We had a nice group of riders who came out today who realized we may get wet. Paul Dougherty and his guest Mary, Joseph Corbin, Jerry Lipka, Mike "Rango," and Alan Richey(VP-CMA).
Our Pre-Ride meeting was dry. Then, we set out north on 117, then looped around the traffic circle in Castle Hayne to pick up 133 to the turn off by the GE Plant for 140. At this point it was already raining. Heading down 140 to 421 the rain picked up a bit. When we got off the exit ramp for 421 it was pouring.
The sky cleared as we passed the Battleship and headed toward Leland. We got off the first Leland exit and picked up River Road out to Daws Creek. The cruise down the curves of Daws Creek was very nice, but I could see that we were headed toward darkened skies. Sure enough, once we got into Boiling Springs on 87 it was a torrential downpour. Just awful, but everyone held their lane and soldiered on. There was NO WHERE to pull over on this stretch of road, so I kept going as our boots where already full of water.
As we got closer to Southport, the rain lessened and getting into the parking lot of the Southport Smokehouse was a relief! I apologized while everyone peeled themselves off their bikes and searched their bags for towels and dry clothing.
The Smokehouse was awesome as usual. We decided to sit on the back deck which was a very good idea. We would have froze sitting inside!! We ate and socialized. Preacher asked about ice cream...
The ride home would be a straight shot down 133/River Rd. into Leland. Alan stayed straight and kept on 87 as the rest of the group cruised back to Leland. Joe split off and headed towards Delco, and the rest of the group took split off at 421, leaving me and Pauly D to take it over the Cape Fear Bridge.
It was still a great ride even if we did get soaked. We ended up with 73 clicks for the day. Thanks to Preacher for tailgunning. My CB is safely in a bag of rice...
Thanks for following me.
'Til the Next Ride...
rePete
1st Officer
SCRC PC162