Day 16 & 17 - Santa Fe, NM - Scottsdale, AZ - HOME, CA

Signing on for the final leg of the trip....sorry to leave everyone hanging.

The last few days of the trip have consisted of a lot of driving and not many Dealer Visits. For anyone who has not been to Santa Fe...Go! I have said it before, but there is just something special about New Mexico.

This morning I woke up and stopped at Santa Fe Harley...a very friendly place and quite busy, considering that it had just snowed yesterday. I met Larry in service, who was super-nice and spent a little time talking. They are always on the look-out for some new products. We'll see what they think.

Thunderbird Harley-Davidson/Buell, Abuquerque, NM - is the largest shop in New Mexico and a nice one. Miguel Padilla, Service Manager introduced me to Health who is the lead detailer in the shop. Heath and I spent about 10 minutes talking shop and I handed off some samples. Hew agreed to use them ans I was on my way.

Next stop Scottsdale, AZ....the Anderson's....Grace is my AZ mother and takes great care of me when I come in. When I arrived Grace was out to dinner with friends, but left a stocked fridge....left over brisket and a roll for a brisket sandwich, fresh fruit, Homemade wild-rice soup and cookies...Yum! I had a small Mosquito incident, but we don't need to get into that. When Grace got home we talked for a while and then she went to sleep and I got some work done.

The following morning I woke up and hit the road. I had a few follow up appointments at some local shops ad then I was on my way home to surprise my wife a day early.

This has truly been an adventure and I have been blessed to be able to take the time to see the country, in a way that few get to these days. I have learned a lot about the country, my industry across the South and most of all about myself.

Thanks for taking the journey with me.....It is nice to be home!

Day 14 - 15 - ????, AR/Little Rock, AR/Erick, OK, Santa Fe, NM

Kobs signing in for Day 14 & 15 Reports....

Waking up in Marion, AR made me anxious to get on the road. I have already lost one day and I don't intend on losing another. That's what I though... I left at 7:30 am didn't arrive in Little Rock until 1:00pm due to the ice on the road. Needless to say the past two days have been disappointing. There were only three shop visits today before I begin to head west on I-40. Unfortunately I will be by passing Dallas, TX and Oklahoma City, OK as I cannot extend the trip any longer and all shops are closed on Sunday.

Jones Harley-Davidson, North Little Rock, AR - I met with Jeff Bennett, Parts consultant. Jeff was very helpful. The shop is nice and extremely quiet today due to the ice and snow. That works OK for me as it gives me more time at the shop. As most Harley shops this one prides itself on Customer service and making sure that they deliver on promises.

BMW Motorcycles of Little Rock, AR - Anthony Jett, Parts Manager - This shop was extremely busy, as there was a BBQ going on. They were cooking up burgers and dogs in the freezing cold...that's dedication. Not to mention that there was a packed house. Anthony helped me as soon as I walked up to the parts counter and was very nice. Notably this is the first shop
, since day 3, where I didn't even ask for a picture because they were so busy I didn't want to get in the way. Overall the shop had a nice family feel to it.

Jones Harley-Davdison, Little Rock, AR - Tony Barela, Parts Consultant - Very friendly shop. Tony and I had a 15 minute conversation. I learned that Tony bought his first leather jacket in that store nearly 20 years ago...now he works there. Very personable and passionate store. Nice selection of bikes.

Well that's it til Monday. I stopped in Erick, OK to sleep this evening...nothing too special.

Day 15.....

Woke up with only a 7 hour drive to look forward to this morning...I am definitely beginning to feel worn out from all the driving and a bit disoriented from not seeing anyone that I know for the past couple of weeks(except the Elichman family). Goo thing that I roll into Santa Fe, NM tonight to have Dinner with Rhonda Watson....that's my friend Brandon's Mom. I have known Rhonda since I was 11 years old.

There is something about New Mexico. I have driven through the state 4 times in my life...twice in the past 2 1/2 weeks and every time it gets more amazing. The landscapes, the sky...I really can't explain, but it is just beautiful out here.

As I drive up Rhonda is waiting outside for me and gives me a nice warm hug, that is just what th Dr. ordered. We sit and talk for a while and then decide to go out for dinner....it was just like hanging with an old friend. I received a short tour of the Santa Fe area...What a great place. We had a great time.

Time for bed...Signing off...til' tomorrow.

Day 13 - Memphis, TN - ????, AR

Kobs signing in for an interesting Day 13.....

