Not much happens in this town on a Friday nite.
Originally I plan to take the highway thru Knoxville and Chattanooga then make it to Birmingham Al for the evening. I rethink my idea and at Chattanooga I decide to head south east down into Ga.
Today’s ride starts as a white knuckle event as I race along side the semi’s again and jockey for a safe position along the rail! I try to stay in the far right lane but the damn trucks just push you so hard. You can’t do 65 mph in the right lane on Rte 75. This will continue all day as I head south east at Chattanooga and make my way down into Georgia.
My hotel in Calhoun is right off the highway which leaves not much to do within walking distance of the hotel. When I arrive, I decide to continue past it because the parking lot is open to the road which makes my bike exposed while parked overnight. I always try to stay in a place where I can park the bike right outside my door or under the portico at the entrance where the front lobby is. I find another Quality Inn down the road and the front desk clerk allows me to park under the canopy out front( which houses cameras too). NICE!
When I pull in there are three guys out front on their phones walking around the entrance. It kinda makes me uneasy at first. I don’t like anyone around me when I’m unloading the bike. I am very cautious and wary of people and their intentions. I know its not right to just assume someone is going to do you wrong but I think its part of being alone and traveling that it raises your sensitivity to these things. After all, no one wants to come out the next day to a vandalized or missing motorcycle. Anyway I get past my reservations about these guys, unload the bike, head to the room and shower up.
When I return to my bike to go grab a bite, two guys are still sitting near it and doing something on their phones. I say hello, hop on and go find tonight’s restaurant.
I’m “jonesing” for wings and do a search for a local place that is known for such. A quick look at the reviews brings me to Dukes. I believe its a family business as I get that impression when looking around during the dinner rush. I can’t believe the low prices for the majority of items on the menu compared to other wing places I have eaten at. I order up a dozen, a side salad and a fresh squeezed lemonade. The wings are delicious and the salad serving is huge and filled with cold crisp greens and veggies. Definitely glad I found this place.
When I arrive back at the hotel, the same two guys are still there. I make some small talk with them and we wind up yapping it up about the football game they are listening to. They ask me where I’m coming from and talk a little about traveling on motorcycles. I continue talking with them while I pull a rag and cleaner from my saddle bag to remove all the dead bugs from the front of the bike. All cleaned, I cover the bike for the night and head back to my room.
My usual course of action at night is to grab a cup of decaf and go thru my computer for the next days ride plan so off I go to the lobby. Turns out one of the guys is there so we sit and watch some boxing for awhile as I sip on a fresh brewed decaf.
I’m sitting there all the while thinking how first impressions of people are seldom right. These guys turned out to be nice fellas and actually helped pass the time with some good conversation. I give myself credit though for breaking the ice and approaching them instead of fearing some bad shits gonna happen to my bike. After all, part of my reason for traveling was to get off the couch and meet people. Turned out to be a good day!
Next stop Florida!
Just one mans opinion
The Regular Guy