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2023 Ride Reports
July Ride Reports
July Lunch Pictures
Ride Reports and tall tales:
- Dan started out by telling us about his 3,200 mile trip to the Rally in Doswell VA. Does anyone take the short and fast way to their destination? NO, so Dan started out going a few hundred miles west to AR to meet up with friend, and honorary member Bill. Then they headed out through Memphis only on back roads and on to the rally. When traveling with others you always share the planning even if it takes you to places you have been but others want to see. Same here, so Dan and Bill had a great time taking almost a week to get there. The temps were mild starting in the 70s and peaking in the mid to high 80s with just a few showers. Once at the rally Dan and Bill enjoyed glamping in a big dog tent. There are too many things to include but meeting other riders, a K-1600 house party and Fantastic Music were highlights of the rally.
- Alan and Laurissa made a short 2,600 mile trip to the rally. Just like Dan all back roads TO the rally with the first night in Anniston, AL. The next day we headed out and using only a compass, a first for me, we made it to Cherokee, NC and then stayed the night at Little Switzerland, NC. Never getting lost but at times we did not know where we were. Some rain and fog made for a long day but once there it was a resort with nice views and food. Day 3 we slept late and toured Little Switzerland before heading back out on the Blue Ridge Parkway in very, very heavy fog. After about an hour the fog broke and we enjoyed some great riding to our destination of Roanoke, VA. Lots and lots of wildlife. Day 4 was a down day for washing clothes and a very good local ride that included The Back of the Dragon. The hotel was great and we even had an underground parking garage that had convenient steps to the hotel and the room just a few feet from there. GREAT hotel. Next up was to finish the 477 mile Blueridge Parkway then great roads to Fredericksburg, VA to visit Morton’s BMW dealership. Then to the rally site. We too were glamping and enjoyed the 50 degree nights and mild 85 degree days. The rally may have been the best yet and we enjoyed it a lot. After the rally we headed to KY for a night and then ½ way home on back roads and the rest on the slab for a 750 mile day. WE HAD A FANTASTIC TIME.
- Billy Tate, Jack Lee and Billy’s brother made their annual motorcycle trip. The tradition is to ride to Harrison, AR and then spend 3 or 4 days riding the best of AR. Hwy 123 and many favorites but a new one that they discovered was Push Mountain. A great road that is a favorite of sport bikes so weekdays are the best time to ride this one. The trip came and went much too quick but was another one full of memories.
- Tommy is up next with his tour of Ireland. For those interested the company is Lemon Rock tours. They have guided tours or you can do like Tommy and do a self guided tour. Either way they make the route with destinations and you follow the GPS but can also make detours as desired. Tommy and friend Drew, along with their wives took this over two week trip. The roads were paved but very narrow, 2 track sheep “trails”. The sites were fantastic with water falls and castles. 60 degree weather with great food, drink and the people made this one of Tommy’s favorites! Tommy sent out daily updates and the word heavenly came up several times.
- It is now Bobby’s turn and he loves to show most of us up. This was an out west trip that was 8,000 miles in 18 days. Bobby went with Bryant and as expected hit twisted sisters on through AZ and a working copper mine, Phoenix, Then on to Death Valley, Crater Lake, Glacier National Park, and Bend, Oregon before heading home. Bobby said he was glad to make it back to good old Greenville, MS.
Ian now wanted a turn to tell of his trip to the rally. For the first time Ian rode the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. Like most he commented that the northern end was the best. On through Nashville with lots of detours. He rode the Cherohala Skyway and the Dragon. This was his first ride on the Dragon and it was busy. He then hit the Blue Ridge Parkway where he came up on a motorcycle accident with injuries. Ian was another camper at the rally and had a very, very good time.
New to me 1967 R27 So far, 10 mile ride in local area. That old style seat was comfortable!
June Ride Reports
Billy Tate and Jack Lee ride to Harrison AR.
Billy Tate Ride Report 07-2023
Tommy and Diane Smith go to Ireland (click on link!!!)
We will add to the report as they go. So far, 6 days of fun!
Added day 6. Final day of report
Tommy Ireland movie Tommy Ireland movie ( I guess you have to download it and play)
Tommy Smith and his wife in Ireland 2023 day 6 (full story)
(Possibly the last installment )
May Ride reports
Ride Reports and tall tales:
- Alan led a ragged group on the 2 day RTE to the Delta with lunch in Lake Village, AR then dinner at Doe’s Eat Place, a night out at Ground Zero and then crashing for the night at the Shack Up Inn. Dan gave his thoughts on the ride and there is also a report on the web page.
- Alan and Laurissa took a weekend ride to Oxford for a concert and had a good time.
