Day Five

 Holy Cannoli we made it! We made our trek from Loudon, TN to Chattanooga, TN. We all arrived and got a perfect score! 

It was quite an uneventful day for us in terms of our bikes. You know- besides that fact that I had to stay on my bike all day 🤣 kidding- for lunch we leaned it up against a phone pole. 

The route was beautiful more twisty roads in the countryside. BUT NEVER LET THAT FOOL YOU! 

The last 15-20 miles were probably some of the hardest riding of the whole route. We had a scene that felt like it was straight up. And naturally, it was right after a a tight hairpin of a turn. Once we got up there the roads were fine and you could see miles out. However, you always wonder when is that descend happening. What goes up must come down so we headed down. This was just as challenging as as there were those super tight hairpins. At one point we came up (down) to one and the car in front of us had stopped. They had stopped to let the cars coming from the other way come up. Once we went down we understood why. The turn was so tight that the car regardless of how close they stayed to the shoulder would not be able to turn without going into the other lane. Now I’m not quite sure how they couldn’t have made this safer- but I’m no construction person. We were just coasting down at this point and it was still a challenge. 

The day started out warm and ended hot again. Although, while on the motorcycle (and moving) it was great riding weather. 

From talking with people and my own experience it seems that this was one of the most technically challenging organized rides most people have been on. Between the crazy climbs, tightest curves, bouncy dirt roads, and descending on gravel - it sure made it challenging but worth the ride. 

On these older motorcycles going over bumps and not smooth roads is extra nerve wracking. Not only does it make you bounce a ton, but you always “feel” for the bikes as they aren’t made for this kind of riding, but also they break easily. Bolts get loose, frames break, and parts are left in the dust. Personally, I cringe when we are on those types of roads. 

Bill Page said that he believes it’s not how many miles you put on but the quality of those miles. We didn’t do 300+ miles of riding- in fact we did about half of that, but the roads were slow, the views were spectacular and the challengers were there. Never did I get bored riding; no road was straight for miles with minimal to look at. 

After we arrived back to the Choo Choo Chalet Hotel we had some time to hang out. We road our bikes back to the truck- trailers them up and got a ride back to the hotel. We then had the banquet where awards were given and food was provided. 

Pat Olson had made some really creative trophies that everyone was impressed by. 

One thing that I was shocked to find out was how this idea had formed. Apparently, on the TransAm ride a group of people had started talking about needing some kind of ride for those who don’t have quite as old of bikes. Long story short they came up with the idea. By the time the TramsAm banquet came by (only a few days later mind you) it was announced then and there that this would be happening in a year. At the time I had had no idea that this was just formulated and decided on. I assumed that this had been in the making for at least a month if not longer. 

After the banquet Team Butts decided to go get some ice cream. To our surprise we walk into the ice cream parlor and there is many Loopers eating ice cream. What is it about motorcycles that makes people want to indulge in this delicacy? 

Then we went to the bar with a few others - and lo and behold we ran into more Loopers! 

Jerry and Scott decided to trailer their bikes instead of riding back- and I don’t blame them. So early this morning we started our trip back home. 

In the following days I will be (hopefully) adding some videos to the blog to show some of the roads we traveled. They just take awhile to edit and between chatting with people, writing the blog and getting ready for the next day- it was too much. 

Again, I am so fortunate to be able to ride these rides with Mike, but also Scott and Jerry. There aren’t too many younger females that get to say that. The bond you grow having done these types of rides on these types of motorcycles is unbreakable. You have unique memories and experiences no one else does. 

Also, thank you to all of you who have wished us safe travels and followed along as that is encouraging and in a way keeps us motivated! 

The sunrise at breakfast. 

Braiding Tim’s hair again. 

My bike leaning on the cabin

Getting ready for take off 

Now leaning against a telephone pole (notice how dusty the tank is)

Picture with Team Butts, Bill Page and Amy Krueger (Bills daughter) they both put so much work into making this happen! 

The trophies Pat Olson did. He’s extremely humble and not one that likes attention- but these… I am just in awe of peoples talents. 

The banquet

This was outside our hotel. Hard to see but there is also a dog on the seat- perfectly posed. Yet- I bet both. Indi the dog. And Kat (I believe) the horse. 

So behaved.

