Wild Hogs Ride - Day 1

Dedicated to our riding brothers and sisters up North that are snowed in. Wish you were here!

Our first days ride has been awesome. We left NC at 9am with a warm 37 degree temperature. We saw 50 degrees by noon in South Carolina and it hit a high of 55 degrees here in Amelia Island, Florida when we arrive at 5:15pm just before dark. Today's mileage count was 442 miles.

Just got back from a nice dinner at The Surf Restaurant and chilling right now.

We hit I-40 to I-77 south all the way to Columbia, SC. Amazingly easy through Charlotte but it got really congested as we neared Columbia. I had no idea there was so much road construction through Columbia.

At the I-77 and I-26 junction we jumped off onto Hwy 321. Stopped for fuel and a hot dog to tie us over. The sun came out and I switched glasses and put my shades on and dumped the Gerbing heated gloves for lighter thinner more comfortable pair.

We rolled down 321 with Savannah as our next stop. I love this highway and the small towns you go through. On the long 55 mph stretches we cruised at 70 and passed a few cars. My buddy was surprised at how easy the 114 rolled around slower traffic effortlessly without a down shift!

When you think of towns like Denmark and Fairfax you are probably not thinking of South Carolina! But a word of caution, when you hit those small half mile long towns with a 35 mph speed zone you better slow down! We saw more than one Barney Fife set up with radar. We dropped off 321 onto 119 toward Savannah and it was a beautiful ride. We were the only people out there and it was swamps on both sides with shaded road ways. Cruising at 70 mph loving life! Well we rolled into the HD dealer from the West side like I have been many times before and it is now an Indian dealership! Wow when did that happen???Stopped at the Sonoco on the corner for race fuel and realized the new HD dealership is across the road near the I-95 South on ramp. Rolled on over for a butt break and a few poker chips before jumping up on I-95. It was totally stupid. We were running 80 and being passed on both sides and twice cars were making emergency stops in all lanes.

We bailed off on Hwy 17. What a beautiful ride and stayed on it all the way to Amelia Island. My buddy had not been over the BIG Sidney Lanier Bridge at Fancy Bluff Creek (Jekyll Island) which is 480 feet tall above the water with steep approach angles. If you are afraid of heights that one will get you. Plus it was windy! But what a beautiful view off the top.

As we approached the Florida state line on Hwy 17 I saw the old 2 lane blue steel span bridge and forgot it has steel grate deck. There was oncoming traffic and we were rolling pretty hot. Got slowed to 60 mph and rolled across into Florida and there was a highway patrol car on the other side that waved at us!

Welcome to the Sunshine State!

Going to have to keep rolling South to stay dry and find those 80 degree temps. Hitting the road early tomorrow riding A1A at least to Titusville then turning west, southwest.

Stay tuned for day #2 update!

A few photos. We only stopped twice the entire ride so not many pictures.

 

Sounds like you had a GREAT day!!

US321 is one of my favorite hiways as long as I stay out of the big cities. We spend a lot of time in SC. It is a great state to ride in.

This past year we rode more in GA than ever. Can't wait to try out some of your ride.

Ride safe and thank GOD for your good times............

 

sounds like a fun trip!

 

Thank you, from someone buried in a foot of snow here in Eastern Maine. Glad some are getting to ride.

 

What he said! South Western Maine checking in!

 

It is a great feeling to put away the Gerbing. I am writing down some or the roads because I plan on riding down in SC and area early this Spring. Keep on having a good time.

 

I have never been to Florida since I moved to the USA 27 years ago...this coming year might be it...
Sounds like you’re having a great holiday ride.

 

A sunny 21 degrees here and I don't think I'm going to test out the Gerbing's when I can follow your ride and dream. Enjoy your trip & thanks for the photos.

 

Sounded like a good time!
It got up to 7* today here. Too cold to even look at my bike in the garage.

 

Thanks for the awesome post about a great days ride!!!