- Bobby Brooks and Bryant Herring took a ride to Mussel Shoals and all sorts of places but had to cut it shorter than planned. They also plan on a ride to Harrison, AR next week.
- Dan, Richard, Bobby, Alan and Laurissa took a night ride to Vicksburg for a sunset dinner at 10 South overlooking the MS river. Very Nice!
- Dan and Tommy made a ride to Nona’s for some pork chops, again.
- Dan and Richard made a ride to eat at the Garden Patch in Forest.
- Alan and Laurissa also made a ride to eat at the Garden Patch.
- Tommy and Dianne attended a concert by Paul Thorne in Philadelphia, MS. One of his famous songs is about a “pimp and a preacher”. He is a must see if you get the opportunity.
- Fletcher is planning a 7 day 1,200 mile off road duel sport ride in the next week.
- For the complete stories and more, with photos read it on the web page.
- And we need pictures of all the things you WITH THE BIKE IN THE PHOTO PLEASE.
April Ride reports
Two great articles form Alan and Laurissa’s rides. As always, click of the links
Tamale run and the Blues ride report
By Alan Henderson Wednesday and Thursday 4-12 and 13
Alan and Laurissa go eagle watching
Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial
About 20 riders made the pilgrimage to the Crash Site.
There the group paid respects and learned more about what happened on that ill-fated day.
The Easley family spent time with us to talk about event and other information pertaining to the crash site and the band.
info@bmwridersofmississippi.org
Minutes all the wat to the bottom or on the Meetings tab
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Our Leaders 2023
Prez – Laurissa Henderson
V.P. – Bobby Brooks
Secretary – Alan Henderson
Treasurer – Dan Stubblefield
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Ride Reports and tall tales:
for March
- Now this month David wants to brag on his new bass boat!!!
- Bobby who is always doing something gave a report on his train ride. Bobby rode his bike to Longview TX to meet a friend and catch the Amtrack. From there they went to LA and then to Seattle. All was good until the weather changed their plans for them. From Seattle they were supposed to go to Chicago and then back to Longview BUT heavy snow stopped the trip. They were turned around and sent back the way they came. 9 days on a train in the snow turned into an unexpected adventure. Go to the web page for all the details and photos!!
- Steve made his trip to Key West. Details on the web page.
- Alan, Laurissa, Dan, Tommy and Jim made a RTE to the famous Nanna’s diner in Brandon. Don’t say it’s only 10 miles to Brandon because when riding with Dan there is no such thing as a short boring ride! Go to the Web Page.
- Alan led todays lunch group about 18 miles south of McComb to the crash site of the Lynyrd Skynyrd airplane. Alan’s GPS loves to take real back roads complete with gravel covered bridges and pothole filled and cracked roads. We did make it. At the site there is a staffed area with volunteers and fans. They had a lot of stories to share about the band and of the crash. 20 of the band did survive and it was a somber but very nice memorial.
- For the complete stories and more, with photos read it on the web page.
- And we need pictures of all the things you WITH THE BIKE IN THE PHOTO PLEASE
Pensacola jan 2023 (Alan and Laurissa)
2022 Ride Reports
Click on links below especially for pictures
Almost Nashville
Bryant’s and my excursion started Saturday April 9th at 7am with me leaving Greenville and Bryant from Alabama to meet in Eupora Ms .
Leaving Eupora to travel down a few not straight backroads through Mantee to the Natchez Trace .
Our intention was to ride the Trace to Nashville Tn after lunching at the Cracker Barrel in Tupelo .
A pleasant ride continued up past the Tennessee river to find the Trace closed up to US 72 .
We started the standard detour but after a look at the GPS to find there are some single lane roads in the area so … a detour from the detour to reconnect to the Trace above us72 and on to almost Nashville .
As the traffic thickened we opted for a south east route to find roads we haven’t seen .
The day ended in Tuscumbia Al. And it just happened the motel we chose was packed with two wheeled machines as the evening continued .
Sunday started at 7am with our trek to find more roads we haven’t seen to rejoin the Trace south.
After two rode closures , a section of gravel we decided to backtrack from and several wonderful one and two lane roads to find the Trace west of Verona .
Leaving the Trace at Mathiston with a short stop to recap events of the ride we separated to start home.
My ride continued with a very strong cross wind across the delta, I don’t know wind speed but did maintain a serious lean angle . Bryant said his ride to Alabama was nice but uneventful.
