I wanted to get a ride together for Saturday. Cleared things with SOQS, chores done early. PM'd Loki, N5TBU, and Natehawk750 and to my pleasant surprise, everyone wanted to go. I thought we might ride up to the Old River Control Structures near Simmesport, LA. Hearing no objections, that's where we wound up.
So, I meet Loki near my house early in the morning and we scooted the back way to Henderson, LA, where we met Natehawk750. Nate's bike is a nice looking 750
Loki has been shopping since the rally. He's bought a helmet camera (no pics) and he took some footage of the ride. I'm sure he will post it. Also, he's got a new Givi box. This thing will give Chromy a run for the money - it's huge. BTW - Loki doesn't have any kids - shocker!!
Loki's bike is well equipped.
The 3 of us take off through more back roads to Port Barre, LA where we meet N5TBU. We introduce ourselves and talk a while.
N5TBU has toured extensively on his 2003 NH750, and his bike is real sharp. Note the trailer hitch.
On the way to P/B, Natehawk750 had a starter button issue that, in true NH fashion, we got bandaided in about 2 minutes.
So, the 4 of us take off North up the levee roads to the Old River Control Structure.
We met a man from the Army Corps of Engineers and he graciously agreed to give us a personal tour.
We learned that the Atchafalaya River is trying to take over the Mississippi River. If that happened, large areas of south Louisiana would be permanently flooded, and New Orleans would be high and dry. They also use the control structures to regulate water flow to both rivers, and the Red River as well.
The gates seal against a each tower.
A view of the channel
These guys are "Snagging". I've read about it. Fish going through the control structure are stunned by the turbulent water. These fisherman use poles with numerous treble hooks, a heavy weight, and no bait. They basically drag the hooks through the water and try to snag a fish. They catch nice catfish and an occasional sturgeon, which they have to release.
Here's the group. From left to right, Natehawk750, Loki, Hppants, and N5TBU
We ride a few miles further to a Hydro-electric plant. I was hoping for a similar tour, but no luck.
We found a working oil pumper - this one is likely pumping natural gas.
By now it's HOT - a little shade to cool of the bikes and the riders.
After a short rest, we decide to start heading back. Taking a picture while riding is NOT as easy as one may think. I don't know how Loki does this? Anyway, here's my one futile attempt.
Who says there's no white water in Louisiana?
Good looking group.
One more shot before we take off.
I put the camera up and we follow Loki's GPS to Simmesport for some lunch. I was in the rear not paying attention and I got turned around a little. We stopped at a nice retro-diner.
Nice to be in the air conditioning.
It took a long time for the food to arrive, but it was pretty good.
Loki was heading North to Alexandria from lunch, so before he broke off, I unintentionally told him the WRONG way to go. As I said, I got a little turned around. Apologies Loki. I'm sure his GPS got him back on the right track. And if not, his mud grips took care of the rest.
The 3 of us rode together back to Port Barre, where Natehawk750 split off to go home. Then I followed N5TBU back to his home town of Opelousas. Finally, I broke off solo and took the back roads back to my house. About 260 miles total for me. A great trip to say the least. We are already talking about our next adventure. Stay tuned.
