While writing the last article I was also getting ready for my annual trek across country on “Run for the Wall”. Well I can tell you it was another successful and eventful ride. Try it sometime, it is unforgettable. We raised awareness everywhere we went and stirred a lot of attention. The weather in DC for Rolling Thunder was magnifico. When the weather cooperates the number of bikes leaving the Pentagon parking area are more than I am willing to count for over four hours, if I could count that high.

The trip back west was quite memorable, and I won’t get into all of it, but I will tell you that there are some serious riding areas for the serious rider. If you haven’t heard of Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you would be in for a treat and a great scenic ride. Together it would equal about 400 miles of mountain riding through small towns. The locals don’t even notice you because they see riders all the time when the weather is good. At the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is Highway 129 in North Carolina and Tennessee. This highway has a name that best describes this treacherous, winding road. They call it the “Tail of The Dragon”. Highway 129 consists of 318 curves in 11 miles. What a ride! I had to buy a t-shirt, not that I am a collector of memorabilia, but because most of the curves are named and many are printed on the shirt. Names such as; Dalton Esses, Gravity Cavity, The Wall, The Dip and Beginners End. I am sure that each of these curves could tell a scary story if they could talk. So if you want to test your skill, and take a ride with a thrill, look up Highway 129 in Western North Carolina, near Robinsville or Asheville, and go for it. If you happen to have a little crash, they have a place to put the parts that fall off the bike. They call it the “Tree of Shame”, located at Tapoco Lodge in North Carolina. This motel caters to riders that want to test their skill on the Tail of The Dragon. I am sure that you can look it up on the net. I saw every bike imaginable and was quite impressed with the number of Ducati’s screaming around the curves. I am sure that all of the manufacturers were represented on the Tail of The Dragon, I am sure that your scoot would not be out of place on this beautiful scenic and challenging road. Go for it.
I won’t bore you with the rest of the trip home and I will try and not bore you with the rest of the happenings in the political stuff in Arizona. Coming in September we have Primary elections in Arizona. To me these are more important than the elections in November. The reason is that the people that may be running for the first time, the people that are tired of the bad business as usual at the copper dome are running for office. Many are people that want something done different and better. In my district which is district 9, I would like to see a guy by the name of David Fraley win. I could go on and on about David, but I told you I wouldn’t bore you. Trust me if you live in District 9, vote for David Fraley. If you don’t know for sure, I will give you David’s home phone number, and ask him yourself. He will talk to you, answer the phone, or return your call. Now that would be different from many of our legislators. Not that I am a partisan voter, I am definitely not, I will vote for the person that I perceive as the most honest, and the person that has constituents in mind. So get out and vote on September 12.

I am currently working on the Shriner’s Ride for Kids on November 4, in Phoenix. Come out and look me up. Let’s talk about legislation and politics.

The next legislative session begins in a few months, and this session will prove to be a challenge. Watch for updates in the next issue. Help us by joining one of the MRO’s for $20 a year it is the best $$$ you will spend.

Learn to be a better rider and ride safe……Ray Huston