about Ashley inside. Vici’s group of women serve others by helping out with charitable events. These women are dedicated to sharing themselves to help those less fortunate.
Also inside is Brittany Amanti. I’ve featured Brittany in a previous issue. Still, this young woman is such a talented model and video artist that I felt it necessary to share her with my readers once again. Welcome back, Brittany!
The June issue will be different, whereas it will contain stuff from April and May. I’m trying to keep it manageable, but I’ll see how it goes. Next month there will be more motorcycle content for sure as I travel about Florida in June.
I'm thankful for my readers who follow me on my travels. I love telling my stories and hope you enjoy them.
I’m looking for your story! If you have a story you’d like to share in my magazine, contact me via my email. I’d be glad to check it out and use it!
Ride safe! Ride Often!
storiesroad53@gmail.com
Ride Safe
Welcometoanothereditionof’RideSafe.’. Thismonth,I’dliketotalkaboutspeed wobbles.
I’veneverexperiencedoneofthesepersonally,butIknowpeoplethathave.Itdidn’t endwellfortherider.Aweekormorein thetraumaunitatalocalhospitalcantest yourwillingnesstogetbackonabike.
Ithasbeensaidthatamotorcycleismost stablewhentravelingalongonaflatsurface inastraightline.Infact,itcandothis whetherweareonthebikeornot.Ourpurposeforbeingonthebikeistoguideit wherewewantittogo.
Therearetimeswhenafront-wheelshimmywilloccur.Thiswillmostlikelybe causedbyadefectivetire,impropertire pressure,unbalancedloadoneitherthe frontorreartire,wornwheelbearings,or eventheroadsurface.Theseproblemswill notfixthemselves,andmostlikely,you can’tfixthemeither.Sogetthesethingsaddressedimmediatelybyaqualifiedmotorcyclemechanic.Othertimes,aviolentfront wheelwobblemayoccurandresultina crash,placingyoutheriderinthehospital foranextendedtime.
Ifashimmyshouldoccur,don’tputadeath griponthehandlebars.Givethemotorcycle enoughroomtocorrecttheshimmyitself. Whenyouholdontootightlytothehandle-
barsduringashimmy,youarepreventing thebikefromdoingwhatitneedstodoto continuetravelinginastraightpath.Itcan alsocauseatransferoftheshimmyfrom thebarstoyourbody,whichmaycauseyou tolosecontrolofthemotorcycleandcrash.
Othertimeswhenamechanicalissueispresent,theshimmycanbecomemoreviolent andcomplicated.Thesescenariosarecalled ‘DeathWobbles.’Inthissituation,youwant tomaintainyourgriponthehandlebars.Do notgrabthefrontbrakes,whichisanatural reaction,butDON”TDOIT!Instead,gently usetherearbraketoreducesomespeed.As yourspeeddecreases,theshimmyorwobblewillstop.Oncestopped,findoutwhat hascausedtheshimmyorwobble.
Itisessentialtoknowwhattodoincase oneofthescenariosshouldhappen.Kevin addressesthisinmoredetailinhisvideo
Clickonthepicturebelowtoseemore aboutmotorcycleshimmiesandwobbles. (PS...thecoreofthevideowillbeginafter thefirstfewminutes..bepatient)
Pleaseridesafelyandresponsibly!
Prosperity
South
Carolina
Ihavewatchedthislittletownlocated betweenNewberryandColumbia slowlyreinventitsdowntownfor years.Thismonth,I’mgoingtoshare someofthesitesofthissmalltown calledProsperity.Itsnameisindicativeoftheeffortthecommunityhas madetomakeitadestinationforeveryone.Enjoythepicturesandcommentsonthefollowingpages.Better
yet,planavisittoProsperitypostCOVID-19.Ithinkyouwilllikeit.If youwantMexicanfood,mayIsuggest Los3Amigosislocatedat:
117NorthMainSt Prosperity,SouthCarolina29127 (803)500-8043
Prosperity was originally called Frog Level due to its low-lying proximity and the large number of frogs in nearby ponds. A portion of the town was destroyed by fire in 1873. As the town was being rebuilt, residents voted to rename the town to Prosperity after the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Once named Frog Level, metal and wooden statues of frogs can be found throughout the Town of Prosperity.
Los 3 Amigos
Along Main Street
Murals
Photograph - Courtesey MinT Potography
Ashley Nicole Kanapaux
Meet Ashley Nicole Kanapaux, the newest addition to the Mint Minx crew. Even though I haven’t met Ashley in person, I feel like I know her already. She said during a messaging interview with her that she was a country girl through and through. Boy, I certainly didn’t know how true that was.
Having grown up in rural Virginia myself, I was always surrounded by country folks. I got married to a city gal and forgot what a real country girl is like. Enter Ashley. In a short time I’ve known her, I’ve grown to love her already. In the next few pages, you’ll meet this pretty fun-loving woman who loves her family. and living life to its fullest.
