Winter
Solstice 2006: Riding the Mountains of WNC
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
My new employer kindly allowed me to leave work early
at 2:30 on Thursday December 21. After some final packing
I hit the road on my bike shortly after 3 PM EST. The
ride started off just brisk and dry but rain began to
fall as I approached Orangeburg. I quickly donned my rain
suit in the rain on the side of I-26. The rest of the
ride would prove to be both wet and cold. As I entered
North Carolina and began the ascending the Saluda grade
the temperature strangely seemed warmer and fog and mist
blanketed the highway. I really enjoy this part ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
 |
ABATE
Legislative Meeting December 2006 in Columbia
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Despite many toy runs and parades the faithful
attended Dennis Welborn's Legislative Revival. Dennis
began this meeting with his fire and brimstone sermon
regarding the evils of miscommunication, misconceptions,
and deception. Dennis also mentioned a desire ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
| |
 |
29th
Annual Lowcountry ABATE Toy Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
29th Annual Lowcountry ABATE Toy Run helped the Salvation
Army on November 26, 2006. The lowcountry toy run
the oldest in the area was attended by thousands of
bikers bringing good cheer and presents for kids.
The lowcountry toy run has ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
Lidless
ride to Buncombe County CBA Meeting
Photos and article by FastFred, November
14, 2006
My birthday gift to myself was attending the Buncombe
CBA meeting the eve of my birthday Tuesday November
14th. I rode from Charleston to Columbia with a helmet
but decided to take the helmet off for the rest of my
trip to the cove then Asheville and ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Jasper
ABATE meeting in Ridgeland South Carolina
Photos and article by FastFred on November 11, 2006
The Jasper chapter of ABATE of South Carolina is
still alive and well in Ridgeland. The weather was pleasant
for a ride south to Ridgeland from Charleston. Prior
to the meeting I met with O'Neill at Schooners in Ridgeland.
During the Jasper meeting a lot of business ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
ABATE
of SC Legislative Meeting held November 4, 2006
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
I want to thank Dennis and all the attendees of yesterday's
ABATE of SC Legislative meeting in Columbia. The meeting
was well attended and professionally executed by Dennis
our legislative coordinator. Sadly that evening Ellis
Mercer the son of our Coastal Area Coord suffered a serious
injuries in an accident ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
Guignard
Brick Works Ruins in Cayce near Columbia
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
October 29, 2006
Only four round and massive brick kilns remain
of the former Guignard Brick Works located on the west
side of the Blossom Street Bridge in Cayce. The plant
produced bricks for the better part of 200 years when
it was closed in 1974. Many textile mills such as ...
Full Story
and Photos >>
|
 |
Spooks
& Spokes: the Lexington Halloween Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 28,
2006
The Lexington chapter of ABATE of SC presented another
Spooks and Spokes Run October 28th. The motorcycle run
began at the Triple Crown after dark. The first stops
were in Columbia's historic Elmwood Cemetery. Bobbys was
the next stop and the final stop ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Lidless
Ride from WNC to Poinsett Bridge Preserve
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 23,
2006
I had an enjoyable yet cold ride in mountains. I passed
two North Carolina State Troopers on I-26 on my way to
visit Poinsett Bridge; they did not seem inclined to stop
me for refusing to wear a helmet in North Carolina. The
old bridge and highway to Asheville is ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Lidless
Tour of Fall Foliage in Western North Carolina
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 21,
2006
A lidless ride to Western North Carolina began this adventure.
A long 8 mile hike and some climbing got us near the Narrows
of the Green River. The sights and sounds can not be explained
but only experienced. The leaves are near the peak ...
Full Story and Photos
>>
|
 |
The
Long Way to Big Bradley Waterfall
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Oct. 14-15, 2006
The long way to Big Bradley begins in the Green River
Cove at the upstream concrete bridge over the Green River.
This is a rather long hike and some sections are challenging.
Sights along the trip make exceed those on the shorter
route from the east. I last took ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Helmet
Law Rally, Panhead Party and Elmwood
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, October 7-8,
2006
ABATE of South Carolina held a statewide business
meeting Saturday and ABATE's annual Helmet Law Support
Rally. ABATE supports South Carolina's current helmet
law as currently written. I also took a side trip to the
Elmwood Cemetery where ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Peachtree
Rock in Lexington County, South Carolina
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2006
Peachtree Rock is a large sandstone formation shaped
like an upside-down pyramid or as some say the state
of South Carolina. You can gain entry to the Peachtree
Rock Preserve from more than one road or entrance.
