The Lone Wolf Murders

I feel the need to explain a few things before we put our kickstands up and start our ride.

I rode this ride with the exception of the murders, of course, over the past several years. The places and scenes are real or based on real places in the southeast. The routes are roads I used, often shared with me by bikers or found using GPS and other currently available maps and online applications. The scenery and perceptions described are real. This book could easily be a series of rides taken by the reader. During the summer of 2012, I did just that while finishing the story. What a fantastic ride! Some minor changes were made to the descriptions to make the places work with the storyline.

Each scene described in the story was typically begun and later finished on location. In today’s current economic climate, these places may close or change names as time rides on. I encourage readers to visit and support these places. Too often, great biker destinations close due to even temporary declines in business.

The characters are based on actual people I met along this 100,000 plus mile journey sitting on the seat of my bike to get there. Much like a cherry picker selecting the best fruit, I chose the characteristics, habits, and words exhibited by the many bikers and people I met along the way to create unique and realistic characters. If we met during my journey, a character described may have something about them that reminds you of you…one never knows where a writer may get their ideas and inspirations. Maybe I was that guy at the end of the bar observing, or perhaps the rider you imparted some biker wisdom or a joke to. Maybe we shared a beer, a laugh, or even a ride together…who knows? In all but one case, the name was changed to protect the innocent, or perhaps, the not so innocent.

One can never say enough to describe the gratitude I feel for the bikers, coworkers, friends, and family who helped guide this story in ways they or I could ever anticipate or understand at the time.

Most incidents described were inspired by actual events experienced along the way, providing the spark for what is described. While writing this work of fiction, I provided a monthly story to the local biker magazine, Thunder Roads of Alabama/Florida Panhandle about places to go, routes to take, and biker events. The owner/editors, readers, along with those I shared my vision with, provided support and encouragement, and indeed, the inspiration for the story. Thank you!

Throughout the book, I imbedded biker tips, humor, ride routes, and terms used by those whose paths I crossed along the way. In fact, a reader that has never ridden or perhaps just started riding a motorcycle may gain an understanding of what non-riders think of as bikers and their culture. To set the record straight, I am not an expert on being a biker, but I do have a passion, or perhaps a compulsion for the freedom of the ride. I feel compelled to share what I have learned and observed in an entertaining manner. Karma and totems often guided me to interesting places, amazing timing, and special people…or was it all just coincidence? I doubt it.

I tried to be a bit conservative with the language used by the characters, but let’s face it…it is a novel about bikers, so one can only do so much.

Kickstands up…let’s get started on the journey. Enjoy the Ride!