I woke to the morning sun burning through my eyelids commanding me to wake and start the day.
Almost like the big ball in the sky knew this day was not like any other, but this was the day the adventure began. Today I was leaving everything behind to
travel the two lane roads of this country on my custom built '75 Honda 750-4 chopper. Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I grabbed the smokes and
headed to relieve the fluids that were demanding to be free. I was a little overwhelmed that the day was finally here...it seemed like a dream still. A dream
that began with the purchase of a beat up 1975 Honda cb750 for $500 that this guy brought by the Bike shop where I worked, to sell. It would have been $400,
cause that's all the money that I told the guy I had.....but my boss jumps in and says "I'll loan ya the other hundred" Thanks Tony. It was
ugly, but it ran. I looked beyond the rusted spokes and stock condition. I saw my chance to build my own bike. My very own chopper. I was excited as I rode it
home that night. The family thought it was a ugly piece of junk and began to question my sanity. They didn't see what I saw. I rode it all summer, while I
gathered parts, ideas, knowledge. Between my boss, who's been choppin' jap bikes since the '70's and this web site, www.hondchopper.com, I was
able to obtain all info that I needed to get the job done, besides some great parts at reasonable prices and the brotherhood that I've stumbled on to, but
more on that later. By October I was ready to start choppin'. I was tired of riding it stock. My boss said I looked "like a monkey fuckin' a
football" sittin' on that stock machine. So I tore it all apart on the sidewalk in front of my apartment. I then turned my kitchen into my shop. I did
all the chopping and grinding in there, everything but the welding. That's when the idea to one day hit the road and leave all this shit behind. Hell I
even wrote a song about it. I haven't quite finished it yet...but it ain't bad.
"I just wanna be free"
Starin' out at the city lights
disenchanted with this life
needin' relief from the daily grind
dreaming of leaving it all behind
Time and money aren't on my side
but I know I can survive
all the road has for me
I just wanna to be free
I just wanna be free
From all this pain and misery
all the wars and the fears
I gotta get outta here
So I built me a bike outta ol' jap parts
750-4 that's her heart
in the saddle I turn the key
with one kick she roars and screams
I just wanna be free
Two wheels and an open road
where it leads I just don't know
but I'm determined to go see
what this fate has for me
I just wanna be free
I just wanna be free
From all this pain and misery
all the wars and the fears
all the shedding of tears
Along the way I've made some friends
a brotherhood that's closer than kin
Riders Roost is where we stay
So if you see me along the way
Don't you bother to even wave
jump on your skooter and join me
where every man can be free
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air drew me to the kitchen. As I poured the hot black liquid into my mug I realized this would be the last pot of joe that I would enjoy in this kitchen, hell in this house. The next pot would be made over a campfire somewhere about 250-300 miles from here. I didn't have a definite schedule or a planned route that I would maintain. Just the desire to get away. Live free and ride free. Sounds corny I know, but I really need a break from the daily grind. Since birth it's been about the American way...buy a house , get married, have kids....work your ass off to a mass as much shit that you can and hopefully you won't die before you get a chance to enjoy some it. Not to mention the wars that greatly effect our lives, Some closer and more personal than others. The fears that proudly pronounce themselves daily on the boob tube and the radio, concerning the economy, rising gas prices, one heinous crime after another. The American dream has been reduced to memories as foreclosures rule the headlines. American Vets living on the streets, left to deal with the war on their own, along side the homeless who are still homeless BTW. I could go on and on, but you know how shitty the world that we live in is. I just wanna be free from it all. I know I can't completely escape the bullshit, but I can stay away from a good part of it.
The night before I rolled up a slew of J's for the road, taking one out of it secure place in my tin case holder, I fired it up and took a long hard drag, inhaling the sweet tasting herb deep into my lungs. Exhaling, now I was ready...the bike was ready and all packed up. By the time the J was reduced to a memory and the last of the coffee was disposed of all that was left was to lock up. Taking one last look around, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything, I shut the door and lock it, leaving the keys in the mailbox for the new owners. As I walked towards my bike I still felt like it was all a dream. Checking the oil and turning on the gas, I could feel the excitement growing by the minute. By the time I got my jacket and gloves on I couldn't hardly stand it. Throwing my leg over my hand-built machine, I turned the key and with one kick she roared to life with a rumbling sound that puts a smile on my face every time. I was proud of my accomplishment and now I was going to put it to the ultimate test....a long distance road trip. Waiting for her to warm up properly, I lit a smoke and threw on my skid lid and shades. Giving her a good snap of the throttle a couple of times, I engaged the clutch and kicked her into gear. I knew where I was heading first, so easing out my driveway I headed east towards the Great Smokey Mountains. Carefully I planned my route to stay off the major highways as I preferred the two lanes to travel by. To damn many semi trucks to worry about on top of the other cages. Besides it's really hard to sight-see while going 75 mph. North Carolina was just over the mountains and Riders Roost was only 150 miles or so further. The World Honda Chopper Meet was being held there again this year. I was getting there a week or so early to meet up with a couple other HCMFs. Bill aka Lady Dr and Nate aka 71chop. They are fellow choppahedz that I've gotten to know because of our love of Honda's and the HC web site. That's how we met actually, the web site. I would have never thought I could meet someone on line and end up good friends without even meeting face to face first. "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" has become more to me than just a ad to sell bikes....
