The Special Ingredient

Public Ride & Trip report sub-forum.

Ride reports (RR) posted here are view-able to non-member readers, no log in will be required to visit this sub-forum - use this sub-forum if you want friends, family, co-workers who are not members of the site to be able to read and follow along.
Post Reply
User avatar
Hppants
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6272
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 9:22 pm
FJRModel: 2021ES
x 12060
x 10565

The Special Ingredient

Post by Hppants »

The Special Ingredient

I recently rode my motorcycle to attend the annual Southern FJR Owner’s gathering (SFO 2019). The weather this year was challenging. On Thursday, I rode 500 easy miles to the event under beautiful skies. Friday and Saturday were rainy, so I parked the bike and sniffed around with others that had 4-wheeled vehicles. Sunday, the weather cleared for Nate and I to ride home. So it was a thousand miles for me on the weekend, and as usual – I enjoyed every single one of them.

A long-standing tradition, SFO has developed over the years into quite the Fall event. My good friend Turk Bence, his lovely wife Jana, and their friends and family have got this thing down to a science. Historically, this event has been held all over the region, but over the past 4 years, Turk has graciously hosted it at his “camp” property in Jemison, Alabama.

If you are looking for the quintessential definition of southern hospitality, look no further than SFO, I tell ya. It has all of the required ingredients. It has delicious food, wonderful spirits and drink, incredible music, great temperate weather for the season, and a laid back and relaxing atmosphere that is so welcoming. Deep down inside, everyone wants to feel welcome. Maybe that is why SFO is so successful. All are welcome, and they know it.

This comes from a very special ingredient – the people. I hope you enjoy the pics.

Day 1: Lafayette, LA to Jemison, AL, approx. 500 miles.

Route: https://goo.gl/maps/jEcTM5f9eJ3JPT8C9

With my horse packed the night before, I set out at dark thirty on Thursday morning. I’m laser focused on my first objective – get through Baton Rouge without dying. Thankfully, the idiots… er…commuters in our capital city played fair, and by mid-morning, I’m on the back side of it with good tunes in my ears, and clear roads ahead.

Image

David lives in the DFW area and we have been communicating for a few days about getting together for the ride. I pick him up in Brookhaven, MS, and off we go.

Image

Earth to Major Tom!!! (shameless Bowie plug….)

Image

Recently, I’ve developed a thing for courthouse buildings. When you ride the roads less traveled, they take you to the cities and towns less traveled to. And in some of these towns, the courthouse is usually the biggest and most majestic building. I liken it to a symbol of the law of the local land. And I like the architecture of these structures.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Smith County, Mississippi Courthouse.

Image

David and I had fun riding together. The roads in central Mississippi are in good shape. Some are curvier than others, and we enjoyed the solitude.

We reached Philadelphia, MS about lunch time. Yelp said this place was good, so we gave it a try.

Image

I ordered the Pineapple Steak Fajitas for like, $8 bucks. Oh my goodness….

Image

David got concerned about the upcoming weather for the weekend and decided to turn back and head home shortly after lunch. I was having way too much fun that day to worry about tomorrow. So I pressed onward and eastward.

In the village of Gainsville, Alabama, I stopped at this little store.

Image

Nuff said….

Image

The swamplands of central Alabama look a lot like home.

Image

I rolled over the Tombigbee River in the afternoon.

Image

There are several locks and dams along the river and I wanted to go check one out. Turns out each one is separated by about 5 miles of very loose gravel road. So I doubled back toward the highway, enjoying the floodplain along the way.

Image

Wandering where the good stuff is ….

Image

“I could go east. I could go west. It was all up to me to decide.”

(With much respect, Mr. Seger…)

Image

The Perry County courthouse is looking quite sharp this afternoon.

Image

Marion, Alabama. Small town, USA.

Image

I get to the hotel in Clanton, Alabama about 5 pm, and there are already a few hooligans stirring about. The shuttle service (courtesy of Turk and his peeps) brought us over to the party so that we could imbibe without worry.

Make no bones about it – these people know how to run a shindig…..

Image

Turk and Jana prepared what they call “3-way Chili”. It was very good.

Image

Wherever 2 or more gather in friendship, all is well in the world.

Image

Well, in a matter of speaking….

Image

Well done, Ms. Jana!!

Image













Day 2: Zero miles, weather too crappy.

After good breakfast at the Shoney’s next door to the hotel, a bunch of us didn’t feel much like riding all day in the rain. So we loaded up in a few cars and took a road trip.

