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Smoke Out XII » The Long Road » General Long Road Info

New Orleans, LA to Rockingham, NC
June 19 to June 23, 2011

The Gypsies have a word, "Lungo Drom," which translates into English as the “Long Road.”  The Long Road being a synonym for life.  To me, the name is a perfect fit with our crazy sub-culture of all things HORSE.  The Long Road is not a gut-check-cross-country race like the Stampede, it is a connection with friends and a chance to have fun on some cool bikes.  The Long Road is NOT a group ride but a gypsy ride; meaning you can ride with a couple of friends, as a group, by yourself, you can leave anytime, like at 5 am (without me) or leave at 10 am.  The route is actually a collection of places we stop for the day.  The chopper faithful that complete the Long Road for the first time are presented with the coveted, serial-numbered, solid silver medallion.

This year the 1,000 + mile ride will take the party through parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  The average day will be about 250 miles with wildly interesting activities along the way.

 

Riding Shot

 

Sunday, June 19 – Meet in New Orleans, LA and sign in Sunday night at the Kerry Irish Pub in the French Quarter.  The Kerry Irish Pub is known for it’s great atmosphere and live Irish music.  This plan gives y’all Saturday and Sunday to get to the start point.

Monday, June 20 – We ride 250 miles to Henderson Beach State Park (Florida State Campground) on the emerald green ocean.  The recommended route (but you can do what you want on any bike you want) takes you on Route 90 along the Gulf with spectacular views of the ocean.  Some of us are stopping in Louisiana for a swamp tour through the bayou and we are taking the Mobile Bay Ferry to Dauphin Island.  The plan is to have a small fire on the beach with some Jimmy Buffet type jams. 

Tuesday, June 21 – Ride 332 miles to Atlanta, GA for a night in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta.  The Little Five Points area has great burgers at the Vortex, cool shops like the Junkman’s Daughter and great music at the Star Bar. 

Wednesday, June 22 – Ride 215 miles to Columbia, SC to stay at the Sesquicentennial State Park.  We rented the entire campground, every space.  Camping is highly recommended but there is a hotel nearby (about 1 mile) and listed below.  The festivities start at 4:30 pm with paddleboat races (including prizes).  Master Chef Nicky Boots will prepare dinner, after the races.  There will be just enough time for a hike around the lake before the live music starts.   

Riding Shot 2

 

Thursday, June 23 – Ride 115 to American Biker outside Charleston, drop your stuff and grab a map (at the counter) with cool things to see in Charleston.  Charleston, SC is a historic, beautiful town that is just fun to visit.  Then head back to American Biker for free camping and cook out (with LR wristband- $10 without).  Take a crazy ride in a dirt side-by-side. 

Friday, June 24 -  Ride 190 miles to Rockingham, NC for the best Smoke Out ever.

Enjoy the wild ride.  Thanks.

Edge
 
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