The Big Ride – Timing is everything! (Daytona Beach Florida – Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Dealership)

It’s interesting how things work out.  Over the past few days I was experiencing some problems with my bike when trying to shift up into second gear.  I know…I know…it’s a Harley 🙂

When I rolled into Daytona Beach at the end of the day I stopped at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley Davidson Dealership and arranged to stop back this morning thinking it was a minor clutch adjustment.  Later in the afternoon I happened to be by a Yamaha dealership and asked if they could adjust my clutch cable.  When looking at it the mechanic thought that there might be a problem with the inner primary and suggested I have it looked at.  Thank you Daytona Fun Machines for the excellent diagnositcs!

This morning when I returned to the Harley Davidson Dealership I was impressed not only with the service experience but also with their efficiency and the hospitality that was extended.  The Service Advisor, Jacob Snyder, ensured that  my bike was looked at as soon as I arrived, while the Customer Relations Manager, Jean Abeling took the time to tell me about their impressive dealership, one of the largest in North America.  She also introduced me to one of the principles, Mandy Rossmeyer Campbell who was interested in learning more about the epic motorcycle trip that I was on.

Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Harley Davidson Dealership where Highway 1 meets the I-95
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley Davidson Dealership where Highway 1 meets the I-95

I must say that the Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Dealership is like none-other that I’ve been in.  First of all I rode my bike into the dealership when I checked it in.  From there it is placed on a ramp that took it up to the second floor where there were 42 bays.  The dealership has a coffee shop, smartphone charging stations, merchandise and parts, chroming and detailing as well as the the late Mr. Rossmeyer’s bike collection on display.  Here are a few photos from the dealership.

Checking my bike into the Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Harley Davidson Dealership
Checking my bike into the Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Harley Davidson Dealership

Smartphone stations

Lounge area and coffee shop inside dealership
Lounge area and coffee shop inside dealership

Collection

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Working on my tan in sunny Daytona Beach
Working on my tan in sunny Daytona Beach

My repairs were covered under my extended warranty so while my baby was in having the sprocket replaced  in the inner primary, along with a new shifter, I was enjoying another day in sunny Daytona Beach.  This included some much needed beach time and an opportunity for my legs to see a little sun.  If you know me well, my legs are always white at the end of riding season so the odd day of sun is always welcomed 🙂

As well, I had the opportunity to check out some local favorites and enjoyed dinner at a great BBQ spot called the Daytona Pig Stand.  It was a carnivours delight! I ordered a combination plate of BBQed ribs, brisket and smoked chicken.  Hmmmm

A carnivour's delight!
A carnivour’s delight!

Porkchoppers

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Pig Stand decor
Pig Stand decor

The decor was a little on the wild side as well 🙂

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After dinner I stopped off at the Iron Horse Salon and Kyla, one of the employees provided me with a personal tour of their establishment which was interesting.  I can only imagine how interesting this place must be during Daytona Bike Week when there are about 100,000 bikers in the area.

Iron horse saloon
Iron Horse Saloon

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Iron horse saloon2Iron horse saloon3

The Tree House
The Tree House

Now that my baby is back on the road I’ll be heading out in the morning to see more of Florida.  Stay tuned…there’s more to come!

The Big Ride – It keeps getting better and better (Virginia / North Carolina)

On Thursday, after rolling into Wytheville, Virginia I put my culinary skills to good use and prepared dinner with a little help from a local grocery store where I picked up a rotisserie chicken and supplies for a tasty spinach salad.

Here’s a shot of what Chef Bonnie-r-dee whipped up for dinner:

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Friday (May 22, 2015) was filled with some awesome riding on Route 221 from Wytheville, Virginia to Hickory, North Carolina.  I know I’ve said this before but this was some of the best riding yet.  The roads swept gracefully through the countryside winding over the lush green hills.  The pavement was some of the best making my riding smooth as my bike and I found oneness in the rhythm.  It was beyond belief.

Here’s a short clip of the ride and the beautiful countryside:

Today, Saturday May 23, 2015  included a stop at a roadside market where I experienced fresh picked peaches, luscious juicy sweet watermelon, freshly made pecan rolls and fried peanuts. This kept me occupied so I was able to avoid the ice cream 🙂

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Enjoying a  juicy fresh picked peach in South Carolina
Enjoying a juicy fresh picked peach in South Carolina

Gourd….I mean Gord….this one is for you 🙂

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From here the route took me to Chester State Park for an enjoyable afternoon stop by the lake which was surrounded by majestic pine trees that stretched to the sky.

Chester State Park, South Carolina
Chester State Park, South Carolina

Here is a video of part of the park for your viewing pleasure.

Tomorrow I’m Savannah bound…I can hardly wait!

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