On the left: Paul Ryan (Ryan restorations) redid my motorcycle. It was so meticulously done I had absolutely no issues. He did such a great job - I was so impressed and got compliment after compliment of how well done it was. And pretty- which was before the dirt roads. Which also- shout out to my mom for cleaning it and making it squeaky clean! I’ve got a motorcycle to wash. On the ride is Bart Grelinger who also knows a lot about BMWs I don’t know how much he helped build the bike, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had, but not sure how close they live together.  But I could always go ask him a question if I couldn’t find Paul! 

We had first met them on the Rinker Run we did in 2024. They were riding their BMWs. bart then did the transam and he worked hard on that ride. He got the grit award. Paul had been his support crew! 

One thing I also really enjoy is getting to know these folks lives outside of the antique motorcycle world. I find it so fascinating the different “types” of people you meet. Even with the simple things of what do they do for work, are they married, have kids, etc. Typically all you do is talk motorcycles but to me I like to know their backgrounds and how they got into antique motorcycles. 

Bill wanted to make it more of a unique ride. He didn’t want to do chain hotels but more of a different experience. To see the places that you typically don’t see or don’t “risk” doing. Between a lodge, cabins, beautiful mountain stays and the Yogi Bear! 

I always wish I had gotten to know more people and branched out a little bit more, regardless as always this event was amazing g. 

Shout out to the staff who all made it happen and kept us safe throughout the trip. Bill and Kathy Page, Amy Krueger, Joe Casola (+his son Parker), Pat and Monica Olson, Kelly Modlin, Kellyn Modlin, Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo, Joe Sparrow, Marjorie Kleinman, Laura Kelh, Ryan Allen, Paul Belt, and last but not least Stu and Marlene Preston. 

Day Four

First: here are some pictures from yesterday that it wouldn’t let me load. 

Group picture up at Pinnacle Overlook

Our view during dinner

Looking important in a log cabin

Nobody puts paper in the corner

Early mornings before the sun wakes up 

 We started in Asheville, NC. We started off right away on some beautiful back roads with nice twisties. 

Right away Pat and Monica were flagging everyone to not turn where they were because there was either some road closure or construction; naturally that makes us all very confused. We kept driving and once we saw Bill at a stop sign he gave us further instructions. When we got to that part we stopped for gas and luckily I looked at my phone because there was further instructions on there that saved us from making wrong turn. However, we weren’t confident 100% until we were back on the actual paper chart route. That’s even iffy for us too. It added another 20 miles for us. For some reason it felt like way more than that. 

We stopped in a small town where Joe said had the best hot bologna sandwich’s … and they were pretty darn good. This poor lady made so many. Vicki got behind the counter and started helping. 

When we were starting my bike and getting ready to leave the best bologna sandwich around place - my center stand broke. YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT.   TJIIS POOR GIRL NOW HAS NOWAY OF KEEPING HER BIKE UP. 

With the help of the guys and some other guys, they wired the center stand so it would stay up- but also so it wouldn’t hit my tire. And off we went. 

We were on dirt roads for a good 5 miles. Each and every person and their bike and gear were covered in dust.

Anyway, we then ended up at the Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. We got to tour it - which was so cool. I could have spent all day there learning about it all. But let me tell you; that place gives me the creeps.

At that point I was leaning

my bike up against anything- Scott was nice and helped me do all that and start my bike because well… I can’t kick it while I’m on it and have nothing to hold it. 

We stopped at the K-25 museum but unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to walk through as we were behind. 

We continued on our day and made it to Yogi Bears Jellystone park in Loudon, TN 

We are right on the river and have cute little cabins. We even got a golf cart to drive around- they was a blessing in disguise as scooting around on that really cooled you down. The heat got pretty high today . 

We got to meet Yogi Bear!!  

Tomorrow is our last day :( we will end up back where we started in Chattanooga 

breezy

Day Three

 Today we started in Asheville, NC. 

I know I said this yesterday… but the scenery… it’s speechless.

We started with a ton of fog which obviously made it harder to see. But then it just randomly became clear. 

In the early day I was behind Scott and a bird was flying horizontal to him and ran right into his leg. It looks like a hummingbird. I did see it continue to fly so I assuming it’s okay. 

We had lunch in Morristown, Tennessee. Where we then headed back on the road. We saw two deer cross the road and slowed down to make sure no more came. We went through a very long tunnel; Cumberland Gap Tunnel. It replaced “Massacre Mountain”, a dangerous, winding 2.3 mile stretch of above-ground roadway notorious for fatal accidents. One of only two vehicular tunnels in the US that crosses state lines. Passes directly beneath the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park area where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet.

