MACH 10 is here and gone, and we had another great turnout. I never got an official head count, but I was told there were at least 55 at the Friday night dinner. We also had several NEW-bies this year - some from WOTI and some who were friends of WOTI people as well as our fellow GWRRA chapter members and friends of friends. All the newcomers said that the entire group went above and beyond to make them feel at home – and that shouldn’t surprise any of us. I don't think I missed an opportunity to get to know any of the NEW-bies but if I did, I am sorry to have missed visiting with you. You must have blended in with the group so well, I didn’t recognize your NEW-bieness.

Several people have made most or all of the runs we've had over the years and we always have their name on the list. Some people just show up like WOTI lurker L’il Joe Sparrow (like the bird) for one. I pinged him off list and wasn't sure if he got the message. On Friday afternoon, L’il Joe, his friend and past participant Charlie and two friends rode up. One of the guys, known as Canadian Bacon was from British Columbia so our international count is now two. Gordy and Canadian Bacon, pass the word, more Canadians need to experience the numb lip syndrome from eating mounds of spicy crawfish.

This year, we ended up having a group ride on Friday that took a number of early arrivals out to Lake Providence, LA where we all visited the Louisiana Cotton Museum. This was an interesting find, and while most people would probably pass it by – it is well kept, interesting, a cliff note education on cotton picking and the south, and FREE though only open Mondays through Fridays. Just before arriving at Lake Providence, we had the unexpected pleasure of driving through Transvylvania, LA. A water tower decorated with a bat and the town's name was our first clue that we had stumbled into a Kodak moment or two. Due to the Friday ride, a number of participants opted to “do their own thing” on Saturday to see the sites of Vicksburg.

The planned, escorted, scenic ride on Saturday included 23 bikes, most double up, on a jaunt thru some back roads that could only be known, tried and trusted by a local rider. Rick Warren of the local Vicksburg GWRRA chapter planned the route and led our ride this year. If you aren’t already aware, when I plan something you can always count on a good ride and a fresh experience. Rick met or exceeded my expectations. As our ride guide, Rick, rides a GL1800 trike, so I think most people thought the ride would be a bit “sedate". Not the case. Although not a peg scraper, it was fast enough to make everyone know they were following a seasoned rider. After rolling through about 100 miles of hills, sweepers and twisty’s that tunneled through overhanging trees covered with Spanish moss we arrived at the Grand Gulf Military Monument that is only 33 miles from Vicksburg as the crow flies. Marlene tells folks that I can take 6 hours to pick up a loaf of bread when I am on my motorcycle. I think Rick and I are cut from the same cloth!!!

Grand Gulf, MS was yet another turning point for the Civil War and is well worth the time and energy to visit. Cost was a nominal $3 with a $1 discount for seniors. There is a visitor center with period outbuildings and vehicles. The park itself has an Observation Tower with a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River and surrounding counties. Most of the riders stayed on the ground. Doesn’t surprise me – if they wanted to be up that high, they fly airplanes, not ride motorcycles.

The next stop Rick had planned for us was lunch at the Old Country Store in Lorman, MS. This place has been featured in a couple of food and travel TV shows and is said to have the "Best fried chicken in Mississippi" also known as Heavenly Chicken. The owner, Arthur Davis, took time out from stocking the buffet and ringing up customers to sing a couple of songs for us as he explained the history of his roadside respite.

Rick and I are already plotting and planning next year’s ride. Between the two of us, we should be able to find another riding memory for everyone to take home with them.

We introduced a Saturday night potluck dinner last year and this year’s meal was just as amazing. The food people put together, with the limited resources we have, would stand with the best church supper out there. As always, afterwards it is parking lot tales and tire kicking.

Everyone knows that Sunday's sunrise brings hugs and goodbye’s for another year. So, Saturday night we try to get as much personal time in as we can. For some, we won't see this part of our family until next year or several years from now. But, it’s so uncanny - when we do get back together, we just pick up where we left off the year before.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures we have posted on the website. While pictures speak a thousand words they in no way give you the full experience of riding the highways and byways of Vicksburg, MS. Thank you to everyone who attends. Marlene, my brother and I always have a good time when we come to town, but you all make it an even better time and we are humbled that you allow us to be a part of your circle. We can’t wait to see you again next year! Sign ups are now open!!!!