I woke up this morning a bit tired and got started a little late. Knowing that a large storm is coming in from Little Rock, AR and I am supposed to be driving there may have something to do with my procrastination today. As I pack up the car at 10:00 am the frozen rain begins to fall, at first lightly. I take off and visit the first 3 dealers and a quick stop at Graceland(Hi Elvis) in the Memphis area, however as I took off for Little Rock, AR that's when things got interesting. The Blizzard...well it didn't start that way and this California boy decided that he could handle a little snow on the roads. Anyway, to make a long story short...that's why I ended up in ???, AR

Rossmeyer's Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson, Horn Lake, MS - Shawn Atkins, Parts Manager was extremely friendly...actually everyone at the shop was friendly. Their sister shop is the Graceland shop...they carry Thunder Mountain Customs and Arlen Ness Custom Bikes. There is a real comfortable feel to this shop...I can't really explain but it's there.

Graceland Harley-Davidson, Memphis, TN - Had to stop by..."the King " knew how to live. Elvis' house does not disappoint and his jet "Lisa Marie" isn't too bad either. If you haven't been then you don't know what I am talking about. This is a definite 'Must See' if you are in Memphis.

Bumpus Harley-Davidson, Memphis, TN - Nice big shop with lots of inventory. The Bumpus family of shops has 4 shops and according to Nick & Mike it is a great place place to work...They take care of their employees and their customers.

Performance Plus, Memphis, TN - BMW,etc. - I have now been to nearly 70 shops on this trip and I have not had a negative thing to say. This shop is a 'NIGHTMARE'. I stood around for 5 minutes until someone at the parts counter even looked up....It is snowing outside and there is no one there. The shop was not well kept, the people were not friendly..actually Rude and they had a dismal inventory. My take..they are the only BMW shop for 100 miles, that's the only reason they are in business. Do yourself a favor...drive to the next one.

Moving on....Signing off.

Day 12 - Atlanta, GA - Memphis, TN

Kobs signing on for day 12 updates.

Today was extremely long and the first time I have been in 4 states in one day...GA, AL, MS, TN. Overall, I spent over 13 hours in the car traveled more than 500 miles and visited 11 shops today. Can't really complain..."I living the dream!" So let's get moving.

Harley-Davidson of Clayton County, Morrow, GA - I was waiting at this shop before they opened as I knew what kind of day I was in for. As soon as they opened I walked in and met with Lewis at the Parts counter. Lewis and I talked for a while about the shop and the weather as there is a big storm that is supposed to be coming through tomorrow. Anyway, Lewis mentioned that they are the largest shop in the area and as I left pointed me in the direction of shop President Don Bryan. Don was nice to take a moment to talk with me and assured me that they would give the samples a try. Thanks Don.

Atlanta Triumph Ducati, Atlanta, GA - was mt First 'Ubermoto' line stop of the day. I met with Sai the President of the shop and we talked for a while about detailing and products as they will be adding a detailer to their staff soon. They just did some work to the shop and it shows as the interior of the store is updated and clean. Also for a mid-sized shop they have some nice inventory. When I asked Sai to take a photo with me, he agreed and had the idea to mount up on some Ducatis..nice photo! Thanks Sai.

Blue Moon Cycle, Norcross, GA - BMW - Next stop for Uber....This shop had an old school feel....they had a large showroom and service area. They also had some cool old bikes on display. I met Mark as I strolled in and he helped me find Paulius, Parts Manager. Everyone at the shop was extremely personable and Paulius agreed to test out some product.

Killer Creek Harley-Davidson, Roswell, GA - I met with Erica when I rolled in, she took some time out to talk and you could tell that they have some fun at this shop by the jokes in the background. This shop is know for doing more engine rebuilds and Dyno Tunes than any other in the area....also for their killer Parties....stop on by for St Patties Day. Oh and possibly for having more ink/sq foot than any other Harley. Over all a large new shop with a fun atmosphere.

Atlanta Motor World, Roswell, GA - Peter Mills, Parts Manager, greeted me at the Parts counter. The first thing that I noticed about this dealership is the selection of bikes....Yamaha, Kawa, Honda...but wait....Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia. Not the usual mix, but the show was large and set up very well to accommodate all the brands. I like the variety!

BMW Motorcycle of Atlanta, Marietta, GA - I met with Shane when I enetered and they were pretty busy on a Thursday morning. Shane spent a few minutes talking with me and agreed to give the products a try. The shop had a nice variety of bikes and a personable staff.

