SouthPark Mall, and Bike Shops Nearby (May 21, 2011)

As I feared, photos kind of got mixed up, but got in a good day in the Colonial Heights area. Seen at left is Commonwealth Power Sports, which is in Colonial Heights. It is a Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki dealer. It is also a rather large one, and has a good selection of motorcycles, as well as some ATV's, and some watercraft (jet ski type boats). They also have a parts and service department and a good line of accessories for those vehicles. Good friendly staff from what I have seen, liked that they let you wander around without hassles which is nice. I had a good time there in what is my second visit to the dealership, I was there last year.
I also made my second visit to Colonial Harley-Davidson, which is nearby (within sight of Commonwealth Power Sports). A very nice Harley-Davidson dealer, they have a very nice selection (the best I have seen in the area to date) of Harley-Davidsons. They can be quite pricy in comparison to the Japanese models, with one (a CVO HD with a 110 Cubic Inch "Screaming Eagle" Engine package) coming in a bit over $32,000 dollars. It was a beautiful motorcycle, but a bit pricy for me. However, Harley owners are a special breed, and they have a "money is no object" attitude when it comes to their Harley-Davidson motorcycles!
Here is another view of Colonial Harley-Davidson. Harley had all its dealerships upgrade a few years ago to more modern designs. Some in Richmond are older type dealerships (such as Richmond Harley-Davidson on Hull Street) though I noticed today that they seem to be building a new HD dealership there (but will be some time before it opens). The current dealership there is in a strip mall store. There are some impressive HD dealers in the US, some with some very unique designs. A few years ago they were mostly clothing stores it seemed, with a handful of bikes, that has changed in the last few years as production has increased. Now most have a good selection of bikes.
Seen here is a photo I took inside SouthPark Mall which is just off of I-95 in Colonial Heights. I have gone past it many times between North Carolina and Richmond, and finally made a stop in there today. Very nice mall, with a good military crowd that comes in there as the mall is very close to Ft. Lee. Nice mall with a nice selection of stores, very well lit with lights and also a lot of light from the sun. It has a lot of stores all around it too, kind of reminded me of the Concord Mills complex with all the little strip malls around it, in Concord, NC. I am not a big shopper but enjoyed exploring the mall for a bit, and that today was my first stop in today's exploration.
Last photo here is something I have been looking for. One of the all new bikes this year is the Honda CBR250R. Takes some nice styling cues from its bigger brother (the Honda VFR1200) and gives the Kawasaki Ninja 250 some competition. It also matches that bike in price. Many motorcycles do not get all that great gas mileage, this bike however does, and would be a fun motorcycle to commute to work with, or for fun rides down some beautiful roads in Carolina or Virginia. For a good economical motorcycle, this bike could be a very good choice. Honda makes some reliable motorcycles, I have had a couple over the years and have loved them!

Taste of Harrisburg...and the big screen(May 14-15, 2011)

