Upstate SC and WNC Biker Rights Trip
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The ride up to the hills Friday evening was rather cool under
the clear skies. However traffic problems were encountered near Columbia.
I stopped in Columbia for a meal as it was apparent I’d miss the 7:30
pm gathering for a meal with members of Buncombe County CBA. Later I spent
Friday evening in the cove working on my court case opposing the NC helmet
law. Saturday morning began at day break and I resumed working on my defense
packet. I took a brief break to cook and wash before heading to Lake Lure
looking for potential ABATE members from Spartanburg and other upstate locations.
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The start of a cold wet day ... |
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The ride to Lake
Lure was cool but pleasant under blue skies. Several
bikers from South Carolina were gathering at the Margaritagrille
as I arrived a noon. I made small talk with some of the
bikers and distributed newsletters to interested parties.
Next I rode up to Heavenly Hoggs and although the shop was
closed for the week I added a few new newsletters to the
news stand out front before going across the street to Colorado
Embroidery Works and visitng owner Dave Roche. Dave
is planning to visit the Hot Springs Motorcycle Weekend
and other small local motorcycle rallies. Whether you see
him in Lake Lure or at a rally take a look at custom patches
he can make on site.
After making these three stops to promote ABATE I needed to
find a hotspot to check my work email. I followed 74-A to Asheville enjoying
the nice weather and scenic views. I did not encounter many motorcycles as
one would have expected. After 74-A became I-240 I took exit 5A and traveled
a few miles on US 25 to Asheville Brewing Company and Pizza. They had a nice
buffet and ample outlets for laptops at every booth. I checked email and made
some quick updates to websites as required. After work was done I enjoyed
a couple of cold local brews on special.
Following my work, meal, and beer break I
traveled back toward Hendersonville on US 25 and the first
ever CBA Western District
Meeting. The Masonic Lodge that hosted the meeting provided
a fine meal for all the CBA members present. Larry conducted
the meeting in James’ absence. Bikers from across
Western North Carolina were in attendance at this ground
breaking meeting. Roger rode to the meeting without a helmet
as normal. After the meeting Roger
and I rode our bikes back up US 25 through downtown Asheville
and took Patton Ave back out of town to a local watering
hole near Roger’s home. We passed a few law enforcement
officers but none seemed to take notice or care Roger
was riding lidless.
I had a few more cold ones with some of my CBA pals before riding
40 miles back to the cove to continue work on my defense
package. Sunday I woke to the sound of rain on a cold morning.
While doing a few normal chores I managed to find more time
to work on the court case before leaving. Prior to attending
the Greenville chapter
of ABATE of SC meeting I visited Lake Bowen to distribute
a few more newsletters and touch base with locals in a few
popular biker hangouts. By the time I reached Greenville
I getting pretty wet and cold. However the meeting was worth
the wet ride.