I don’t care how much you do it, riding in this is crap. Much drier in the cage.

Image

We went to the world-famous Barber Motorsports Motorcycle Museum just outside of Birmingham. I’ve been here before, but like any HUGE museum, this is better taken in multiple visits. There is so much to see, after a few hours, it gets to be overloading to your senses.

Image

The displays there are done incredibly well and it gives the viewer a chance to let his or her imagination run wild. These board racers from the early 20th century were awesome to look at. Get this…. NO BRAKES!!!

Image

This off-road display was incredible. At the beginning on the bottom of the exhibit are the old V-twin flat track racers. Then toward the jump, we are treated to the progression and evolution of the off-road motorcycle. The mono-shock bikes appear, followed by water cooling, and then ending up with the modern 4-stroke wonders we have today.

Absolutely brilliant.

Image

It takes a special kind of genius to come up with this. Not just people with passion for motorcycles. It takes people that are both technical and creative – people who have the ability to engage both sides of their brains and minds. I am so envious on so many levels.

I chose a few bikes that are particularly special to me for photographs.

When I was a kid, the Honda Trail 70 was immortal to me.

Image

The 1969 Honda CB750 – this is an early “sandcast” model. In my not so humble opinion, this bike started it all for many of us.

Image

When I was in high school, a buddy had a Mach III. One day, he let me ride it and on that day, I learned what true power feels like. Needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since.

Image

This Crocker is absolutely gorgeous. It is pure sex on two wheels. I just love this motorcycle.

Image

I’ve always like scooters for their utilitarianism, if that is a word. The Cushman scooters are nice to look at too.

Image

When Yamaha introduced the V-Max, I was in love and in lust. Since then, I’ve ridden a few of them and have been hugely disappointed. It’s like sitting on a HUGE roman candle. After the candle is lit, there is a big blast, followed by…. Poof. Looking back, I’d rather have not ridden this bike and would prefer to just stare at it in awe of the sexiness that it really is.

Image

Finally, this is what is wildly regarded as the predecessor to my beloved FJR1300. I can see the pedigree clearly.

Image

There is something for everyone here, ya’ll. Seriously, if you haven’t already, put Barber firmly in your bucket list and don’t pass it up.

Image

From the Museum, you can walk out over the race track. This weekend, a local club was having a race – today was qualifying. These riders bring new meaning to the term “trust you tires”.

Image

Image

A lot of goodness right here.

Image

Here too…..

Image

We popped over to the Bass Pro Shop.

Image

Blue Bell Happy Tracks….

Image

Then it was back to the hotel to get gussied up for the evening festivities.

Image

And herein lies the secret ingredient for SFO – the people.

As a lifelong southerner, I’d like to offer an observation regarding our people. Down here, we do things differently without pride. We do it slowly and with intention. Time is our most precious commodity, and most of us are lucky enough to know it. Now rest assured, we have the hustle and the bustle of modern life like everyone else. But for the consummate southerner, at least with respect to matters of time, quality will always take precedent over quantity.

And you need look no further than SFO to witness the epitome of this special ingredient. For years now, Turk, his family, and his friends have selflessly invited us into their lives. They prepare delicious meals for us. They provide world class entertainment for us. They make arrangements for our comfort and wellbeing. They share their talents and they share their love for one another. And nothing is left out. It’s contagious and over the weekend, I felt the love from our brothers and sisters pouring in and pouring out.

The shrimp boil was delicious, and I ate until I could no more. Then I sat down with the others and listened to some terrific music.

Image
















Day 3: no riding (rain rain rain) – Road Trip with the ladies.

I got a bit carried away with the shampoo last night. Shoot – I got crap faced out of my mind! I sure hope I didn’t embarrass myself too badly. Anyhoo – this morning, I’ve got an ole-fashioned hangover. It’s been a long time since that happened. Man, am I dry. Holy cow….

The rain is still hanging around and I’m in no condition to ride. So I asked Wanda, Lisa, and Tyler if I could tag along with them for the day, and they said “yes” (cha ching!!)

Mid-morning, we drove over to Selma. Many of you know that Pants has a thing for bridges. I’ve always liked highway bridges. Bridges are built to connect one side to the other. They are designed to bring people together, and when I look at bridges, that is what I see. I have this idea of taking a cross-country motorcycle tour with the expressed purpose of seeing as many bridges as I can find. One day….

