The End - Back Home

Checked out around 9:30 AM and straight to 26 to Woodsfield - looping back around and onto the Ohio Dragon - 800 to 40 back into Columbus for a stop at Costco to pick up Mark's new spec's.  Then home to rest and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

And after 1,860 miles in 8 days - another trip, another batch of memories, roads, neighborhoods, back roads both gravel and paved, tar snakes, misty rain and sunshine.  A little more practice on my u-turns on hills and I'm ready to tackle the wild wild west!

The Map and Stats:
252 Miles
5:45 in the saddle

Full Circle - Lafayette in Marietta

We headed out of the Courtyard Inn in Beckley this morning to a crisp 50 degrees.  The storms had passed - the weather was calling for cool, clear, and zero humidity through the familiar roads of West Virginia.  We decided a blast through to end the trip was a little far and Marietta would be our final destination.  Full circle -back to Marietta.  A quick stop at the tri-intersection stand "Connies" for a hot dog and bbq while we watched dozens of pick-up trucks pass by was a delightful break for a perfect morning ride.

Through West Virginia and we checked into our suite at the Lafayette in Marietta - a cool vodka and gin calling our name - and out evening snack will certainly take us back to the local pub next door.  Sad to be back in Ohio - but another successful adventure coming to a happy ending.

stats168 miles
4:10 in the saddle

Beckley, WV

Tracker failed me once again - Apparently I'm technology challenged on this vacation - and I didn't get her started until our first stop.  It was raining in the morning - so we donned our gear and set out through the Jefferson National Forest.  We made it through the most traffic lights per linear mile so far on our trip.  The twisties were pretty great - however my bare front tire and the instances of fog, trucks, and road conditions hampered our ability to call this a "great riding day". 

Mark's Sena decided to fail on this day - so our trip was quiet.  We pulled into the Courtyard - pulled off our gear - hopped over to Dickeys BBQ and back to our fluffy bed for the evening.  It was a quiet day - but a much deserved sleepy night.

Roanoke

We started out at 9:08 AM.  Many miles on the Blue Ridge.  A yummie breakfast at the River Dog Cafe with a hot cup of joe -- and we were off for another day of winding roads heading north to Virginia.  

Stats:
235.6 miles
5:26 in the saddle

Alberts in Burnsville NC

Stands up approximately 9:30 AM - from the Luxbury Hotel in Maryville, NC - I crashed very early while Mark flipped around the tube.  After a bite to eat at the Brewery - the bed was calling my name.  We headed down to the Dragon through fields of winding roads following a serene lake for miles.  We entered the dragon without my apparent knowledge as the first photographer was passed.  I didn't give a whole lot of weight to the dragon until actually winding around its very calculated naturally sweeping curves.  We stopped at the end and purchased the obligatory sticker for which our refrigerators will be happy.  Back again through the dragon for a few more 35 MM shots that we will be more than happy to support the photographers and their efforts.

Down through the Cherohala skyway and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for the remainder of the day.  Our goal was to get to a little lodge in the middle of the mountains in North Carolina, owned by a very nice couple, Van & Debbie, and their "helmet phohbic" Gaia.  The inn was quaint, backed up to the Smokey mountains, beautiful views and clear skies.  Heaven on Earth.  After a bite to eat at the golf club next door we settled in for a much needed rest.

Run Forrest - run!

stats:

Snakes & Hippies

On the road at 9:30 AM - after a quick jaunt on the highway, we entered the beautiful twisted back roads of North Carolina and Tenessee.  The roadside antique, general, small quaint picturesque buildings were a dime a dozen.  We didn't miss the confederate flags at all.

We rode through a few pop-ups - but not enough to find shelter.  Hot Springs seemed to be a mecca of throwback hippies trying to find their zen on the appalachian trail, which runs right through the town along with rafting companies.  Fuel was a bit steep in Hot Springs, but when you need it - of course we're at their mercy.

Plenty of curves, meadows, farms, landscape that was spectacular - and we came out to find we were on the "rattler".  I suppose that was a good name considering how many snakes we dodged on the pavement.

