Cornelius/Huntersville, NC (July 5, 2011)

Took an early morning ride to Hunstersville/Cornelius, NC on a July day. Nice to get out on the bike early, before the heat kicks in (and its also been a big week for late afternoon thunderstorms). Came across some interesting things (more photos can be seen on my Racing with the Wind Page) during the ride. For instance, Gator's seen at left. Was a favorite family restaurant in University City, but found this location near Michael Waltrip Racing (also a Mac's Speed Shop near there). Will be back to check that out, nothing like a little gator tail to enjoy here in North Carolina. Lots of good places to eat in the Lake Norman area.
Took this photo at Birkdale Village which is in Huntersville, NC. It is right off of Sam Furr Road near I-77 and is an interesting large development. Has businesses (and many) plus apartments/condos in the complex. That is getting to be a popular thing in this area; everything you need (for the most part) within walking distance. Lots of nice landscaping, and nearby is even more things. As an added bonus, this is very close to Lake Norman (see below). I can see this catching on, and in fact a number of places like this have been popping up in many nearby communities. I enjoy wandering in there, and there is a lot to see.
Michael Waltrip Racing is one of the regions NASCAR race shops, Michael is team owner, one of the drivers, and frankly one of the more interesting and colorful characters. It is located at 20310 Chartwell Center Drive in Cornelius, NC. This shop which is 14,000 feet of racing items and the shops where the cars are built, charges admission, but gives more access than many of the free shops in the area (though many of them do a great job). It is open weekdays from 9-5. Due to time, I did not get to tour it but I will be b back to do so in the future. I enjoy the racing in the area, and the race shops are an amazing plus to living in the Charlotte area.

Richmond International Airport, June 25, 2011

While at the Virginia Aviation Museum (see previous post) I also made a visit to Richmond International Airport. The airport, which I read is the busiest airport in Virginia, is located in Sandston, Va, some five miles East of Richmond. The airport was started as Richard Evelyn Byrd Flying Field in 1927. Among those present for the opening of the airport was Charles Lindbergh. The area had an even earlier history, some military balloons of the Civil War (the earliest use of military aviation in the US) were flown from nearby fields according to some accounts I have read. The airport has changed and grown greatly since its opening in 1927.
The airport is very open and airy as befits a place where people take to the sky. There are a number of shops just short of the boarding checkpoints, the usual airport assortment of restaurants and bookstores. Good waiting area for people there waiting for arriving or departing flights. The airport had a few cars on display, and was very clean. It was a light travel time when I was there, though there were a few people heading for flights. I think the biggest year for the airport was in 2007 when some 3,634, 544 flew out or into the airport. However, that data may not be totally accurate, though I think the recession has impacted it.
As seen in here, very open area. I like the high roof and the impression of it is very positive. The new terminal was dedicated in July 30, 2007. Eight airlines (American, Delta, JetBlue, AirTran, United, US Airways, Continental, and Air Canada) serve the airport. Local business leaders (in fact I watched the commercial on tv tonight) have been making a push to have more people fly the lower cost airlines as there is some concern they will cut back service to the airport if not cancel it outright. Richmond International once had some of the highest fares in the region, and that could well happen again.
Seen here is the control tower for the airport. In addition to passenger traffic, the airport also has a large number of cargo flights. The airport provides a lot of economic impact to the region, and is a major source of jobs and job attraction to Richmond and the surrounding areas.
Airports draw businesses to an area, and air service is an important part of that attraction. Being able to fly in cargo and commodities is also important to a community. Not everything is hauled by truck, or train, and many businesses depend on air service.
I enjoyed by visit to the airport, which is my second since I have been here.

