Ducks Along the Blue Ridge 2004

Repeated checks to weather.com had been yielding great weather conditions for the Ninth Annual Ducks Along the Blue Ridge Rally. At the last minute this changed and it looked like we were going to get rained on. Friday started off sunny but went down hill after twelve noon. Those of us who got there a little early got some riding in without rain gear but we were glad to carry it. The group I rode with covered about 135 miles on valley river roads, some of the most relaxing and entertaining riding around.

Saturday morning we awoke to wet pavement and two State Troopers on Harleys! It turns out they were there for escort duty at a mall so at least they left, which is more than we can say for the rain! Now common folklore tells us that Ducati riders are prima donnas and do not ride in the rain. Well we had 47 riders who made the ride to lunch and considering we had about 60 riders signed up for the event that is a great showing. We rode most of the way in the rain. At a stop to put on more rain gear a few of our riders noticed a little old lady down on her hands and knees on the steps of a local church. It turns out she had fallen and broken her hip. RC Cole, a nurse, assessed her condition and recommended she go to the hospital. They remained with her until her daughter came for her. I think Ducati riders just went up a notch in the eyes of the local northern North Carolina residents.

The skies opened up later in the day and mountain roads cease to be fun when you cannot see approaching turns. As a result we only got in about 130 miles and then headed back to the hotel. Dinner was great as usual and this year we added a new twist, a shuttle bus to the country club. This allowed the consumption of adult beverages and prevented riders getting lost on the way home to the hotel in the dark. Door prizes were provided by Ducati NA, Charlotte BMW-Ducati and Myers Ducati.

Sunday looked sad and rain was forecast to be around until Monday. Despite this many riders went out for breakfast but we never needed our rain gear. Out of the 66 who pre-registered we had 59 participate at the event. Ducks can be hearty if they want!

Jim Calandro
Capo

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