This was a trip I had planned for quite some time. During the winter months I took the time to painstakingly plot out my routes and look up campgrounds and sites I wanted to see. This was supposed to be my “out west” trip where I would visit my family in Arizona and spend about two weeks in the saddle exploring America’s southwest. However, the early spring weather had different plans as several massive and violent storms developed during the trip and forced me to adjust accordingly. It still ended up being an amazing trip that totaled just over 2400 miles.
DAY 1
Spring is in the air in South Carolina! It’s not quite April yet but here in the south the tree buds are now small leaves and the flowers are in full bloom.
For this trip I decided to take my 2022 BMW R1250RT. She has become my “go to” bike for my long rides.
I rolled the RT out of the garage and performed a quick pre-trip check. Perhaps it’s the many years I spent in the Army that make me almost obsessive about double checking everything. I like to make sure everything is buttoned down and secured before throwing a leg over the bike. I had the bike loaded and packed since yesterday so there wasn’t much to do.
Normally I like to leave in the wee hours of the morning. It’s nice to get out of town before the hustle and bustle of traffic begins. But today’s destination is Two Wheels of Suches Campground in Georgia. It’s only about a six hour ride from my house, therefore I could afford to enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee before I hit the road. I could take my time and still get there long before dark.
I put on my riding gear, kissed the wife goodbye, and I hit the starter on the RT. She roared to life and settled into an excited idle…almost as if she knows what lies ahead…the RT is always eager to knock out the miles.
“Be careful babe!” “Always hun.” it’s the phrase Narlin and I have said to each other countless times. Biking is a dangerous passion and we have lost friends because of it. But there’s something about it that gets into your blood…it’s almost like a drug and it’s near impossible to stop.
I threw on my Shoei Neotec III and mounted the RT. Gave a nod to Narlin and I was on my way.
The RT was just as excited as I was for this trip!
I rolled out of the neighborhood and said a little prayer. I’m so fortunate and blessed to be able to enjoy the abundant beauty created by God on the back of a motorcycle. Life is good!
I slowly worked my way out of Summerville until I hit I-26. Then I pointed the headlights west towards Columbia and hammered down. I try to avoid the interstate unless I’m in a city, in my opinion they are boring and rob you from truly enjoying the ride. But they are very useful if you want to efficiently cover distance. That was the goal for today. Take the interstate to Augusta GA, and then back roads to Suches.
The ride to Augusta was uneventful. I set the adaptive cruise to 85 and let the RT eat the miles. We overtook lumbering big rigs and slow moving cars with ease. I was appreciating my new Russell Day Long seat…what a difference it makes! Normally I would stop in Columbia for a quick break. But with the new seat I still felt fresh, comfortable, and eager for more when I rolled into Columbia. So I kept it going, I rolled through Columbia and made my way to Augusta.
I pulled into Augusta and stopped to top off the RT and grab a quick lunch from Olive Garden. I rode about 2.5 hours nonstop and thanks to my new saddle my ass, back, hips, and knees felt great! The stock RT seat isn’t bad, but if I rode 2.5 hrs nonstop I would definitely be feeling it and ready for a break.
After my short fuel and lunch break I rolled out of Augusta and headed towards Suches using the backroads. I put the RT in Dynamic mode and let her do what she was meant to do. The roads up here in northern GA are fine riding roads. Twisting and turning with plenty of hills.
A funny thing happened while cruising the back roads. My GPS turned me on a sketchy road to save a half a mile on my trip. I should have trusted my gut instinct and just ignored the directions, but I foolishly followed the GPS.
The road started out as a rough and narrow paved road. About a mile later the asphalt completely disappeared and the road was now pure sand! If I had a GS or an adventure bike it wouldn’t have been an issue…but the RT is NOT an adventure bike. I rolled to a stop and decided to turn around. I had the RT packed for a two week trip so she was heavy. The road was narrow so a multipoint turn was the only option. Just when I thought I was turned around enough the 17″ front wheel of the RT dug into the soft sand. I gently feathered the clutch trying to power through the sand when the rear wheel started spinning and dug its own hole. I was stuck!