Bobby Brooks
Booga Booga – Back Roads to Chattanooga by Dan Stubblefield
Which Way to go? Click on above link
That Bad Weather Day (that wasn’t)
By Dan Stubblefield
The first ROM meeting of 2022 was looking potentially rough early on. Though you really shouldn’t trust an early forecast this time of year, Sat the 8th was proving to be particularly difficult to pin down in advance
Yeah, yeah, “it depends on which weather source you use” (‘cause they’re all different) … but at least they’re usually somewhat close.
This one however, was NOT normal, in the sense that it was all over the map, all week, even when using my normally reliable site!
Early on, I saw “low to mid 50s and overcast”. Hmmm, should be nice.
A day or two later, the high temps drop into the upper 30s, with a slight chance of rain. Okay … looks like I’ll have to add to the wardrobe.
Next report? Highs in the 40s, but a guaranteed rain! Grrrr, ok, but NOW it’s gonna be more of a challenge instead of a care-free ride
Then, on Friday, I see a forecast of “windy, high 50s / low 60s, and slight chance of rain”. Yay! Woot woot!
And … the day turned out great!
The morning’s ride was mostly overcast, but then the sun broke through during the lunch break and ROM meeting. I even saw the temp on my dash bump 70 for a brief period!
Whacky as it was, it just goes to show that if you live in Mississippi and don’t like the weather, hang around for a few hours. It’ll change 😉
That Bad Weather Day (that wasn’t)
Ride Reports from the meeting
Ride Reports and tall tales:
- Bobby made a ride to the Cape Girardeau MO to have his bike serviced. Many have stated that this is a great dealer.
- Alan and Laurissa made a 2 day 3 state BBQ run to see who makes the best BBQ. Check the ROM web page for the ride report and the best BBQ results.
- Richard and a friend made a great ride to the Smokies. They rode the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, the Dragon and all other great roads in that part of the country
- Billy loves to buy and tinker on bikes and his current project is a 04 1150 RT. He rides it then does a little more work on it on the way to perfection.
- And we need pictures of all the things you WITH THE BIKE IN THE PHOTO PLEASE.
Meeting minutes below.
October 2022
Read about Laurissa and Alan’s run through BBQLand by clicking the link provided in the Rider stories reports further down
July 2022
June 2022
Aprill 2022
A trip to Vech’s place
February 2022
Rolling to Rolling Fork
Ride Reports (for more pictures, go to Gallery)
October
BBQ Run promo CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Ride Reports and tall tales:
- The ride to the meeting was short but very nice.
- What’s up!!!!!!!!! Not many rides this past month. HOWEVER, as always our man Bobby did make a great ride. Up the east coast to NY to Mount Washington, then Cape Hatteras, where he spent many hours waiting on the ferry, Moorehead and Boone NC. 3,000 miles in 10 days. BOBBY PLEASE SEND A RIDE REPORT TO STEVE!
- Tommy made it to Nanna’s in Pearl for lunch and Richard and Dan made it to Meridian to Jean’s for some good eats.
- And we need pictures of all the things you WITH THE BIKE IN THE PHOTO PLEASE.
September
Ride Reports and tall tales:
- Ride to the meeting: The weather man said it was going to rain on us but it did not. However, because it was 180 miles or more the ride down was on main roads, it was enjoyable none the less. And the food was great.
- Dan had the best ride of the month to Alpine TN with some friends for a week of fun. However, due to some sort of back hills code “what happens in Alpine stays in Alpine” so details of the event were classified. However, he did let it slip that he burned through a new set of tires.
- The best lunch ride of the month was back roads to Forest to eat at the Garden Patch. Several rode their small trail bikes.
- Bobby has many short excursions on his Honda 250. Looks like small bikes are taking over!
- Ian loves to help with bicycle rides and races and this past month was a judge on a 3 day bicycle race.
- Alan and Laurissa took a week long ride to Johnson City TN. They had a fantastic ride even though they were chased and caught by rain several times. Tons of twisty backroads that will put a smile on your face!
- And we need pictures of all the things you WITH THE BIKE IN THE PHOTO PLEASE.
July Does anyone remember going to the Rally?
Ride Reports and tall tales: It has been asked that I do not get into too many details because we want members to write up their ride reports and send to Steve to put on the web page. However:
- Bobby woke up one morning with a wild hair and made a run to Key West.
- Just when you think you have heard it all Bobby came up with this wild story about hitting a coyote. Yea right! But he has a picture just the second before the hit and then another photo of the critter tumbling behind him. Then he had another of the teeth marks on the radiator shroud of his bike.
- Dan said that he has been making several RTLs a week. (Ride To Lunch).
- Billy and Jack took the motor home and bike to Harrison AR for a week and had a good time.
- The rally was in Springfield Mo this year and many of our group made it.