Then headed to Pinnacle Overlook where we took a group picture. Historically used as a strategic lookout during the Civil War. The overlook provided a vantage point for controlling passage through the gap.

All of this history was found online. 

We ended our ride at the resort we are staying at tonight; called the Pine Mountains State Resort Park. We had dinner there and the view was one of a million. We (us four) are staying in a small little cabin. It’s very remote but super cool!

 We started in North Carolina, hit Tennessee, Virginia and ended in Kentucky. 174 miles. 

The loop has done a fantastic job with these roads and this ride - I am extremely impressed.

The weather was yet again perfect - it got warm toward the end, but not terrible. 

We made all of our miles and our bikes seem to be running good! Well take that! 

I tried attaching pictures but after 5 failed attempts I’m giving up for the night. 

breezy

Day Two

 We started out in Helen, Georgia. I don’t know where to begin as it has been an eventful day. We rode some incredible twisty roads with incredible scenery. 

Our first stop was at Whitewater falls. They were beautiful! To get our “extra” points we had to walk to them. We went down and saw them up closer. 

After the falls I started my bike but then I thought I killed it. I turned the gas off. This is what it looks like “off” 

On the old Harley’s this is on… you can see my confusion right.? 

Then we had lunch at Rocky’s grill and soda shop in Brevard, NC! I’d also like to point out that I had a chocolate malt and it was delicious 😋 

We headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway with some more gorgeous twisty roads. We came to the peak of Pisgah Mountain. The views were breathtaking. 

On the way up we saw a set of waterfalls that we had actually been to on a motorcycle trip in ‘24. But on modern bikes. I mean the picture does not do any justice.

After the peak we did some crrrraaaaaaazy twists. Some being super sharp and tight. I’m not going to lie I was nervous about it - but they were no problem. But some were surprisingly tight. I have done a lot of riding on modern bikes up here and some on the older bikes so I dunno why I get so nervous. Meh 🤷‍♀️ 

We were in 3 states today. Georgia, we made a little jump to South Carolina and ended in North Carolina. So we’ve hit 4 out of the 5? 

We arrived on time coming in so we got all of our points. 

At 6 we had an evening ride. All of us  in a big group drove the a brewery for dinner. Imagine 60+ bikes coming down a road. They aren’t quiet. We arrived at the River Arts District Brewing Company. It was a cute little place! 

Scott came up to us and said “yea this places is known for its different flavors of popcorn” and I very nicely asked how he knew that. And he got so defensive ! It was out of nowhere. He pulls out his phone and some review or something it it says “things to know before you go”. The thing said “know that is has different seasonings for popcorn”. So then we got in an “argument” about how that doesn’t mean it is KNOWN for its popcorn, just that it’s something interesting to know when you go. 

We get back to the hotel and I start looking at my oil and the guys just look at me and are like what are you doing? Why are you doing that? Even though my answer is the same… I was told to. Then when I do another thing they are like well don’t do that. And I’m like… I’m literally just making sure a hold is tight… EVERYTHING IS FINE! But you darn well know that if I hadn’t done that and it did come loose they would have been like… well why didn’t you check to make sure it was tight ?! So I’m the crabby one when I get annoyed that they keep asking me what I’m doing. 🙄😂 these guys I tell ya. 

But it’s funny- you pick up on their quirks. 

Anyway, did I tell you we landed in Asheville, NC? Well we did. Who knows what’s next? Not me. 

OH!!!!!! And there was a road called “Breezy” today 

And Scott said he was going to make a competitive blog. And him and Jerry said it was our blog. I laughed and said they didn’t help me write it. “But we give you content”. I offered to hand over the reins, they stopped real quick. 

Until tomorrow! 

breezy

Day One

 Today was a day. A lot of things happened. 

THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT!!!!! 

We started out strong. In fact, so much has happened since then that I don’t even remember. I can tell you I dropped my helmet again. For probably the 3rd or 4th time. And yes, the one I just bought. Typical Brianna fashion. BUT I did find out that Spitefire (the RN on the ride— who I’ve worked with) got the same exact helmet… Twinsies! 

(Mike and I are wearing the same outfit. Even the same brand of pants)

I do remember that right off the bat we got lost. We were right then followed some others then got more lost- but we did find our way. 

Mike and I have some intercoms and for the first part I could only hear him. He’d be saying 7, 1, 2 and I’d be thinking what the heck is he talking about. I did finally get it to work and that was kind of fun. He called mom who was with Presley and Gwennie (my nieces) who he got to talk to … he rubbed it in my face. 