Whether posing for the camera or riding her favorite four-wheeler with her son, Ashley loves her family, her dad, and life to the fullest.
SFTR – Ashley, even though I have not met you in person, your pictures tell a story of who you are. Family is very important to you. First of all, who is Ashley Nicole Kanapaux?
Ashley - Hey y’all! My name is Ashley Kanapaux, my friends call me Boots. I am 26 years old, a December (Sagittarius) baby. Born and raised in South Carolina. I am a server and bartender at Logan’s Roadhouse in Summerville, where I have worked for
the past 2 years.
SFTR – I’m not a native of South Carolina Ashey, but I’ve lived her since 1990 and certainly call this home. Are you married, if so, do you have any children?
Ashley - I am a mom to a wonderful and handsome 7 year old son. His father Antonio is my high school sweetheart and the love of my life.
SFTR – Now that’s a love story! I think I know the answer to this, but what are some of your hobbies besides modeling?
Ashley - I love fishing, hunting, four wheeling, camping, and just being outdoors with my family.
SFTR – Anything else you’d like to share?
Ashley - hmmm...My favorite color is green. I like daisies, sunflowers, and gardenias. I love all animals, and I went to Cross and Cane Bay for my education. I’m always up for a challenge, and I love meeting new people!
SFTR – Judging by your love of the great outdoors, it would appear your father played a huge part in your upbringing. Would you consider that a fair assessment?
Ashley- Absolutely. My daddy has taught me everything I know. How to work hard, how to always be humble. He taught me how to bait my own hook and how to drive the boat. We sat up many nights since I was a child watching westerns, mostly john Wayne, eating cookies and milk. So many camping trips, trail rides, hunting, and fishing trips. So many memories. He would give strong words of advice anytime I felt like I was failing. I have 14 voicemails saved on my phone from my dad because I fear the day I will lose him. I never want to miss the sound of his voice. His laughter. He's truly my hero, and I couldn't be more honored and prouder to be his little girl.
SFTR – Where do you see your relationship with MinT Minx going?
Ashley - I am excited to see where this journey leads next! I am so excited to be a part of this. Thank you so so much!
SFTR – Thank Ashley for sharing your background with Stories From the Road. I look forward to meeting you in person and getting to know this country girl from Summerville, SC. Do you mind if I share a few of your family pictures?
Ashley - Absolutely. There is so many to choose from!
Hunting
Fishing Camping
Four-wheeling Family
Brittany Amanti
I met Brittany during a Carolina Chrome Steampunk shoot. She can draw you into her mystic without saying a word. Brittany is a unique and beautiful woman that isn't afraid to do it her way.
Modeling since before I was 18, I love showing my variety. Automotive Paint and Body and sometimes Zumiez in the malls are passions of mine. I love their fashion and shoes, and of course, they couldn't resist my swag!
The car scene and the music scene are two things I enjoy very much. I also promote and practice DJ'ing, and would eventually like to learn Car Audio. Don't let the beautiful girl on the outside mislead you, I'm such a tomboy on the inside! My real friends, family, music, and commitment to making money and bettering myself are passions of mine. To be honest, my dream is to find love right for me, a stable life, and have my own family one day. Like my mom and dad, who have been married for 31 years now, they still love it like it was just yesterday. I've never strayed too far from my bucket list, but I know I want to go to Japan before I die, that's one thing for sure. To experience everything, the cars, the music, the people, the food, their anime movies, and all the lights would be a life's dream come true! Did I mention I want to experience and see as many concerts as I can, haha? Metal, rap, EDM, all of it. Dance? Yep, hip hop and shuffle dancing are my favorites. I also want to experience as many car shows and races as possible. The adrenaline of racing is indescribable! Eventually, I would like to own all my favorite cars and bikes and to become an actual race car driver. It's a long shot, but a girl can dream!
❤
Reflections
Photograph courtesy of MinT Photography
A little bit Country A little bit Rock & Roll
Do opposites really attract? If so, is it a life long attraction?
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
- Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
Photograph - Courtesy of MinT Photography
In My Opinion
Rick’s thoughts on just about anything
Remember the good ole days when riding your motorcycle just involved performing the T-CLOCK safety check, checking the weather forecast, and dressing accordingly? Yeah, I miss it too. In today's COVID19 pandemic (or not for you conspiracy theorist) riding your motorcycle involves packing hand-sanitizers, latex gloves, several masks, and depending on how much of a germaphobe you are, one of those tape measures that fit in your pocket to verify the distance between the 6 ft markers. But how do all of these precautions affect a grieving spouse?
Whether I am riding with a purpose or just riding around the countryside harassing country store clerks, the breeze in my face helps blow my troubles away. Did you see what I did there? This particular ride would be a planned trip to Virginia to shop for a headstone for my wife of thirty-three years. She passed the day before Mother's Day, so I felt the bike ride would help with my grief. So, I took my favorite route through South Carolina and North Carolina into Virginia.