- Alan and Laurissa made a short 4,000 mile ride to the rally and then on to Moab Utah. They had a very good time and you will see a ride report on the web page soon.
2020 Ride Reports
This report courtesy of Laurissa and Alan Henderson
Easter in the Ozarks 1 by Alan Henderson
October 2108 Rider report
Dave Pell
I took off from work around 1630 Friday afternoon and went up Hwy 35N from Forest to Kosciusko, I then hit the Natchez Trace and proceeded up that beautiful road enjoying my music and watching the great scenery. I stopped at Tupelo and got some fuel and decided to eat a bite before heading on up to Hohenwald, Tn. Everything went well and only saw a few deer and several eyes at the far range of my lights in the edges of the wood, but no problems with anything in the road. I got off at Grady Road, which according to my trusted GPS was the way to go, and low and behold I started to think that my GPS had dropped me off in the wrong location. The road narrowed down and looked like a wagon track, even if it was paved(except for one long hill), and I was thankful that it was night because at least I could see if someone was coming around the tight curves and gullies I was riding. Eventually I got out of the woods and onto some wider pavement that led me on into Hohenwald then over into Centerville, Tn.
I can honestly say that the roads around this area were interesting and curvy, and you never knew what was around the next corner. I arrived at Centerville, Tn., got checked in the room for the night and woke up the next morning to go out to the BMW Riders of Nashville Work Day at the Rib Fest site. Met some really great people and shared the work getting the place ready for the Rally. Outstanding Crew at the Workday. Hamburgers were made on site and they were great, with all the fixings. I left after lunch and made it back to the motel, took a nap, then got out to ride a little before the sun left for the day.
Sunday I goofed off and finally left the motel around 8 am, then ran back out to the Rally site and marked it on my GPS, since I had forgotten to so this the day before. I forgot to mention that going into the RibFest site you have to cross a small stream, which would be hard for some street bikes, but “ Frau Brueller” and I took it in stride and had no problems at all. It is really a great place to have a Rally and the GS Giants will be there again this year. The GS Giants will have some “training” and “challenge” courses available for the enjoyment of all.
Back to the ride—-I finally left out around 9 am and rode back on the little roads that I had previously rode Friday night, they were really great, before hitting the Natchez Trace and plugging in my tunes to start the ride back home to Mississippi. The upper parts of the Trace are outstanding and enjoyable to ride, with long sweeps and great scenery/wildlife. I arrived back home at around 3 and hated to put Frau Brueller up——she is such a good girl to ride.
I hope to see everyone down at Percy Quinn State Park on Oct. 12-14
RIDE SAFE
David Pell, V-P, BMW Riders of Mississippi
October 2017 Rider Reports
Alan talked about a week in the life of a nut and about the past week’s travels. Their trip to Johnson City last month had to be canceled so they made it up this week come hell or high water. They started the week last Friday by riding to Columbus, GA for the weekend for a wedding. Not using the GPS Alan used the compass and just traveled east towards the state line. Lunch that day was at a convenience store in Sweet Water, Alabama ,sitting on the curb outside a convenience store eating pizza and hot wings. Several old timers joined them and all shared stories of past rides. Then on to the rehearsal supper and then the wedding. The ride home on Sunday really was the hell and high water while riding home in the remnants of hurricane Nate. Sheets of rain and 50 MPH gust sent them all over the road and many cars were in the ditch. Stopped at home to check on things and then off to Arkansas where cool temperatures and fog met them at Mount Nebo. The next 4 days provided fantastic riding as always when you are in Arkansas. Now the week is ending on the Gulf Coast with 80 degree weather and riding with some good friends. Rode the Mobile Bay ferry twice and then back home on Sunday.
Dan Stubblefield and Richard Palmer rode to Louisville, MS for lunch at Lake Tia ‘kota.
Mark Sanford finally got his fiancée to ride on this bike and they rode to the Ruins of Windsor in Port Gibson, MS. From there they rode to William’s Brothers store in Philadelphia, MS for bacon.
Paul Vegas rode to the RAM’s Rally at Shiloh in Tennessee.
David Pell and Perry Launius rode to Arkansas. They rode many forest service roads and had a good run.
Perry Launius and his wife, Melissa, rode back to Arkansas in the car this time, and spent several days at a cabin at Knoxville, AR. On the way back home they rode up to Mt. Nebo to deliver some community coffee that David Pell had promised the folks there.
September 2017 Rider report
Tommy Smith rode to Natchez, MS and returned through Rodney, MS where he saw the cannonball still lodged in the side of the church from the Civil War era.