If you know Connor- he’s a goofy guy- he always dressed as buc-ee the beaver. So they say “he’s here for the beaver” and for some other perverted things.. well we actually saw a sign on the side of the road, unrelated to all of this that said “here for the beaver”. 

At the second gas station one of the bikes lit up on fire.

Mike Bruso came in real quick with the fire extinguisher and it was out just as quickly. Someone else got theirs really quick too! In fact- the bike still ran and was back on the road. I believe he made all the miles! 

We got to lunch and it looked cool with all the bikes in this small downtown area.

We are at Fighting town Tavern in Blue Ridge Georgia 

We were probably the last group to show up. They give us times to go by to make it in at a certain time. You get negative points if you come in too early or too late. 

After lunch we had to go up this crazy hill with a stop sign at the top. It sucked. We were burning our clutches. To be honest I don’t really know what that means. But I get that it’s not good for it. Also- I had put my legs behind the legs to help keep it from going backward. I’ve got bruises- in case you were wondering. 

We stopped at Coopers Creek Store which had flavored crickets- I did not try any. Essentially our clock said if we leave this place by 2pm you will arrive on time. 

This is where the day made a bad turn. The roads were amazing. The exact roads you want to drive on. We had pulled over so Mike could put his jacket on as it started to sprinkle. Then a little bit later we stopped because Scott’s bike wasn’t working right. (He changed out his plugs) but then actually needed a battery. Luckily Johnny- who his motor had seized and was on the sweep truck (who has pulled up by us) had an extra one on his bike. 

In the mean time, some random guy pulls over and asked if we are with the group ahead- the loop. We said yes and he said one of your guys is in the ditch. Mind you it was kind of hard to hear him- so Mike and I drive off to go help- we are going slow looking in the ditches. Then we stop because we had gone a little bit and nothing. Well then the Stu who was driving the sweeper truck comes up and said he got a call and there was someone. So again Mike and I start going. The first thing we see is a bunch of smoke. The cops and fire department and the ambulance were all there. But they let us get through while having everyone else blocked off. I couldn’t get off my bike because well… kick stand. Mike went up and assessed. So ultimately something happened the bike was in the ditch down - Connor had pulled the rider away because the bike was on fire. The rider is okay- some broken bones. And the bike is in very rough shape - as I’m sure you can imagine. But grateful that the rider is alive and not more injured- not to say that his injuries aren’t severe. 

So after things clear up we start going again. Then we get on this dirt road that was fun and beautiful. Then we come up to the river passing. Well we see another ambulance. If you’ve never gone through a river on a bike these can be so intimidating and this one had some things you had to avoid. Turns out something happened the front of the bike flung upward and the rider fell off - then the bike landed on the rider. The rider is okay- but broken shoulder or something. At this point we just walked my bike through- I wasn’t trying to do anything insane. But the guys road theirs. 

I did go through the second one without issues. The rest of the day went smoothly. We got stuck in some traffic- but made it in. 5:02. So we were way late. Supposed to be in 3:55-4:05. Obviously we don’t care what so ever. We made our miles. 

We got a free meal. 

This was at Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant in Helen, Georgia. It was a hopping town! 

And… Icecream 

You can’t see- but this is Tim! The one with the braids- they are still holding strong. 

And the riff raff continues. This is a stick making fun of Mike Carson… I just so happened to stumble across it (after I told Tim he should add to the collection). Then I posted it on the Facebook group asking if anyone else saw it. I can’t wait to see what is said. 

Another quick story. One of the riders was working on his bike.. he took it for a ride to see how it ran. Well Georgia is a helmet state and he didn’t put it on. So he got pulled over. Then he couldn’t get his bike to start… so he had the cop try to kick start it (the rider was wearing sandals). When he couldn’t the rider had the cop push start it. So the cop followed him back and reminded him to wear a helmet- and the rider said and riding shoes not sandles. The cop ended up hanging out for awhile. 🤣

Ladies and gentlemen you can’t make this shit up. 

From Chattanooga, Tennessee to Helen, Georgia. It was only 147 miles… but damn did a lot happen. 

Welp! I tried to us my lotion to was my face so I better hit the hay. 

We hope for an uneventful day tomorrow and that everyone stays safe - and no big mechanical issues. 

Where will we go?  

breezy 

Addendum to previous

 Jerry took pic of the guys bikes 

Jerry’s knuckleheads. But he forgot that I’m still apart of that team when he posted on Facebook.. how rude. BUT don’t you worry. I told him he forgot me.