hppants
Well-known member
I’ve needed a ride for a while. Not the typical weekend jaunt where I troll the same roads with the same scenery and the same ole same ole. No…. I needed a real ride. One that leads me to a destination. One that gives me an opportunity to just wing it. Free style it through this wonderful countryside looking for everything and nothing at the same time. One that offers me times where I don’t know where I’m going, and I don’t care because I’ve got all day and quite frankly, it really doesn’t matter cause the whole damm thing is great. One that involves my friends and our common love of the motorcycle. One that offers me time to think about where I’ve been, where I am, and where I want to go.
The Southern FJR Owners (SFO) 2018 gathering was just that ride. I stretched it into 5 days and about 1750 miles, covering much of southern and central Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. I rode with others and I rode by myself. And I enjoyed every single mile of it.
About 30 of us gathered at the weekend camp of Jana and Turk in Jemison, Alabama for the 3rd year in a row. Our hosts are the epitome of what the standard for southern hospitality is. For 4 days, those two and their family served, slaved, and fretted over us in a manner that can only be described as “amazing”. People overly use that word these days but trust me, I know EXACTLY what it means and it fits perfectly here. I left Sunday only with feelings of humble thankfulness and utter amazement at what just happened.
We ate like royalty (Dilly Dilly!!) the entire weekend, and we drank like the bikers we are. We made new friends, and old friends reunited and picked up just where they left off. We laughed until it hurt. For the guest, it was absolutely effortless. The whole thing was so much fun.
It’s been a long and hot summer. For Pants, my summer started about April 15th and now early in October, it seems not to be over yet. The SFO weekend weather started out rainy, and when it didn’t rain, it was sticky hot. I chose the mesh riding gear with the Frogg Toggs and water proof gloves in the top case, and it worked out just great.
My 2018 SFO adventure brought me to a new friend by the name of Timmy, and a reminder of some very valuable lessons. I hope you enjoy the pics.
Day 1: Lafayette, LA to Jemison, AL, approximately 500 miles.
Ride Route: https://goo.gl/maps/QAmRexvbqEE2
I packed the bike the night before and it looks different without the camping bag.
Julie has been staying with Andrew (aka Redfish) for a few days and they are going to SFO too. Andrew and Pops are pulling the camper with the dual sports, so I asked Julie if she wanted to ride with me and I was pleased to hear that she did.
So I leave Lafayette about 6:00 am in the dark with light rain all around me. By the time I get to our meeting place 80 miles later, the skies are looking better.
That Louisiana sticker on Julie’s top box looks shiny new!!
After a short break, we are on our way.
Looking quite well, madam!
I promised Julie I would show here the best highway curves in Mississippi, and she enjoyed all 12 of them!!
We stopped in Union, MS for lunch. Not much happening on this Thursday.
Not much curb appeal, but it was full of parked cars, and clearly, this is the place to eat.
Pretty good burgers.
Then it’s back on the road and heading northeast!
We cross the Alabama border at Gainsville, and a neat looking old building catches my eye, so I stopped rather abruptly. I approached this gentlemen and asked: “Excuse me sir, would you mind taking a picture?”
“I think you misunderstood me – I meant take a picture of my friend and I”
Ice cream time!!!
Julie has figured out the route, so I gladly moved to the rear. I just wish I would have checked the weather radar first. We got dumped on pretty good, but as we rode through the Tenn-Tom floodway, I was able to dry off in the wind.
This is the way to travel on a motorcycle. Having fun with the roads all to our self. It’s all about the journey. The paradise is right before your very eyes, if you are brave enough to look for it.
Close to our destination, Julie broke off toward the hotel in Clanton where many of us are lodging. I rode solo to the Peach Queen Campground in Jemison, where I was greeted warmly by Pops and Andrew.
This is one nice camper. I’m in tall cotton here, man.
Andrew let me use this fancy pants boot and glove dryer thingie.
We all met at SFO ground zero for delicious chili and fellowship.
Note that tiered dessert table to the left. Oh yeah, I’m gonna hit that like a hobo on a dumpster dive.
After dinner, the conversation continued. If Andrew ever gets arrested, he has one less thing to worry about. He’s got the mug shot part perfected.
We shut it down relatively early. It’s going to be a long weekend and it’s best to pace yourself at SFO. A great start to a great trip.
Day 2: Approximately 250 miles running through northeast Alabama.
Andrew set me up on an air mattress in the toy hauler section of the rolling house. I had air conditioning, tons of room, and even a TV. I slept like a baby under my sleeping bag.
I woke up early and yet Andrew and Pops were already up and there’s nothing like having the aroma of fresh coffee whiffing up to your nasal passages first thing in the morning.
True to his nature, Andrew has thought of everything. He’s even arranged covered parking for my filthy red pig.
After coffee, it’s time to cook breakfast. My role is to stay out of the way and relax.