Back in North Carolina for another weekend, love it when that works out (and it took some work to work that out). Patty had to work at "Taste of Harrisburg, which was held in Harrisburg, NC. Nice event if a small one but really nice. Harrisburg, NC is the kind of small town that John Mellencamp would sing about; just a pleasant place. Town is working to prevent the big box stores from coming to the area, making a push to keep businesses small and local. So far, they have been successful. Its a nice change from a lot of communities in the area; gives it a different perspective than you find in the other towns.
Of course, if there is any sort of event, there is a car show. Like to see engines like these from back in the day when gas was ultra-cheap, and mileage was ultra-low. Big horsepower in big heavy cars. Technology is giving us some interesting designs; cars of today are safer and give us a lot better mileage, plus they tend to last a lot longer without major repairs. Still there is a bunch of history in these old cars, and its neat to see them again. Bring back a lot of memories from when I was a kid, and these sort of cars with these sort of motors were the "Kings of the Road". Some of them look like they just have come off of the assembly line.
Course its not an event without music. This was the band "Skinny Velvet" which played during Taste of Harrisburg. Music was sort of a mix between Southern Rock and what I would call "Da Blooze". Loud and proud, they played some good sets and I enjoyed them. In addition to the music and cars, there was good food, and a number of local businesses had tents and were showing off what they have to offer. In fact the area it was held in was innovative; it is a mix of stores, restaurants, and apartments..all within walking distance of each other. Seeing a number of developments like that in the region, think its a cool idea.
Final photo is NOT from a Taste of Harrisburg, took this during the motorcycle ride (a short one) on Sunday May 15. What you are looking at is the world's largest HD Video Screen (this week anyhow) which is at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. The screen was built by Panasonic, and is 200 feet wide, and 80 feet high. Pretty impressive, got to hand it to the track owner Mr. Bruton Smith, he does nothing half way. Former biggest was at the Cowboy's football stadium, but I am sure that someone has something bigger in the works someplace in the world even as this one nears operation. It will get a lot of use in the next few weeks as the All-Star Race and the Cocal-Cola 600 is starting up once again.

NC Transportation Museum/Village Fest (May 7,2011)

Great day in Carolina, beautiful weather, and some fun events. Photo at right was taken at the Village Fest in what was "Cannon Village" in Kannapolis, NC. Nice event with food, arts and crafts, and also a car show. Lots of great cars there, and I have quite a few on my Photo Page, in fact this was a great time for the camera; it got a lot of use this weekend. Saw some former co-workers from when I worked in North Carolina (miss that job bad) though doing the same thing for the same company in Richmond. Can't knock Richmond, but that was a nice factory to work in compared to the older one. That decision was not mine to make though.
Went to NC Transportation Museum first which is in Spencer, NC. It is a former working train yard, and is now a free museum. Lots to see there, the classic planes, trains and automobiles. This is the plane part, though they have a few aviation items. This plane is located in the "Back Shop" which is being restored. Also being restored in that building is a DC-3 which they got from a museum in Raleigh, NC and which once flew for Piedmont Airlines. They think they will have it finished (got a lot of damage from sitting outside for a number of years) within the next five years according to a newspaper article I read just last week.
Here you see a steam engine being moved. The train museum was a working museum, and this turntable at the Roundhouse works. Volunteers work on the trains, the vast majority of which are in running condition. In fact for a fee (usually just $5) you can go on the train ride around the grounds. There is usually just one train, but they run a number of them over a season. They have a big collection there of all sorts of trains and train items, plus some really interesting train cars. You can also check out the shops where many of them are getting work, or being restored. Just for the trains alone it is well worth the short drive past Salisbury, NC.
The museum also has a fine collection of cars, including this one which is a 1918 Rouch & Lang electric car. The model by the way is BX-7, the company made electric cars from 1905-1928. I read the top speed was 25 mph, and have no idea what the range was. With all the focus on electric cars, neat to know old ideas are new again. They also have some interesting motorcycles and often have some special shows with some classic cars and bikes. In fact I rode out to see the Carolina Classic Motorcycle Show, some great old bikes were there, and I have them on the motorcycle page, and also on the photo page to this site. It was a remarkable day.
Last photo is back to the Village Fest, certainly a very interesting creation. They don't get much more basic than this creation, its stripped down and real light, with an ultra-basic interior, and even sparing the "weight" of paint. That motor though is nothing short of remarkable!
I always have a great time in Carolina, but especially this time of year. Tough thing on this Saturday was not finding something to do, it was to decide what to do from a long list of options. I live for problem decisions like that, but could have gone to a lot more things on a fine day in North Carolina. Great people, great times and some amazing and interesting things to see, it was a fine and fun weekend indeed!

