Ray's Motoring Travels

Destination – Cypress Landing RV Park

May 5, 2021

Found a great excuse to go ride. An old high school classmate of mine has apparently built an RV Park up near Dozier, Alabama so of course felt the need to ride up and check it out for myself. He doesn’t even know that I went as of this writing. Will probably contact him and go up for a personal tour of the place at some time in the future. This ride was just one of those “destination not as important as the ride” situations that I took on April 22, 2021.

It was a very clean and quiet looking place located on the shores of Gantt Lake, located in the Gantt Community, north of the City of Andalusia in Covington County, just off State Highway 29. The reservoir impounds the Conecuh River, and is approximately 2,700 acres in size with 21 miles of shoreline. The River Falls Power Company constructed Gantt Dam in the 1920s, but it is now operated by Alabama Electric Cooperative for hydropower generation.

Since I was on the bike did not want to disturb the guests. Sure seems set up well, they have a general store for guests, boat rentals, fishing, and on week-ends and special occasions a live band, karaoke, dancing, and food is there for your enjoyment. Here is the link to the Cypress Landing RV Park FaceBook Page for more information and bookings.

Below is a few photos taken when I made my stop there.

**Taken standing at the sign – entrance road.**

Very nice looking place, will definitely go back some day and visit the entire park and might even get to do a little fishing?

So the ride up there was awesome. As always I take the back country roads wherever possible, my favorite places to ride. Mostly what you have to look out for is animals, tractors, pot holes, sand on the road and other such minor things. As you can see from the “My Ride” app below, was a 94.3 mile round trip so not really far from home. Notice I can usually find a different route to return home, no sense in retracing your steps if you don’t have too.

So this was a nice short trip, am looking to expand and find places a little further from home, maybe interesting places to visit within say a 100 miles or less. That way the round trip of 200 miles could easily be done and have time to stop and visit some and play tourist, etc. If anyone has some suggestions of out of the way places that might fit into my riding style, would certainly love to hear from you. Just leave the suggestions in comments below.

Such a nice ride, will share a video with you below of some of the roads taken on the way home, enjoy!

Thought you might like to know more about Cypress Landing RV Park? A quote directly from their website: https://clrvpark.com

^{Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors of all varieties gravitate to our RV park on beautiful Gantt lake. Our mild year-round climate attracts both short and extended stay visitors. We welcome pets as well. Gantt lake is known for its great fishing, hunting, boating as well as other water sports. Come and pay us a visit, away from the crowds, but still close to town and convenient to the many attractions on the Gulf Coast. Our RV Resort offers top quality amenities and beautiful natural surroundings. Come and visit us. We are located on Hwy 29 about 12 miles from Andalusia.}

They have also produced a video showing the entire park, see below, enjoy!

Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and hit that like button. Stay tuned, follow to be notified when next post publishes. And if you feel the urge, share this on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Keep the shiny side UP!

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #cypresslandrvpark, #motorcyclerides
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Journey to Murder Creek

May 3, 2021

Always looking for places to visit, excuses to get out and ride my motorcycle. Was seeing posts and hearing about this place called Murder Creek Distillery. News about them opening up another place in Downtown OWA Foley, Alabama and people were raving about it.. Murder Creek Distillery Facebook page While the new place sounded awesome, the ride to the original place was more to my taste so guess which one I visited. You see, sometimes the destination is not as important as the ride itself. 🙂

The original Murder Creek Distillery is an Alabama based manufacturer of distilled spirits located just outside the beautiful city of Brewton in the town of Riverview. Was curious why they would name a place Murder Creek?

History is always interesting. The Story of Murder Creek, copied from Murder Creek Website:

Murder Creek origins go way back to 1788- just after the Revolutionary War. Colonel Kirkland and his party were on their way to Pensacola, Florida. Unfortunately, they never arrived at their destination. Due to the silver in their pockets, Kirkland’s party was ambushed and murdered. Only one of the three outlaws was captured for this crime, and paid the final price… After these bloody circumstances, the little creek which had been named Aloochahatcha, became known as Murder Creek.

When visiting the Murder Creek Distillery, you are given a tour of the process and their product (moonshine) is made. It was interesting and even purchased a jar of Dixie Honey Moonshine. Funny thing is I do not drink alcohol of any type, this was only for the novelty, it’s stored in a display case. Proof below 🙂 Gentleman told me if I wanted to drink it that it would go best with unsweetened tea.

