After a week in Italy, it was back home to the USA, and back on the road.  It was also time for another scheduled maintenance stop - the guys at Touring Sport BMW in Greenville, SC were a big help.

This time I was able to schedule my maintenance stop with a visit to a friends home and a tour of the BMW plant in South Carolina.

Falls Park - Greenville, SC. - Near my friends house.

Falls Park - Greenville, SC. - Near my friends house.

The Zentrum, BMW Visitors Center.

The Zentrum, BMW Visitors Center.

(Panoramic)

Although a BMW Automobile Plant (they make the X-5 and the Z-4) they did have a few motorcycles on hand in the museum to show the history of BMW Manufacturing.

This is 'Amigo' one of the few bikes to traverse the Darren Gap.

Some more history of the BMW Motorcycles.

Deals Gap, North Carolina - The "Tree of Shame."

Deals Gap, home of 'The Dragons Tail,' is a gathering point for motorcycle riders - 318 curves in 11 miles, taking you into the state of Tennessee.

The "Tree of Shame" is a tree with parts of motorcycles whose riders were unfortunate enough to crash during their ride along 'The Dragons Tail.'

It really is an amazing section of road and a really fun ride - but, you must remember to always ride within your level of skill or you will become a part of the "Tree of Shame" rather than just appreciate it.

From North Carolina/Tennessee I made my way north along the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit some friends in Virginia.

I highly recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway - No commercial vehicles allowed, No signs or advertising allowed, nothing but beautiful scenery.  The only downside - 45 mph speed limit.

Unfortunately, I received word that a friends husband was killed in Iraq. 

I attended the funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., (8-19-2005).

 

Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., (8-19-2005)

After a few weeks visiting with my mom & dad, family and friends I was once again on the road. 

See you in September...