Today we took part in the ABATE Helmet Rally in Columbia .  Dana and I met Mark and Lori ( Sumter members from Bishopville) at Food Lion.  We left at 11:15 for Lil John’s house ( Midland ’s 1^st Officer).  As we entered Columbia Guy Alexander ( Sumter member that lives in Columbia ) joined the group.  We arrived at John’s house at about noon – I rode straight there without any wrong turns despite never being there before (so there Harry).  We chatted a bit and left John’s house around 12:20 for the parade starting point which is about two miles from John’s house.  There we met up with Sandy (1^st Officer from Low Country), her husband, and another member she brought along.

The Rally started on time and rode safely to the State House (about five miles) where some ABATE members and local politicians spoke.  There Robert Howard (our member that lives in Lugoff) finally tracked us down at the State House and joined us.  We hung out for a little bit and then decided to go eat.

We found this restaurant famous for their chicken wings and very nice waitresses – I can’t recall what the name of it was exactly, but it had something to do with an Owl.  At the restaurant we were joined by John’s wife and daughter.

After lunch John went home, and the rest of us headed east on Hwy 20.  Guy fell off at Hwy 77, Robert rode as far as Hwy 601 in Lugoff, and Dana and I separated from Mark and Lori at Hwy 521 in Camden as they made their way to Bishopville.

The weather was great so that made the ride even better.  Dana and I did about 101 miles from the start in Sumter to when we got back there at about 4:30 .  I’m sure Mark and Lori did more, and Guy, Robert, and John did less.  The Low Country Chapter ( Charleston ) I’m sure took the prize for the day.

I’ll have the map posted tonight, but the pictures will follow in the coming days.