Virginia Aviation Museum, June 25, 2011

After an early afternoon with the Harley Owners Group at the VA State Rally (don't ride a Harley, have a Kawasaki Vulcan, in NC at that) but enjoy being with bikers. I also enjoy aircraft, and made a return visit to this very fine museum. Located near the Richmond International Airport, the museum has some 37 aircraft on hand. A few you can see right out front without paying the admission (but its reasonable and worth it). One of the stars of the collection is the SR-71 Blackbird. Flown as a "spyplane" the SR-71 was never shot down, thanks to it being able to fly at "over Mach 3" and "over" 85,000 feet. They were retired, and Richmond has this one.
Also retired, and also on display outside is the F-14 Tomcat seen here. The Tomcat served in the US Navy from the 1970's till just a few years ago. Time and maintenance requirements caught up with the big Grumman fighter-bomber. The big twin engined swing-wing plane was one of the "Stars" of the movie "Top Gun" , and was involved during its service life in many of the nation's military actions. It was flown by a crew of two, and its primary role was air defense of US Carriers at sea. Noted it was a fighter-bomber though that last role was added late in its lifetime. Now the F/A-18 does both roles in the United States Navy.
As noted, there are a lot of planes there. Some of the planes are very rare, and many are virtually (if not literally) one of a kind. The plane that Admiral Richard E. Byrd (a Virginia native by the way) flew over the South Pole is on display there. There are also a number of flight simulators (entertaining to young and old) as well as other aviation displays. There are even some really good aviation movies. I watched one on the SR-71, which was really good. There is something there for everyone, even those with only a passing interest in aviation. I enjoyed a good three hours there, and this was my third visit to the museum since I have been in Richmond!
The museum has many classic aircraft of the 20's and 30's such as this Stinson Reliant, which is one of the most beautiful aircraft of the period in my book. This plane could fly 3-4 passengers at a then dazzling speed of 165 mph a bit over 800 miles. I love the flared wheel covers, and the big radial engine. Planes of those period were part of what was known as "The Golden Years" of Aviation. Many planes in the collection include these type of planes, general aviation planes, a hang glider, and a large number of commercial and military biplanes. The fact that they all have a history, and are not recreations is a huge plus, and there are some remarkable examples.
I am also impressed with the military warplanes of the WW1 era on display, such as this remarkable SPAD VII seen here. Back in that war, pilots flew without parachutes for the most part, in planes without such things as self-sealing fuel tanks, and often in aerial combat faced the choice of burning to death or falling out of the plane to the ground (many carried pistols to save themselves the choice). Many pilots had a combat history measured in hours. Very few of the planes of that period remain, and this is one of the few SPAD VII's in existance. It is a real treat to check out this museum, and if you get the chance in Richmond, take time to explore its wonders!

Summer, NC 2011! (June 21,2011)

Went after a fine first day of summer motorcycle ride on an amazing hot day the first day of summer. Temperature was 99 in Concord, summer indeed! Met my wife Patty (that is her hand at right) at work, and took her to Three Monkey's for lunch. Have nice lunch specials there (we had the Chicken Salad) but the focus of the photo is the Fried Pickles. Yeah, not the healthy way to enjoy pickles, but really really good. I like those, and I like that restaurant. Good food and great prices, plus the owner is really nice. Made for a nice time, and being a migrant factory worker I don't get to have lunch out with my wife all that often.
My son got me (among other things) a six pack of "Samuel Adams Summer Ale", so this was actually the first photo of Summer that I took, right after 1pm on June 21. Nice view of the backyard as well in Carolina. Like different beers, there are some interesting ones out there to check out (life is too short to drink bland beer). I am also a fan of locally brewed (in Richmond, VA) Legends Beer, and also like going to Capital Ale House in Richmond which has a HUGE selection of craft beers. On a hot summer day there is nothing like an ice cold beer, though ice tea runs a very close second. I never really had ice tea before NC...where sweet tea is an art form.
Finally, cooling in the AC are my border collies. Talk about something that gives you joy; a big part of my family these gals (both are female) keep me moving and on my toes. They love to play (except when its 99 outside, then they like to chill in the A/C) and love morning walks (and we did that each morning I was home, early before the heat built up). Border Collies have a lot of character and of all the dogs I have enjoyed over my life they are among the most amazing. I am constantly amazed at how smart they are; they as I have seen others do, can find many of their toys by name. Tell them to "bring me the football" and they do it. They also are masters of playing catch, and love to do it for hours on end. They are always glad to see me (thankfully, so is my wife and son) and always ready to get out and moving. That is good for them, but also good for me....beat having rarely used exercise equipment. Plus, not sure that anything can love you as much as a dog can. They are remarkable friends and a great joy in my life.

