With Fifi, and at Speed Street (May 27, 2012)

Very nice day in Charlotte (via Motorcycle and have some more photos on my Racing with the Wind page) to go out to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and see Fifi. Fifi is the only flying B-29 (saw the Enola Gay, the most famous version of this plane at the Air and Space Museum in Chantilly a few weeks ago) in the world today. The big Boeing aircraft not only was a main weapon during the War with Japan, but also served in the Korean War. The Russians took some that had flown to Russia and copied them, and flew those for a number of years.   

Speed Street is seen here. It got real busy real fast, but this was at opening for the day. Fun event with a lot of neat things to see and do, all with a race theme around the Coca-Cola 600. It has grown to be one of the largest events in Charlotte-when the bands start up it is pretty much wall to wall people. Good place to get a lot of free stuff and to see some interesting things For instance I saw a Chevy Volt up close and personal along with a number of other Chevrolet vehicles. Of course there were a number of things to eat and drink. Charlotte does not have the wide beer selection at events that is common (and fun) in Richmond-but still tasty!

 On the motorcycle page I showed an 1850 stagecoach (the real deal too!) but here is the inside of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Happens to be the oldest Catholic church in Charlotte and was established in 1851. While there is not a lot old in Charlotte, NC (as I have often noted, they tend to replace the old with the new) there is some here and there, and what is there is quite interesting. Most of the Catholic churches I have seen tend to be fairly modern, but this one was really cool, and I enjoyed seeing it. Had a lot of Catholic friends growing up in Southern Indiana, so this was a real treat for me, and it was open for Speed Street. 

Course you get to see a whole lot of cars including a number of race cars. The Coca-Cola 600 is a big event in the area, and is run on May 27 (though this post is about the 26th ride, I am writing this as the race is going on. It is the longest race in NASCAR...600 miles which takes 400 laps on the 1.5 mile track. A bit too long for me, though I do like to go to the (earlier) NASCAR All-Star Race, and the GM/UAW 500 which is held in the fall. Certainly NASCAR being here sure adds to the population of the area, and makes for some interesting driving both on the track, and on local roads. Always some interesting people come to town though and it is a great deal of fun. Looking forward to seeing how the race comes out later tonight! As for the Saturday ride, it was a wonderful time, on a beautiful day, and a great time to be in Charlotte, NC!