Gaines Mill/Cold Harbor (May 1, 2011)

On Sunday, continued exploring with a history buff buddy of mine. We went to Cold Harbor and Gaines Mill to see the Civil War Battlefields there. At left you can see the Gaines Mill Battlefield. The battle was fought on June 27, 1862 and was a major part of the "Seven Days Battles". Forces numbering around 32,000 Union met 57,000 Confederate. The Union goal was to capture Richmond and end the war. At this battle troops under Robert E. Lee drove off Union forces which retreated. The defeat also caused General McClellan who lead the overall Union armies to withdraw his forces toward the James River, ending this threat to Richmond, Va.
Cold Harbor Battlefield seen at left happened two years later; from May 31-June 12, 1864. Again the goal was Richmond, Va, this time the Union Commander was General U.S. Grant, and the Confederate forces were under Robert E. Lee. Lee's army made some seven miles of earthworks some of which survive to this day. On June 3 Grant ordered an assault on those lines. The night before troops put their names on pieces of paper, seeing what would be coming a little before dawn. The Union forces out in the open were mowed down by the Confederate fire. In minutes as many as 7,000 Union troops were killed to a loss of only 1,500 Confederate.
Grant later said Cold Harbor (again some Earthworks seen at left) was his biggest regret; that had he to do it over again, he would not have ordered that charge. Over trenches on both sides, the two armies took mostly pot shots at each other until June 12, when Grant suddenly withdrew his army toward Petersburg, Va. There, they would lay siege to the city (as well as of Richmond) in a long battle which would eventually result in the defeat of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and the end of the Civil War. I went to the Petersburg battlefield a few weeks ago (and with these two places, not for the first time) and have some photos in previous posts.
One new place we visited was the Cold Harbor Cemetery. There we saw a number of monuments such as this one, which is a cannon mounted in concrete. The plaque there notes that some 1958 union soldiers are buried there; 673 known by name, 1279 unknown. There are monuments there as well from Pennsylvania, New York, and a large monument from Congress. I also came across the grave of Medal of Honor winner Augustus Barry, who won the nation's highest award for service in the Civil War. Bodies found some time later at Gaines Mill unburied were a big reason for the establishment of the cemetery. Many of the bodies there were also killed at Cold Harbor. They have been joined over the years with fellow soldiers killed in other US Wars including the Spanish American War, World War One and Two and Vietnam. The cemetery is a quiet and mournful place especially on an overcast day such as May 1 was. So many gave so much in that time, and faced such terrible fates to keep this county united as one nation. Battles such as the fought were literally hell on earth from all accounts.
Another look here at Gaines Mill Battlefield. The battle was interesting in that both Union and Confederate forces flew hot air observation balloons. While they gave good information on troop movements, they were discounted in many cases by the commanders. Confederate balloons were flown from a area which many years later became the site of the Richmond International Airport. A small monument to them can be found just outside of the Virginia Aviation Museum near the airport.
I enjoyed a great two days of exploring in the Richmond area, an area which is both rich with history and has a bright future as well.

Sights around Richmond (April 30)