One mishap on our route - south of 41 - at the Pigeon River - and we just couldn't seem to get over to Route 32 - to finish off our twisties for the day.  The storm that rolled in and the fact that pavement turned into gravel with a few switch-backs in site - made us re-think our route and safely rode 41 to the next exit where we found our route again - through Gatlinburg, TN - and through the Great  Smokey Mountains National Park.

As we pulled into Maryville, the skies opened once again, just in time to check in at the Luxbury Suites - ready to settle down for a much-needed cocktail, some R&R and kicking up to gear up for the Tail of the Dragon tomorrow.  However - somehow I think our previous days will surely rival tomorrow's itinerary.

 Pigeon River - North Carolina/Tennessee Border

 Smokey Mountains

Our lunch at the roadside BBQ makes for one happy Mark.

The map and stats:

179.17 miles
Saddle time 4:29

...

Snakes and Dragons

Stands up at 9:10 AM  After Mark's quick stop for fuel, we were headed to Tazewell to ride the Back of the Dragon. The weather was cool and a few sprinkles helped keep the bugs off the shields.  We hit a couple of back roads, but not quite the "adventure riding" as our last visit to WV, but very beautiful.  A quick bite to eat in Tazewell (at one of the 4 total places to eat) and we were off riding the Back of the Dragon to Marion.

After the Dragon - the trip became pretty spectacular- we mapped a course at lunch towards Johnson City - missed a turn and ended up on Route 421 - the "snake".  And it was about as good as we've ridden.  We passed more confederate flags than I've seen in a very long time, and that counted the one hanging on the front doors of the local high school.

We pulled into our final destination -- the Sleep Inn - right next to the Mad Greek Restaurant - where the beer was cold and the baaaak..... lava.... was delicious.    Tomorrow we will wind through some great Tennessee and North Carolina roads on our way to the Tail of the Dragon.  Hopefully we make it - but if we don't its all part of our day.  No plans, no phones, just music, twisties, mountains, streams and beautiful countryside.

Stats:

250 miles
5:54 in the saddle

And the map - I thought my tracker was on when we pulled out of Williamson - but lost 112 miles of tracking  - started at lunch prior to the Back of the Dragon

Spring in the South - Day 1

Stands up at 8:09 A.M. (no kidding).  The rain made the roads a little damp for our early departure.  Day one of our intended week long trip which should include the Dragon, Blue Ridge Parkway and a pop-in at Maggie and Charlie's to round out the vacation.

104 South as usual to get out of dodge as quickly as we can - 56 to Lauresville only to follow a detour on 327.  Finally on Route 50 through Huntington where we stopped on Logan, WV for a snack at Wendys.  A look at the radar showed that we should be pulling into Williamson, WV right when the sky should open.  After a small mishap on a hill (trying to find Route 119) - and the F800 kissed the pavement - we found our way to the Sycamore Inn.  Settling in with our peanuts, gin, vodka and soft comfy bed - we'll be charting our route tomorrow to Johnson City.

The day was fantastic as always when I'm riding - and I'm looking forward to every day ahead and the beauty, surprises, twisties and picture moments that make up our lives. Goodnight Hatfield & McCoys.


Stats:
261.5 miles
6:07 in the saddle

Spring or Summer

The morning was early - and a little harder for me than Mark.  However, after the sun and air circulated through the gear all was good again.  The temps were hovering in the 70's in the morning and unfortunately hit 90 by the end of the 250 miles today.  Southern Ohio - Portsmouth - and in between.  We stopped for lunch at a great little cafe on the river.  It is Spring, however, Mother Nature thinks its the middle of July.  She needs to realize my pool isn't even uncovered yet.

The soft fluffy fur on my seat (thanks to Mark) seemed to do the job!

Looking forward to next week and the Blue Ridge Parkway - hopefully the humidity is at least bearable.  I think it will be - and if its not - it will be okay because this is what I love to do.

And the route..