Daytona 2001 By Laborman

Daytona 2001
By: Laborman

I arrived VRCC central (Hampton Inn, St. Augustine) Tuesday afternoon after trailering the lady and a friend's Honda ACE. Some of the group had arrived a few days before and were gone to Daytona when we arrived. I knew others would be arriving later. I looked forward to seeing "The VRCC Group", meeting new members and seeing others I had met before (Biketoberfest 2000). I knew most of them my their handles and had seen their pics on the board. But, I knew I wouldn't get to spend a lot of time with them since I invited a riding buddy to Daytona. Oh well, I'd make the most of it and look forward to getting as much Valk time in with the club members when I go to InZane.

Wednesday morning several members were up and cleaning their Valks. PIBIT was already polishing and Smilin Jack washed his interstate. Valks were parked everywhere.

We rode to Daytona along A1A, Lamont and Dragbars leading, Smilin Jack and Highlander bringing up the rear. We headed through Daytona and stopped at the VRCC Tent (Hal and his group and Mark with Cat). I decided to buy a Valk vest and looked a more chrome to buy and put on my lady. I stayed about an hour and then left with my partner to head to Main Street. Over the next four days me and my riding partner visited Cabbage Patch (what a dump), Iron Horse (what a sight and many sights to behold), and obviously Main Street each day. We got a lot of pictures (too many to post here).

During the day, we headed back to Main Street, took more pictures and had our eyes popping out of our heads. We headed back to St. Aug that afternoon. It was time to get a little rest since we got up at 3:00 am to drive to Titusville. That evening the group ordered pizzas, Vicki made her famous Margaritas, and I took a few pictures.

Vicki offered a Margarita to me, yes I felt honored, and it is by-far the best I've had. Yes, we've all heard how great they are! Believe me, the Margarita is great. Vicki takes a lot of time preparing and mixing her brew. What a great person.

What do I remember most about this trip? The VRCC group. I was in awe of this group....a Family.....Friends....and yes, pals! They all make you feel like you are part of the group and make you feel like they've known you forever. Not a cross word, not a bad mood, just a bunch of people who have one thing in common - the Valk and the VRCC. My partner commented, "they are really a great group of people to be around". Made me proud to be a member of this club!

Ed Bradley (now known as 2States) rode all the way from L.A., Hotglue from Texas, Dragbars and Lisa, Highlander (with a distinct limp and unable to bend and put pressure on his arm), Smilin Jack (who's daughter arrived later in the week with her Calculus book ready to study), Mosa and Warren in Atlanta (WIA) (entertained us with the "teeth" and providing us with a description of who they "did" - ya' had to be there), Tennessee Iceman, Earthdog, PIBIT and Jen, Vicki and Jim Duffy, and others that I didn't get their name or can't remember it (sorry, I'll do better next time).

Lamont answered questions and talked about the specifics of the Valk, Dragbars worked on PIBIT's valk, Tennessee Iceman left to visit family but returned Saturday, Highlander kept busy buying more chrome, and Smilin Jack installed most of it on Highlander's bike. Lisa (Ms. Dragbars) parked her bike in the rain Friday afternoon to make room for the Valks to arrive. Ed Bradley and I talked her into parking her bike back under the cover. A gracious lady she is!

Daytona BikeWeek was fun......but, most of all I enjoyed the little time I took to spend with the VRCC members. I'm glad I bought a Valk and glad I get to hang around these people. I am looking forward to the InZane ride-in and being able to meet many other VRCC members.