Cody Trip - Motor Maid Convention Days 1 & 2

Day one started out with a "get to know you" type meeting. All the red ribbons (first time conventioneers) were seated up front and asked to turn their chairs around to face the rest of the members. All the regular member introduced themselves, periodically the president would stop and ask members questions, such as their advice to red ribbons, fondest memory, something they got away with, about previous trips to convention. Then life time members, silver and gold members were recognized and introduced themselves. Wow! these women are an inspiration. Note to self: next time bring tissue.

Next was the red ribbon/golden life members lunch where new members were able to enjoy some time with the members who have 50 years or more active riding membership. It was a great time to get to know people and hear great stories.

That afternoon there were district meetings and the ride meeting for the Dot Robinson Time Race the next morning. The basic premise for this race is that riders are given a trip sheet and draw numbers for starting positions. Riders are started at one minute intervals until all riders are dispatched. The goal is to average 30 MPH from start to finish.

Wednesday morning we are up and early, sign up for the time race begins at 6 AM. Even though we were there by 6:30 we were still numbers 51 & 52. This actually allowed us time to get some breakfast and shower before heading to the starting point.

I started off a bit rocky by forgetting to reset my trip meter and missed the 4th or 5th turn by a couple of miles causing me to back track some. By the time I reached the first check point I was already behind. Then I got lost again, had to stop along the way to fix my mirror that was coming off due to the vibration in the construction zone. Unfortunately I didn't gave the correct size hex so I ended up riding most of the race holding it on with my thumb. Hit a couple more check points, got lost AGAIN and took a detour down a road where the pavement just stopped and I had a couple miles of gravel. Finally, more by luck than anything else, I made it to the end point.

We had a nice BBQ lunch then, like a line of blue and white ants, made our way to the bleachers across the street for pictures. When that was complete, we were back across the street to line up for our parade through Powell.

We had a police escort through Powell and as far as I could see in front of me and behind me were motorcycles with blue and white riders. It was really awesome. When we finished in Powell, we hit the highway and gravel construction zone back to Cody where we paused at the local Ford dealer for a photo op and water. Then Cody PD escorted us as we paraded through Cody. What a blast! Can't wait to see pictures that were taken of the parade itself.

Finally back to the hotel after a long day, dinner, photos uploaded, blog updated. Time to relax and watch a little TV.