Coastal Carolina Cruise
September 20, 1997
Sometimes, in the Carolina heat you can find a way to escape the monotonous duldrums of Summer. That is just we VROCers did one fine day in the waning days of the long hot Summer. People came from all around to share in this event. We had Rudi Kiefer from Wilmington, NC. Swain Piver from Conway, SC. Scott Armstrong and his lovely wife Brenda from Savannah, Ga. And of course there was the local Charleston VROC contingent, Dee Loftis, Gary Mingee, and myself - Jim Dirkes.
We began the day at the local Shoney's for breakfast. Gary and I met up with Scott & Brenda, and little by little they began to trickle in. Swain and Rudi finally showed by 10:00am and we were on our way soon after that. After a quick fillup at the Speedway gas station, we began our trek through the South Carolina marshes and "low country"
The trip began in the West Ashley district of Charleston down Hwy 61. This was the old road out to the old plantation homes. The ancient Live Oaks were dripping in spanish moss as they overhung the road, offering us shade and protecting us from the sweltering heat. 12 miles down 61 led us to the quaint little town of Summerville, SC. We turned south from there onto Hwy 165, which brought us through the tiny villages of Ravenel and Hollywood.
Once we arrived in Hollywood, it was in the best interest of those riding in stock saddles to take a break and rest yon weary buns. Of course, for those who smoked it was a fine time to light'em up!
Pictured here is from left to right, Brenda & Scott, Swain in the back, Me sitting on my bike, Gary Mingee and Dee Loftis on the right. Rudi was taking the picture. Then Brenda took a picture and Here is Swain Piver holding onto his handlebar, Scott Armstrong in the background, me on my bike then Gary, Rudi, and Dee.
Directly across the street from where we stopped was a small little twisty of a road called Toogoodoo Rd. which wound its way through the marshes of Edisto. We piloted our way through the wilderness with great skill down to Hwy 174, which carried us to the Shores of Edisto on Edisto Island. The road there was (as usual) covered with broad sweeping boughs from the overhanging live oaks, spanish moss draped over each limb in mass quantity.
After a short break at the beach and a bite to eat, we doubled back to find our way through Hollywood, back up US17, and a right onto Main Road, which brought us onto Johns Island. Johns Island is an agrarian wilderness of huge oaks and winding roads out to the barrier islands of Wadmalaw, Kiawah and Seabrook. After circling around Johns Island, we headed out to Wadmalaw Island to a little town called Rockville. At the tip of the island, we stopped under a grove of 300 year old oaks and talked about our bikes, while in the process learning about one another and what a great group of people VROC was turning out to be.
One of the key hazards to be found on the way was my bike! The Vance & Hines Hotshots that I had installed were just a little too loud for the average rider. All those poor souls that had the misfortune of riding right behind me were real troopers for not leaving early.
After nearly an hour of chatting under the trees, talking about pipes, suspension and good times, we decided to get under way and take a run through the historic center of Charleston (circa 1685). I cannot say for sure that we were welcomed with open arms. As we cruised down the center of King Street, 6 thumping Vulcan Classic 1500's certainly turned some heads as we made our way down to the battery. As we passed through the residential area of King near the battery, some of the residents seemed a little upset, especially about the volume of my pipes! But never-the-less, we cruised our trusted steeds to the waterfront, and we did it with pride and style. Without a doubt, there were far more people who were pleased than were those who were ticked off.
And here we brought an end to the day by the waters front. After leaving downtown, we headed for my house on James Island and made sandwiches and watched the rest of the football games on TV that Saturday. All in all, it was a fine day and a great time was had by all. Thanks to all who attended. It's moments like these that tell me what a fine group of folks we have here, and it makes me proud to be a VROCer!
Jim Dirkes - Charleston, SC