As many times as I've traveled the winding two-lane mountain road leading to 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort, I am still blown away by the beauty of the panoramic landscape leading to it. Occasionally the wind seems to sweep me toward one of several pull-off areas along the route to soak in the stunning view. Miles of lush evergreens silhouetted against the rolling mountain peaks are a feast for the eyes, and the pungent fragrance of pine wraps around me like a blanket. The breathtaking scenery and fresh country air make John Denver's song "Rocky Mountain High" play in my mind as I gaze at the majesty of it all. Mounting my bike after this soul-soothing experience, I leave the serenity with a tinge of reluctance. But the anticipation of my destination makes twisting the throttle a bit easier. It's often said that it's the journey, not the destination, which makes a trip worthwhile. But in this case both are delightful.

Leaning into a sharp left-hand turn, I hear the unmistakable deep-throated rumble from a gaggle of Harleys somewhere up ahead reverberating through the valley as I approach the turn-off from Highway 25. Entering the paddock area of the resort, the Harleys are lining up as if displaying for a military inspection. As I lower my kickstand, I detect the high-pitched whine of a pack of "rice rockets" as they downshift and slow to join the revelry and camaraderie of their two-wheeling brethren. The British bikes are already here. They pop and crackle as they cool down from their journey.

Panning the parking lot, the dazzle of polished chrome, metal flaked, and pearlized custom paint jobs in every conceivable combination sparkle and flash like a fireworks display. There are seemingly endless rows of motorcycles, everything from highly customized choppers to showroom stock street bikes. And it's only the middle of the week at 29 Dreams Motorcycle Resort.

At one corner of the parking lot, a display of bikes from an independent bike builder out of Atlanta, who specializes in all-American custom-built choppers, beckons us to a selection of one-off bikes. The talk around the lot is that Sunday's offering will be from a local dealership that will trailer in some of Britain's newest creations for a sneak preview. From subsequent trips to 29 Dreams I have learned that if there isn't a big name venue at the resort, you can bet your saddlebags that one of the local bike shops would be showing off a couple of their custom bikes. And I've yet to be disappointed.

29 Dreams is in reality the vision of cycle enthusiast Tim Langley who bought up 29 acres of wooded countryside in Vandiver, Alabama and turned it into a true "country club" exclusively for fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. The resort consists of a spacious lodge, cycle repair facility, goody shop, cozy cabins and campsites. As Tim likes to say, "29 Dreams is more than a place. It's a state of mind." And it seems that everyone on two wheels these days has this cool place on their minds and agenda.

Whether I'm hanging out in the lodge watching the big screen TV, sitting on the large outdoor porch soaking in nature, or strolling around the grounds checking out the bikes, I always meet fellow bikers from all walks of life, from the well worn to the well groomed, who truly enjoy sharing their passion for riding. Make no mistake about it, visitors at 29 Dreams are hard-core bike lovers.

When we're ready to call it a day, a hot home-cooked meal, a cold beverage, and a friendly chat around the communal campfire is a welcome respite from the day's journey. As evening approaches, screech owls bid farewell to those who head for home and hearth, while Screaming Eagles (or perhaps Vance and Hines) announce the arrival of those hearty souls who want to immerse themselves in some nighttime Southern hospitality and stay the night. Many evenings, riding buddies, my better half, and I have observed the orange glow from campfires sprinkled among the thickets of pines and hardwoods, casting undulating shadows that sparkle and reflect from the campers' bikes parked nearby. Tents seem to bellow from the laughter streaming out from them, rising up and mingling with the smoke curling up from the campfires. This is truly a place for us to kick back, loosen up the leathers, and breath in the "good life." But when sleeping under the stars isn't our choice, we spend the night in one of the resort's cozy cedar cabins.

Following a good night's sleep - although a short one - here's a typical scenario of our "morning after" at 29 Dreams: Just as the sun is beginning to peek over the mountains we hit the showers to wash off the stardust. Then we head for one of the best breakfast buffets around. After a hearty delicious breakfast, and our caffine levels are in their normal operating range, we sit on the spacious side porch and plan a ride. Life is good!

If your next road trip takes you down south near Birmingham, come on by and join us. I'll be the one with the big grin on my face. But at 29 Dreams, that would be everyone.

For information, directions, and reservations, you can contact Tim and his staff at betty@29dreams.com, by telephone at 205-672-0309, or fax them at 205-672-8628. For an overview of what 29 Dreams is, visit their website at www.29dreams.com