Myrtle Beach Spring Rally 2008

Lisa and I weren't sure we would be able to attend the spring rally this year because I was still recovering from my operation. During my last visit to the doctor I specifically asked about riding a motorcycle and he wanted me to wait until my next visit before riding. That being the case, I would not be able to ride a motorcycle during the spring rally.

Months before the spring rally, Lisa and I made plans to stay at the Plantation Resort. It is just a few miles south of the southern Harley Davidson dealer and north of Suck Bang Blow. That being the case, it seemed like it would be a great place to stay for the spring rally. Since we had already made reservations and could not get our money back, we decided to go to stay at the resort even if we wouldn't be able to participate in all the normal events.

We headed out on Saturday, 5/10/2008, at about 1315. After three, non-stop hours of driving we arrived at the Ridley truck/tent. Luckily we stoped by because the last Limited edition was sold, but it was still there.

We had a short visit with Clay, Jay, Tim and Derek before heading out for the Plantation Resort.

On Sunday, 5/11/2008, we spent some time at the pool and hot tub before venturing out for the day. We visited a few vendors and eventually ended up at the Ridley truck/tent. We enjoyed talking to potential new owners as well as existing owners. I also found myself drawn to the area where Tim was installing upgrades on new or existing Ridleys. I was able to get a complete understanding of the new parking brake system that is being installed on the new Ridleys. I you have a Ridley that came from the factory with a belt drive, then you can add the parking brake to your motorcycle. One of the things that I liked about the parking brake is that it serves as a sort of security system for your motorcycle. Someone that is not familiar with a Ridley would not know what to do in order to get the motorcycle started. I would consider installing the parking brake on our Ridleys if the option was available. That is not the case.

I think it was Wednesday, but don't shoot me if I am wrong. Ridley was filming with American Thunder. During this event I got a glimpse of the potential future for Ridley. Here is a video clip of a motorcycle that Ridley demonstrated for the segment.  Click on the link below to open up the vidoe clip.  I know that Tim really enjoys doing this.

http://www.auto-glide.com/images/MBS2008/Lanvideo.AVI

After watching this I had to imagine doing it myself.

This motorcycle was powered by a Harley Davidson 88ci engine. Ridley has adapted a CVT (automatic) transmission for this engine. The result could be the future for Ridley. Although future Ridleys might be powered by an even bigger engine.

I really think Clay enjoyed this picture. I know I would have enjoyed it if I were given the opportunity.

On Thursday, 5/15/2008, there was supposed to be a group Ridley ride starting from the Ridley truck/tent at 1100. Unfortunately, the people that suggested the ride were not at the starting location at 1100. We have tried a few different times to get a group ride together in Myrtle Beach, but we have never been successful. Maybe we can do better this fall. Thursday evening was group dinner for Ridley owners. We had a better turn out this year then last, but we were all expecting much more participation. This is a great opportunity to sit down with Ridley and other Ridley owners. I have always enjoyed it and will make every effort to continue this tradition. Next spring if you are a Ridley owners in Mrytle Beach for the spring rally, you will want to make this event a priority. Here is a potential Ridley owner. I wonder what she's thinking.

Better yet, here is another Ridley owner that is a true dog lover. I wonder how I ever got that impression?

We were lucky enough to come accross a Speedster. 

Friday, 5/16/2008, was our last night in Myrtle Beach. I tried to get Derek and Tim to go out with us to Suck Bang Blow II, but I was not successful. None the less, Lisa and I did go to without them. We sat out back on one of the bleachers watching people ride their motorcycles through the crowd all evening. Eventually, we had enough of this and we decided to head home. We hailed a cab and ended up sharing it with two other women that were trying to get back to the Strand. They proved to be very entertaining and made the cab ride home memorable.

I hate to pick on people, but I just can't get over this issue. Have you ever wanted to be able to haul your motorcycle around on a trailer behind a golf cart. Who knows, you might need to do a wheelie on the 18^th fairway or something. Can you think of a real use for such a trailer?  If you can, please let me know so I'm not left out in the dark.  I really need your help on this one.