Shots from Deals Gap - July 19-20 available here!
7-29-03
Still sorting pictures from the Miata rally last weekend. We took over 3200 shots, and I'm sorting them by day and color with the image sorting program my boy Deepak made just for my picky ass. I love Canada.
Here are some freebies to hold you over...
7-22-03
Beautiful weekend at the Gap...weather was great, traffic was light. Police came out Saturday to work a bad wreck at Gravity Cavity. Several riders witnessed a dog run out into a group of bikes, and cause one guy to crash hard. I heard he broke some arms and legs. Godspeed partner.
Sunday the increasingly regular state trooper on motorcycle was sitting around shooting radar. This is the same guy that gave local Mike Prindiville a speeding ticket a few weeks ago for a whopping 44 mph, with plenty of attitude on the side. I don't know how they ever expect to convince someone of their point of view by acting like power-craved jerks. I've actually talked to some pretty cool LEO's that seem to be genuinely concerned about their ability to make a positive impact on society. You guys keep up the good fight...inside and out.
Speaking of, Blount County Sheriff's Office contacted us recently, and kindly asked permission to use one of our photos of their "Traffic Safety Unit" (the black crown vic) in their summer newsletter. We supplied the photo, and after failing to grant my request for a "Get out of Jail Free" card, they agreed to send us a copy of the newsletter. There was a small article about the increased enforcement on Deals Gap in it. There is testimonial by a concerned citizen who offers her gratitude for the increased enforcement at Deals Gap. She begins by stating that the traffic has gotten out of hand with the motorcycles and big trucks. That is the only mention of motorcycles that she makes. The entire remainder of her letter is her recollection of nearly being killed while meeting 2 semis passing each other at the Gap. She was backing up trying to avoid the trucks, and they never slowed down. She claims one of the truck drivers was even laughing at the other truck he was passing.
Sounds like even the truck drivers know they don't have anything to worry about. The cops are too busy writing us up for improper license plate placement.
Still, it drives home a point. Law enforcement goes where the complaints are. If citizens are calling in, and saying we do this or we do that, they have to respond. Let's try not to piss off the family wagons any more than we have to. Let's give them a wave, or a thumbs-up when we go around them, especially if they pull over. It may just keep their envious fury below boiling point, and mean one less phone call to the boys in blue.
Mike terminated his employment at the hotel/gas station. If anyone wants to show him some love, he can be reached at 865-692-8349. If anyone in the Knoxville area could use a damn fine motorcycle mechanic, and all around charismatic guy, give him a call.
On to the highlights!
My boys Tyler and Ronnie
Always something to see...
So much love...it brings me to tears...
I gotta say thanks to all the folks getting the word out for us in the forums and on the street. We can't really advertise at the Gap, since it is a federal forrest. Last weekend I overheard the driver of a sweet grey S2000 telling the driver of a Miata about our photography venture while they were sitting around at the overlook. I gathered it was the Miata driver's first time there. It's all very motivating, and the benefits come full circle as we offer better quality shots with the increased business. Keith upgraded to a Canon 10D several weeks ago, and I also just upgraded to a 10D. The overwhelming praise from our customers is a result of our love for what we do, and we're just getting started here. =)