I’ve always wanted to visit the bridge in Selma, where the civil rights violence occurred. I’m not proud of the circumstances that led to this event, or any racial tensions for that matter. But as I get older, I realize that history is so important, and that Santayana was a genius. Indeed, those that forget will repeat it.

Image

Image

The old bridge operator’s house is so cute.

Image

We walked across the street to the interpretive center and were lucky enough to meet an interesting woman by the name of Lynda Blackmon Lowery. As a child of just 14 years old, Ms. Lowery was beaten by the Selma police during the bridge incident and was subsequently jailed nine (9) separate times by the police for peacefully demonstrating. She shared her story to us and others, and we listened attentively. This is not the kind of history you get in the classroom. Not the kind of history that is shielded by the television screen. It was raw. That’s really the only way I can describe it. She opened up emotionally for us and told us her story as she remembered it. Sometimes, people just need to be heard. Sometimes, people just need to listen. That morning, both were in good supply. It was a memorable experience for me. Not at all pleasing, but certainly memorable.

We grabbed a snack and took a short ride to Cahawba. The first permanent State capital of Alabama, Cahawba is now a ghost town. You can learn more about it here:

https://cahawba.com/

It’s a cool place that allows you to bring out the archeologist inside of you. As you wander through the old town sites, your imagination takes over and you think about what life was like back then.

This old church looks cool, with its weathered boards.

Image

An old school house for the children of color.

Image

Now getting late in the afternoon, we turned toward Clanton to get ready for another party at Turk’s barn. Meanwhile, some of the gang decided to ride today. Turk made arrangements for a simple Rally, with points awarded for riding to local attractions. Five riders gave it a try. Taylor (Uncle Hud) edged out the victory by a very slim margin.

Image

All day, Turk’s buddy was BBQ-ing in the rain cooking what can only be described as a small farmhouse of meat for us. We had pulled pork, ribs, and sausage, along with plenty of fixings thanks to Ms. Jana, Ms. Babette, and the others. I ate like a starving pig and although I don’t have any pictures, it was delicious.

Turk arranged for some after dinner live music, and while that was playing, we all had quite a time kidding around, shooting the bull, and what not. I was out of shampoo from the night before, and that was telling enough. Uncharacteristically, I behaved myself on Saturday night. After all, I’ve got to ride 500 miles home tomorrow.

Day 4: Clanton, AL to Lafayette, LA, approx. 500 miles.

My buddy Nate decided to ride with me home, and he popped over from Turks camp to meet me about 8 am. I basically took the same route home as I enjoyed the roads so much the other day, why mess with a good thing? We stopped when we felt like it, usually at some one-horse town somewhere on the route.

Image

I did cross a milestone on the way home. 60,000 miles of pure happiness on this motorcycle. I’ve had quite a few, but to date, this is my favorite motorcycle. I’m counting on many more miles from this gem!

Image

Nate is good friend and a great rider. He had a serious fall not too long ago, and I was thrilled that he is riding again, and riding with me again.

Image

Peace be with you, my brother.

Image

Nate broke off to go home north of Baton Rouge, and I suffered the last 50 miles like the first, slogging the dreaded and deadly Interstate 10, with my arse clinching the seat, and my head on a swivel. I made it home safe about 6:30 pm. As she always does, my wife rushed out of the door to greet me with her loving smile and hugs. For sure, I’ll never grow weary of that.

So another SFO gathering is in the books. I’m quite certain that Turk and his family are worn out after slaving over us for the better part of a week. I have no doubt that we’ll do it again next year somewhere, and the year after that. If I were you, I’d look out for the 2020 announcement, and mark your calendar immediately.

No special sauce is worth a darn without the special ingredient. For Pants, I’m learning in my maturity that the special sauce of this little thing we call life has a very special ingredient. And that ingredient is the people. People that will go the extra miles to gather together. People that will cook for you and sing for you. People that will stand on a bridge on a matter of principle. People that will ride with you. People that will open up their home and their family to you.

Special ingredient, indeed!

Stay thirsty, my friends…..
Travlr_45, Fjrbandit, LKLD and 16 others loved this
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living. Or get busy dying."
- Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption

Image
BkerChuck
Veteran
Posts: 1696
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:02 am
FJRModel: 2014 FJR1300A
x 2334
x 2781

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by BkerChuck »

Nice report and once more it was a pleasure to finally meet you at SFO. You should mention that not everyone took the 4 wheeled route to Barber Motorsports. Dianne and I toughed it out! If you're at a motorcycle rally, and going to visit a motorcycle museum, you should damned sure do it on a motorcycle!

