I had big plans to get some work done around here in preparation for the Lamonster BBQ, but sometimes the best intentions get side tracked. I got a call from Jill at Alcoa Good Times and she wanted to stock my NBV’s, so I told her I would run some out to her place. I got there around 12:30 and decided to take a run to Deals Gap as it wasn't that far from there and it was a great day for a ride.
When I headed out on 129, I decided to stop by the BBQ place near the lake and try it out. I was hoping it would be good and I would have a new favorite place for BBQ. I’ll go back and I may try their burger next time. The guy that runs the place is nice and he really liked the Spyder. Met another couple there that had never seen the Spyder up close and they liked what they saw.
I headed to the Dragon and there were bikes and cops everywhere. I felt like a fish swimming through the sharks and for sure I was watching my speed, but still having some fun. The Nanny did get her workout before I dropped my fun level down a notch.
That's the couple on the right that I met at the BBQ placeFrom there, I headed to Maggie Valley to see Dale and Matt at Wheels Through Time. I let him know we planned on stopping by as part of our ride on the 7th. I guessed there would be 150 or so of us and the first thing he did was to offer to help with the food at the BBQ, I told him he didn't have to do that, but he really wanted to help and he is a big fan of the Spyder. He gave me a very generous donation that's really going to help offset the cost of the food and drinks.
Dale and his son Matt have been guest stars on the show, American Pickers, several times. This guy is as real as it gets and he's a big part of preserving American history. I'm proud to call him my friend and you should be proud that he is a Spyder fan for sure.
Dale checking out the Spyder
One of my favorite roads
After leaving Wheels Through Time, I headed toward Hot Springs and my favorite road, The Rattler, Highway 209. This is one of my favorite roads because it has a little bit of everything and you almost never see anyone on this road. This will be part of our ride on Friday during the BBQ.
I had to add another sticker to my collection
The beautiful area we’ll be riding through I know most of you have been on these roads before, but for those of you that haven't you're in for a great ride. This really is some of the best riding in the country and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all. See you soon.
If you’re interested in coming to my BBQ, see the tentative details below!Sept 6- Day one will be a workshop at my place. I need folks that are willing to bring some hand tools and are willing to help others work on their Spyder. The goal would be to show folks how to change oil, check belt tension and even install accessories. Sept 7- This will be a ride day. As you all know there are a ton of great riding spots in the area. There are great routes that would pretty much take up the whole day and you would never see the same thing twice.
Sept 8- The last day would be the real BBQ where I would bring in my guy and we would do like we have for the last few years. Don't have a set time yet, but it would be mid-day. From there you could head back home or hang around, that would be up to you.