The rock's strange shape is a result of the erosion
... Full Story
and Photos >>
|
 |
Hooker
Falls in DuPont Forest
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2006
Hooker waterfall is located just off Staton Road
in Transylvania County. The trail head and parking for
Hooker Falls is located at the bridge over the Little
River. From the parking area walk Hooker Falls Road
along the river approximately for about ...
Full Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Triple
Falls in Dupont Forest
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2006
Triple Falls are located approximately one third
of a mile upstream and across the bridge from the Hooker
Falls Parking area. The trail starts southeast of the
bridge and follows the river up stream; the trail is
well maintained and the access is pretty easy. ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
High
Falls in DuPont Forest
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
High Falls is a little over a mile from the Hooker
Falls Parking area. The trail starts southeast of
the bridge and follows the river up stream past Triple
Falls. There is an overlook near a rest area and picnic
shelter. The trail continues on up to the top of ...
Full Story and
Photos >>
|
 |
Civil
Disobedience in Western North Carolina Continues
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept 25, 2006
I rode lidless to and through Western North Carolina
in spite of predictions by a few that my lidless rides
would end after I received my first ticket for refusing
to wear a helmet while operating my motorcycle. A few
co-conspirators were unable to join me this week due to
work ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Wheels
Through Time in Maggie Valley
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16, 2006
I stopped to visit the Wheels Through TIme Museum in Maggie
Valley along my way to Cherokee for the Fall Rally in
2006. I rode the entire trip without wearing a helmet.
However the point of this page is the wonderful museum.
I saw many old ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Bald
River Falls near Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16,
2006
The Bald River Falls are located on the Tennessee end
of the Cherohala Skyway. After scoring my first ticket
for refusing to wear a helmet in downtown Cherokee during
the Fall Rally I rode lidless to the Cherohala Skyway.
The Bald River Falls are located ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Mingo
Falls located in Big Cove near Cherokee
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 16,
2006
The Mingo Falls are located in Big Cove in Cherokee. I
visited and photographed these falls just before returning
home from the 2006 Cherokee Fall Rally. The walk to the
falls is short but very steep. I rode here lidless as
I did all weekend despite one ticket for failure to wear
a helemt. However I think refusal to wear ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Busted
Riding Lidless at Fall Cherokee Rally
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept, 12,
2006
Riding lidless to Cherokee was cool but cruising into
town on US19 and US441 past the fair grounds with all
the law enforcement present was a rush. I even heard Jerry
Grindle give a holler near the Ponderosa Steak House as
I rode into Cherokee Friday evening just before dark.
Saturday morning I decided to cruise the main drag one
more time before taking a trip to Big Cove and Mingo Falls;
the main drag was out of the way to reach Mingo Falls.
I passed three state troopers near the Cherokee Veterans
Park less than one mile from ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
ABATE
Legislative Meeting and Columbia Sights
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, Sept 2,
2006
This weekend's ABATE of South Carolina Legislative meeting
was well attended despite a change of venue at a late
date. I arrived early to stop and take photos of a few
sights in Columbia our members might care to visit in
the future. Finlay Park located ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
No
Helmet Motorcycle Tour of WNC Waterfalls
Photos and article by FastFred, August 25-27, 2006
This trip got off to a rough start due to weather and
traffic in the Charleston area. I lost my cell phone in
heavy traffic near I-95 on I-26; it was smashed to pieces
my reward was a quiet weekend in the mountains and the
cost of $140 to replace the phone ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Thomas
Jefferson's Monticello
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, August 17,
2006
Along the way to the Sons of Liberty Riders TEA Party
I felt it would only be fitting to visit the home of
one of the most important Sons of Liberty. I visited
early but would suggest to those wishing to take photos
to plan an afternoon visit for the best lighting. Monticello
and Jefferson's grave are worth a visit for any American
that values his or her liberty. Monticello is one of
the most interesting Plantations I have ever visited;
I suspect Sherman must have run out of matches before
he could get to Monticello. The basement and ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
Sons
of Liberty TEA Party, August 17-20, 2006
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The Extreme Activists of the Sons of Liberty Riders
all met near Mount Jackson in Northern Virginia not
far from many civil war battle fields along US Highway
11. Four days of fellowship and the sharing of ideas
put smiles upon every face. Even Uncle Rock dropped
... Full Story
and Photos >>
|
 |
|
 |
Riding
the Blue Ridge Parkway without a lid
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock August 20,
2006
Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway my way without a helmet
or care. The skies were cloudy and overcast but the riding
weather was excellent. I want to do this ride again when
the weather is cool and skies are clear. I was told by
park officials ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Helmet
Free Riding in Western North Carolina
Photos and Article by FastFred Ruddock, Aug 11-13,
2006
The wet weather deterred some from joining the ride this
week but there is always next time. I had a blast riding
through the mountains of North Carolina without a helmet.