Here is their process as copied from the Murder Creek Website:

^{“Our Moonshine is crisp and smooth. Our alcohol is distilled to the highest purity in small batches. A double distillation process is used with each batch being filtered multiple times through charcoal and a unique pour bed to remove impurities. This pure alcohol is bottled at 80 proof as our Murder Creek Moonshine, or cut down to 40 proof and mixed with our special flavors in each batch.”}

And just in case you’re curious about the many different flavors they brew, the following is a list of moonshine possibilities when you visit. Peach Cobbler, Orange Dreamcicle, Pecan Praline, Alabama Apple Pie,
Southern Cherry Bombs, Watermelon, Blueberry, Banana Pudding, Dixie Dizzy Pickle, Dixie Honey, Dixie Chocolate, and Dixie Chocolate Mint.

Now the ride that day was awesome, started out in the mid 50’s and was probably in the mid 60’s temperature wise when I got home. This ride happened on April 19, 2021 and was according to the MY RIDE app 113.6 miles round trip. Photo below, as you can see, took a different route home, hate traveling the same road back as going when riding. 🙂 Again is the ride, not the time or destination that matters so much.

It was also a beautiful ride in that most all of it was back roads with lots of good ole fashion country scenery. My favorite type of riding. Will post a couple of short video’s below but please don’t talk bad about my poor video equipment and experience. 🙂

On the way to Murder Creek Distillery

Clip 2 further down the road on the way to Murder Creek Distillery in Brewton, Alabama

Oh and almost forgot, here’s a photo taken when arriving at the Murder Creek Distillery. As you can see, not a huge place or fancy by any means, but they sure got a lot of things going on in there and absolutely worth the visit.

Keep the shiny side UP!

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #motorcyclerides, #murdercreekdistillery, #ridetomurdercreek
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MY First POKER Run

April 30, 2021

Had always wanted to ride in a Poker Run, knew the basics but had never participated. There was one scheduled last year before my accident happened but it was cancelled due to the Covid thing and some other issues.

This year however, the VFW Post 4437 in Defuniak Springs, FL was determined to do this Poker Run to benefit a local charity that does amazing things for cancer patients in our area. Not only was I excited to ride but a little nervous also since it would be something I’ve never done and with people that I didn’t know since I’m not a member. Am a Veteran but was never in a war zone so not qualified for membership at that post. Remember at this point still building my confidence back. Because it was for my favorite charity Cancer Freeze was very determined to do this in spite of all my doubts and made up excuses.

I posted out of my normal order of progression about this a few weeks past Here: VFW Post 4437 Poker Run and if you follow my Face Book page you already know how excited I was to participate. 🙂

Weather was suppose to be rainy that day and without tons of confidence yet wasn’t sure I was ready to ride in the rain, don’t like riding a motorcycle in the rain anyway but woke up that morning, kept kicking myself in the butt to DO THIS and stop thinking negative. The starting point was about twenty five miles from my home so bit the bullet, got dressed and headed to the VFW Post, figured I could always back out after I got there if weather was too bad. 🙂

Got there early, met some people, ask a few questions, just hanging out while people were coming in and registering etc. About ten minutes before we were scheduled to pray and bless the bikes it started sprinkling rain. YUCK… not good. Long story short it didn’t last very long, dried the seat off with a towel and we were kick stands up on time and believe it or not, didn’t rain on us all day. In fact the sun came out and was a very pleasant day. So we’re off and I’m trying to get as near to the back of the pack as possible, that way could peel off at anytime should I start feeling uncomfortable. Never happened, half way through this trip and I’m hoping it will continue longer than planned.

Beginning of the ride as we were leaving the post. Turn down your volume, have terrible recording equipment.

Will have to tell you, one thing that made me feel a little out of place was the type bike I was riding. Out of the seventy or so bikes that started the run, only about four or five were NOT Harley Davidson’s! Most all of these bikers you could tell were experienced and quite normal for them to do these rides. Many of them were the VFW Post 4437 Motorcycle Riders group and many of their friends. That’s ok, I’ve felt out of place before and was having too much fun to back out now! You see not only was this my first Poker Run but it was also the first time I had ever ridden in a group ride that large. Normally I ride alone, my favorite way to ride, have ridden with one or two others in the past but never a group.