Did a bit of wandering around Richmond on Saturday April 30. Took a friend from work with me, kind of enjoy showing off the area, and though it was around some places that I have been, it was still a great time. One of the great things about finding places in Richmond is going back to them. For instance this is the Bell Tower in Byrd Park. It was built as a War Memorial for (I believe due to the dates of its construction) World War I. It is a very neat structure and very massive with a lot of very nice detailing. I really enjoy wandering around Byrd Park, it is a very nice and in fact have another photo at the end of this photo section. While there saw a Art Fair (was also told it would go on Sunday) and enjoyed that. Often come across surprises in this town, there is something going on in Richmond virtually all the time if you look for it. Saw lots of really great art, and also it was fun to watch all the people. As always there were quite a few dogs with the people, this is really a dog friendly town and I like that a great deal. Any town that likes dogs is fine with me!
As for dogs and people watching, hard to beat Carytown. Though traffic is something to see (as seen at left) it is a very interesting place. Great variety of places to see, stores to visit, fine places to eat, and often even music and art in the street. Galaxy Diner is one such place. There you can get breakfast all the time (in addition to other meals). Being a motorcycle sort of guy I liked the guy on the Can-Am Spyder Trike also in this photo. Good place to walk on a nice sunny day as this April 30 day was. There are a lot of eye catching places to explore, and I think there is really something for everyone in Carytown. It is one of my favorite areas of the city to be in.
Though I have yet to see a movie there, the Byrd Theater is one classic looking place. In fact it is on both the National and Virginia Historic Registers. It was built for $900,000 ($11 million in today's prices) in 1928. First movies were shown in 1928 for a cost of 25 cents for a matinee, 50 cents for an evening movie. Movies are now $1.25 cents and there are 1300 seats. Named for the founder of Richmond, Virginia, the Byrd has a donated Dolby Sound System which was donated by none other than Ray Dolby! I am looking forward to checking out a movie there, as it is said to be remarkable on the inside with a number of amazing features. Richmond is a town which really protects it's past and I have the feeling the Byrd Theater is a real tribute to the city. In addition to movies, the Byrd is also home to a number of interesting events, and for more information on this place, some photos of the inside, and more on the history of this movie treasure, check out the Byrd Theater website via your favorite search engine. I hope soon to have a few photos myself from an upcoming visit.
Speaking of visits, went to the Virginia History Museum. I don't know how many trips this makes to check out this fine Richmond treasure. it is located on the Boulevard which is not far from Carytown. It was actually my first stop during the day with my friend. Both of us being Civil War buffs, checked out the big Civil War display (plus other items) to be found in the museum. The Statue seen here is a monument to horses from the North and South that were killed in battle during the Civil War. The museum is just a little distance away (easy walkable) from the remarkable Monument Avenue. If it is statues you like Richmond is a great place to check out.
Finally, back to Byrd Park, and this Fountain in the lake found there. Nice place to hang out and check out the beauty in the area. Saw a lot of people fishing there, and quite a few birds as well. One bird I did not see so often were Canadian Geese. Saw a sign that border collies are being used to chase off the birds in the area, while leaving alone the ducks in the area. I can think of no better dog for the job, border collies are among (if not the) smartest dogs out there. Again, the fountain is very beautiful and the lake is a nice place to hang out on a wonderful day. I have a few more photos on my photo page from the day out in Richmond which I hope you enjoy!

Easter Ride Uptown (Part 2) April 24

Ok, Uptown Charlotte. I posted a few photos on my Motorcycle Blog, and will have a few more on my Photo Page; but these are different from the bike blog photos. Seen at right is Time Warner Cable Arena. Both the Charlotte Bobcats and the Charlotte Checkers (NBA and hockey teams respectively) play there. There is also the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers), and according to the signs the AAA baseball team The Charlotte Knights will soon be playing in a new Charlotte baseball stadium. If you like professional sports, Charlotte pretty much has your game. They have some fine places to enjoy those games too.
Charlotte is blessed with some new and tall buildings. Seen here is the headquarters of Bank of America; one of the largest buildings in the city (in fact, I think it is still THE largest). Charlotte was the #2 banking city in the US (just behind New York) though not sure where it ranks now since the big economic crisis. It still is an important banking city and is still growing though at a slower rate, but has been over the last few decades one of the fastest growing cities in the US. The city is home to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, once of the largest airports in the US. It has great air service with many non-stops due to being one of the hub cities of US Airways. It is not hard to get anyplace in the US and for that matter many places in the world.
Lots of people live in Condos such as these. Again, the economic problems slowed that down, but Center City is well populated with residents. It has some nice places along College Street with a good nightlife. It did have many of the same sort of problems which were found in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom area, but a hefty police presence keeps the problems well down for the most part, and its not a bad area to go into. Charlotte is certainly big on parades, any major event or even a few minor ones calls for some nice parades. In my journeys downtown I have come across many over the years, though if there was an Easter Parade, I must have missed it.
Charlotte is one of the largest cities in the US in area anyhow (and I believe around #33 in population though could be off one or two places) but it covers a big area. Downtown is really modern, and in fact many of the areas around it have been torn down and rebuilt. Charlotte is not real big (though there is some) use of old buildings such as in Louisville, Kentucky and Richmond, VA. Charlotte is more prone to tear things down and start over again. The old Charlotte Coliseum lasted something like 14 years before it was imploded (now its a industrial park I believe outside of town. Though not popular when built, the light rail has really become popular in the city, and talk is of expanding it to some of the outlying areas of the city.
A prime example of expansion is Charlotte (formerly Lowes) Motor Speedway, which is actually in Concord, NC. During the time I have been in the area (something like 13 years as of now) many new bleacher sections have been added, along with a dirt track, a drag strip, and soon the world's largest outdoor tv. Seeing old photos of the track it is hard at times to believe that this is the same place at the same location. CMS is the home to two NASCAR races and except for one year at Atlanta, the home to the All-Star Race. The All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 are held in May, with a 500 mile race in October. I have been to the track quite a few times, and got to say being at a NASCAR race there is a hell of a thing. I have also done the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and that is not to be believed; more fun than you can imagine. I always enjoy exploring this area, which changes fast and still grows like no city I have ever seen.

