RED KNIGHTS TRIP TO YORK, PA

JUNE 8-18

by David & Debbie Ash 

DAY 1             We gathered early at the Cracker Barrel at I95 and Duval Rd.  There would be 9 bikes, 12 people, and 1 chase car with trailer and lots of         excitement. After a hearty breakfast it was time to mount up, snap some pics and head out.  Our route today would take us north on US17 and with a forecast of 90 degrees, it looks like a warm one.US17 was a nice road to travel. We passed through lots of little towns and over a couple of tall bridges, one at Brunswick and one at Savannah.  Lunch today was at Shoneys in Hardeeville, Ga.  Richard loves their strawberry pie. The red bikes always attract attention and at one gas stop, folks from Germany and South Africa wanted some pictures with us.  We reached our destination of Charleston, SC and checked in at the Comfort Inn.  Dinner tonight was at Bubba Gumps downtown.  239 miles so far.

DAY 2            After breakfast at the motel, it was time to head out again.  Back on US17 for most of the day, it provided us with plenty of scenery.  The morning was clear but as the day passed, the clouds gathered.  We stopped at Wendy’s in Morehead City, NC to let the rain pass by.  We topped off the tanks since there is no gas from here to the ferry.  We left US17 today and followed 24 to 70 and on to 12.  This route took us along the coast through marshlands and coastal towns.  Our destination today is Cedar Island, NC and the Driftwood Motel.  This little spot is the only motel in the area and just happens to be right next to the ferry which we will board in the morning.  You must have reservations for the ferry so call ahead.  We found a great seafood restaurant at the motel.  We were surprised when the lights went off in mid-meal. We were told that this happens often.  Dinner by candlelight, how romantic.  308 miles today.    

DAY 3             After a continental breakfast at the motel, we lined up the bikes to board the ferry for the 2 hour and 10 minute ride to Ocracoke, NC.  All those red bikes really drew a crowd.  Everyone wanted to know where we’ve been and where we’re going.  A pack of seagulls stayed with us and would fly down and take about anything you would hold up.  With the bikes packed in tight, we visited with the other passengers and kicked back in the lounge.  Harvey and Lee teased a man in a brown uniform who they thought was with a scout group but turned out to be the ferry Captain.  A little farther down the road, we loaded on for our second ferry ride of the day.  This one offloaded us in Hatteras, NC where we stopped for lunch at the Shrimp Shack.  The ride up 12 to our destination was breathtaking.  Along the small strip of land and the barrier islands, we sometimes had a road with sand dunes on both sides.  We enjoyed great views and a stop at the Cape Hatteras Light House.  More dunes, para-sailers, and beach houses led us to today’s destination, the Quality Inn at Kill Devil Hills, NC.

                        188 miles today.

DAY 4             Today was a free day since we would stay here again tonight.  Several wanted to make a Harley Shop Stop in Kitty Hawk,  others went to the Wright Brothers Monument and Museum.  Debbie and I set off on a ride around the Great Dismal Swamp.  172 miles and I think we saw 5 cars. It really was a beautiful ride with lots of farmland and neat old homes.  Everyone reported having a great day when we met back at the Hotel.  Dinner tonight was compliments of Wayne Doolittle who could not make this trip but wanted to treat us to dinner.  Pizzas and refreshments were gathered and we dined under a huge gazebo outside.  Thanks Wayne.

DAY 5             Today started with a clear sky and a big breakfast at the Shipwreck restaurant.  North on 158 and then 168, we were soon off onto 13 in Chesapeake which took us to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  It is about 12 miles long with two sections which go underwater for a mile each. That was a unique experience.  We stopped at the Bridge rest area for a snack and some pictures.  The remainder of the day was spent cruising up 13 into Maryland and toward our destination at the Hampton Inn in Salisbury, MD.  Once again the coastal towns and farmland were just beautiful.   300 miles today.

DAY 6             Breakfast at the hotel and a temp. of 61 degrees seemed like a good start. Today we head out knowing that in order to get to York, PA in time for our tour of the Harley Davidson Factory; we would have to put in some interstate time.  So, it was up US50 through Annapolis and Baltimore to I83 which took us straight to York and the Birthplace of these FIREFIGHTER EDITION HARLEYS.  Our tour was great and very informative.  Afterwards, it was lunch at the Round The Clock Restaurant near the factory. Can you guess what their hours are?  Next stop, the Holiday Inn Express in York.  After checking in, some did some laundry, some went to shop at Laugerman Harley Davidson.  Later it started to storm, so we ordered Chinese takee outee and took over the hotel lobby.

                        275 miles today.

DAY 7             Over breakfast at the hotel, we decided to cancel our reservations in Lynchburg, VA and stay another night here so we could tour the Amish country.  It was 61 degrees and cloudy and we took off toward Lancaster.  Along the way we stopped at an Amish restaurant called The Family Cupboard.  Later on, we found a great covered bridge and took lots of pictures. Generally, we spent the day cruising the back roads enjoying all the farmlands and houses.  After another meal at the Round The Clock, we decided it was too late to take in the Gettysburg Battlefield.  We’ll save that one for tomorrow.

 DAY 8            This morning is a cool 60 degrees and overcast.   Today a short ride takes us to the town of Gettysburg and a stop at the Harley Shop there.  afterwards, we spent the morning at the Battlefield Park.  I’ve never seen so many monuments.  After many stops and pics in the park, it was time to get going.  Later in the morning going south on I81, the chase car and trailer proved its value once again as one bike had problems.  Thanks Deb for driving the car.  We loaded him up and would you believe it, the new Shenandoah Harley Shop was just a couple of miles ahead.  Like most Harley Shops, they treat travelers very well and got his bike right in.  After a few hours, he was up and running.  Thanks guys !  We cancelled our reservations in Lynchburg, VA and took off to see how far we could get today.  We stopped at the Holiday Inn Express in Harrisonburg, VA.

DAY 9             Breakfast at the motel.  Today’s ride took us down I 81 for a while.  We jumped up on the Blue Ridge Parkway for some great riding and exited at 43 which carried us to Bedford, VA.  They have a terrific welcome and information center which housed a Fire Museum which Linda really enjoyed.  Just up the hill behind it was the National D Day Memorial.  We continued along on and off I 81 to our destination for tonight which was the Holiday Inn Express at Hillsville, VA.

DAY 10           It saddened us to think that our trip was almost over but we still had another day in the mountains.  Todays route took us south along I 77 to I 40 to Ashville, NC and finally to US 441 which we would spend a lot of time on tomorrow.  We stopped in Dillard, GA and after checking in at the Holiday Inn and taking a break; it was off to the Dillard House for lots of food.

DAY 11           Old faithful, US 441, would take us home today.  We’ve traveled it many times before but I never get tired of it.  People honking and waving to us seemed to welcome us home.  It was a trip to remember, 11 days, only 1 rain shower while riding, only 1 mechanical problem and an album full of pictures.  Thanks to Linda and Warren who planned and mapped out our route this year and led us on quite an adventure.  If there is someplace that you always wanted to ride to, let us know.  We haven’t planned next year’s trip yet.  Till then Ride Safe.

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