An idea of what it looks like from my position in the group, keep in mind there was still more behind me. Was still cloudy in this photo but sun came out bright later. 🙂

Staging area before all bikes were there

Short video of our first stop on the Poker Run, Horse Power Pavilion. Turn down your volume, wind noise is bad. 🙂

To say I enjoyed this day would be an under statement. Hey, had a good reason to ride my motorcycle and a great cause to benefit, what else could you ask for! Would definitely do this again anytime especially if it was for the benefit of Cancer Freeze. I encourage you to click that link and check out all the things that Cancer Freeze does for local cancer patients in this area. Started by a local couple with many different events scheduled throughout the year to raise money, all done with Volunteers, no salaries involved. The main event is always the first Saturday of February each year held at Lake Jackson in Florala, AL, only about two miles from my home.

Just so you know, you can learn more about and DONATE to Cancer Freeze from that link! Please consider. 🙂

Keep the shiny side UP!

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #motorcyclerides, #pokerrun, #VFWpost4437
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Building Back Motorcycle Confidence

April 27, 2021

How do you do that? In my case it was the desire to get back in the saddle quickly, missed the wind therapy and certainly needed it for my well being after being cooped up and encumbered for so long. It was the theory of “if you fall off your horse, get back on as soon as possible”. People would ask “why would you at your age want to ride a motorcycle again?” Of course I understand they were only concerned about my safety and you have to appreciate it, but that was not helping me get my confidence back. 🙂

My normal answer was that motorcycle riding was one of the few things in life that I still enjoy. And thinking to myself, life is short so you gotta do the things that you like while you’re still able. Here’s the thing, if you, God forbid, had a car accident, would you stop driving? Not likely, but you might have a tendency to be more cautious and aware now that you know it CAN happen to YOU.

By the way, the motorcycle accident I experienced was the first and only vehicle accident that I’ve ever experienced in my fifty plus years of driving. So YES it CAN happen to anyone anytime and I’m very aware of that now!

Quite honestly, the first few times strapping on the gear and throwing a leg over that Suzuki there was nervousness. Seems though after you gettting on, pulling out onto the highway all nerves settle as you feel you are now in control, just gotta watch out for potholes, obstacles, and drivers in cages that are not paying attention. Thought the best way to regain my confidence was to just get out and ride. Do some practicing, starting, stopping, turning, etc.

As previously stated have watched some online video’s posted by Jerry Palladino – Ride Like A Pro YouTube Channel. Had actually purchased one of his training videos when I first started riding the Yamaha in 2019. He offers some great tips to help you practice and improve your riding skills. Offers his You Tube channel packed with many tips totally free of charge.

Ok, so back to building confidence, just started riding every day possible, weather permitting. Didn’t record all of the days I rode but here is an example of some that I did track on “My Ride” phone app. Feb 28 – 20 miles. March 5 – 35 miles. March 12 – 55 miles first ride. March 12 – 51 miles second ride. March 21 – 120 miles. March 29 – 44 miles. April 2 – 38 miles. April 3 – 61 miles. April 5 – 42 miles. April 13 – 62 miles. April 19 – 114 miles. April 22 – 94 miles. All of these rides are basically back country roads around my area, not much traffic avoiding the major highways. That’s how I’m most comfortable riding.

As you can see, I’m starting to get my confidence back little by little. Of course these rides are not the only riding I’ve done since sometimes just jump on and go to the store, or ride around the neighborhood and don’t bother to turn on the app to record the trip.

Now that you’re caught up to date on my motorcycle riding, there are a few places I’ve been and rides taken that I would like to take you on in some future posts. Some are interesting rides and you might enjoy the experience I’ve had?

If I had some decent camera equipment for recording video and audio while riding would love to share the whole experience with you but as of now that kind of equipment is not in the cards for my budget. I did purchase another one of those Cheap but decent Cameras but haven’t figured out yet how to get better quality out of it without the wind noise etc. Maybe some day someone will feel my pain and gift me one. 🙂 🙂

Keep the shiny side UP!

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #confidence, #motorcycle
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Finding my new Ride

April 23, 2021

From the last post you gather that I had some down time and that’s putting it mildly. Not able to go outside much, using a walker and wheel chair about drove me to the brink of insanity. If nothing else I love being outside and doing things. After the last surgery around the end of September, 2020 started thinking about the possibilities for another motorcycle. Really not knowing how long the healing would take or if it would be possible to ride again weighed heavily on my mind.

