The 2009 Wreath Ride is in the record books and as a matter of fact it was almost the "Ride that Never Was". We had not even begun to dry out after some serious weather on the Outer Banks that hit us just days before the ride. Some called it the "Rain with No Name" others referred to it as a "Nor' beaster", regardless it dumped over 12 inches of rain in less than 48hrs and we are still flooded in many areas a week later. At least 18 ocean front homes were lost and certain sections of route 12 are closed as of today 11-18-09. All that being said, the weather the day of the ride left a lot to be desired, as it was the fisrt day in three without substantial rain fall. It was a threatening, misty, foggy day but the Faithful were there although some may have called them the Foolish. 40 riders registered at the Currituck Welcome Center on the VA/NC State line in Moyock, NC. Outer Banks Hog Chapter was well represented as were the Blue Knights for the second year. The bottom line, we raised $1,750.00 for the National Wreath Project and those that rode enjoyed not only a police escort but pork bar-b-que with all the fixin's and live music when we arrived at Outer Banks Harley Davidson.

When this thing was off the coast of the Yucatan I thought it could cause us some problems. Well as it turned out, it did and the bottom line is you can't mess with or count on Mother Nature, but you really only need "A Few Good Riders" to make the day a success.

Photos L-R 1.Jody Baker, Flo Brown & Judy Kline register riders at the Currituck Welcome Center. 2.Eric Newbanks, (named after his uncle Eric McColley) was the youngest participant in this years ride.3. Riders gather for pre ride instruction. 4. Susan & I were asked to lead the ride

Photos L-R 1. Pulling into the dealership. 2. The Blue Knights join the ride for the second year. 3. Hey Jack, is the pork ready yet? 4. l-r Chris & Amy Baker got up at '0 Dark:30 to start a mountain of pork, HOG Director & dad, Clayton Baker seems to be in front of the line. 

Photos L-R 1. You would think that no one in the crowd ate breakfast. 2.Waiting for the drawing. 3. HOG Director introduces Outer Banks Harley Davidson owner Maurice Slaughter. 4 A photo of the photographer Coley Motes

Photos L-R 1. Some of the 16 drawing winners. 2. The Joe Gosman Band volunteered their talent. 3&4 Dad& HOG member Eddie Gosman "Rocks the House" with a rendition of, "The Steam Roller Blues", then tones it down with a tribute to all veterans, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All".

                         What can I say, it was a good day to be with friends and supporters