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No Helmet Motorcycle Tour of WNC Waterfalls, August 25-27, 2006

Photos and article by FastFred

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 upon my return. In addition to the three lidless riders Anita tagged along as a casual observer on her bike. Anita got some real heavy practice riding the curves and inclines.

This trip included a tour featuring six of the best waterfalls in Western North Carolina. We rode to Shunkawauken Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Connestee Falls, Whitewater Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Dry Falls. According to Bad Bob we logged just over 300 miles; my FXR neither tracks miles or speed. The ride up to Shunkawauken Falls was found difficult for our newest rider. However Bad Bob and I did find David Count's place in the mountains while we were regrouping.

Visiting the other waterfalls was less challenging but still had some intense riding. The weather was warm and the waterfalls we could get under or near made for nice cool places to rest and have safety meetings. We had planned to visit Lake Lure before dark but due to several factors night caught us first; we amended our plans and rode to the Mellow Mushroom for one of Bob's favorite pizzas. Along the way a Brevard police officer looked quite bewildered as he stared at Bad Bob, Gwen, and I riding without helmets. I am not sure but I may have also been exceeding the 20 MPH speed limit. The Brevard cop followed us briefly but made no effort to perform a traffic stop thought we stopped side by side at several traffic lights.

After eating a meal that could not be beat at the Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Asheville we rode to College Street and were followed by an Asheville police car most of the way back to I-26; again the officer made no attempt to stop us though we stopped together at several traffic signals. Otherwise the ride back to the cabin in the cove was uneventful. The next morning Bad Bob left early for his family reunion in Virginia without a helmet but Gwen opted to wear a lid. Later Anita took a solo ride to Lake Lure and I rode to the ABATE of SC Greenville Chapter meeting and then the bike games at Lake Bowen Country Club. I was impressed by the number of local biker present at the biker games. I passed out ABATE newsletters and information; the management was very receptive.

It is not too late for you to join the fun other rides are planned for September and October make plans now to take a ride on the wild side.


Gwen and Bad Bob at Looking Glass Falls

Gwen and FastFred at Looking Glass Falls - photo by Bad Bob

Bad Bob and our bikes at Looking Glass Falls

Connestee Falls

Bad Bob near the top of Connestee Falls

Whitewater Falls

Gwen and Bad Bob at Whitewater Falls

Bad Bob and Gwen near Bridal Veil Falls

FastFred at Bridal Veil Falls - photo by Bad Bob

Dry Falls

Someone is breaking the rules

Bad Bob leaving for Virginia without a helmet

After the Greenville ABATE meeting

Bike Games at Lake Bowen Country Club

One of the winners

Lake Bowen Country Club

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