Back in 1981 I’d decided since I was probably be a working class grunt all my life I oughtta take some time off and see a few things that needed seeing. I’d been working in several shipyards in and around Charleston, SC since being discharged from the Canoe Club. Lived pretty cheaply and saved as much as possible to get ready for my escape.

When I had saved about $4000 I figured it was time to go. Turned in my resignation from the Naval Shipyard, loaded everything I owned in my van, and headed for my Dad’s place in Ohio. Once there I started readying my rigid Sporty for a long trip. The Oild Man had a better idea and we swapped my van for his ‘78 FLH. I think he might’ve gotten the raw end of that deal as my van had about 75k on it, and the Shovel had only 900 miles to its credit.

I started riding the FLH to get used to its peculiarities as it was a foot clutch/hand shift model. Had 3 speeds forward and 1 reverse so it was some kinda fun playing on it. It coughed back through the carb every now and then, mostly ‘cause the Keihin was pretty new and way too lean. I’d sent the Old Man a used Bendix and we swapped the carbs and started tuning. Couldn’t quite get it lined out like I wanted so we dropped in on an indy who’d built my Sporty motor when I was overseas. He ran a tiny drill bit through the low speed jet, charged me $5, and told me to go ride. It was spot on after that and I had no more burps to mess me up.

I called a couple old Navy buds up, one in New City, NY, and the other in the boonies of northern New Hampshire. Loaded up and hit the road to NY first. Stayed a week there, partying with the city boys. Then it was time to hook it to New Hampshire and some more partying. It was also time for Laconia and I wanted to check out the bash.

On my way up I ran with some dudes from the Boston area heading to Laconia. I hope they made it ‘cause by the time they pulled over for the night we were flying. I decided it’d be better if we parted company simply ‘cause I really didn’t want to fall down and not be able to get up. I kept on going and finally hit the closest town to my friend’s home.

It was after 11 PM when I rolled through this little joint. Saw exactly one person - the town cop, and he wanted to talk with me. I explained what I was doing and told him my bud’s name. He sorta puffed up then and told me it’d be better if I went back across the river outta his town. There was a motel there, so I hopped back on the bike and went, a 1 bike parade with police escort.

Next morning I called my bud and got directions to his folk’s place. Had a nice ride getting there, even crossing a couple covered bridges. Arriving at his place I told him of my encounter with the cop. He said I’d goofed up telling him who I was hunting. Seems my bud had recently been busted selling a little smoke to try and make ends meet. Now here I come, long hair, beard, greasy jeans, leather jacket, Harley and all, just looking’ for the local doper! Thanks for the warning, bro!

We got together with his girl and a couple others and headed to Laconia. I rode the bike and the rest went in his pickemup. Laconia was a trip. Bikes all up and down Weir’s Beach, and the campground overflowing with bikers of all kinds made for a great time. We partied and then partied some more. When it was time to leave I decided to head west while they went back north. There was this one girl and she was sorta making it difficult for me. Somethin’ about wanting to see Wyoming. She was fun, but I was selfish - this was my trip, y’know?

I headed back towards Ohio via the Pennslowmania turnpike. Stopped in and visited a club brother from when I was stationed in Illinois. Stayed with them a couple days drying out from the rain I’d traveled in crossing PA. More good times, but the west was calling! I’d been on the road about 2 months so far, and had been havi

 

Skip, I've been to the geography, but not the experiance that you've had there.

Next time?

 

Good article skip , sh&t I wrecked three times drinking and such .
Now I know longer drink and drive , I pull off to the side of the road .
lostinal

 

Awesome Skip. So many would love to just take off, leaving routine life in the rearview, but so few will ever. Thats living, in the moment for the moment, no plan is the best plan (in terms of riding). Thanks for sharing.

 

Did you ever think about writing a book? Hopefully you have your memoirs in a collection. If nothing else, your kids or your grandkids or their kids might enjoy it.

For now, know that I get a kick out of it on a Saturday morning while drinking my coffee and waiting for my buddy to get out of bed so I can head over, and maybe we'll get to ride...
Mac

 

Book? Sounds like work! I've been writing these little tales down for the past couple years, mostly to remember old times, but also so my boys will be able to read 'em and maybe understand the ol' man a little. My Dad had lots of stories from his youth but never wrote 'em down, and I surely miss hearing them.

Glad some of y'all enjoy 'em.

 

Skip,

That's what I was gettin' at...my Dad is gone, and I miss his stories. Memoirs would be a great thing to have, and it sounds like you're a doin' it!

Mac

 

hang in there. it's rough i definately know right now

 

Great story dude... A ride without a real plan or direction just visiting old-bro's. That's living the real life. I'm glad ur escort wasn't a more permanent shadow.

 

Skip you write better than most pros do . I wish I could even remember hafe the good times, way to much partying from 16 to 38 years old. Real glad I figured out you didn't have to be stoned out to get thru each day. Keep the stories comeing as it brings back some very foggy memories. Thanks DAVE