Last Day of Spring (June 20, 2011)

Back in Carolina for a visit, went out on a hot, and cloudy day. Ride ended at Iron Thunder which is out near the big Concord Mills complex. That is North Carolina's #1 tourist attraction. Liked this place, Steve's favorite stop...good lunch special and good beverage prices. Nice to be on the bike again after a long visit in Richmond (been here like three weeks since the last trip home) and enjoyed the ride. Was a hot weekend there with temperatures close to 100 most of the visit, and some periods of big rain. One of the storms did some real damage to a number of trees in the area, and put a couple of those trees on some houses.
This is the view from my bike, looking at Steve's Harley-Davidson trike. First time to really ride with him; bit of a change from following a motorcycle as such, but got used to it pretty quickly. Steve has been fighting cancer and the old Harley he had (an Ultra Classic) was a lot for him to hold; so he got this. In just a few weeks he has some 2500 miles on it, which is pretty impressive. Due to the skies we did not go very far, but did hit some backroads behind Concord Mills. Amazed at the development that was back there; a lot of housing has sprung up even in times such as these. There were some really nice places, and some fun roads to ride.
I had seen the medical helicopter at the hospital landing when I arrived a couple of days before; was too excited about being home to stop for a photo, but did take a quick post ride to see if it was still there (it was not) , but got a few more miles. Did take a short ride though Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, where I snapped this monument photo at left. Very old cemetery, and it is the final resting place for many of the founders and "movers and shakers" of Concord history. Plus, its pretty close to the house, as you can see from the skies, certainly not a blue sky day. Sometimes to have to ride in the rain, but always enjoy avoiding it if it is possible. Still it was a very fine ride, got in some 60 miles, and that was very nice. Clouds did keep the temperature down, and I did appreciate that part of it.
Always good to be back in Carolina. Previous days (Saturday and Sunday) spent some pleasant times with my wife, son, and the dogs who were all glad to see me. Always good to have that and grateful for a supportive family. This is a difficult thing to do, this living in two places.

Southside Super Show: The Cars and Trucks (June 12, 2011)

