We started our gathering on Friday night, January the 25th by welcoming the new S.E.A.D., Calvin Underwood, into town at the Three Dollar Cafe for dinner. We had five people in attendance and it gave us a chance to meet face-to-face and get to know one another.
Saturday morning was a chilly 33 degrees when my Connie fired up to go meet Reggie Chestnut on his '86 (SilverD***it) and then down to Calvin's motel to give him what he called a motorcycle escort to the show.
The weather channel had promised mid-60s temps for the day, which would be perfect for our intended plans. We had quite a gathering for the early entrance and the Big K sponsored breakfast at the show. I never did get a head count, because almost every COG guy had a few other friends come along for the day. It's always nice to meet other bikers and see their ride. Heck, I think we may be the only group that encourages people to join our group or at least ride along no matter what they ride.
After three hours or so at the show we met at the Bar and Grill located there in the Convention Center complex and sat down to lunch and conversation. Then it was back into the show area to spend the last few discretionary dollars we had stashed away. In my case plastic does nicely and I will try to justify it next month when the bill comes in.
Around 2 o'clock we headed to the parking lot and mounted those growling machines that make our blood boil to a fever pitch and puts that permanent grin on all our faces. Ten bikes showed up for the Kevin Daniell ride, which took us to one of his favorite places in N.W. Ga.--farms and fields and twisties. He had been telling me of this particular ride route for a year now and I was really glad to see it and ride it at last.
Out of ten on the ride we had 5 members on Connies, a 1200 Bandit, a Triumph 595, a Goldwing 1500, a BMW and a H.D. The trip took us on a good ride that would test your skill or it did for some of us.
After about 100 miles of the backcountry we headed back to Powder Springs, Ga. for a bonfire and BBQ dinner at Kevin & Terri Daniell's home. The food was catered by a local BBQ place and Terri opened her home to all us hooligans. After dark Kevin proceeded to start one of his trademark bonfires and after the feast inside about twenty people gravitated outside to the fire for conversation. This just finished off a great Georgia winter day. The temp had been in the mid-60s as predicted, we had taken in a good motorcycle show, went on a great ride, got our fill of BBQ, and had a bonfire to chase away the chilly night. Thanks to Kevin and Terri for the use of their home.
And to the folks that didn't make the Atlanta Motorcycle Show or the ride, we will try harder next year to make you wish you had.
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"The Gang" at Kevin's home. |
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Vic Salisbury and James Freeman (left to right) |
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The Bonfire! "Now THAT'S a fire!" |
James Freeman
Marietta Ga.