Motocentral @ The Honda Hoot
I believe we picked the best year to attend our first Hoot. The Honda Hoot celebrated it's 15th Aniversary this year. The only big disappointment was thethe lack of vendors. I needed to pick up another set of ROK straps and not a single dealer had them. My only other gripe from the entire week was from the Friday night party, There were not enough comfort facilities and I'm sure everyone that stood in line for twenty minutes like I did would agree. However, the fireworks were probably the best we have ever seen.
Being our first Hoot we signed up for a good number of arranged rides. If I had any idea how fabulous the roads were in Tennessee I would have not scheduled so many Hoot events. We did take the Devil's Triangle, (thank you, MADMAPS) before heading into Knoxville Tuesday, June 17th. That was a very nice ride, even with the ST1300s loaded with our gear.
Bill and I met up with Don, a fellow member on the ST-Owners Forum at the Welcoming Party Tuesday. Our small group did a couple of rides together and went to the Closing Ceromonies. It was great meeting and riding with you Don! By the way, there were many STs (1100 & 1300) present. Who said Honda's Sport-Touring machine wasn't popular?
Tuesday, June 17th:
<<< Early Bird pickup and the Welcoming Party were held at the Marriott Hotel.
Wedensday, June 18th:
We rode the Cheronala Skyway Ride, including the Dragon, and we did it twice. We just had to ride in both directions. The Skyway was absolutely beautiful and the Dragon was great fun.
Thursday, June 19th:
We took the Capes and Cavern Ride to the Cumberland Caverns and ate lunch in the "Bat Cave"
Friday, June 20th:
We took a breakfast cruise on the Tennessee River, on the Star of Knoxville Riverboat. After breakfast we headed out to Chilhowee Park to check out the vendors and other happenings at the Hoot meeting place. That evening we attended "A Night at Volunteer Landing". The fireworks were probably the best I have seen yet.
Saturday, June 21st:
<<< The trip out to Norris Dam on the Best Dam Ride and Fish Fry was a real highlight. This is a ride I would sign up for again. The food was excellent and I'm not a big fish eater.
A "helicopter"? I thought the Dam was a No-Fly Zone. >>>
Closing Ceromonies were held at the Civic Coliseum, with a private performance by Wynonna Judd. It was an excellant concert. The Lady can SING!
We really enjoyed our trip to the Hoot and will probably do it again next year. The ST1300s racked up over 2000 miles for the week. I think I need to change the oil again.
Late Update: The 09 Hoot has been cancelled due to economic conditions. That's understandable, but it's a shame. We hope it will be back in 2010.
Honda Hoot 2008 Image Gallery
Photos by Bill and Kim Muhr. Dragon photos by Zeefoto.com, Killboy.com and US129photos.com