The weather was perfect for riding, the sky was blue with just the right amount of clouds to make it picturesque. Like looking at a painting by Bob Ross, Man that guy had a way with a brush and some paint. Rte 11e, took me out of Knoxville where it meets 321 in North Carolina, The twisty, turning roads here are a pleasure to ride. My bike wasn't built for taking the corners fast, but she does better than most. Not that I was in a hurry, mind you. I was anxious to see the others but I would roll into the Roost till 3 or 4 o'clock. I stopped for gas and a rest in Jonesborough, NC., rolling down the ways I found a better spot to do the illegal smokin'. Last thing that I needed was some super trooper tryin' to make the paper by busting an "outlaw" motorcyclist. Not that I'm anything near a outlaw but they seem to make assumptions by what they saw on an episode of Cops on TV. Bad boys, Bad boys, whatcha gonna do......Go get a donut.
With the head right, I headed back on the road and was really looking forward to the twisty's now. The mountains were as majestic as the anthem states and I was lovin' every minute of my new found freedom. This wasn't like my normal yearly ride to the Roost and the WHCM. This time I had no time limits, nothing to get back to, no job, house, car, nothing that was pressing me. I could go anywhere I wanted or just sit tight and enjoy the surroundings. Which was exactly what I was going to do for the next 3 weeks or so.Riders Roost was a great Bike Campground, No cages, no kids, no hassles. Uncle Roy and Mary really know how to take care of "motorcycle pilots". "The Road goes on forever and the party never ends." I think that's the Roosts motto or it should be. There's a perfect little river that runs thru the camp ground and in the rocks is a place that is like natures recliners, complete with moss to scratch the back. The water temperature is cool but after riding all day in the sun and heat....man what a refreshing way to relax and wash the road off ya. Most gather at the party headquarters located under the pavillion/game room. There is a pool table and darts to keep one entertained. This is also where the midnight auction is held too. What a way to start an adventure!
"I just wanna be free"
Starin' out at the city lights
disenchanted with this life
needin' relief from the daily grind
dreaming of leaving it all behind
Time and money aren't on my side
but I know I can survive
all the road has for me
I just wanna to be free
I just wanna be free
From all this pain and misery
all the wars and the fears
I gotta get outta here
So I built me a bike outta ol' jap parts
750-4 that's her heart
in the saddle I turn the key
with one kick she roars and screams
I just wanna be free
Two wheels and an open road
where it leads I just don't know
but I'm determined to go see
what this fate has for me
I just wanna be free
I just wanna be free
From all this pain and misery
all the wars and the fears
all the shedding of tears
Along the way I've made some friends
a brotherhood that's closer than kin
Riders Roost is where we stay
So if you see me along the way
Don't you bother to even wave
jump on your skooter and join me
where every man can be free
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air drew me to the kitchen. As I poured the hot black liquid into my mug I realized this would be the last pot of joe that I would enjoy in this kitchen, hell in this house. The next pot would be made over a campfire somewhere about 250-300 miles from here. I didn't have a definite schedule or a planned route that I would maintain. Just the desire to get away. Live free and ride free. Sounds corny I know, but I really need a break from the daily grind. Since birth it's been about the American way...buy a house , get married, have kids....work your ass off to a mass as much shit that you can and hopefully you won't die before you get a chance to enjoy some it. Not to mention the wars that greatly effect our lives, Some closer and more personal than others. The fears that proudly pronounce themselves daily on the boob tube and the radio, concerning the economy, rising gas prices, one heinous crime after another. The American dream has been reduced to memories as foreclosures rule the headlines. American Vets living on the streets, left to deal with the war on their own, along side the homeless who are still homeless BTW. I could go on and on, but you know how shitty the world that we live in is. I just wanna be free from it all. I know I can't completely escape the bullshit, but I can stay away from a good part of it.
