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I'm certain that those of us who went to Elkins this year are still reflecting on the trip and the event. I know that I am and perhaps for reasons other than what the rest of you are thinking. Here are a few thoughts I have.

This was a really long trip for me on motorcycle. 450 miles one way. Now that may not seem like a lot to most of you, but it was my first time going such a distance. There always has to be a first time for everything and for me this was it. And what it did was to dis-spell a lot of fears I had about riding alone and for very far with issues about my back and whether I could travel so far.

On this trip I dwealt with more twisties than I had ever experienced before. Americade this year got me prepped, but the trip down 219 to Elkins, really gave me a work out. I began to realize as I was riding following Gary (guns90) that the twisties were becoming more and more automatic to me. I transitioned from one turn into the next without thinking. As I was following Gary it got into my head that I could turn sharper and sharper. I watched Gary lean and I just automatically realized that I could turn as sharply and I wouldn't fall on the ground. So with each successive turn we went into and out of the more I "felt" my turns. Regrettably I never scrapped a running board, which was almost a disappointment in a way. It's coming though....I can feel it.

I took two days to ride down to Elkins. About 300 miles the first day and about 150 the second day. But coming home I rode the whole 450 miles in one day. Eleven hours to be exact and in some terrible downpours. But I learned that my stock T seat was reasonable comfortable, as long as I was making my gas stops every 100 miles. It was an eye-opening experience for me to travel that far and for that long. Yes it was slabway all the way home, but that had its advantages. Next year for Beckley I'm going to slabway all the way down and back and then enjoy the twisties when I get there.

Riding in the rain which I've done before, had never been to this extent or to this intensity. I learned a few things. My rainsuit worked perfectly. My CruiserWorks boots kept me dry as they were advertised to do. My windshield that I had been bragging about being oversized and protective faired poorly in the rain. I've got to go back to the stock windshield or cut my ClearView down so that my visor gets some draft to clear the rain.

I found that I really didn't mind riding in the rain. The proper motorcycle raingear does a good job of protection and being or getting wet is not so awfully bad.

I found that in really hot weather I've got to have an alternative to a leather jacket. I'm going to have to spend some of my children's inheritance and buy me a Tourmaster Air Intake II textile jacket. I may even do like I saw a few people doing at Elkins and carry two helmets. A full face modular and a 3/4. Love that wind in my face.

I remember on the ride down to Elkins listening to the sounds of riding. I was able to separate the growling sounds to those of the wind coming through the Windshield around the headlight and the sound of the tires. In the past these sounds were just a growling in my ears but without knowing what was doing all of this. I also remember listening to the engine. I remember that after about 8 hours of riding on the first day that the engine ran exactly the same in the final hours as it did in the beginning. It sounded strong and dependable. I am truly impressed with the V-twin of the Tourer.

Now this one is a tough one for me to admit. I found it difficult or maybe even impossible to stop and take pictures. I had my camera with me. A camera I specifically purchased so that it would be easy and convenient for me to carry while riding so that I could take pictures. But I didn't do that on this trip. It seemed to me that I was so possessed to "getting there" that I would not take the time to stop. It's not that I forgot to stop....I saw plenty of opportunties to take some really great photographs, but just didn't take them. I think part of the problem with this is that I lack the trust in my motorcycle to allow distractions from my "getting there". My mind says to me keep going, keep going, don't stop until you get there and then you can relax. Do any of you ever feel this way also?

I realized that my 10 year old tire that still has a lot of tread left on it, is showing it's age. It's got to be replaced soon.

I realized that try as I might I'm never going to find that 6th gear.

I realized that certain cars that pass me want to occupy only the 20 feet in front of me. What is it with that!?!

I realized that the T rally has got to be one of the best events you could possibly image. The locations are beautiful. The people are the best and the friendliest you could imagine. I dare to say that if you experienced one of these events you'd be hooked.

Many, many profound things were said that weekend, but one in particular I remember (and can repeat). I believe it was said by Fred (Fredrider). "This is the one place where you don't have to convince everyone how great the Tourer really is"!

I also realized that I've got to get me one of those ultra bright stop lights like tonythecarguy and guns90 have. Damn those things sure get your attention.

I also realized that you can feel the decals on Dawn's gas tank.

I also realized that Terry (LadyAce) will eat your half of the pizza if you don't watch her carefully. She only wants you to think that she eats only the veggies.

I realized that Brian must have failed erector sets as a kid, because he can't put anything back together correctly.

I realized that Kirk (fedspaz) really doesn't wear anything under that red riding suit of his. You never see him without it and he told me that his wife made him promise that it was the only thing he was wearing when he was riding.

I realized that Frankie needs a push/push sticker on the door of his wood shed.

I realized the Ken (firefighterkp) is the only man I've ever seen who eats every piece of a prime rib and probably licks the plate when no one is looking.

I realized that Gary (guns90) pays for his riding hobby with income he receives from advertising on his T-shirts.

I realized that tonythecarguy will never wash his Tourer as long as there is any chance of it raining in the forecast from January 1st to December 31st.

I realized that Fred (Fredrider) has slowed down his speed through the twisties, but that was only from 60 mph to 59 mph. He wants the others to be able to catch up.

I realized that when we're looking for the Honda Dealership, Johnnyhonda only wants you to think he is lost when he really knows where he's going, or thinks he does, kinda, sorta. We did get to see all of Elkins that day so that was good.....right?

Okay! I've rambled on long enough. You sort of get the idea of what was on my mind on this trip.

Dawn / Fred.....thanks for sharing your thoughts along with mine. It goes without saying that if something profound is said or done at an event like this, I am going to remember it and twist it around somehow. Remember this....I only "pick on" the friends I love. And if I didn't "pick on" you this time it's either because I didn't find anything funny to say or I haven't caught you at it yet. But I will eventually....

Gary....guess you found a computer to log onto at your Dad's. Good to hear from old friend. When we spoke on the phone the other night, I was kind of glad to hear that I wasn't the only one who took shelter under an overpass to get out of the rain. Great pictures too by the way. I'm never going to get tired of looking at photos of the Rally.

Bud....as great as the people are on this forum, there is just something special about those who go to the Rally's. There's an expression that I often use about events that I really...."Those who know...will go!" You've only got to go to one of these events once to really appreciate what it is like to be with a group of riders all with a similar passion for camaraderie and a love of the Tourer. Of course you've got to be watchful of that one certain person who'll want to snitch a piece of your pizza.