Biker rights and civil disobedience is fun you should
try it soon. I got my first NC ticket ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Looking
Glass Falls, Brevard, NC, August 13, 2006
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Wet weather and dark skies prevented me from visiting
as many natural sights like Looking Glass Falls near Brevard.
Saturday the skies did not begin to clear until near evening.
Sunday morning I rose early to ride to Brevard and the
Pisgah Forest ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
ABATE
of SC Chester Chapter Meeting August 13, 2006
Photos and Article by FastFred Ruddock
My ride to Chester went from clam to concerned as the
bike began sputtering after getting a dose of bad gas.
I still arrived on time and had a great time meeting new
and old friends. Seems many of the members celebrated
a birthday party the night before ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Stan's
Lidless Blue Ridge Motorcycle Adventure
Photos and article by Stan Martin
Well I made it back from my 7 day journey. Me and my companion
had a wonderful time in the Blue Ridge Mountains cruising
the parkway and other side roads. We met some new faces
and made some new friends. And I did it LID LESS!!!! ...
Full Story and
Photos >> |
 |
Sights
of Columbia Viewed Biker Style
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, August 5-6,
2006
ABATE of South Carolina held a legislative strategy meeting
on August 5th. I decided to make the most of my weekend
in COlumbia and see a few sights. I hope this page inspires
a few more ABATE members to attend our statewide meetings
and stop ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
August
2006 ABATE Legislative Meeting
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Concerned bikers of ABATE came from across South Carolina
to help develop legislative strategies to defend our remaining
liberties in South Carolina. Many topics were discussed
including: Addressing failure to yield right of way problem;
Increasing funding ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
|
ABATE
of SC Swampfox Chapter Meeting in Andrews Photos
and Article by FastFred Ruddock
I dropped by Andrews "on my way home" to visit a few
pals in our Swampfox chapter. The meeting was well organized
and informative. The hosting location was very nice
with great AC, cold beer, and good music after the meeting.
If you live in Andrews or ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
ABATE
of SC Greenville Chapter Meeting July 30, 2006
Photos and article by FastFred
I had a long ride from Elkville North Carolina to this
meeting and ran just a little late due to bad accident
on I-85. However this meeting was worth all the trouble
to attend. The folks in attendance were civil and friendly.
There was spirited debate over the RIght of Way ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Buncombe
County CBA Gathered at Riders Roost
Photos and article by FastFred
The Buncombe County chapter of CBA/ABATE of NC has some
of the finest people you could ever meet. They really
know how to make you feel welcomed; I suspect you already
know this if you attend the annual Hot Springs Motorcycle
Weekend. While the weather ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
High
Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park
Photos and article by FastFred
On Saturday July 29, 2006 I visited the South Mountains
State Park along my way to Riders Roost. I arrived at
the trail head just before light rain began to fall. I
hiked at a brisk pace in hopes of reaching the waterfall
in time to shoot some photos. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
CRMC
Babes n Bikes 3rd Annual Bikini Bike Wash
Photos and Article by FastFred
The Carolina Rebels and Shuckers came together to
raise money for a worthy cause. I enjoyed this opportunity
to visit with my friends in the Sumter chapter of ABATE
of South Carolina. I also had a lot of fun sending time
with my friends in the Carolina Rebels ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Santee
organizing an ABATE chapter on July 22, 2006
Photos and Article by FastFred
John and Steve worked together to host an organizing meeting
for a Santee chapter of ABATE of South Carolina. I was
happy to be invited and happier still to see a lot of
new faces. Many in attendance had never heard of ABATE
let alone what ABATE ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Hose
& Heels 2nd Annual Night Tour
Photos and Article by FastFred; additional photos by Norm
The second annual Hose and Heels Night Tour was well attended
by hundreds of bikers Friday July 21, 2006. The founder
of ABATE of SC Jesse McDugald rode up from Georgia to
attend this event. We had a wide diversity of bikers in
attendance ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Big
Bradley Waterfall on July 15, 2006
This day began with a motorcycle ride to reach the trail
head to Big Bradley Falls; we decided to not wear helmets.