Thanks for sharing!
CollingsBob, bill lumberg, and wheatonFJR loved this
ImageImageImage

IBA #50866
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 5610
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 5060
x 8272

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by gixxerjasen »

Good stuff, wish I could have made it this year, even if the weather was less than optimal. Just so you know, we have a challenge on TWT to get a photo of your bike in front of all of the county courthouses in Texas. I have barely made a dent in the list myself, but there are those that have done it, that's a LOT of riding and a lot of cool buildings.
My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
SLK50
Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:18 am
FJRModel: 2006
x 5
x 200

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by SLK50 »

Thanks for that awesome report.
It was enough inspiration for me
to seriously consider attending
next years’ SFO. Thanks.
CollingsBob loved this
User avatar
Intech
I'm Not Back
Veteran
Posts: 2497
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:35 am
FJRModel: 2015
Location: Virginia
x 1074
x 2671

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Intech »

Great report Joey! I crossed the 60K milestone on my ride home too! I can definitely say that SFO at Turk's is a definite do over! What a great time! Got to meet a few more new friends and definitely enjoyed reveling with old.

Oh, and I am thirsty...
Image
RIP BeemerDonS JSNS
RIP Petey
RIP jwilly
User avatar
CraigRegs
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 866
Joined: Sat Mar 09, 2013 11:19 pm
FJRModel: 15ES
x 3133
x 2205

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by CraigRegs »

Hppants wrote: Wed Nov 06, 2019 3:10 pm The Special Ingredient

And you need look no further than SFO to witness the epitome of this special ingredient. For years now, Turk, his family, and his friends have selflessly invited us into their lives. They prepare delicious meals for us. They provide world class entertainment for us. They make arrangements for our comfort and wellbeing. They share their talents and they share their love for one another. And nothing is left out. It’s contagious and over the weekend, I felt the love from our brothers and sisters pouring in and pouring out.

Special ingredient, indeed!

Stay thirsty, my friends…..
Pants, that is a wonderful and spot-on description of SFO. Really wish I could have been there.

I'm thirsty, my friend...
Uncle Hud loved this
Craig
----------------
...the Pursuit of Happiness
User avatar
escapefjrtist
Veteran
Posts: 1160
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:51 pm
FJRModel: '15 FJR 1300A
Location: Snohomish WA
x 1917
x 1545

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by escapefjrtist »

Thanks for the ride-along and pics 'pants...awesome RR!

~G
IBA34365
'15 FJR-USD-A
'18 Tenere
CollingsBob
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 2097
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2018 2:19 pm
FJRModel: 2024 BMW R1300 GS
Location: Winnipeg
x 5103
x 2243

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by CollingsBob »

Another great ride/event report. One day I’m gonna HAVE to share a libation with you!
User avatar
Bounce
Veteran
Posts: 3647
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:19 am
FJRModel: 2003
x 6588
x 3091

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Bounce »

My diet has me so conditioned that when I saw this.

Image

The first thing I thought wasn't, "yumm", but was, "look at all the fat, carbs, and sodium."
User avatar
Tyler
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1813
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 1:49 pm
FJRModel: 2013 CanAm Spyder ST
Location: Mountain View, CA
x 3237
x 3462
Contact:

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Tyler »

Well done, Joey... you summed it all up quite nicely... while the weather wasn't the most conducive, I definitely enjoyed more "face" time with friends... ;)
"Spend time with those who make you better." ~Anonymous
User avatar
Uncle Hud
Veteran
Posts: 3575
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:52 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES, with new fairings!
Location: Smyrna, metro Atlanta
x 7246
x 2756

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Uncle Hud »

Well written, sir. SFO is indeed a special event, and it's always good to see our internet friends.

The prize for narrowly winning the Rally Rally was ... a motorcycle cleaning kit. It has motivated me to fix up my ratty, though marvelously functioning, FJR . Sunday afternoon I ride with local H-D friends, and Sunday evening I start the fairing repair work. The Meguiar kit will get used!
LKLD loved this
*** You can't get into trouble in second gear. ***
IBA 62517
User avatar
Viper_Dad
Member
Posts: 262
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:35 pm
FJRModel: 2013
Location: Virginia, USA
x 462
x 466

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Viper_Dad »

Great report, and I love the red FJR shirt! Now I want to go find some Blue Bell ice cream, too.
2013 - "Jolene"
Peter
User avatar
LKLD
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 2732
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:26 am
FJRModel: 2016 ES
Location: Central Flatistan
x 5178
x 3352

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by LKLD »

Joey, another wonderful RR, my man!