I could get used to this.
The Redfishes are going dual sporting today, and while the FJR is many things, it is not a trail bike. So I’ll just run up the interstate a few miles and meet the others.
Before joining the others at Shoney’s, I stopped at the gas station next door to fill up the bike. The credit card reader was inoperable, so I walked into the store to pay. There, I met Timmy, a special needs (Downs Syndrome) adult a little younger than me. Timmy was with his Dad and he had a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in one hand, and a Butterfinger Candy Bar in the other. I gestured over for them to go before me, but the father insisted that I check out first.
(Pants) “You got some special treats there. I like this one a lot.”
(Timmy) “This one is my favorite.” (Reese’s P/B Cup)
(Store Clerk) “Timmy buys the same candy bars every day here at this time.”
(Pants) “Ma’am – please put Timmy’s treats on my card.”
(Dad) “Sir, you don’t have to do that.”
(Pants) “I insist. It’s for my new friend here.”
(Timmy) “Thank you sir and God Bless! I want to give you a hug.”
(Pants) “Sure, Timmy. Come over here.”
I got my receipt and gave my new friends a “thumbs up”.
(Pants) “Enjoy your treats, Timmy. I love you, man!”
I drank a glass of ice water while the others ate breakfast and thereafter, we play the usual game of herding the cats. It’s unavoidable, really. Everyone here is on vacation and everyone has their own pace, both on the road and off. This is going to be a special ride and everyone wants to make sure things are just right.
Of course Turk, our fearless but gracious host and ride leader, knows this as well.
I consider Turk to be one of my very best friends, even though I only see him once or twice a year. He’s just such a cool dude and it is effortless to be with him. I feel guilty for taking advantage of his hospitality and yet, he keeps offering it year after year and so I suppose a man of his intelligence must know what he is doing. I hope so, anyway.
The whole gang breaks into about 3 groups and our group heads out about 7 riders strong.
My Australian brother Brian seems to be enjoying himself this morning.
Come to think of it, we all are having good fun.
Still heading generally northeast, we stop in Heflin for lunch. Food here is good.
Kind of a motley crew, don’t ya think?
After lunch, in traditional mode, we decide to rip it down Hwy 281, also known as the Talladega Scenic Byway. This is arguably the best motorcycling road in Alabama, with silky smooth pavement and nice curves mixed in with generous passing zones to dispatch slower traffic and no cross roads to worry about. Bobby took the lead and I enjoyed following him.
Here comes Turk in tow.
We stopped at the entrance to Cheaha State Park to let the adrenaline wane a little. The Redfishes popped out of the woods to join us.
Hey Mike, do ya wanna be in the ride report?
Okie dokie, then.
Breathe deeply and slowly, boys!!! We’re living the dream!!
The Southern FJR Owners (SFO) 2018 gathering was just that ride. I stretched it into 5 days and about 1750 miles, covering much of southern and central Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. I rode with others and I rode by myself. And I enjoyed every single mile of it.
About 30 of us gathered at the weekend camp of Jana and Turk in Jemison, Alabama for the 3rd year in a row. Our hosts are the epitome of what the standard for southern hospitality is. For 4 days, those two and their family served, slaved, and fretted over us in a manner that can only be described as “amazing”. People overly use that word these days but trust me, I know EXACTLY what it means and it fits perfectly here. I left Sunday only with feelings of humble thankfulness and utter amazement at what just happened.
We ate like royalty (Dilly Dilly!!) the entire weekend, and we drank like the bikers we are. We made new friends, and old friends reunited and picked up just where they left off. We laughed until it hurt. For the guest, it was absolutely effortless. The whole thing was so much fun.
It’s been a long and hot summer. For Pants, my summer started about April 15th and now early in October, it seems not to be over yet. The SFO weekend weather started out rainy, and when it didn’t rain, it was sticky hot. I chose the mesh riding gear with the Frogg Toggs and water proof gloves in the top case, and it worked out just great.
My 2018 SFO adventure brought me to a new friend by the name of Timmy, and a reminder of some very valuable lessons. I hope you enjoy the pics.
Day 1: Lafayette, LA to Jemison, AL, approximately 500 miles.
Ride Route: https://goo.gl/maps/QAmRexvbqEE2
I packed the bike the night before and it looks different without the camping bag.
Julie has been staying with Andrew (aka Redfish) for a few days and they are going to SFO too. Andrew and Pops are pulling the camper with the dual sports, so I asked Julie if she wanted to ride with me and I was pleased to hear that she did.
So I leave Lafayette about 6:00 am in the dark with light rain all around me. By the time I get to our meeting place 80 miles later, the skies are looking better.
That Louisiana sticker on Julie’s top box looks shiny new!!
After a short break, we are on our way.
Looking quite well, madam!
I promised Julie I would show here the best highway curves in Mississippi, and she enjoyed all 12 of them!!
