Last Friday I left on a three day motorcycle trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Thirteen Harley Davidsons and twenty people made the trip. None of us had ever been there before but there was GREAT anticipation of what we were about to see because we had all seen photos on line.We headed out 6:30 AM for the 200 mile ride. The weather was foggy for the first hour but then cleared to bright sunny skies by the time our breakfast stop was over.
In all my years of motorcycling, the roads around the PA. Grand Canyon and all of the surrounding western PA. countryside were the best I've ever ridden. That opinion was echoed throughout our group of very seasoned riders. We saw a lot of beautiful countryside, some great sites, and amazing weather.
I was WAY overdue for a trip like this. In spite of the fact that I live my life striving to always be positive, the recent problems in the economy and the world, along with my loss of Faith in people in general had just taken it's toll on me. Little did I know that throwing some clothes and the wife on the back of the Harley and heading north would change that.
We traveled with an amazing group of old Friends and even some new ones. Good solid people that can take your mind off of what ails you with everything from compassion to a sharp comment to loosen you up at just the right time.
This area and the people of western Pennsylvania are GREAT examples of what an amazing Country we live in. The scenery was breath taking.... moving me to near tears on several occasions as I thought about what a lucky man I am to have the beautiful woman, that rode with me, as my wife.... to how lucky I am to live in a place where I can enjoy the things that life has given me.
We met amazing people along the way... from the American Legion Riders of Jersey Shore, Pa. to the local guy that took an entire day of his life to jump on his Harley and lead us on rides thru the mountains and countryside of western Pa. for 350 miles on Saturday. Kind people were met at every stop and their Prayers for safe travel were greatly apopreciated by all in our group.
I pulled into my garage at 5PM yesterday with 800 miles traveled and an exhausted body. I also arrived home with the great gift of a cleansed mind and Spirit as well as a renewed Faith in America and the large majority of people that are lucky enough to call this amazing place "Home".
May God Bless every single one of us.
Peace-