Easter Ride Uptown (Part 1) April 24

On Easter during my days at home with the family, got out for a motorcycle ride. Previous posts have shown the Chesterfield Mall which has been empty and abandoned (largely except for an outlying auto repair and a bank) for the last few years, well this is Eastland Mall in Charlotte, NC. Like that mall, it is now empty. It was opened in 1975 and the last store left in 2010. There are, as with the Chesterfield Mall some plans to redevelop it, but will be interesting in this economy which one (if either) gets redeveloped first. I remember going to this a few years ago when it was open, was a rare mall with a ice skating rink inside...unique for sure.
There are many airports in the state, and quite a few in the Charlotte area. This is Wilshire Airport which is located near Albemarle Road and just (barely) outside of Charlotte, NC. One of the many small airports of which some are publicly and some privately owned. This airport is actually surrounded by a neighborhood and has a single concrete runway. I enjoy at times watching planes take off and land from this facility. Good that in the state where the Wright Brothers first flew that there are so many good airports to check out. Some of them in the area even have grass runways and that is quite a nod to the past days of aviation.
Also on Albemarle Road is Jakes Good Eats, which has been featured on the Food Network and the show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives". It was closed on Easter Sunday, but is said to have very good food (my motorcycle club went there during a group ride...just a riding club not an outlaw gang by the way) and very friendly people from what I am told. Location was a former gas station, a rare local reuse of an old building (though many old buildings are reused outside of Charlotte). Charlotte though does not do that a lot, which will be seen more clearly in my next post. They like to build new stuff and it certainly shows.
Post here was not actually during the ride. Patty and I went on Saturday April 23 to Memorial Gardens in Concord, NC. It is a very old cemetery with some beautiful flower gardens (though Easter being late this year, we missed some of the better ones, most of the Easter Lilly's were gone). It is a popular place for photos, in fact a wedding party was taking photos in the gardens during our visit. I will put a few photos on the photo page, in Concord in the early spring it is a very popular place to visit, and in fact it still was even late in April. There is also a lot of history inside that area; many notable people with some interesting stories are buried there.
This was taken during my motorcycle ride on April 24. A look at the street in North Davidson, just outside of Charlotte, NC..but is better known as NODA. It was a mill area (textile type) until the mills declined. Artists moved in, and the area has become very popular. Many of the old buildings were reused, but also many have been torn down, and new condos and construction has gone up in the area. Sort of sad that the place is getting too costly for the people who re-established it as a thriving area of the city. Goes like that sometimes I suppose. Many interesting places to see there, and it retains a funky feel. It is also a good place to check out live music with a number of great small places where some notable bands sometimes play from around the country.