Approximately two weeks after the last surgery it was starting to look like I’d be able to walk without assistance, with pain but at least unassisted by some apparatus. Next question, would I be able to throw my leg over the seat of a bike and would the left leg be strong enough to hold me up should I attempt such a feat. 🙂

October, November, and December was slow steady progress using a cane only and doing my best to strengthen both legs as they had been dormant for so long. Hard to believe how fast you lose muscle, flexibility, and balance when laying around for a period of time. During these months I started in earnest searching for my motorcycle.

New motorcycle again would have to fit my budget and this time had to be less weight than the big Yamaha, no way was this left leg going to be able to hold up a heavy weight bike, not until the strength came completely back. In late January was really getting down to a couple of choices, just needed to make the decision and pull the rip cord.

Turns out it was a 2009 Suzuki Boulevard C50 with only 6900 miles on it, looked brand new, had been garage kept and was totally spotless. Bike had less engine and horsepower than I really wanted but everything else about it yelled take me home. The engine was half the size of the Yamaha but it also weighed about 200 lbs. less which was absolutely necessary at this point. Made the deal, brought it home and the first ride was to Lakewood, the highest point in Florida where last year I had been doing most of my walking exercise. Met my brother and sister-in-law there and started walking, having no idea how long I would or could last. Walked two miles but the last mile was pure utter pain.

Next day, rode the Suzuki back to Lakewood Park and walked another two miles, this time a little faster than the day before but still tons of pain. Now any person would think, hey on my way, things are looking up gonna be great in a couple of weeks…. but NO developed a severe pain in my right foot (not the injured leg) and could barely stand much less walk. Researched and concluded it was planters fasciitis, at least that was my diagnosis and was sticking to it. Did not want to go back to a doctor ever again. Looked up all the ways to cure this thing at home, spent money and time on different gadgets, insoles, exercises, and finally decided to try acupuncture. The acupuncture helped a lot but was starting to get expensive and without insurance covering, had to discontinue treatments.

So back to home cure, stretches, rest, ice and elevation. This continued through February, March, and now we are in April and it’s really starting to feel much better. Hopefully with care I can now get this thing back to normal and start my walking again which is soooo…. necessary to maintain health. 🙂

Because I couldn’t walk very well did not mean that the motorcycle had to sit and wait for me. Could still throw my right leg over the seat and so I DID. 🙂 We have had some nasty weather these last couple of months but every day the sun was shining, did my best to get out and ride a little, at least short distances.

Have to tell you, the road back physically is not the only obstacle, mental is also an issue. My confidence is not what it was before the accident. This (new to me) motorcycle is lighter, easier to handle yet it’s taking some time to get back in the swing of feeling comfortable again. Was always cautious and respectful of a bike but seems more so now. Each day I ride is more practice and the feeling is coming back. Some days I just practice here in the yard, starting, stopping, turns, etc. Just trying to build back my confidence. Find it helpful to watch experts give their tips and exercises to become a better motorcycle rider. Here’s a couple that really know their stuff…. Jerry Palladino – Ride Like A Pro YouTube Channel and Robert Simmons – Paying It Forward You Tube Channel. You cannot go wrong watching either of these channels if you truly want to become a much better rider. Highly recommend even if you’ve been riding for years.

Have been on some longer rides, even a Poker Run a few weeks ago and in the next few posts, gonna tell you about some of those rides. 🙂

OH, I guess we have to call the new bike “Suzi” since “Yam” is no longer with us. Will drop some photos below, let me know what ya think.

Above photos is what it looked like the day I picked it up except the back seat was removed also. Notice no windshield, no saddle bags, etc… now have to make it mine.

The three phots above are with windshield added and was my first day riding over to Lakewood Park to do some walking exercises.

First two photos is with saddle bags and rear trunk. Trunk and windshield came with the bike, saddle bags I purchased from Viking Bags- World Largest Motorcycle Luggage Manufacturing Company, Offering over 700 Key lockable Saddlebags and pouches with hardware. and if you’re in the market for saddlebags, pouches, etc… highly recommend them. The third photo is with the rear trunk removed and a sissy bar and rack which is the way I will ride it most of the time. Trunk can be added at any time should there be a need to use it.

