Eurosports Asheville VIP Grand Opening

I don't know how I did it, but I swung a VIP invitation to the Grand Opening of Eurosports in Asheville. The event was held on August 19 at the new facilities. There was music, food from 12 Bones and a first look at the BMW K1600. I saw a lot of my old friends and it was a very pleasant evening.

Dan'l Boone Rally - 2011 Edition

August 11-14, 2011 I attended the Dan'l Boone Rally in Boone, NC. This is a nice little rally that is really laid back. It is a "rider's" rally in that there are not a lot of activities during the day. You are supposed to be out riding anyway. The Snake (US 421) is nearby as are an abundance of sweet curvy roads. Dual sport riders are not disappointed either. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a mere 10 miles or so away. At this rally the roads are the entertainment. I really did not take many photos at this rally but did take one or two shots on the way home.

Dan'l Boone Rally

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Horizons Unlimited Traveller's Meeting 2011

Horizons Unlimited held their annual USA East Traveller's Meeting August 4-7 at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort in Stecoah, NC. This is an annual meeting of international motorcycle travelers from all over the east coast. I am very lucky to have this event only 80 miles from my home. I have attended the last several years and always learn something new. The day time events are mainly "how to" seminars on tire changing, maintenance, ergonomics, etc. The night time events are more inspirational and motivational. Most presentations are about trips our fellow travelers have made. I presented my "Solo to the Circle" presentation about my 2008 Alaska trip. If you like long distance or international motorcycle travel you owe it to yourself to attend this event next year if you are in the area. Check the web site (a wealth of information) for upcoming meetings and times.

Women discussing their "special needs" when traveling long distances.

Learning how to set the bike up ergonomically for long days in the saddle.

"How to" presentations during the day.

Bikes from all over!

The Maritime Tour (Part 8)

I took the express home and stayed in some interesting places. I did stop in Baddeck, Nova Scotia to see the Alexander Graham Bell historical exhibit. Since it was Canada Day it was free.


In Whycocomagh there seemed to be a fellow that takes the Simpsons a little too seriously! There were life sized figures of all the Simpson characters in his front yard!


One of the motels I stayed in had the smoke alarm ripped out and a "roach motel" in the corner! I gotta start staying in better places.


In Natural Bridge, VA I ran across Foamhenge. A full size replica of Stonehenge made entirely of styrofoam!


I'm back home now and really have to say I had a good time despite some of the weather!

The Maritime Tour (Part 7)

I rode back over the Confederation Bridge in time to avoid all the hoopla over Prince William and Princess Kate's visit. Prince Edward Island is a pleasant place, but most of it is heavily cultivated in the rich red soil. Not really a lot to interest a motorcyclist. I backtracked quite a bit and finally arrived at the Cabot Trail.



I joined the trail at the intersection of the trail and 105.I rode about half of the trail and made camp at Chitencamp. I noticed a flag flying in the area. It looked like the French flag, but with a single star.



I asked a park employee about it and he said it was the Acadian flag. This was the the land of my ancestors and I did not realize it! My father's side of the family is Cajun. I believe I am the first in my family to return to our ancestral home. My plan for tomorrow is to complete the Cabot Trail and begin my long, slow journey to the south and west towards home!

The Maritime Tour (Part 6)

Today's ride was rather uneventful. I rode from Fundy National Park to Prince Edward Island National Park. On the way I stopped by Cape Enrage and Hopewell Rocks.

I rode over the Confederation Bridge to get to Prince Edward Island. The bridge is 13km long. It is very pleasant and most of the island is cultivated. I did the birthplace of Lucy Maud Montgomery in New London, PEI. She was the author of the Anne of Green Gables books.


My guidebook was correct that Cavendish is a tourists trap. They actually do have a Ripley's Believe It or Not! Water and amusement parks abound. It was just not what I was looking for. I did get a very nice campsite right on the ocean.



I walked a little on the beach and noticed a strange phenomenon. When the tide went out several (hundreds) of smallish silver fish were left stranded on a small gulley. They were flopping around and could not get back out to sea. Birds, some that appeared to be eagles, were swooping down and having a feast on the hapless fish.

Later in the evening I spoke with some fellow riders I had met in Fundy and even a couple from North Carolina