Sorting photos, hang in there folks. Here's a teaser shot to hold you over for a couple of days. (take it easy on the guy, he totally owned up to his mistake and was an all around nice fella)

Weekend Update - May 20-22, 2005

Well the photos are uploading into our store right now. We shot over 11,000 pics last week, so be prepared to dig. Sorry. Keep in mind that you can adjust how many thumbnails are displayed on a page by clicking on "show more options" in the upper-right corner. I'd go with something like "5 Across" and "20 Down" so you get 100 at a time.

Big update this week naturally. The cruisers dominated the numbers with police a close second. Most of the LEOs were reasonable, but we did get a few reports of some unprofessional treatment by some of the TNHP guys. One ordained minister friend of mine got the "GD" bomb dropped on him for 47 in a 30. Appearantly the trooper, who had just been kind enough to give Lori a lift that morning to where we were setup, thought he was trying to run from him on his off-road motorcycle. (which never left the road) A few others got stopped for stuff like 39 in a 30, etc. I've just received word that the TNHP is getting formal complaints, and they are investigating the actions of their troopers last weekend. Thank you Lieutenant Thomas!

Fortunately those numbers were in the minority, and most folks were left alone to enjoy the road. It rained pretty hard Friday, and a tornado touched down over in Maryville, but the weather cleared up for Saturday and Sunday and it was perfect. Hopefully this Memorial Day weekend will be pleasant. On to the highlights!

Psst...look out behind you.

There were almost as many cops on the road as bikes.

As mentioned in the previous update, the THNP and Blount County Sheriff's Office setup mobile command posts down by the lakes. Here the TNHP chopper lands after scouting for accidents.

My dumb ass left my headlights on while I stood around talking to the cops. Thanks for giving me the jump guys. And extra thanks to Lori for making sure to catch it on camera. (ass ;)

Be aware the Punkin Center campground (just north of Deal's Gap on Hwy 129) has been undergoing constant renovations. It's now paved with cabins for rent and even has a motorcycle fountain.

The Wakin' the Dragon motorcycle rally kicked off Friday. Attendance was less than expected, but there were still several hundred bikers despite the Myrtle Beach rally and the rains Friday.

The infield was filled with vendors and a stage for the bands.

Plenty of cruisers enjoying the great riding around the area.

Consequently, there was plenty of meat on the road.

Our girl Ziggy was out there on her wild trike.

Cool portable burn-out setup. They even shot video and burned it to DVD on-the-spot. The rear tires sat on replacable, smooth concrete slabs.

They held a tattoo contest. There was some pretty wild needle work on hand.

There was a weiner eating contest. The ladies would ride through on the back of their honey's motorcycle and try to bite off as much of the hot dog as possible. Some were successful...

...some got a face full of mustard.

There was a wet t-shirt contest that immediately devolved into a topless contest. In an attempt to keep from getting my website banned from MORE workplaces, I'm keeping the nudity to a semi work-safe level. The rest of the shots are in Our Store.

They were using ice water.

She was having fun though.

She reminds me of my friend Gigi. ;)

We even got some boobie action on the Gap.

Back at the rally, there was even a Mountain Dew sportbike complete with spinners.

There were some crazy choppers on display.

It's funny, we get people now and then asking if we think they can make it through the Gap on their full dresser. We say "Hey, if semis and guys on stretched and raked choppers can make it through, I think you'll be fine."

A little trike action.

"No Hunting" on the rear tire. That is one crazy creation.

That should be an interesting video.

He was going so fast, his bike was up on 3 wheels. Not often you get to say that.

Steppenwolf played Saturday night. ("Magic Carpet Ride" - "Born to be Wild") We had stage access so we got some killer shots.

A little duet action.

There was a pretty big audience of several hundred.

Amen Motorcycles was on hand with some killer designs.

They did bring thier hubless bike, but I never saw it go through the Gap.

Here's the rear tire. I think I could have crawled through the hub.

Look, up in the sky, it's a TNHP helicopter with a camcorder sticking out the window.

I wonder how the video turned out.

The Z-cars did their annual thing...poor guys.

They got a little rain Friday.

I used to own one of these. (it was a '90 TT) If I'm not mistaken, that is the Bomex front airdam? Very smooth ride...I still think this body style is one of the sexiest cars on the road, and a little more attractive than the new one. (although the new 350 ain't bad in any way) I always said I didn't know how they were ever going to make it look any better.

You win best of show buddy. Great shot Keith!

It was pretty cool to see so many beautifully similar cars.

Sweet lean shot.

Funny signs.

Jacob and Noah get a new perspective on the action.

Several Canadians came down for the weekend, and we ran the "50s" around in the parking lot of the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort Sunday night. They left the lights on for us and even cooked dinner. Here I am cranking on my friend Jay's CRF50.

Toe feelers.

Crazy scooter.

Looks comfy down there doesn't he? Not so sure about the bare hands though...I've always said I'd hate to have to ask someone else to wipe my ass for me because I shredded my hands refusing to wear gloves.

Nice form!

Wal-Mart selling helmets now? ;-)

Awesome capture of the sun gleaming off his polished rim.