I shut down the RT and assessed my situation, Not a soul was in sight so asking for help wasn’t an option. I put the RT in neutral and began rocking her back and forth, trying to get her out of the rut it dug. I was sweating my ass off…the RT ain’t exactly light. Yet I was thankful I wasn’t on my K1600…I would have been totally screwed. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t get it out of the rut. I would get so close but never quite enough. The sand was so soft that the rut just seemed to get deeper.
After several failed attempts I decided to start the RT and rock her until she was just about out of the groove. Then I switched her to road mode to soften up the suspension, hopped on and gave her the berries while popping the clutch as if I were on a dirt bike. The RT bucked and fishtailed her way forward until she finally broke free! The traction control lights and ABS lights were going crazy, and I was holding on for dear life like a saddle bronc rider.
When the road turned back into pavement, I stopped for a few minutes to catch my breath and drink water. It only took about 10 minutes or so to get unstuck…but that 10 minutes kicked my butt! Wrestling a big heavy bike in soft sand isn’t something I had planned.
I hit the road again once I regained my composure and drank some water. The rest of ride to the Suches campground was uneventful. I was drenched with sweat from my intense workout wrestling with the RT, but I could feel it getting cooler as I climbed in elevation and it felt amazing.
Folks, I’m not sure there is anything more satisfying for a long rider than hanging your knees in the breeze and getting serious lean time in. I hit the record button to capture the last few miles before Suches.
The last few miles to Suches!
The campground was virtually empty with the exception of a few riders from Mississippi that trailored their bikes there. I was able to choose whichever site I preferred so I settled on the one I used last year. The ground is level, and it’s relatively close to the bath house.
The Two Wheels of Suches Campground! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a motorcycle campground in great riding country.
My home for the evening.
Once I finished setting up camp I made a cup of coffee and lit a camp fire. It was nice to relax in the cool spring air.
A short while later a fellow long-rider from Pittsburgh pulled up on his Yamaha Tracer. He was a hardcore rider who already put more miles on his bikes than most folks will put on their cars in a lifetime.
His name was Greg and he made his camp near mine. He had a minimalist type of shelter and used his bike as support. We sat around the fire and swapped riding stories and enjoyed some laughs. It’s guys like Greg that draw me to to fellow adventure seekers. I suppose were all like-minded in the sense that we love the freedom that can only be found on a motorcycle.
Greg was on his own spring adventure…coming all the way from Pittsburgh, visiting family and friends, and taking the long way home.
Greg’s minimalist set up.
A longrider must take the iconic photo of the fire pit rings at the Suches campground…a rite of passage
The moon was high in the sky and as bright as could be when I finally called it a night. I headed to the bath house for a hot shower and to clean up before bed. Then I crawled into my tent, burrowed into my Zenbyvy sleep system and fell asleep quickly.
The moon was really bright. There was enough lunar light to not need a flashlight
Just before midnight I was startled awake by a ruckus in the campground. A pack of coyotes were going crazy…perhaps they found a young deer or rodent to eat. I grabbed my phone hit the record button on my phone so I could prove to the kids what I heard. I thought about Greg sleeping in his shelter and wondered how he was holding up with all the excitement.
These coyotes were all worked up about something. I was thankful for the perceived comfort of my tent.
Eventually the coyotes calmed down and the night was quiet and still once again. I burrowed back into my sleeping bag and resumed my slumber.
DAY 2
I slept soundly and the sun was peeking over the horizon by the time I woke up. I rolled out out of my tent and Greg was already awake planning out his ride.
We fired up some coffee and visited some more while we let the sun warm us up. It was cool but not cold, maybe 55 degrees. But the sun sure felt nice.
My plan today was to work my way towards Nashville where I would hop on the Natchez Trace Parkway and follow it south to northern Alabama. I’ve always wanted to ride the trace, and today was my chance.
I washed up and packed up camp. I was excited for the ride today as the weather was going to be perfect! It was going to be cool all day with no rain.
Once I packed up Greg and I went our separate ways. He fired up his Tracer and headed northeast…continuing his adventure. I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I see Greg. We are both fans of Sport Touring bikes and love the possibilities they provide.
While Greg headed northeast, I headed northwest towards Nashville. I stuck to the back roads and enjoyed the beautiful morning. It was a Tuesday so the roads were quiet…just the way I like it.