Earl Small's Harley-Davidson, Marietta, GA - Met with Tim, Parts specialist when I entered. This show is setup in 2 buildings...New bikes, Parts, Etc. & Pre-owned bikes there is also a third building for 'Riders Edge and rentals. They were very nice in the shop, but I had the first parts guys that were too cool to take a photo with me, but Cassie stepped up the plate. Thanks for being a good sport, Cassie.

Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Lithia Springs, GA - Larry Smith, Parts Manager - This is the oldest dealership in Atlanta and the employees here very friendly. Larry spent some time with me asking questions about the products an showed genuine interest in giving them a try.

Mt. Cheaha Harley-Davidson, Oxford, AL - Charles Richey, Parts Manager was very honest as to the fact that they use exclusively Harley everything. I left a sample anyway. I will agree Harley makes some damn good products, but to limit everything that you use to Harley is questionable..there may be some products in some areas that are better....like, dare I say detail products.

Riders Harley-Davidson, Trusville, AL - Lee Moore, Parts Manager - When I walked in there the parts guys were having having a jolly good time...Perry, Jeff & Cory were joking and laughing. This was a fun stop. The shop is large and they have a lot of variety. If you are in the area stop by and tell the parts guys....Papa says,"Hi".

Bogart's MotorSports - Birmingham, AL - Darwin Anderson, Parts Manager - took about 10 minutes out of his day to talk with me. Darwin was excited to give the Ubermoto products a try. This dealership is really nice and big and they carry BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Vespa & KTM. They also have one of the largest selections of apparel I have seen. They also sell bikes on consignment.

Well that was a marathon day....signing off.

Day 11 - Daytona, FL - Atlanta, GA

Kobs signing in for Day 11.

Last night was pretty much as loud if not louder than the night before. I was up about every 1/2 hour so I am a bit edgy this morning.  Still up early packed up and ready to hit the road.  Wish I could stay for the races next weekend, but I have work to do. 

I had to head north instead of heading down to Orlando due to some time constraints.  I need to get through Oklahoma City before Sunday or else I lose a whole day.  So here goes....

First 2 stops were Bruce Rossmeyers, Daytona & New Smyrna....Bruce know how to throw a party....two parties for that matter.  I couldn't get a parking spot anywhere near eaither shop and there must have been thousands of bikers at each.  I decided this was probably not the best time to go find a manager at these stores and give out some samples...I'll get'em later.

Hollingsworth Harley-Davidson, St Augustine, FL - This is Florida's oldest Harley dealrship.  I met Jack "JB" Baker who was very accommodating.  They have a nice shop here and they are doing some renovations as the shop recently changed owners.  They have a lot of new bikes and the just added a "Custom Corner".  If you are in the area this shop is worth the stop and tell JB Papa says, "Hi".

Tifton Harley Davidson, Tifton, GA - I saw the sign on the freeway for this shop.  This is a great little shop with real personality.  Mike, Parts Manager was real personable and graciously took the sample kit.  I like the small town feel of this shop and everyone was so friendly.  We talked for a while and I found out this shop also just changed owners and they are going to build a new dealership.  The location is right off the freeway so you can't miss it.

Harley-Davidson of Macon, Macon, GA - This shop was actually closed when I pulled up, but the door was unlocked.  I figured that since I don't get around these parts too often I would just let myself in.  I was well received and was able to deliver the goods.  I met Jimmy Hendrix.....Yep, that's his name, in sales..that's him on the right without his guitar.  This dealership was nice and they have been around for 61 years.  

I will have much more tomorrow as I have targeted Atlanta, GA & Birmingham, AL then I rest my head in Memphis, TN.  So until tomorrow I am signed off.

Day 10 - Daytona Beach, FL

Signing on for Day 10 in Daytona Beach.

Woke up this morning sleep deprived from a night full of loud exhaust blows. That's the story here with all these bikes. I don't so much mind it during the day, but between 2am and 6 am I could do without. I hit main street, the heart of everything that goes on for the week....Bars, half-naked women and bikes galore. Harley took over the convention center and turned it into a showroom full of bikes and accessories....a Harley lovers dream. Following the exhibit I walked outside just in time for 'The Sphere' exhibition...you know the one where 2 guys ride their bike round-and-upside down inside a small sphere...this time the announcer was standing at the bottom. That was kind of fun.

