It turns out Lumberg isn't a dick...jackass maybe.
That was a great day, and many others followed, including Frosty balls rides that Jason would announce. But sadly, those days are past.
However, today is a new day, and Lumberg wanted to ride on Black Friday... so I took up his challenge. It was a perfect day weather wise... Cool enough to keep the wannabees at home, but good enough not to worry about black ice... too much.
We met in Clayton, took Warwoman Rd east to 28 north (awesome riding) to Deals Gap, where we took a break...I led because Lumberg faked injuries.
After following me for awhile, he had enough, so he led from the Gap to Tellico Plains. Cherohala was glorious! As per tradition, we stopped at Turkey Creek Overlook. We have remembered our fallen friends, Jason and Duane, here. We did it again today.
We miss our friends, taken way WAY too soon...
We both toasted our riding buddies, past and present.
During the westbound Cherohala leg, the eastbound shaded lane looked wet and iffy in spots...so I adjusted and we took 68south, where I blasted east on US76 towards home and Lumberg continued south to his Georgia palace. 430 miles for me...7am to 5pm.
It was a meaningful day, full of fun...and getting reacquainted riding together. There was a point this year when I thought an embarrassing physical malady was bringing my beloved FJR riding to a close. The jury is still out on multi-day rides, but so far, after several dayrides this fall, it looks like all day day rides are back in the mix. That makes me happy... FJR friends are the best...and I don't want to lose any more of them.
Gixxerjasen was right. I'm still in the game.