We stopped in Union, MS for lunch. Not much happening on this Thursday.
Not much curb appeal, but it was full of parked cars, and clearly, this is the place to eat.
Pretty good burgers.
Then it’s back on the road and heading northeast!
We cross the Alabama border at Gainsville, and a neat looking old building catches my eye, so I stopped rather abruptly. I approached this gentlemen and asked: “Excuse me sir, would you mind taking a picture?”
“I think you misunderstood me – I meant take a picture of my friend and I”
Ice cream time!!!
Julie has figured out the route, so I gladly moved to the rear. I just wish I would have checked the weather radar first. We got dumped on pretty good, but as we rode through the Tenn-Tom floodway, I was able to dry off in the wind.
This is the way to travel on a motorcycle. Having fun with the roads all to our self. It’s all about the journey. The paradise is right before your very eyes, if you are brave enough to look for it.
Close to our destination, Julie broke off toward the hotel in Clanton where many of us are lodging. I rode solo to the Peach Queen Campground in Jemison, where I was greeted warmly by Pops and Andrew.
This is one nice camper. I’m in tall cotton here, man.
Andrew let me use this fancy pants boot and glove dryer thingie.
We all met at SFO ground zero for delicious chili and fellowship.
Note that tiered dessert table to the left. Oh yeah, I’m gonna hit that like a hobo on a dumpster dive.
After dinner, the conversation continued. If Andrew ever gets arrested, he has one less thing to worry about. He’s got the mug shot part perfected.
We shut it down relatively early. It’s going to be a long weekend and it’s best to pace yourself at SFO. A great start to a great trip.
Day 2: Approximately 250 miles running through northeast Alabama.
Andrew set me up on an air mattress in the toy hauler section of the rolling house. I had air conditioning, tons of room, and even a TV. I slept like a baby under my sleeping bag.
I woke up early and yet Andrew and Pops were already up and there’s nothing like having the aroma of fresh coffee whiffing up to your nasal passages first thing in the morning.
True to his nature, Andrew has thought of everything. He’s even arranged covered parking for my filthy red pig.
After coffee, it’s time to cook breakfast. My role is to stay out of the way and relax.
I could get used to this.
The Redfishes are going dual sporting today, and while the FJR is many things, it is not a trail bike. So I’ll just run up the interstate a few miles and meet the others.
Before joining the others at Shoney’s, I stopped at the gas station next door to fill up the bike. The credit card reader was inoperable, so I walked into the store to pay. There, I met Timmy, a special needs (Downs Syndrome) adult a little younger than me. Timmy was with his Dad and he had a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in one hand, and a Butterfinger Candy Bar in the other. I gestured over for them to go before me, but the father insisted that I check out first.
(Pants) “You got some special treats there. I like this one a lot.”
(Timmy) “This one is my favorite.” (Reese’s P/B Cup)
(Store Clerk) “Timmy buys the same candy bars every day here at this time.”
(Pants) “Ma’am – please put Timmy’s treats on my card.”
(Dad) “Sir, you don’t have to do that.”
(Pants) “I insist. It’s for my new friend here.”
(Timmy) “Thank you sir and God Bless! I want to give you a hug.”
(Pants) “Sure, Timmy. Come over here.”
I got my receipt and gave my new friends a “thumbs up”.
(Pants) “Enjoy your treats, Timmy. I love you, man!”
I drank a glass of ice water while the others ate breakfast and thereafter, we play the usual game of herding the cats. It’s unavoidable, really. Everyone here is on vacation and everyone has their own pace, both on the road and off. This is going to be a special ride and everyone wants to make sure things are just right.
Of course Turk, our fearless but gracious host and ride leader, knows this as well.
I consider Turk to be one of my very best friends, even though I only see him once or twice a year. He’s just such a cool dude and it is effortless to be with him. I feel guilty for taking advantage of his hospitality and yet, he keeps offering it year after year and so I suppose a man of his intelligence must know what he is doing. I hope so, anyway.
The whole gang breaks into about 3 groups and our group heads out about 7 riders strong.
My Australian brother Brian seems to be enjoying himself this morning.
Come to think of it, we all are having good fun.
Still heading generally northeast, we stop in Heflin for lunch. Food here is good.
Kind of a motley crew, don’t ya think?
After lunch, in traditional mode, we decide to rip it down Hwy 281, also known as the Talladega Scenic Byway. This is arguably the best motorcycling road in Alabama, with silky smooth pavement and nice curves mixed in with generous passing zones to dispatch slower traffic and no cross roads to worry about. Bobby took the lead and I enjoyed following him.
Here comes Turk in tow.
We stopped at the entrance to Cheaha State Park to let the adrenaline wane a little. The Redfishes popped out of the woods to join us.
Hey Mike, do ya wanna be in the ride report?
Okie dokie, then.
Breathe deeply and slowly, boys!!! We’re living the dream!!