Once again, thanks for reading/following, hope you will continue. Remember not an “Old Biker” by definition, just an old man (by birth certificate) that loves to ride motorcycles. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions. Stay tuned, hit that follow button to be notified when next post publishes. And if you feel the urge, you can share this on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Thanks for reading. 🙂

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #motorcycle, #newride, #raysriding, #suzuki
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And then IT happened..

April 21, 2021

What I’m about to tell you is something most bikers don’t want to hear about, but this is reality!

Twas a nice Sunday afternoon, temperature in the mid to upper eighties, clear skies and just an all around beautiful day for a relaxing ride. Headed north on state highway 85 from my house, through Florala, turned right onto fifth street and after the four way stop, kept going straight to Samson, AL, then through Geneva, AL then turned south on highway 185 until reaching hwy 83, turned left headed toward Defuniak Spring, FL.

Was such a beautiful day only had on a t-shirt and half helmet with fingerless gloves. No side winds, a more perfect day for a ride would be hard to find. No cameras running only “My Ride” app on my phone to track my ride. As previously stated that silly camera had come un-glued and flown off the fairing where I had it mounted a month and a half earlier.

Followed highway 83 until I reached highway 90, turned east and was my intention to go through Ponce De Leon, FL and then head back north to go home. I remember going east on highway 90, had actually gotten out of town and that’s basically the last thing I remember until waking up temporarily in the ambulance. Seconds before the accident something told me to go right and from what I’m told that happened but not enough as I hit the right rear of an automobile. For the next twenty four to forty eight hours, I’m only going by what I was told since still to this day have no memory of the accident, how it happened or why. Have tried so hard to remember but it’s totally blank. Sure wish the camera was still attached and running. 🙂

Did have my phone app running to track my ride that day but sadly no camera, in fact it was still on apparently all the way to the hospital as you can see below it tracked me there. Since the riding time and the total time have a difference of over two hours the phone must have been still on even after the ride to the hospital.

Another discrepancy is the top speed recorded 115MPH, that did not happen, never rode that fast. Only explanation I have is maybe when the rear wheel came off the ground at some point it recorded the speed of that wheel spinning totally out of control. Maybe I was still twisting the throttle, have no idea? The back track on Hwy 90 to destination Ft. Walton was the ambulance ride to the hospital. Heck maybe the ambulance drove at 115 mph?

I remember asking the paramedic with me in the back of the ambulance what happened and after telling me, asked him to call my grandson to let him know where he was taking me etc. They must have had me medicated very well as at this time felt no pain but kept going in and out of awareness. Long story shortened, had my left leg broken in three places, collar bone broken and road rash on my left elbow. Glasses were broken but had no marks or scratches on my face or neck. Helmet had some deep scratches so that little helmet might have just saved me worse injuries. The Yamaha looked in better shape than me when I saw some photo’s of it, but never saw it at the crash site. I did ask about the bike but never got an answer or at least don’t remember one.

Video below shows some of it’s damage. By the way, it would still start, run and sounded like a champ!

Video was recorded by a friend of my Grandsons on the 21st of June, 2020. Was very nice of her to do this for me and she even visited me a couple of times in the hospital. She had to tell a slight fib to get in due to the Covid restrictions by telling them she was my granddaughter. 🙂 Even though the damage didn’t look to severe, insurance company determined it would be too costly to repair so they decided to total it out and sent me a check for the bike. It was a fair estimation of value but it really depressing to lose that beast.

After four days in the hospital which incorporated what seemed like hundreds of x-rays, tests, pain killers, etc., I was sent to a rehabilitation center to learn how to manage with one leg during the healing process. Had to use a walker, wheel chair and good old common sense to pass their test before they would let you leave. Spent two weeks there and then was able to come home. I certainly have found much respect for people that have to use a cane, walker or other similar device to simply move from one spot to another. Simple things you could never imagine become difficult but with effort and practice you develop skills.

Questions about whether or not I would ride a motorcycle again kept coming up and even statements like “guess that’s all for motorcycles” were rather depressing to say the least. Didn’t really think much about it until I got back home and had to see the Yamaha loaded on a wrecker and hauled off. That’s when the desire started building again but sadly wasn’t sure it would ever be possible. Have to tell you, the everyday pain was nothing but depressing. People kept saying you are so lucky, well it didn’t feel lucky at the time. Honestly though, I was lucky, God was watching over me for the second time in less than two years. It could have been a whole lot worse.

Many thanks goes out to the Paxton Baptist Church as their members were saying prayers for me every Sunday. My two lovely Aunts were always checking on me and saying prayers as well.

