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Tim Smith of Westminster, Maryland, enjoyed what he calls the ‘Trip of a Lifetime’ this summer on his Vegas Jackpot. Here is his account of the long, enjoyable solo adventure.
First, let me thank my wife and kids for helping make this possible.
I have been riding for almost 25 years, mostly Yamaha Viragos because of their low maintenance and reliability. I always felt a little guilty but it was my money.
Then in 2003, I saw the Victory line of motorcycles. I watched for three years until I purchased my Jackpot. I test rode a black Jackpot at my local dealer and started negotiating for a red one they had on display. When my wife and kids saw it, they liked it but they liked the one I showed them online better and told me to call around to find the Yellow and Black one – which they called a “bumble bee bike.”
On with the trip, which started in Westminster, Maryland, on May 21, 2007. I headed south to Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park (104 miles of twisting turns and beautiful views). It was a beautiful ride and the weather was perfect, except a little chilly ‘til about noon. Then I rode a few miles down the Blue Ridge Parkway. I hopped on I-81 across into the North Carolina, and took the I-85 to Greenville, South Carolina, for the 1st day ride of 579 miles.
I stopped every 75 miles to reset my butt and stretch my back. The motorcycle was so good that 5 to 10 minutes rest was enough and I could ride another 75 miles. I added a gel filled seat cushion to help with my back.
I stayed in a Motel 6 for the night and started the second day at 5 a.m. I traveled south through Atlanta, Georgia on I-85 South, then headed toward Mobile, Alabama. The Gulf Shores, Alabama, is where I was headed to see some friends of mine who had just finished their vacation home. In 10 hours and 300 miles, I was drinking a cold beer with my friends Bill and JoAnn. Again, I was not exhausted any more than normal for long days. The bike handled the 70-75 mph steady ride with no faults. Passing tractors and trailers and the wind issues were minimal with the weight of the bike.
I stayed with Bill and JoAnn for two days before heading north to Ellerbe, North Carolina, to see my sister and family. This was the longest part of the trip – 17 hours and 700 miles. It was dark when I got to my sister’s house and I was tired but not sore. I stayed overnight and headed for home, leaving North Carolina around 9 a.m.
I arrived home to family that was happy to see me and I had the memory of a six-day, 2,300-mile trip behind me.
Thank you Polaris and Victory Motorcycles!
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