Riding my bike anywhere usually winds up taking side trips for unplanned adventure down roads unknown. I enjoy those little trips, and more often than not, I find a little treasure of a location that I bookmark in my brain for a future trip and possibly a story. On this trip, I was not looking for side trips and actually not looking forward to the trip to Virginia at all.
I continue on northward through North Carolina into Virginia, hoping I would be able to book a room in a hotel in my hometown of South Boston. My appointment with South Boston Memorials was at 3 PM that afternoon, so I was not wasting time getting there. A room was not my priority at the time. After visiting and looking at the memorial options, my mind turned to find a location to bed down for a couple of days. I called Donna, a good friend of mine for many many years, to let her know I was in town. I would stop by to visit her after obtaining a room for the night. To
my great joy, she said I could stay at her mother's house. Her mother was recovering from surgery and staying with her until COVID-19 was less of a threat. Her mother had given me permission to stay at her place, nobody was there, and I could stay as many days as I needed. WOW! What a blessing and so generous of Donna's mother to offer me that gift! So, I was set on a place to stay.
Stop and smell the roses. I am sure we have all heard this phrase at some point in our lives. But have we actually taken the time to discover what this actually means?
After visiting with my friend Donna, I rode over to her mother's house to settle for a couple of days. Now, her home is a few decades old, but still a lovely house with all the modern-day amenities. Once I became acquainted with where everything was, I sat down in total silence to reflect on how my life had changed and what I was going to do with the remainder of it. Quite a solemn time was had by all. (well me)
So, right then and there, I decided I would stay in Clarksville and take in the town and get to know it. Although not an exceptionally large place, it borders Bugg's Island lake, one of the larger lakes around and brings locals and visitors alike. During my exploration of Clarksville, I found a Chinese restaurant that I decided I would try. Thank goodness I had emptied my motorcycle bag. I was able to get my food inside and ride back to my temporary home for dinner and some tv. Now on for a night of sleep and regeneration for the next day's adventures.
Early the next morning, I was hoping I would find a beautiful hometown place to have some breakfast. Now Virginia and it's uh… I'll keep my opinion of Virginia's governor private for now. The governor had not allowed many places to open for business. But I did find a small locally owned business in South
Boston, Va, that was actually open and serving a few breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Wooooohooooo! Prayers answered. Saddling up on BJ, we head about 20 miles west for some breakfast and coffee at The Busy Bean.
Arriving in my hometown of South Boston, memories began flooding my mind of days friends, and I would drive our cars from Riverdale, through South Boston on the main street to Hardees and back. We would greet each other as we passed by on our cars with the windows rolled down, and arms were hanging out of them in 38-degree weather with the heater wide open. Good times! I arrived at the Busy Bean, ordered coffee, and a bacon and egg croissant. After chatting with Anne, the Busy Bean owner, I sat at one of the sidewalk tables to reflect on my current situation and being back in my hometown. Afterward, I ventured out on BJ and rediscovered the place I had grown and all the memories that would come with it.
Thursday morning. It was time to head back to South Carolina and face the new life that had been forced upon me with Susan's passing. God, I miss her. I decided that today would be about making memories on my way home.
My first choice of making memories for my trip home was to take a different route back to South Carolina. My path of choice would be highway 49 throughout most of North Carolina. But the best-laid plans will often get changed during a trip. My plans would be no different. Remembering I wanted to go by Rockingham, NC, I changed my southwestern direction to a southeaster direction, making my way to Rockingham Dragway.
When traveling on my motorcycle, even on a planned destination trip, I feel it expected that I change my plans and take a new route to a known destination. This trip was no different. My favorite little town to travel through
was Pittsboro, NC. About a mile off th e beaten path is a popular locals restaurant called Al's Diner. I did not have time to stop and eat there as COVID-19 stuff was in effect. But I did get a picture and planned a ride back one day to check out this little restaurant.
I arrived at Rockingham Dragway around 2:00 PM. I began stretching and walking around the entrance to the grandstands of the raceway. While I was mulling over how I could actually get into the drag way and on the track itself, up walks a man and his dog. We greeted each other and began talking about the track. As we were wrapping up our conversation, he told me I could go into the track and roam around. If anyone questioned me, tell them Steve said it was ok. Wow, thank you, Steve. I hopped on BJ and started through the gates before he changed his mind. (at that time, I didn't know I was talking to the owner of the track, Steve Earwood)
So roaming is what I did! The first stop was the staging area where the staging 'Christmas Tree' usually would be standing. A couple of shots of BJ and I was definitely mandatory. You know what, I'll shut up and let my pictures down below do the talking. It was the best-unexpected treat I think I have ever received during an outing. What a much-needed diversion.
As you have seen, this is a little different from most of 'In My Opinion' segments I have written in the past. I wanted to share my trip to Virginia and the memories it brought to me while mourning the loss of my wife, Susan. I enjoyed my time of grief relief, but I will always remember Susan. She was a devoted wife and mother, and I look forward to seeing her again.
In Loving Memory Of My Wife
Susan
W Hood 9/23/1953 – 5/9/2020
