Helmet Law Map | Articles | Photos | Product Reviews | Patches and Stickers | Links | Join Ezine

Helmet Free Riding in Western North Carolina, August 11-13, 2006

Photos and Article by FastFred Ruddock

The wet weather deterred some from joining the ride this week but there is always next time. I had a blast riding through the mountains of North Carolina without a helmet. Biker rights and civil disobedience is fun you should try it soon. I got my first North Carolina ticket this weekend. Friday night Scott rode up from Greenville to meet me in the Cove. Thanks to Bad Bob there were a few cold PBRs waiting in the frig. The rain was not hard and the cool temperatures were welcomed. Scott did not forget his helmet because he left it at home on purpose. Note his rainsuit in the photo below.

Scott with a hat rather than a helmet

Note Scott's rainsuit pants

Rainy ride to Lake Lure

I awoke to the sound of rain later Saturday morning. The rain was not very hard and I decided to ride towards Lake Lure and Asheville since taking photos of waterfalls was out of the question. I found one other couple out riding in the liquid sunshine at Margaritagrille. After one beer I continues on 74-A towards Asheville. I passed an accident with several state troopers directing traffic; none of them noticed or mentioned my lack of a helmet.

Where are all the bikes?

A sunny Asheville minutes later

Downtown Asheville on Hwy 25

As I arrived in Asheville the clouds parted and I could see some blue skies. The weather was still cool even as the sun shined down on me. I stopped by Barleys for a some food and a cold Pisgah Solstice beer that was quite strong and tasty. Upon leaving I found a warning ticket on my bike for failing to feed my meter.

My warning ticket

Map of the no helmet run through WNC

Still making the most of the nice weather I rode over to visit Roger. While visiting Roger I got some of the new Buncombe motorcycle awareness bumper stickers and hand bills. I took a scenic ride back to the cove via Hendersonville. I passed several county and city police cars along my route back. Early Sunday I rose to ride to Looking Glass Falls near Brevard in the Pisgah Forest. The ride from Brevard to Caesars Head State Park was cool and scenic; I saw a lot of motorcyclists along the ride..

Barleys and beer in Asheville

Near Georgetown NC

Looking Glass Falls near Brevard

I got some bad gas in near the South Carolina border but I still managed to make it on time to the Chester ABATE meeting at Shakers. Jeff showed me the way to his garage where we had a cold one and cleaned out my carburetor. My bike still sputtered and spit a little as I headed towards Columbia but the bad gass had passed before I reached I-26.

Checking the carb in Chester

Chester ABATE at Shakers

Jeff and Screwy

This was another fun filled weekedn despite the rain. a few more similar trips are planned for the remainder of Summer and Fall. If you'd like to join the fun contact FastFred.

Over 12 hours of riding and 600 miles of fun...

Contact FastFred

If you enjoy this website please consider making a donation; supporters receive patches and stickers.