Main street was packed with tens-of-thousands of bikes and the Boot Hill Saloon seemed to be one of the hot spots..this place was packed. I took some interesting photos that I posted to the right...I had so many so I had to choose just a few. If anyone is in the market for a bike made of bones that you cannot ride, with a druken Armadillo....it's only $100K.

After hours of walking and talking I took a ride out of town and took a break from the craziness and sat by the beach for a while.

After a crazy, interesting, but fun filled day I tried to get some sleep early...we'll see if that works.

Signing out...

Day 8 - 9 - New Orleans, LA - Jacksonville, FL - DAYTONA BEACH, FL

Kobs signing on for day 8 & 9 reports.

As far as Day 8 goes...there was some driving....and some more driving...and still more driving.  That about wrap up day 8.

Day 9 begins in Jacksonville, FL which I might add is all about the Adamec family of Harley Dealerships since none of the metrics are open on Mondays.  If I owned a bike shop, of any kind, and I was within 90 miles of Daytona, during bike week, I would be open for business with the volume of riders coming through...but that's just me.  Maybe I'm just a little saucy because I rolled into Daytona with 47 dealer visits instead of  50 due to the metric shops being closed.  

Ademec Harley-Davidson of Orange Park, FL was the first stop this morning and a nice stop it was.  Buddy is the Parts Manager and I got the feeling that he wasn't happy to see some one selling something so early in the morning...NOTE:  I wasn't selling I was gifting samples...that's how I like to think about it.  However,  Buddy was a super-nice guy after we got-to-talking.  Buddy even introduced me to Rick the GM of the store.  I am always impressed when I see a GM on the floor making sure things are running smoothly...not all GMs do that.  The staff at the Orange Park location were as friendly as could be..they even had some H.O.G. chapter members out front getting set for the BBQ and greeting anyone entering the store...Nice Touch!  Overall a great stop to start out the day.  Buddy took a photo with me even though he forgot his hat, and the camera lens was fine.  Thanks for being a good sport Buddy.  By the way...Adamec was established in 1931..that would make them the oldest dealership that I have visited.

Big Bike Motorcycles, Jacksonville, FL...they are,"Giving the evil empire a run for their money."  And I quote Mr. Tom Sloan, Parts Specialist.  Tom and I had a nice conversation regarding the bikes they carry and the detailing that they don't do,  Big Dog, IronHorse & Victory.  Nice shop, great inventory.

Ademec Harley-Davidson of Jacksonville, FL  was next in line and Bob Kretzshmar, Asst Srvc Mgr, was about as helpful as they get.  Bob introduced me to the head detailer...Chaz....John...Bob called him by different names...I think it was John.  John took the sample graciously and agreed to put it up against the Harley products....knowing Papa's products I like that comparison.  Overall a nice dealership with staff that you can tell goes out-of-their-way for their customers.

Adamec Harley-Davidson at Regency, Jacksonville, FL was visit #47 and the last stop east-bound before I hit Daytona.  Needless to say, I am already impressed with the service at the previous 2 Adamec stores, so I expect nothing less at my final stop.  I am not disappointed when I meet Rick Smith, Store Manager.  Rick and I talk for a while about the Adamec monopoly in the Jacksonville area. And once again it is reaffirmed that Adamec Cycle Sales, Inc. does thing properly...from the locations they run to the employees they hire.  I give them two cheerful thumbs up!

Actually my last stop of the day was on Hwy 1 in Bunnell, FL at Maximum Subs.  I was hungry and there was nothing for the past 20 miles, so imagine my excitement when I pass a sub shop.....Here's what goes through my mind as I make a U-turn.....random sub shop?....could be great...could be horrible....I hate the sub places that give one slice of meet...I wonder?..I'm too hungry, I'll just go in.  As I walk in the door I am greeted, quite enthusiastically by Abbey...almost like she hadn't seen anyone all day, except the place was packed.  To put it plainly....One of the best Philly cheese steaks, south of Philly, and just about the most friendly service anywhere.  It made me feel like my Mom was preparing a meal and tasted like it too.  I highly recommend Maximum subs if you are passing through.  2 tummy satisfying thumbs up!  By the way they also sell Omaha Steaks.  Thank you Ladies!

Well I am now in Daytona Beach and there are so many bikers that I am trying to get the lay-of-the-land and figure out where to go, and what to do tomorrow...Should be a Blast!  Stay tuned as there should be an entertaining entry tomorrow with some cool photos.

Signing out....