The hike to the Big Bradley Waterfall is a little over
a mile through a beautiful forest and across Cove Creek
near Saluda, North Carolina. Our first stop was the overlook
near the falls in the ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
ABATE
of SC Rock Hill Chapter Meeting
I enjoyed my visit to the Rock Hill chapter meeting. The
attendance was small but a lot of quality material was
provided to those in attendance. The Crow Bar provided
chicken and fixin's to everyone present. This meeting
was part of a 300 mile ride on Sunday. If you would like
the State Coordinator to visit your ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Pearsons
Falls near Saluda, North Carolina
Pearsons Falls is named for Charles William Pearson. Mr
Pearson found the falls while surveying a new railroad
route from Spartanburg to Asheville. The Tryon Garden
Club bought the glen from the Pearson family in 1931.
This water fall is one of the safest to view in Western
North Carolina due to the stone ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Shunkawauken
Falls near Columbus, NC
Shunkawauken Falls are named for and indian chief. Prior
to 1891 the falls were call Horse Creek Falls. Only the
top 150 feet are visible of the over 1,000 foot falls.
Most of the waterfall is loacted on private property and
canot be seen by the public. This fall can been easily
seen from White Oak Mountain Road ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Western
North Carolina Freedom Ride
While riding around without a lid taking pictures
of waterfalls is fun, I decided to rub elbows with fellow
bikers and city folks too. I rode through Lake Lure three
times with no helmet; I felt a bit like Crazy Horse passing
all the cops and not getting so much as a ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Fishtop
in the Green River Cove
Before my long ride home to the coast I stopped by a special
place. I've been coming to Fishtop since the 70's. I met
a DNR cop along the trail writing a couple of hippies
tickets for camping which is now illegal in the cove unless
you have permission from a landowner. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
ABATE
of SC Laurens Chapter Meeting
The Laurens chapter is one of my favorite groups to visit.
These folks know how to get things done and they also
know how to have fun while they get it done! The VFW Post
3354 also has kind prices for beer and drinks; the munchies
are free too. Bob Baxter and this group gave me ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Pony
Express Delivers a Cat and Wall on July 4, 2006
July 4th I rode to pay my respects to the mobile Vietnam
Wall Memorial and to deliver Cathy's cat to a good home
in Aiken. I carefully packed the cat and its few material
possessions on to the motorcycle. Jasmine meowed like
police siren a few times on the ride up I-26; generally
when merging ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
ABATE
State Meeting and BBQ July 1, 2006
We enjoyed a productive and well attended state meeting
on July 1st. Following the meeting others and I attended
a local BBQ with food that could no be beaten. Make plans
to attend our next state meeting now; don't miss the fun!
... Full Story
and Photos >> |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Anderson
ABATE of SC Chapter Meeting May 20, 2006
Saturday May 20, 2006 I visited the Anderson Chapter meeting.
First there was a long informal meeting outside and later
inside and everyone had some time to chat and make new
friends. Inside on one of the pool table was plenty of
informative flyers, newsletters, and awareness stickers.
... Full Story and
Photos >> |
 |
FastFred
visits Upstate Chapters: Pickens and Laurens
I began this trip from Charleston after work and rode
straight through to Asheville, North Carolina. Some say
you have to wear a helmet in North Carolina but I suggest
the law just states you are suppose to wear a state mandated
hat. I chose to ride without a lid and met no resistance
although I did pass several police cars. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
South
Carolina May Motorcycle Awareness Rally 2006
Dedicated ABATE members from across the state converged
at the statehouse. We discussed our two bills going to
subcommittee meetings in the House and Senate Tuesday
May 9th. Nearly everyone present had received the phone
alert and email alerts and took action. We have a list
of ten legislators we are encouraging members to call
all ten prior to subcommittee meeting Tuesday afternoon.to
call. Please make calls now in support of H4307 to reduce
motorcycle property tax and S772 to repeal the handle
bar limits. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Unity
Pow Wow held at Statehouse
Sunday May 7, 2006 Carolina Indians gathered on the grounds
of the South Carolina Statehouse. Despite the rain which
was heavy at times the pow wow continued. Many Chiefs
were in attendance. Food was cooked and vended on the
sidewalk ... Full Story
and Photos >>
|
 |
|
 |
Heritage
Motorcycle Rally
The final Saturday of 10 days of bikes, babes, rock bands,
beer, and smoke. Speaking of smoke I happened upon Brother
Bean're now well known in the biker world for his fine
Bean're Select cigars. Sons of the South, Crank County
Daredevils, Pinkeye d' Gekko, and Lynyrd Skynyrd played
under the sun ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Charleston
Motorcycle Parking
Since the George Street Parking Garage was built in the
1970s motorcyclists enjoyed free parking. However in February
of 2006 the garage came down and the tradtion of encouraging
motorcycle commuters ended. Now you are charged as much
to park a motorcycle as to park a gas and space guzzling
Hummer. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
Columbia
Riders ABATE Chili Cook Off
Columbia Riders held yet another fine Chili Cook Off.
