Inaugural Retirement trip – Part 1
We always said we wouldn’t do it…leave on the motorcycles in the rain. But we opened the garage door in the rain, so we did.
We always said we wouldn’t do it…ride interstates. But we were going to Barber Motorsports Museum near Birmingham, and it was the most direct route, so we did.
We left after Monday rush hour, and navigated south to Atlanta, and around the 285 loop to I-20 West. As we rode in mostly light sprinkles, punctuated with periods of heavy rain, my husband commented that we have the same helmets, the same gloves, the same rain gear, and the reason is that we find something that works, and we both use it. It’s as simple as that. We were in pouring rain at times, but perfectly dry and comfortable. This is the question we get the most when we talk to people who don’t ride motorcycles about our love of touring on bikes. What do you do when it rains? Well, we wear the right gear and we ride on! It is also amusing, the looks you get from people on the road, at rest stops, even in front of a motorcycle museum, when you are riding in the rain. š
We took a pit stop in Douglasville, after about an hour and a half, at a very lovely RaceTrac gas station. LOL It wasn’t raining then. We also exited from the Interstate, and traveled US 78 from this point, which was more scenic and entertaining for people like us, who love observing small town America.
Our next stop was in Leeds, Alabama, for a road side picnic at the Old Smokey Bar-B-Que. Celebrating 35 years in business, they do it right…it was yummy!
Leeds is the home of our first destination, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which is part of the Barber Motorsports complex, including a state-of-the-art race track for motorcycles and all sorts of fast cars.
We had already checked into our hotel, the Hampton Inn just across Rex Lake Road from the Barber entrance, so we were stripped down to just rain jackets and pants over our street clothes, and Keens sandals. Safety Keens. š
This museum is a sight to see. I am going to keep the words to a minimum and let the photos speak for themselves…starting with the entrance.
Motorcycles as art.
I love sidecars. I may have to own one one day…
Probably won’t be this fabulous, but a girl can dream, right?
Having a little fun with Captain America…
Our lonely bikes in front of the museum.
Still funny the second time?
The apparently short-lived sport of motorcycle skiing was represented.
Suiting up and riding the short distance back to the hotel…a long, satisfying first day on the road.
A little riding, a little rain, a little art. What more can one ask for?
For the next post in this series, go here.
curvyroads 
I so much want the ski bike. I need to visit.
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Yes, isn’t that the coolest? Definitely put it on your list! Thx for stopping by!
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Simply spec-TACULAR! Thanks for sharing pics of all those drool-worthy machines.
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Thx Ry! Glad you enjoyed it!
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What an awesome museum!!! Great shots. And usually when you break out the rain gear – the rain stops LOL. Slippery when wet. Ride safe.
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It is so neat, Lynn, I highly recommend a visit when you are out on the road. We are extra careful when it’s wet, and blessed with a gorgeous day today!
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What a great museum, and it looks like you had it all to yourself.
Rain for me, is part of traveling. If it is not raining cats and dogs hard, I will continue my travels. There is always a hot shower and a soup and/or tea waiting at the end of the road…
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Sonja, it was a very quiet day at Barber, which was great for photos! Totally agree about rain. Just makes the nice days even nicer! Thx for the visit!
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Safe travels, Lynne!
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Awesome pics Lynne! Thanks for sharing!
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Thx for stopping by, and the re-tweet, Dar! š
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