Great show at the ROC, June 12 on Midlothian Turnpike. It was free and open to the public, and they brought a number of great vehicles in (motorcycles of note can be seen on my "Racing with the Wind" page via this site, as well as on my Photo Page). Enjoyed seeing vehicles such as these trucks, one very tall, the other very long. A nice contrast and some massive trucks at the show. I really enjoyed these two and thought it was a really good pair among many. There was a lot to see at the show, had a really good turnout. Of course $5,000 in prizes will bring some of the best in the area out and this did. As Car/Truck/Bike shows go, this was pretty good!
Seen here is a fine looking Chevy truck, a lot of chrome on this one. I have a friend in NC who has a truck along these lines, they are really popular vehicles in the South. The pickup truck is your basic vehicle both in NC and in VA from what I have seen. They are great for hauling people, as work trucks, and as just fun vehicles to drive. In our family we owned a very fine Chevy S-10 for a number of years and it came in very handy quite a few times. This truck dates back to the time when trucks were made of steel and were built to last. This one has been on the roads for many decades, but you would never know it from the look of it. A very fine custom job!
I threw this in because it is very unique. I am pretty sure I saw this last weekend at a car show that we stumbled across in Chesterfield, its a VW Bus. This is the favorite vehicle of Deadheads, who filled them up in going around the country following their favorite rock and roll band, "The Grateful Dead".
Speaking of music, the event had a lot of music, though that was Christian Rock and Rap, though I enjoyed that. Most car shows have 50's sort of music, so it was a nice change, and considering the venue, it was to be understood (as was the total lack of beer sales there). Had a great time though wandering around, was no problem!
I liked this car because it was unique, and also that I had one of these. Its a Ford Maverick, which is like one I drove back in 1971. Surprised to see one of these, you do from time to time but not very often. An early Econo-car from the US, they had a lot of problems with how to make one that would last back in the 1970's. This Maverick though was outstanding, and really brought back some memories. I even had mag wheels on mine back then; though not as nice as I remember as what was on this version (though it has been a long time ago). Nice bit of engine work in this engine too, the original Maverick was a lot more basic. Enjoyed checking out this car.
Finally this truck (also a Ford) is notable as it was one of the many "low riders" in the show. To be honest, not a big thing in North Carolina. Thought they were very cool though.
The show was a very neat thing, with great music, motorcycle stunt shows, a whole lot of interesting cars, trucks and bikes, and a whole lot of fun and friendly people (the people part is typical of being in Virginia). Had a great time, and if they have this again in 2012, I will make it a point if possible to check it out again. They have some really good car shows (for lack of a better term) in Virginia from what I have seen, for sure they give NC a run for their money.

Bikes and Guitars in the RVA (June 11, 2011)

Giving history of sorts a pause, went out with my buddy Keith to see some motorcycles and guitars in the Richmond area. The reason for the trip was...we like motorcycles and guitars. Keith is a riding buddy of mine from North Carolina (like me, via Kentucky) and we made quite a few stops. One of the stops (though not in order) was a quick stop for refreshment at Quaker Steak and Lube in Short Pump. A nice bar, Quaker Steak hosts a rather large (I am told, have not been able to go there due to my night work) bike night on Wednesday nights. Has a very nice motorcycle themed bar, and friendly people at the restaurant on West Broad Street. Cheers!
Not far (in fact we walked to it from Quaker Steak and Lube) is the Honda House in Short Pump. Talked about the CB1000R which I had yet to see (brand new for 2011) a very helpful salesman told me, "its not on display, and is sold, but we have one" and took us to the back to see the new bike. In fact I got to "try it on for size" and was very impressed with the motorcycle. Liked the single sided swingarm, and the inline four water cooled engine. It has been getting great reviews, but it has proven, until today to be a hard bike to see either in North Carolina, or in Virginia. Very impressed with this motorcycle, and look forward to seeing more of them on the roads.

Keith and I made a stop to Velocity Motorcycles, which has moved from its former location on The Boulevard (across from Buz and Ned's) to the new shop at 3023 W. Marshall Street. One of my favorite shops, it carries a unique collection of motorcycles. Guy seen here is getting ready to ride off on a Royal Enfield Bullet. Now made in India, the bikes were made in England starting in 1870. That makes it the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production in the world. New models have been updated. They also carry a number of classic motorcycles. I visited the old shop a number of times, will do so with this one as well.
Finally, like to play guitar, and Keith and I visited both Sam Ash and Guitar Center in Short Pump. Funny thing is that they are side by side; park in one lot and walk to the other. Seems a bit crazy to me, though I have seen that done with a couple of pairs of restaurants in North Carolina, so I guess there is some logic to it. Very nice guitar shops (both are part of national chains..we have them both in NC) and very well staffed with helpful people. Also very noisy, as there are all sorts of people playing musical instruments, which I find very cool. If you are looking for something that makes music, this are good places to check out. Though we did not go today, also enjoy the Richmond Music Center, another fine shop which is located on the Midlothian Turnpike. Richmond is a very good town for music, and have enjoyed some great bands while I have been here.
A fun day, and enjoyed it a great deal. I hope you have enjoyed the photos!