If there was a more beautiful place on earth than the Shenandoah Valley on October 30, 2008, I cannot imagine where it could be. 

It is testament that it took me over 20 minutes of searching Google images to find a photo that even comes close to capturing my experience today, and frankly, even this one falls short.

It was almost as though nature was saying, ‘yeah I know I tossed you around a bit these past few weeks but, check this out’.

Under stunningly blue skies, I made my way as slowly as traffic would permit through rolling hills blanketed in textured foliage.  The working farms and this region’s respect for their architecture simply completed the experience.  And God bless Virginia for banning billboards.  It was perfection. 

Tonight I began the process of reviewing the tapes and attempting to put a context around my experience.  Tomorrow I will make my way into Washington DC and my hope is to share with you some final observations and thoughts.

For now, I can only express my thanks for your encouragement, kind words, prayers and love.  They all made the difference.

I am getting so close. 

It shouldn’t be a surprise that at this stage of the trip, reflection becomes a bit of a preoccupation.  I find myself musing on the places and people who have touched each day. 

The waitresses who steered me away from the soup I really wanted with the a simple raised eyebrow.  The garage mechanics who insisted on rechecking my tires just to ensure that I read the gauge accurately.  And the countless hotels clerks who kindly suppressed their shocked looks at the sight of me in my lovely yellow rain gear and a full day’s helmet hair. 

But mostly, I find myself thinking back on all those people who stumbled on me at my lowest points.  Who, at once, recognized my exigency and selflessly responded. 

Please meet Charley Cox.

Charley was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Married twice, his daughter Natalie is an accomplished artist living in New York City.  Having worked for Peterbilt trucks, he is a master mechanic specializing in vintage and Boss Hoss Motorcycles.  The latter being a 1500lb specialty bike that you have to see to believe.

A Boss Hoss is to a Honda Reflex what George Carlin is to Carrot Top.

But I digress.  Charley joined the ranks of my roadtrip angels when I was working out backup plans to the weather.  He not only provided encouragement, he introduced me to the incredible motorcycling community in Knoxville.  And if that wasn’t enough, to ensure that I could make it to Washington, Charley personally provided a tow.  Simply amazing.

Charley Cox

And finally, courtesy of an email from my sister Debbie, please consider this wonderful piece from Bill Moyers on the importance of community and music. 

Unquestionably, the coolest part of a trip like this is finding yourself in the most surprising and incongruent places.

Tonight it would be a vintage motorcycle club meeting at a tea room in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

It was a convoluted path that brought me here.  It started with the weather delay that grew into a small depression (mine), which led to a day of logistical maneuvering, and ultimately meeting Charley Cox.  Charley is a local mainstay in the Knoxville motorcycle community and the most recent addition to my roadtrip angels club.  More on that later.

Pulling up to the Time Warp Tea Room with its rows of meticulously maintained motorcycles lining the sidewalk, it is the coolest of contradictions.   Here, Knoxville riders gather and drink gourmet coffees, eat homemade cookies and tea cakes after downing their signature tamale/chili combo and surrounded by motorcycle memorabilia.  You can’t make this stuff up.  In their own words ‘where else can one play a 40-year old pinball machine amidst walls covered with 1980’s Cycle News?’  This defines cool.

Here I met David Rhynehart.  

Born in North Carolina, but raised here in Knoxville, David is a mechanical technician and a veteran.  His family is here and includes his mother, brother and sister, and his son.  He is both clear and concise, and unwavering in his support and strict interpretation of conservatism.  

David Rhynehart

Roadtrip News:  Due to 25 mph winds and a high of 43 degrees, I am getting a ride (read tow) to Marion, Virginia tomorrow.  It is about 140 miles and gets me into striking distance of Washington DC.  From there, I promise only to ride if the weather permits.  Fingers crossed.