4th ANNUAL SUDAN SHRINERS CHARITY RIDE & POKER RUN

We start out by meeting at the Country Biscuit at 8:00.  A table was reserved for the hungry riders.  You really need to check out this restaurant if you're in the area.  Really good, southern style, home cooking.

We met up with these guys and figured what harm could they do. Then these two show up and we knew we had trouble.

Did I mention it was hot and humid?  Just after 9:00AM and already 85 degrees.

Since the temperature was to soar to nearly 100 degrees, the riders were leaving in smaller groups instead of waiting for everyone to register and line up.

In route to our first stop...

....the Pamlico County Shrine Club.

On the way to Beaufort we take the Minnesott/Cherry Branch Ferry.

The lone shady spot at the ferry landing. With the temperature at 90 degrees and our wonderful humidity, this was a fantastic spot.

With the bikes loaded on the ferry we make the short trip across the Neuse River.  Light winds and minimal waves made an enjoyable trip.

Our journey to the second stop takes us over the Intra-Coastal Waterway on Hwy 101.

We arrive at the Carteret County Shrine Club.  I was  wondering just how hot it was going to get, as were some other riders.

Leaving the Carteret Shrine Club we take 101 into Beaufort and across the high rise bridge into Morehead City.

From Morehead we take Hwy 24 through Cape Carteret then through Swansboro, one of my favorite coastal towns, and on to Jacksonville. Did I mention it was hot?

We arrive at the Onslow County Shrine Club and we are ready to take advantage of some air conditioning and a bite to eat.

We caught up with the larger group here in Jacksonville since most of us were enjoying the food and cool air.

The next leg takes us to Kinston via Richlands.  Now I have to say that my back seat photographer does an excellent job.  But it was so hot I think she lost interest, so no road pictures from here on in.  Can't say I blame her.

Here inside the Lenoir County Shrine Club the riders were lined up for something cold to drink.  I wasn't too far back...

We left the Lenoir Shrine Club and make a quick gas stop just down the road.  Then we hit the four lane and the 70 MPH speed limit back to New Bern.  Needless to say we didn't run 55.  At 75 did I mention it was still hot?

We arrive at the New Bern Shrine Club at about 4:00 or so and the site of all the bikes lined up just has to make you smile.  If not then you're on the wrong blog site.

Inside there is plenty of delicious barbeque pork and chicken as well as live entertainment from Cold Biscuit.

And plenty of folks taking advantage of an excellent situation. I heard a lot of people say that the food was much better this year compared to last year.  Certainly, since the Shriners prepared it themselves this time.  Many thanks go out to the New Bern, Carteret, Pamlico and Lenoir County clubs.  You allowed us to participate in this wonderful event, raise money for a much needed cause and have fun at the same time.  Door to door for Debbie and myself was 195 miles. Did I mention it was hot? Shriners site

PARTING SHOTS A collection of my favorite shots from the trip

There was a bit of commotion over the "litterbox" under this impressive Road King. For the record I didn't see anything but for the right price I might be able to remember something about Goldwings...