After a second surgery in September and some other minor complications things started to come together slowly. I’m pretty impatient so this whole process has taken what seems like a life time.

It’s been a long journey but with the help of my brother who practically moved in with me for a while, the help of my grandsons, and some friends checking on me and bringing food occasionally it went fairly well. Did have home health care for a few months which included nurses and physical therapists working with me to try and get back to normal. Before the accident was walking three to five miles each day without much effort. Right now walking around the property which is maybe a quarter of a mile is an accomplishment. 🙂

Still not 100% as of this writing and have come to the realization that I might never be. You can bet I’ll never stop working hard to get there. I am able to walk without assistance and can throw my leg over a bike so yeah I’m back to riding. Not riding as much but gradually working my way back there also. You’ll just have to follow my posts to see the progress and whether I make it back all the way or not. 🙂

FYI, have some camping trips planned this year and we shall see how that goes. LOL

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #motorcycle, #motorcycleaccident, #yamahalastride
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Motorcycle Camping Phase Two

April 16, 2021

In the Motorcycle Camping trial run back in early March, I certainly learned a lot of things that would help in the comfort area of camping. Since I decided that carrying all the stuff I needed on a bike was looking impossible and made the decision to go with a trailer and haul the bike plus sleep in it at night, still there were things I could do differently.

There were several things I could do without and other things I felt would improve my experience with camping. First thing was that the trailer had only one vent in the roof so felt that I needed some windows in it since most of my camping would be done in warmer weather. Looked for someone to install windows and after much frustration and high quotes decided to do it myself. Actually found some windows that would work on Amazon and there were video’s on best way to install them on YouTube. Turns out it wasn’t that hard to do, was so happy with my accomplishment. 🙂

Trailer was really dirty at time of these photos, promise it’s not like that most of the time. 🙂 I’ll put the link to those windows and some of the other stuff I purchased for camping at the end of this post for those interested.

Also purchased a tonneau cover for my pickup truck to keep things from getting wet from the dew at night or should it rain. Link below. Purchased a cot with a built in mattress that could be aired up with the included battery operated pump. Cot was smaller in size than the queen size mattress which was really too wide for the trailer. It fit but did not leave much room to walk around it. The cot was slimmer, same length and was up off the floor so easier to get in and out of plus could store things underneath it if necessary.

Found that I could instead of using those l lb. bottles of propane, why not get an adapter hose that would fit my camping stove and hook-up to a 20 lb. container like you use on your grill. So much easier, hate dealing with those l lb. bottles that don’t seem to last very long.

I also started looking for camping equipment that was compact, lightweight, and could easily be packed and carried on a bike since at some point I really wanted to do real motorcycle camping with just the bike and whatever I could load on it. There is a lady motorcycle rider that I follow on You Tube with over 100,000 subscribers that goes camping on her bike and seems to have a great plan. Link follows: Her Two Wheels YouTube Channel and here is a link to one of her video’s where she explains things in detail. Her Two Wheels Camping Alone Video After you watch you gotta come back here though to finish this story, and tell her I sent ya. 🙂

You would be surprised at the things available for motorcycle camping and backpacking and how compact they are. Camping pots and pans, tents, tent pads, sleeping pads & bags, camping stools, etc… Too many things to mention but will put links to some of the things I purchased below including some things I got for my bike.

After accumulating all the necessary things and leaving behind stuff I found out I didn’t need it was time to go camping again, which we did. My brother and sister-in-law had us scheduled again for Karick Lake but this time on the north side for June 1st thru June 5th. Much warmer but there was some rain possible which really didn’t matter. So we get there on the 1st of June, unpack, set up camp, start a fire and begin to relax. Was beautiful weather most of the entire camping time. We hiked almost every day around the hiking trail which goes all the way around the lake, approximately four miles.

Almost every day I took the bike out for a ride in the local area, sometimes for a couple of hours or more just to get the necessary wind therapy. On one of the rides did get rained on a couple of times. Was actually funny because when your riding if the rain stops you tend to dry out quickly in the wind, but this day as soon as I got really dry it rained again. No worries, by the time I got back to the campground was dry again. No videos but some photos below.

