Got our Hands Full!

Leaving Maggie Valley, NC, was quite a trip. Our family has been to Wheels Through Time twice before; both in our trusty minican. Driving that Ram and hauling that trailer through the Nantahala National Forest was really something. The scenes were gorgeous. We watched the sun creep down the sides of the tree covered Smoky Mountains. We raced along with rushing rivers: winding road on one side with matching train tracks o the other. The temperature in the National Forest was 56; leaving the forest the thermometer jumped right up to 73. By the time we made it to Tellico Plains, NC, Diane and Cass were car sick!

We highly recommend the trip through Nantahala National Forest - but on a motorcycle for the most fun!

The support crew was happy to get on the highway and drive somewhat straight for a while. We arrived in the late afternoon to Chatanooga, TN. We were greeted by the nicest folks at Coker Tire Co. While we awaited the riders, we toured the Coker Museum and it's tire, machine, and metal shops. The riders started rolling in about 4:45pm. The sweep team was in by 7. Corky Coker spoiled us with a fine steak dinner and Tennessee fixin's. The Coker Tire Company also gave a set of replacement tires to all the riders using it's product for the Cannonball Run. We are grateful for the generous gifts. After the reception, the guys rolled into the garage to work on the bikes. It was a really beautiful site! Vintage bikes in a vintage, restored garage.

Early morning in Tennessee. The crews had to leave the tire company parking lot by 7 am. It meant we made it to Tuscumbia, Alabama, before noon. Alabama has expereinced high heat and little rain this summer. The rivers are shallow and smell a little funky. This crew found some grub at the Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop in downtown Tuscumbia. It's no surprise we all had a long-overdue nap!

We heard from Bill around 1pm. He was at a hosted lunch at Rocket Harley-Davidson in Huntsville, AL. He'll have a long day to get to Tuscumbia. It is presently 95 degrees. We no longer squeeze tightly to our cell phones. We know he's in good hands with Kyle Oanes and Jerry Wheelen as sweeps for the Motorcycle Cannonballers.


H-D 1914 Twin.



The night shift.

http://www.cokertire.com/