Most motorcycle riders have their very own “bucket list,” a list of roads and highways they really want to enjoy together on their bikes. When Joe Arnoult (HB 61) decided to ride a Harley he wasn’t thinking about a bucket list. He just wanted to ride and enjoy it. However, as his riding experience increased there were more and more things he wanted to do and more rides to take. Joe, T. Jerry Williams (HB 67) and Bill Young (HB 49) started thinking about a brotherhood ride. Two special riding events came to mind; The Tail of the Dragon, featuring 318 curves in 11 miles and the Blue Ridge Parkway run through North Carolina.
It turned out that Young’s shoulder was giving him some problems so he had to cancel his participation. Williams was also doing some remodeling at home and kept postponing the trip. Finally, Arnoult said, “Enough of this. Let’s do this now. I’m tired of waiting.” So he and Williams planned a trip to take place the last week in August; hoping that Young could make it but he wasn't able to do so.
On Monday, August 27, they pulled out of Raleigh, headed for Martinsville, VA, where they spent the night with one of Joe’s close high school friends. The next day they made a "b-line" for the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as one of the best motorcycle rides in America. Once they hit the Parkway, the meandered along the scenic routes down to the Little Switzerland Inn for the night. Next morning they rode the Diamond Back route and then stopped in Asheville for a break at the Harley Shop there.
The afternoon was spent riding in the rain and fog across the mountains for several hours until the sun came out and they reached the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, located where Hwy 28 links to Hwy 129. It was Joe's first time riding in rain and fog.
After a comfortable night and two good meals they pulled out and on to the "Tail of the Dragon", featuring all those curves in NC and TN. What a ride. They conquered the Dragon without any bike parts coming off in a crash and ending up in the "Tree of Shame."
After finishing the Dragon in TN, they took a Tennessee Park Way back towards Gatlinburg and then headed to Cherokee for a late lunch. Then it was on to Chimney Rock, NC and a night of rest and good food at the Esmeralda Inn. Next morning they rode three miles up to the Chimney Rock elevator and had some even tighter curves.
Afterwards they made their way through Lake Lure and Mineral Spring, on to Bridges Barbecue in Shelby were Joe had one of their great pimento cheese sandwiches and T. J. had some barbecue with red slaw and his own toasted pimento cheese, too.
Next stop Charlotte! There they met Bill Young and had to “rub in” that he missed a great trip. They also explained how much fun he had missed. Again, they left the "Queen City" during drive time but finally made it out of Charlotte; spending the night in Asheboro.
Saturday morning they loaded up and continued on Hwy 64 back to Raleigh and a huge breakfast at Big Ed’s Restaurant, down at City Market. Joe ended up pulling out of Raleigh about 11:30 and headed home. It had been a great trip, even through rain, wind and fog.
The next question is where will they go next time and who will ride with them!