The night before I rolled up a slew of J's for the road, taking one out of it secure place in my tin case holder, I fired it up and took a long hard drag, inhaling the sweet tasting herb deep into my lungs. Exhaling, now I was ready...the bike was ready and all packed up. By the time the J was reduced to a memory and the last of the coffee was disposed of all that was left was to lock up. Taking one last look around, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything, I shut the door and lock it, leaving the keys in the mailbox for the new owners. As I walked towards my bike I still felt like it was all a dream. Checking the oil and turning on the gas, I could feel the excitement growing by the minute. By the time I got my jacket and gloves on I couldn't hardly stand it. Throwing my leg over my hand-built machine, I turned the key and with one kick she roared to life with a rumbling sound that puts a smile on my face every time. I was proud of my accomplishment and now I was going to put it to the ultimate test....a long distance road trip. Waiting for her to warm up properly, I lit a smoke and threw on my skid lid and shades. Giving her a good snap of the throttle a couple of times, I engaged the clutch and kicked her into gear. I knew where I was heading first, so easing out my driveway I headed east towards the Great Smokey Mountains. Carefully I planned my route to stay off the major highways as I preferred the two lanes to travel by. To damn many semi trucks to worry about on top of the other cages. Besides it's really hard to sight-see while going 75 mph. North Carolina was just over the mountains and Riders Roost was only 150 miles or so further. The World Honda Chopper Meet was being held there again this year. I was getting there a week or so early to meet up with a couple other HCMFs. Bill aka Lady Dr and Nate aka 71chop. They are fellow choppahedz that I've gotten to know because of our love of Honda's and the HC web site. That's how we met actually, the web site. I would have never thought I could meet someone on line and end up good friends without even meeting face to face first. "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" has become more to me than just a ad to sell bikes....
The weather was perfect for riding, the sky was blue with just the right amount of clouds to make it picturesque. Like looking at a painting by Bob Ross, Man that guy had a way with a brush and some paint. Rte 11e, took me out of Knoxville where it meets 321 in North Carolina, The twisty, turning roads here are a pleasure to ride. My bike wasn't built for taking the corners fast, but she does better than most. Not that I was in a hurry, mind you. I was anxious to see the others but I would roll into the Roost till 3 or 4 o'clock. I stopped for gas and a rest in Jonesborough, NC., rolling down the ways I found a better spot to do the illegal smokin'. Last thing that I needed was some super trooper tryin' to make the paper by busting an "outlaw" motorcyclist. Not that I'm anything near a outlaw but they seem to make assumptions by what they saw on an episode of Cops on TV. Bad boys, Bad boys, whatcha gonna do......Go get a donut.
With the head right, I headed back on the road and was really looking forward to the twisty's now. The mountains were as majestic as the anthem states and I was lovin' every minute of my new found freedom. This wasn't like my normal yearly ride to the Roost and the WHCM. This time I had no time limits, nothing to get back to, no job, house, car, nothing that was pressing me. I could go anywhere I wanted or just sit tight and enjoy the surroundings. Which was exactly what I was going to do for the next 3 weeks or so.Riders Roost was a great Bike Campground, No cages, no kids, no hassles. Uncle Roy and Mary really know how to take care of "motorcycle pilots". "The Road goes on forever and the party never ends." I think that's the Roosts motto or it should be. There's a perfect little river that runs thru the camp ground and in the rocks is a place that is like natures recliners, complete with moss to scratch the back. The water temperature is cool but after riding all day in the sun and heat....man what a refreshing way to relax and wash the road off ya. Most gather at the party headquarters located under the pavillion/game room. There is a pool table and darts to keep one entertained. This is also where the midnight auction is held too. What a way to start an adventure!
Last edited by: TexasRon 03/19/08 16:11:39.
Edited 20 times.
Talk to me....I want to hear from you
Posted: 03/08/08 21:49:13
Posted: 03/09/08 18:06:28
Johnny Cash. "Ive been everywhere" Ive been to 46 of the 48 continental united states and to canada and mexico
and when i tell others the stories of my travels i see this starry eyed look about them and at the same time alittle sadness as well for these are the people representative of the masses that cant break the cycle of the daily grind
like you have. live free and ride hard for these are gonna be the times you look back on with fond memories and a longing for the road that never goes away.
well enough of the philisophical
when i finish my little chop project im gonna make a ride to LA all the way across I40 from TN
if you find yourself in SC drop me an email maybe we could get together and swap some road stories
tatguy26@aol.com
also if you find yourself on I40 heading west through texas when you hit amarillo tx stop off at buckles for a beer
you wont be sorry there are some of the finest people anywhere in there. If by chance you do stop
tell them john c is coming maybe later than sooner but you can bet your ass when i pass through ill stop in for a cold one
man its been awesome reading your page here hope to hear more of your travels
jc
Posted: 03/09/08 18:56:10
Posted: 03/19/08 11:35:15
Posted: 05/07/08 18:12:57