SECOND ANNUAL DUCKS HEAD WEST

JUNE 25-27, 2004

The Second Annual Ducks Head West had a shaky start as it rained hard all day on Friday. As a result this rally had the smallest attendance since the first time we started having rallies nine years ago! Those who opted out were the losers this time around. Friday afternoon was saved by watching the new documentary about the Moto GP called "Faster". If you have not seen this movie you need to buy it as soon as possible. The interviews are wonderful and the racing scenes need to be seen to be believed. It was so good we ran it a second time that evening while we all ate pizza.

We awoke Saturday to cloudy skies but moderate temperatures and more importantly no rain. We used the same route as last year and the ride to Sneedsville is still one of the best roads around. Because our group was small we were able to make all the same stops and have a chance for bench racing. On the way back to Greeneville I did see Jim McKenna of Ducati North America lead his group up onto an interstate rather than under. There were not seen again until around 8 PM so we are sure they did not follow the route directions provided.

Augustino's provided dinner again this year and it was just as good as I remembered it. I even got a "to go" box so I could take some home. There are some advantages to bringing the bike up on a trailer and they include a cooler. Door prizes ere provided by Ducati North America, Ducati of Atlanta, and Myer's Ducati of Asheville. Be sure to thank them the next time you are by their shop. We had two riders from Canada and seven from Miami so all those of you who missed this rally hang your heads in shame.

Sunday was a little more over cast but still no rain. Those of us who did not have a long ride home or in the case of Mark Thorogood a very long ride home went for a short ride for breakfast. Eighty seven miles and lots of calories later we were back at the hotel to load up for the return trip. This rally was just the reverse of the Ducks Along the Blue Ridge in that we started with rain and finished with a nice weekend. Hey Ducks like water.

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