Despite the wet and rainy weather many turned out for
the chili and good times. Cathy brought ABATE products
and several members brought chili. I sampled a bowl
of each chili kind available and ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
NORML
Students Seeking Educations at CofC
College of Charleston students marched, drummed, and chanted
in opposition to the current campus policy toward marijuana.
Kent a NORML organizer says "the new drug policy
requires a minimum of one semester suspension for the
possession of any amount of marijuana; grouping it together
... Full Story and
Photos >> |
 |
|
2006
East Cooper ABATE Oyster Roast
Ron Roberts and friends did another excellent job organizing
the 4th annual East Cooper ABATE Chapter Oyster Roast.
The fun began at 2 pm and lasted in to the evening at
Richard's Bar and Grill in Mt. Pleasant. The cost was
only $10 for all you cared to eat. Funds from this event
allow East Cooper to donate ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
|
 |
East
Cooper Chapter X-mas Party in January
The East Cooper Christmas Party was a real hoot. ABATE
members and bikers from across the Lowcountry came to
have fun and help drink a $700 bar tab. Richard's has
a fine selection beer and liquor as well as food. Ron
Roberts and the other officers of the East Cooper Chapter
of ABATE of SC did a fine job ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
|
 |
Legislative
Warrior Day at the Statehouse
Bikers enjoyed a warm ride to the state capitol for opening
day. Lexington members arrived before 8:30 AM. By 9 o’clock
bikers from all areas and most chapters converged in the
lobby of the statehouse. A legislative team member passed
out the new patch, a communication tip sheet, and a scavenger
hunt list. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
New
Year's Eve at Big Bradley Waterfall
New year's eve in the Green River Cove was scenic and
relaxed. I hiked to Big Bradley from Holbert Cove. As
a child I always hiked from the Green River Cove. The
hike from Holbert Cove was easier and safer than hiking
from the adjacent Green River Cove. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Winter
Solstice in the Florida Keys
The ride to the Keys was wet and cold until reaching Florida.
Uncle Rock rode down from Western Pennsylvania towing
a camper trailer behind his BMW motorcycle. Despite the
trailer and rain we made good progress, splitting lanes
and riding the shoulder as needed. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Hot
Springs Motorcycle Weekend 2005
This motorcycle event features rally style camping, no
reserved sites, bike games, and live music Friday and
Saturday nights. There are also plenty of vendors,
hot tubs, rafting, Sunday services, great scenic mountain
rides, and some of the best people on earth to party with
... Full Story and
Photos >> |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Backwoods
Chopper
So what do you do when you are miles away from a Harley
shop and a part wears out? Well, Uncle Rock and the Slugs
made the missing part. Using what was available in the
backwoods the Slugs made a new primary chain adjuster
shoe from a couple of Teflon cutting boards and
... Full Story
and Photos >> |
 |
NCOM
Convention 2004
Bikers from across the United States and beyond gathered
in Oklahoma City for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists'
Convention of 2004. I attended a lobby day in North Carolina
on the trip home. The Ride from Charleston to Oklahoma
City to Raleigh and finally back to Charleston racked
up 2,740 miles. ... Full
Story and Photos >>
|
 |
|
 |
Sons
of Liberty Riders TEA Party 2003
Sputnik and Mike had arrived just prior to our arrival
at Nancy and Harlen's place. The others arrived in short
order over the next day or so. The good times and sharing
of information began at once. The T-bones cooked by the
hosts of the TEA Party were ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
Hot
Springs Motorcycle Weekend 2004
Regional motorcycle rights events are really worth the
ride. This fine event is held in Hot Springs North Carolina
next to the French Broad River. The Hot Springs Rally
is held the last weekend of June every year and is more
fun that any commercial bike week such as Daytona, Myrtle
Beach, or Laconia to name a few. Full
Story and Photos >> |
 |
