It’s the Journey not the Destination.

This was my first long trip on the Gold Wing, a very comfortable machine. We had planned to ride the Tail of the Dragon, weave our way through, get the ”souvenir” T-shirt and continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We quickly discovered that all plans are best made with flexibility in mind.

When rain, fog and gusty winds put a damper on your plans it is best to let the Dragon sleep.

There are many winding roads to travel. I have personally named several stretches of the road—the Blind Snake, where we drove through thick fog barely able to see the yellow line and the Spectacular Serpent, where the sun shinning through the colorful autumn leaves was more dazzling than a Thomas Kinkade painting.

Biking is a Sensual Experience.

Riding is not only a feast for the eyes with the glorious sunrises and gathering clouds but for all your senses.

I felt very close to the elements as the miles raced by, taking note of the air temperature changes, layering on more clothing as we drove north and peeling off layers the closer we got to home.

In a car you miss all the smells along the road, some a delight to the nose, fresh cut hay, wood burning and dinner being prepared.

Never Underestimate the Value of a Good U-turn.

We all make mistakes and the GPS does not know everything. Learning to make a u-turn and where to pull over to reassess your directions is invaluable. Sometimes you find places you would have missed if you had not gotten just a little lost.

Supportive Friends.

Only ride with people who want to have a good time and are there to encourage you.

Riding with a group teaches you patience, you will never all be ready at the same time.

Everyone has a different level of experience, be willing to learn and listen.

We were very lucky to have two riders with us who have traveled thousands of miles and know all the back roads. It was like having a personal tour guide along our way who gave riding and tech tips, also.

We may not of made it to all our planned destinations but we had a wonderful 2000 mile excursion, learned a lot and made new friends, what more can you ask of an adventure.

I would like to thank Joy and Mel Wilson who were our guiding angels taking four newbie’s under their wings and graciously sharing their knowledge. And, to Robin and Mike Faircloth who turned us on to the joys of owning and riding a Gold Wing.

Lastly my driver Steven Holder who always get me home safe.

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Author: Lisa Ann

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: courtesy of the author