As you can see, it’s a quiet and peaceful place. When we were there not many campers, guess it was because of everyone wanting to keep on doing that social distance thing. Personally what better way to social distance than camping? 🙂

Had a really great time with everything I needed and more. Felt much more comfortable this time out and could not wait until the next camping trip, BUT then things happened that changed a lot of my plans. Information coming about that experience in a later post.

Going to put some links below of items I have either purchased for camping or things I just wanted or needed for the Yamaha. Keep in mind should you click on those links and purchase some of those items I may in fact receive a small fee for sending you there. All those links lead to Amazon so keep that in mind.

That’s probably not all the stuff that I’ve purchased since the motorcycle and camping came into my life, not even close, and I’m sure there will be more in the future. Funny but when you own a motorcycle there always seems to be something else you need or would like to have not including the normal maintenance items. 🙂

Be sure to stay alert and look for the next post, will reveal a lot about my current situation and possible future. 🙂

See more Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

Tags: #amazonproducts, #camping, #campingequipment, #motorcyclecamping
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Final Video – more rides

April 13, 2021

Well actually that was the final video for that particular camera. Certainly will not be my last video as several have already been taken and added to My youtube channel. Take a chance, go visit, like it, comment on each video, hit that little bell thing so you’ll get notified the next time I upload another video.

As you can see from the images below these were a few of the rides that I recorded on the “My Rides” app on my phone. The app provides a lot of information, date, distance, time, speed, acceleration, lean angle, and altitude, plus outlines the route on the map should you wish to repeat that ride at a later date.

This isn’t all the riding I did up until June 14, 2020 (will explain the data on that date later). In fact normally I took a ride almost every day unless it was raining. I just didn’t record all of them. In fact none of these were video taped either since the camera had flown off somewhere around the end of April. Whatever day it flew off there was a lot of video on it but when you can’t find the camera, it’s oh well, bye bye. Below is an ending of the last video recorded while riding the Yamaha.

Loading the Yam into the trailer April 20, 2020 after about a three hour ride.

April 20, 2020 loading the Yamaha into trailer/motorcycle garage.

Not only riding but did another motorcycle camping trip in early June. Will write a post about that camping experience in the next post and then we’ll get around to talking about the one day I’d rather not remember or talk about but find it necessary to explain this total motorcycle experience in full.

See other Video clips of my rides on My YouTube channel.

P.S. See previous post, YES I did ride in that Poker Run, my very first so will certainly have to tell you all about that venture in a post to come soon. 🙂

Tags: #motorcycle, #motorcyclerides, #motorcyclevideo
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Event this weekend…Poker RUN

April 8, 2021

Had to interrupt my normal posting schedule on bringing you up to date using my past experiences of riding a motorcycle building to the here and now. The event this weekend is important and happening this coming Sunday April 11, 2021, hence I need to post about it now. A Poker Run hosted by VFW Post 4437 in Defuniak Springs, Fl. It’s not JUST a Poker Run, benefits go to one of the best causes in our area of south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

Personally I’ve never participated in a Poker run, but believe me when I say this would certainly be one that I would support and enjoy doing. For those unfamiliar, a Poker run basics is register, pay whatever registration fees are required. There is a set time to do so, bikes are normally blessed before the start and then at a specific time KSU (meaning kick stands up) and ride begins. The route is preplanned with stops where at each stop you are given a playing card.

After all stops have been completed the route returns you to the place you started which in this case is VFW Post 4437 in DeFuniak Springs. Usually food is served on arrival and other events can be scheduled to end the day like an auction or something else to raise more money for the charity, a person, or organization.

I truly do want to ride in this event but since never doing this before am a little apprehensive and unsure of the mechanics or if I’m physically ready for this. Wish I knew someone who’s riding that I could get some experienced information from. 🙂

Here is a quote from VFW Post 4437 FaceBook page with details of this event:

(start quote)

14th Annual Rumblin’ for Hope Poker Run

Registration: VFW Post 4437, 25 S. 25th Street, DeFuniak Springs

$15 per Bike/$5 additional rider (includes your meal after ride)

Extra hands will be available for $5

9-9:45 am: Registration

9:45 am: Blessing of the Bikes

10:00 am: KSU

1st Stop: Horse Power Pavilion, 4497 Hwy 20, Freeport

2nd Stop: Special Forces Brotherhood MC, 13885 Hwy 20, Niceville

3rd Stop: AmVets Post 78, 910 Valastics Ave, Valparaiso

4th Stop: AmVets Post 178, 4776 Hwy 90, Defuniak Springs

5th Stop: VFW Post 4437, 25 S. 25th St, DeFuniak Springs

3:30 pm: Food will be served at VFW Post 4437

4:00 pm: Auction and 50/50All proceeds from this Run will be donated to our LOCAL “Cancer Freeze” Program. “Cancer Freeze” is a Non-Profit organization that provides much needed financial assistance to Northwest Florida and South Alabama individuals battling cancer.