Dan Stubblefield took a 4 day weekend to ride to Johnson City, TN with his friend Bill Worden. They had a great cabin on the Wautauga River. Rode up into Kentucky and Virginia. Also rode the Snake. Had a great 4 days.
Ian Fergusson rode to the BMW International Rally in Salt Lake City, UT. Went to the geographical center of the United States in Lebanon, KS. One of the smallest rallies on record, only about 4,000 attendees. Next years rally is in Des Moines, IA
Ken Bedi and his neighbor, Mike Miller rode up to the Dragon in Tennessee. Had an awesome time. First time for Mike to ride the Dragon, he was so glad he went.
Mark Sanford meandered up to Canada to visit family, girlfriend, etc. He drove over the Mackinac Bridge, through Sault St. Marie, Detroit and wound up at Watkins Glen, NY for the Finger Lakes Rally. Put about 3900 miles on his bike.
Back in the Saddle by David Pell 9-12-2017
I could not make the meeting Saturday because of prior commitments. I have been off my leg for a little over a month now since breaking it. So Sunday I decided to go get on the bike and check out my abilities. Had no problems overall, but came home somewhat sore. Seems the tendons and torn muscles are not healing up as fast as they used to. LOL.
Turned about 260 miles of easy riding, and was so happy to get out and get the bike aired out. It is amazing how a little thing like riding can get you back in the right frame of mind. I know that any frame of mind is pushing it, being you have to have one first.
Got to meet a couple riders from different areas of the State, and invited them to give us a look/see on the Website.
The Alternative Trip Smokey Mountains and the Rides 07/20/2017
By Steven Harrison
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the rally this month. As an alternative and a much shorter trip, I elected to run up to the Smokies and do the twisties on US 129 and the Cherohala Skyway.
Day 1
Starting out on Sunday was planned to alleviate traffic headaches in Birmingham. It worked, and I drove straight through. The first night camp was at Cloudlands Canyon State Park in very North West Georgia. A great stay over, but my new Navigator VI failed me. I had selected shortest route and that’s is what it did. I turned onto Newsome Gap Rd, Rising Fawn, GA, the road was in bad shape but drivable. I drove five miles to where it turned to gravel and outcroppings, the up the Canyon wall in switchbacks. This went on for 10 more miles! GS riders, you would have love it. On a fully load GTL, it was challenging to stay upright. I made it and gained new skillsets.
The campground was great and a welcomed site. I met a local guy making an archery bow from Elm. Rather interesting, there is a group of folks that create primitive weapons and hunting gear as a hobby.
Total Mileage 430.
Bowman Clouldlands Campground, State Park, GA (Too much stuff)
Day 2
The ride from Cloudlands Canyon to Cades Cove was fun. Definitely took back roads. Stop at a place to eat breakfast, talked with several old men there. One with Alzheimer’s although I don’t think he knows it. Asked the same questions about my bike and told me of his Sturgis trip, three times. I listened.
Cades Cove; no cell service, no water nor electricity. Haven’t found the shower yet. That is because there are none. Generators allowed until 2000. Loop C has water and electricity. Although the camping is fine, not having a shower is a nonstarter. As below, the motorcycle resort in Deal’s Gap is reasonable.
Drove to Gatlinburg to get a salad, fuel and ice. Wrote for wife, “also bought grocery store sushi. If you find me dead. Tasted good, went easy on the soy sauce. Food City if they ask. “
Tomorrow the rides. speedometer states 660.
Daily mileage 230.
Cades Cove campground “B”
Day 3
Great Breakfast in camp (eggs, bacon, pita bread) then off to the runs. Ran down Foothills Parkway to US 129, once there set the GPS to record run data. Ran 129 South fast. Average just under 40. Not saying it was a record. Just saying it was pretty fast. After that, stopped in to the Tail of the Dragon Resort and bought the T-shirt to prove I was there. Then a nice semi-quick run to Tellico Plains on the Cherohala Skyway (Rt 165). One of the riders staying at the resort said it was only 65 a night.
Rider note: If the police say they are escorting a big rig the opposite direction on US 129, what the meant to say was pull over and wait! Yes, a little story here.
Had a burger in Tellico then back up the twisties. More relaxed pace. Really need a shower. Did what I could. Water in stream way too cold for this southern boy.
Got a courtesy citation from the Park Ranger Service for leaving water out on the table. These folks are very strict but don’t have a solution for motorcycle riders regarding food storage or showers. Otherwise a nice place.
Daily Mileage 230 (same as day 2)
Relaxing and watching others run through. See! I was there
Day 4
Water pressure problems at the house, Decide to make the run home.
Daily mileage 581
Total for trip 1575 Miles
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