Winter Warmer Beer Fest, Cowpens Battlefield, and Frosty Rides

Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, January 19-21, 2008

Neither snow nor sleet nor dark of night stop my ride for adventure. Riding in sever weather does not have to be uncomfortable if you have the right gear and skill. However riding in snow and ice is not for the meek of heart or novice rider. My excuse for this trip was a ticket to the first ever Winter Warmer Asheville Beer Fest, the battle of Cowpens anniversary, and the desire to play in the river.

Downtown Asheville	Winter Warmer	Pisgah Brewing
Drew and Mark
The Garage	Highland Brewing	Mark pouring for Green Man?
		Jason of Brusin' Ales
Green Man Brewing		French Broad Brewing Backstage
After having way too much fun at the Winter Warmer Asheville Beer Fest I missed the private party at the Thirsty Monk and stayed at the French Broad River Brewery. I drank even more at the brewery but Drew, Mark, and Trish made sure I had a safe ride back to my room a half mile away. Sunday morning I headed out in the cold for the Cowpens Battlefield. While the sir was cold my heart was warm. I was rewarded for my effort with a walking tour of the battlefield conducted by Morgan and Tarleton.
Heading from Asheville to Cowpens near noon and 17 degrees		"Tarleton" leads tour at Cowpens
"Daniel Morgan" rebuts "Tarleton"	Walking tour	Dargoons drill
Medicine cabinet	More period props	Tarleton's guns
		Two more brave riders
The final day of my three day vacation in WNC was spent kayaking on the Green River. Much like motorcycling having the right gear can make all the difference. The water was much warmer than the air. Oddly enough I had the river all to myself other than two fishermen along the bank. The day warmed from 15 degrees to 20 degrees during my adventure on the river.
Back in WNC	Leaving to kayak 15 degrees	Returning from kayaking 20 degrees

If you wonder how I can ride in comfort in this weather stay tuned for an upcoming article/product review of cold weather gear.