CANCER FREEZE

Horse Power Pavilion

Special Forces Brotherhood MC (Duke Field FL)

Amvets Post 78 – Valparaiso, Florida

Amvets Post 178

Seventh Seal Tattoo

CaNDe Custom

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Jerry’s Burger Co.

(end quote)

As you can see it’s a full day, sounds like a ton of fun and benefits an exceptional cause. So the reason for this post is to make as many people as possible aware so that you can participate if you so desire. I’m personally going to try and be there, only some physical issues might prevent me from riding. (more on that issue later)

Actually in this event you are not required to ride a motorcycle, pretty sure they will allow anyone in a car or truck to participate or they will take donations for Cancer Freeze, either way you want to help. So I’m going to end this now, post it and hope to see you there. Remember April 11, 2021, this coming Sunday. 🙂 🙂 🙂

By the way as always feel free to share this post, comment, like, and hit that follow button to be notified the next time a post is published. 🙂

Tags: #cancerfreeze, #pokerrun, #VFWpost4437
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Motorcycle Camping Part 3 – The Trial

April 6, 2021

This should be the last post about the motorcycle camping trial run, in other words the testing in real time before the serious stuff starts. At this point everything I can think of is packed, food, toiletries, clothes, cooking utensils, heater (this was in March and still cold) extension cords, table, chairs, firewood, etc etc etc…. In other words had the trailer hooked up, bike and some supplies in trailer with the remainder in the cab or back of the truck.

Lets go——we had reserved camping sites at Karick Lake South for March 4 through the 8th of 2020. Five days to test out this setup, see what was missing and what could be left behind on the next outing. By the way Karick Lake camping is near by (25 miles) and is a really quiet and well taken care of campground. It has a fishing pier, bath rooms, showers, and hiking trails. Each campsite has electrical hook up and water. For those with RV and trailer campers there is a dump station on your way out.

As you can see from the photos, when we arrived it was dreary looking, foggy, raining, and on top of that the wind was blowing pretty good also. Those photos were taken around three in the afternoon. That was not going to stop this camper however, we were going to stick it out no matter what. In fact turns out most of the five days we were there it was like this, cold, damp and for normal people some might have called it miserable.

Next it was time to setup, unload the bike first, then inflate the queen size air mattress, unpack the blankets, hook up the water hose, plug into electricity, turn on the heater, build a fire and get ready to prepare some food. The RV you see in the right side of the photo below is my brother and sister-in-law. They camp in style with all the comforts of home. 🙂

It rained really hard that night, the camper directly in front of me was camping in a tent and riding a motorcycle. Met him the next morning as he was packing up to leave. He explained it was pretty rough since his tent flooded and he only had a few dry clothes to change into. He was from Mississippi and was headed home that morning hoping he could stay out of most of the bad weather. Not likely though, storms were brewing all across the southern states at that time.

Even though is was miserable, had a great time with my brother. We hiked almost every day, cooked and ate a lot, sat around the camp fire which we kept going strong for the entire time and talked about anything that came to mind. Learned a lot on the trip, some changes I might do and other things I could do without. In other words, I packed way too much stuff. 🙂 Even though the weather was not nice still had a chance to take a few short rides on the motorcycle which for me is always fun.

Will post a two minute video below of one ride as I was leaving the camp site and out of the campground to the main road. Camera was mounted on rear of the motorcycle. Turned off the sound because it was so windy.

Soon we will catch up from the past and start posting about what’s happening now, but first I will need to catch you up on what has happened since this camping trip, maybe more camping, more rides, more photos and videos. So be patient with me, we’ll get there I promise. Will close this post out with a few more photos of that campsite. It was a blast and a learning experience for sure!

Remember not an “Old Biker” by definition, just an old man (by birth certificate) that loves to ride motorcycles. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions. Stay tuned, hit that follow button to be notified when next post publishes. And if you feel the urge, you can share this on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Tags: camping, motorcycle, motorcyclecamping
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