Somerset

AUGUST 19, 2010 - DAY 15 - SOMERSET, PA

Today is a big day. First and foremost it is Angel's 40th birthday! It is also the day the 9/11 Ride begins and everyone arrives in Somerset.

After breakfast we grab a taxi to take us to the salon for our mani-pedi's, my gift to Angel as well as myself. Now I had made these appointments well in advance and put the info into my phone. Turns out when I rescheduled I deleted the correct salon and kept the wrong one, so that is where we show up. That isn't even the crazy part because it was quickly realized, at least by us. But the blonde bimbo receptionist, yep I said it, was not capable of connecting the dots. It was all we could do to not bust up laughing in astonishment after unsuccessfully trying to get her to understand.

So we head out and walk up the hill to the center of downtown, with it's brick buildings and old houses, to the correct salon. We love it. Although it is always great to just sit back, relax and be pampered, it also felt kind of strange. I think we have just gotten used to constantly being on the go. It was difficult, but we struggled through all the relaxing! Actually, I think we both could have easily fallen asleep in the chairs.

Once we are done we head back down the hill and into the H-D dealership to check on our oil changes. Seems I had some extra issues. Apparently my Y-Pipe was so badly cracked that I couldn't have returned home with it. So I pay for repairs. It was then brought to my attention that I really need a new front tire too. I chose to go to lunch instead. But when I got off the bike a block away I noticed not only did the front tire look rather balding but as I ran my hand across it I felt a flat spot. So as soon as lunch was complete I was outside and heading back to the H-D dealership for a new front tire. The guys in service at Highland H-D are friendly, helpful and just all around great. I cannot thank Craig and Nate enough for all they did!

This is also the day the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) provide escorted rides to Shanksville and the United 93 Memorial crash site. We decide to get there before the crowds so we go out on our own. This is my third time to visit the crash site and each time the area for viewing has changed as they prepare to build a memorial. However, the American flag that stands in the ground where the plane hit the earth is unmoved.

I have also felt different emotions each time I visit. The first year was just a rush of emotions, especially as I listened to the Park Ranger describe the actual events pieced together from phone calls and the black box. Last year I felt as if I was riding into a heavy blanket as I neared the site, as though I could feel the souls of all those brave, innocent victims resting on my shoulders. And the weight was lifted as I rode away. This year my stomach began to twist and knot up as I arrived. I literally felt pain, while my heart felt as though it had slowed. This time the feeling didn't leave immediately as I finally rode away, but was gradual. However, by the time we returned to Somerset I was feeling better.

Our next adventure was trying to find Angel some O'Douls to drink tonight for her birthday. We visit the restaurants for a six-pack but they only have beer. Finally, we hit a liquor store and buy a case, since that's the only way they sell it. She only wants a couple of bottles but has decided the rest will be a donation to the hotel bar. It was quite a sight to see a case strapped to the luggage rack of a bike!

When we finally arrive back at the hotel the first group is lining up for their visit to the crash site. We put our things away and get ready to help with the changing of the flag behind the hotel. It is a very large flag pole that has been dedicated to the heroes of United Flight 93 by the people of Somerset, and the exceptionally large flag is now tattered. Angel and I do photo duty for the men chosen to lower, remove, replace and raise the flags. It is good to see the respect and care they take with the flags and I am glad to be there to watch this ceremony.

Then it was time to go out for Angel's birthday dinner. Everyone had raved about the Pine Grill. The food was fine but the service left quite a bit to be desired. Not what we were hoping for. But as we walked back to the hotel the bad service was forgotten when we tried to pick up the birthday cake. Seems Dairy Queen couldn't find it. There was a lot of confusion and it seemed like the night was continuing on a downhill trend, when suddenly the manager asked what type of cake it was. When Angel described it he said he had only one like that and it was a birthday cake but it did not have the name "Angel". Instead it said "Happy Birthday Broad". Seems one of the guys had it set up as a joke. We laughed the rest of the way to the hotel.

When we got there we headed to the bar where "T" the bartender helped out with the candles & the DJ so we could deliver Angel her cake with the entire bar singing to her. It was a fun night with everyone sending her birthday wishes and sharing in the cake.

But as full a day as it was, and as fun a night as it was becoming, we all had to turn in at a decent time. No turning into pumpkins for the two of us! Tomorrow morning comes early as we need to be lined up at the Harley shop by 7 a.m.