It’s a daunting undertaking, but each year the “Epic Rides” organized by
the North Texas Norton Owners Association and the Southern California Norton
Owners Association take “Epic” up a notch! Lots of modifiers are overused
these days, e.g., “amazing,” “perfect,” awesome,” etc., but here the word
EPIC is not only appropriate, it finds exemplary use.
Last month (July), it was The NTNOA’s turn to host the annual Epic Ride for
the two friendly clubs, and the event once again grew in scope and splendor!
NTNOA President Richard Asprey delivered mind-boggling generosity and was
key in orchestrating the overall package of fun, contributing time, funds,
and vehicles while being open to and inspiring suggestion and accepting of
some great volunteer assistance. Dennis Tackett was instrumental in planning
the day to day activities, agenda, lodging, and routes. SoCal’s Dave
Belleville spear-headed design and procurement of very cool event T shirts
(the art on the back featured the “Tail of the Dragon” with the dragon
puffing what …. a cigarette? HeHe), and the NTNOA provided event pins. Al
Lamb was along with son Cody and they loaned Al Lamb Honda’s “mile long”
trailer, without which would have made things almost impossible.
Before the ride, there were significant logistic happenings, the most
critical being loading/hauling of bikes from both Texas and California by
Alton Gillespie, and then assisted by two other drivers, Charlie and Reyes.
Keith Martin at Big D Cycle kindly let some of us assemble at his shop to
sort spares and equipment to take along. Richard’s “Little House” was also
of great use in staging the caravan.
OK, the bikes, luggage and kit were put on the road, most of us Texans and
Californians flew to Asheville, NC, and a few others moseyed in from as far
away as MN and NY. Lots of happy folks met up there and after some (very)
heavy ice-breaking activity and (some) sleep, off we went!
For those unfamiliar with the Epic Ride drill, the event consists of several
days’ riding on great roads through great scenery, staying one or two nights
at lodging along the way. This event included about 1,000 miles of
non-interstate riding, and took in portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the
Cherohala Skyway, and of course the 318-turn in 11 miles “Tail of the
Dragon,” where throttles and brakes can be used in highly spirited fashion,
in order to max out the ol’ sphincter meter! Whoo-hoo! And, then some! Along
the way we rode in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.
The Smokeys offer their unique challenges, road-wise. There, the turns come
quickly, and most are “blind,” thanks to the heavy forests along the way.
So, with such demand increased by riding briskly, constant concentration is
a must. Road surfaces are generally well-maintained, but LOOK OUT for those
tunnels! Whoa, one in particular was quite alarming, no lighting, and it
came up so quickly we could not see (most of us had on sunglasses).
Fortunately, we all made it through, with no more than perhaps a year of
lifetime lost from the fright.
As each day’s ride came to an end, participants rolled into the car park at
the determined lodging, finding the group’s attending trailers had already
secured dedicated parking for our trusty steeds, with tables and chairs
arranged under the colorful club awnings, replete with party lights!
Numerous coolers full of good stuff were set out, a boom box blasting tunes,
and fun was had by all, fettling bikes, rehashing the day’s ride, then
wandering off to a fun dinner and back again for more socializing before
turning in for some needed sleep.
Kickstands up at 9, preceded by a rider’s meeting. Most days, Chris Parry
was Epic Ride Captain, briskly leading us along, and wife/pillion Monica
hopped off frequently at key turns, making a great and noticeable “Epic Turn
Captain” with her blond hair flowing from under her helmet! There were about
25 riders, and all bikes were “vintage” according to the AMCA description.
There were a few pillion riders, some logistic helpers and of course our
trailer drivers, so about 40 total people. About half the bikes were
Nortons, and most of the rest were Triumphs, but there was a 250 Yamaha
ring-a-ding 2 stroke, two badass Hondas, and 3 Vincent Twins. In true Epic
Fashion, the bikes proved to be very reliable, overall, requiring only minor
fettling and repair.
Lodging choices were good, and perhaps the favorite place was the Two Wheel
Inn Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, NC, where we stayed 2 nights. It’s
just wonderfully laid out, with each of our rooms having an adjoining
one-bike garage with overhead door! The campus included a picnic area, great
for gathering, and next door was a deluxe restaurant which catered to our
large group needs.
From Robbinsville we departed the Smokeys and headed to east Birmingham,
Alabama, avoiding big metro areas by taking back roads (don’t miss a turn!).
We got into Trussville that afternoon, just before the rain arrived (we had
luckily avoided having to don waterproofs up to that point). The next day we
left for The Barber Roadrace Course, where we were treated to laps and
escorted around by Museum Curator Brian Slark. Commute there and back to
hotel was wet and some of our track excursion was, also. Still, it was EPIC!
And, more EPIC that night, as, after the museum was closed to the public for
the day, we were invited in for a private, catered, DELICIOUS dinner with
cash bar, and the freedom to roam the museum at our leisure.
The next morning, we somehow got everything loaded up for return home
without rain interference. We flew/drove home as applied to each and in good
time took delivery of luggage, kit and bikes, all the while reflecting on
our truly EPIC RIDE!
All participants of the Epic Smokey Mountain Rride are
encouraged to email photos of themselves with
their bike along with group shots to
webmaster@ntnoa.org. Include a brief caption for each photo.
Click here for all of Bevo Bowen's photos.
Photo courtesy of Bevo. Click on photo to enlarge.