I feel you conveyed, quite nicely, the festive mood of SFO. If you look up 'Good 'Ol Southern Hospitality' in the dictionary, you should see photos of Babette, Jana, and Turk. They really pull out all of the stops, to make certain EVERYONE is fed, entertained, and enjoying themselves! This is a very special gathering indeed.

I can attest to Joey's hangover Saturday morning. :zombwobb:
I tried to take a photo of him, for posterity sake, and the camera on my phone said "No!". 8-)

Continue to stay thirsty, my Friend!
CraigRegs and wheatonFJR loved this
Being alive, is not living. R.I.P. Don,Petey, & Jason レイクランド
Fjrbandit
Member
Posts: 301
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2016 10:06 pm
FJRModel: 2008
x 758
x 743

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Fjrbandit »

Another outstanding RR my friend! I'm not sure how I am just stumbling upon it - oh, yes I am, this is probably my first time on the forum in WEEKS. A recent "promotion" at work has unfortunately moved my work needle in the wrong direction. All good though, just lucky to be part of a growing organization. But at my advancing age I'd much rather spend time mapping out my next ride than auditing claim files! :roll: :!:

Anyway, it was a pleasure hosting you and the rest of the "special ingredients" again this year and no doubt, we'll begin our planning for the annual October hill climb again early next year. Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holidays!
LKLD and Hppants loved this
Travlr_45
Squid
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:31 pm
FJRModel: 2019
x 2
x 14

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Travlr_45 »

As a 1st time FJR owner I would enjoy the opportunity to meet up at a get-together like this.
Cav47 and jwilly loved this
User avatar
Cav47
Veteran
Posts: 3851
Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:42 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES well appointed FJR
2012 KLX 250S
2022 Honda CRF450RL
Location: Central Illinois.
x 10484
x 7438

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Cav47 »

Travlr_45 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 9:40 pm As a 1st time FJR owner I would enjoy the opportunity to meet up at a get-together like this.

It’s kinda tough, but here are the difficult steps

#1. Find said FJR event
#2. Attend said FIR event
#3. See #1 and #2 above.
I often have found myself when I was not looking, nor did that discovery take place where I thought it would!

Image
Travlr_45
Squid
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:31 pm
FJRModel: 2019
x 2
x 14

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Travlr_45 »

Cav47 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 10:13 pm
Travlr_45 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 9:40 pm As a 1st time FJR owner I would enjoy the opportunity to meet up at a get-together like this.

It’s kinda tough, but here are the difficult steps

#1. Find said FJR event
#2. Attend said FIR event
#3. See #1 and #2 above.
I looked at the location, not far from me at all. ( Georgia coast ) will keep an eye out for future dates.
User avatar
Cav47
Veteran
Posts: 3851
Joined: Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:42 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES well appointed FJR
2012 KLX 250S
2022 Honda CRF450RL
Location: Central Illinois.
x 10484
x 7438

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Cav47 »

Travlr_45 wrote: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:28 am
Cav47 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 10:13 pm
Travlr_45 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 9:40 pm As a 1st time FJR owner I would enjoy the opportunity to meet up at a get-together like this.

It’s kinda tough, but here are the difficult steps

#1. Find said FJR event
#2. Attend said FIR event
#3. See #1 and #2 above.
I looked at the location, not far from me at all. ( Georgia coast ) will keep an eye out for future dates.
You live in a great area for riding and there are plenty of events on the East Coast and since you have an FJR, East of the Mississippi is basically a day ride.

Check this out.

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=4818&start=20 FJR Event list.
Bounce loved this
I often have found myself when I was not looking, nor did that discovery take place where I thought it would!

Image
Travlr_45
Squid
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:31 pm
FJRModel: 2019
x 2
x 14

Re: The Special Ingredient

Post by Travlr_45 »

This will be my 1st spring/summer with the FJR. Just picked it up in late oct. I’ve done a few cross country trips on other bikes, long days in the saddle are good days. Have a tiger 1050 in the garage as well that Does a good job of eating up miles. Couple of us will be at the Atlanta show this Saturday 1-25.
Post Reply