Deals Gap: Where's the Apostrophe?

During the making of Why They Ride, we learned a lot about the history of the Dragon and Deals Gap, NC. One of the more interesting, trivial things was why there's no apostrophe in "Deals Gap" on maps and road signs. It was indeed intended to be a possessive title. Since its inception in 1890, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (we'll call it "The Board") has discouraged the use of the possessive form.

The Board gives no reason for this decision; it's a geographical mystery. There are myths and theories, of course, one being that apostrophes will look too much like they're indicating a formation in the topography. Their own website suggests the reason is "ownership of a feature is not in and of itself a reason to name a feature or change its name." I reckon they take that possessive thing seriously.

If you're still intrigued, check this out: In the last 118 years or so, only five natural features have been approved by The Board to use apostrophes. Martha's Vineyard was allowed the use of an apostrophe after the residents fought for it in 1933. The other apostrophe recipients seem to rightfully deserve one as it may change the way it's read: Ike's Point, John E's Pond, Carlos Elmer's Joshua View (overlooks a stand of Joshua trees), and Clark's Mountain (referring to the importance of the Clark of Lewis and Clark fame). Pikes Peak does not contain an apostrophe on maps or signs either.

So, if you're typing or writing the location, Deals Gap, I wouldn't worry so much about the apostrophe. Grammatically you'd be correct in saying that it was Mr. Deal's gap in the mountains and geographically you'd be correct if you left the apostrophe out. Seems the The Board just doesn't want to allude to Mr. Deal owning the gap but will acknowledge that people call it his gap.

To learn more about the history of the Dragon at Deals Gap, see our special features here. Our interviews with Doug Snavely are more about how motorcycling evolved there than grammatical details, I promise!

Tom and Jerry: One Year Later

If you have seen our documentary, you've met Tom and Jerry, a father and son from Wisconsin. When we first interviewed them over a year ago, they were riding through Indy headed to the Smoky Mountains together. When we learned they'd be coming back through Indy this month, we jumped at the chance to have lunch with 'em and shake hands again.

We've been asked how we know these guys and here's how the planets originally aligned... While looking through online forums to prepare for our filming at Deals Gap, NC, I saw a random post that read: "First timer to the Dragon." We thought this guy might be a good subject to interview to get a good before-n-after perspective of the Dragon. It was Tom asking for advice on where to stay in the area, saying that he would be riding there with his Dad on their first trip to the Smokies. We were very surprised to learn that they happened to have planned their trip the same week as ours. They were even passing through Indy the day before we would leave town. Perfect. We intersected their route, had lunch in the Circle City, then filmed the "before" interview. We'd catch up to them a couple days later for their "after" interview in North Carolina. 

We were thankful that the timing worked out so well, but even more thankful that they were some of the most genuine people we've met. They played such a special role in our documentary. 

We couldn't thank them enough for their time...but they still insisted on buying lunch. We met up this last Monday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on a carbon copy of the day we first filmed them. After lunch, we parted ways and wished them well until we meet again. Couldn't help but think how blessed they are to be riding together in good health and good spirits. On the way out of the Speedway, we wondered if we'll still be riding with our Dad when he's 75 yrs old? We certainly plan on it. 

Sweepin' the Nation

After two weeks since the release of Why They Ride, DVDs have been sold and sent to 29 of the United States as well as Australia and Canada. Which state has purchased more copies? Good ol' Tennessee! See if your state ranks in the top 5 below:

1. Tennessee

2. Florida

3. Indiana & Texas (tie)

4. North Carolina & Ohio (tie)

5. New York

Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, California, and Pennsylvania are close behind. If you don't see your abbreviation in the following list of supportive states, by golly, visit our site and represent your part of the country by purchasing a DVD! :)  AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WV.