This is the first of a few posts about the experience that is Myrtle Beach Bike Week.
I was anxious to put some significant miles on the bike. Because of the constant rain, I’d only been able to ride a total of 450 miles since purchasing my Softail Slim on March 29th. I’m not opposed to riding in the rain, but I’m still learning this new bike and wanted to get to know it better before riding on wet roads.
When friends told me that they would be heading to Myrtle Beach, it seemed like a good opportunity to get those much needed miles. I’d ride down Saturday and come back Sunday, accumulating a minimum of 700 miles. Most folks go for the week; I would go for 2 days.
Saturday morning dawned and it was still raining off and on … but I am nothing if not game, and decided to go for it anyway.
I followed my friends Lake and Juli, who had decided to trailer their bikes and gear down in preparation for a week long stay.
We’d not gone 2 miles when I noticed that the mirrors and cables were loose. Thankfully, Lake had tools with him and fixed me right up. I do have a couple tools on my bike but not an Allen Wrench … lesson learned!
Despite the weather, I was so happy to be riding and I was loving the new bike!!
Thankfully, by the time we got to Rockingham NC the rain had stopped and the sun was shining most of the time.
I was shedding clothing with each stop.
By the time we got to the beach, I was down to t-shirt and vest and that first view of the ocean from the deck of the house brought even more smiles to my face.
The ride back 48 hours later found me layered up and leathered up, too. I usually like to take my time and explore the route, but the further north I got, the more the temps dropped.
I took a few moments to shoot some pics in a cemetery in Blenheim, SC.
And a couple more of Pilot Mountain, NC
The views were beautiful, but it was 50 degrees and that makes for cold riding at 70 miles per hour. By the time I got home, 850 miles and 60 hours later, I was chilled to the bone. A hot shower was what the Nurse Practitioner ordered and it felt great!!
Even with the less than optimal traveling weather, it was a wonderful first road trip!