The road twisted and rolled through the beautiful countryside until it spit me out just outside of Chattanooga. I stopped in downtown Chattanooga for a quick cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. I sat outside and watched the hustle and bustle of the small city while I enjoyed the coffee. I was reminded of my beautiful wife and I began to miss her. She would love it here! Chattanooga is full of small shops and all sorts of restaurants. It’s plenty big enough to have everything you want, but still small enough to have that southern small town feel.
“Get it together Tim!” I thought to myself and I hopped back on the RT. This was only day two of my trip and I was in serious trouble if I was already missing Narlin. So I settled for a phone call and we chatted for a bit via my Sena while I continued working my way west.
I stayed on the backroads and continued rolling through southern Tennessee until I hit Fayetteville. It was mid afternoon and I was ready for lunch. I pulled into the quaint town square and parked the RT. I removed my Aerostitch riding gear and walked around town for a bit. It was warming up as I worked my way west. It was now in the 80s so it felt good to shed the riding gear for a bit.
Downtown Fayetteville Tennessee.
While walking around downtown I stumbled upon an old burger restaurant called Honey’s Restaurant. It has been a staple in Fayetteville for decades so I decided to take a chance. I wasn’t disappointed! The burger was delicious and the fries were cooked well.
Gotta love the antique stools still used at Honey’s Restaurant.
I was keeping a close eye on the weather while I ate. Apparently there was a massive storm system brewing right where I was headed. The storm spanned from central Texas all the way north to the Great Lakes throwing snow, hail, potential tornadoes, high winds, and severe thunderstorms on to anything in its path.
According to the doppler, I should be good for tonight and most of tomorrow. Anything beyond that is in question.
Before hitting the road, I took a few minutes to try to contact a small campground in Waterloo, AL to see if they had any tent sites available for the night. No one answered at the campground so I would just have to wing it and hope for the best.
Once I finished my meal I threw on my Aerostitch riding gear and hopped back on the RT. I slowly worked my way northwest towards Gordonsburg where I would hop on the Natchez Trace.
The sun was already low in the sky by the time I hit the turn for the Natchez. It was late afternoon and I only had a few hours of daylight left.
Made it to the Natchez Trace Parkway!
I pulled on to the trace and settled into a relaxed pace while enjoying the evening. The trace is very smooth and an easy ride. The speed limit is 50mph and the rangers are definitely present. The nice thing is that there is zero commercial traffic.
Riding the Trace is a relaxing experience.
I stayed on the Trace for the next couple of hours. Although the speed limit is only 50mph, there are no stop signs or stop lights so you just keep rolling along. I stopped briefly a few times to check out the historical sites.
Eventually I reached the Alabama border. A few minutes into Alabama I exited the Natchez Trace and worked my way towards the campground in Waterloo. I was hoping they were open and had a spot for me. It worried me that I was unable to get in contact with them.
I was cruising west on Hwy 14 along the shore of Pickwick Lake when a sign suddenly appeared that read “Brush Creek Park.” On that sign there was the camping symbol…a simple triangle signifying a tent. I pulled into the park to check it out. It was perfect! It is a quiet and small state park on the shore of the lake. It was literally empty with the exception of a dad with his two young boys doing some camping and fishing. It’s times like this that make me love motorcycling even more. No reservation required…I found home for the night.
I pulled the RT up to a tent site that rested right along the shore. I shut her down and started setting up camp. It was so quiet and peaceful. Only the sound of the waves lapping against the shore could be heard. It was going to be a perfect night!
Found this nice little tent site along the shore.
My timing was just about perfect. The sun was settling into the horizon by the time I finished setting up camp. I made a cup of coffee and ate an MRE for dinner. I sat in silence and watched the sun go down. From time to time the silence would be broken by the sound of the little boys on the other side of the campground excitedly yelling “dad, dad I got one!” It made me smile. A dad and his boys fishing and camping…does it get any better than that?
The view of the sunset from my campsite.
After I ate and enjoyed my coffee I decided to take a little walk to get some steps in. The evening was warm and breezy. I decided against a fire, it was still pretty warm and I didn’t feel like hunting for firewood. The campground had no amenities with the exception of a port-a-john. Luckily I had enough water to wash up before bed.
While on my walk I watched the sun dip below the horizon…exiting the stage and allowing the moon to take center stage.
Just like last night at Suches, the moon tonight was as bright as could be. In fact, it was so bright that it threw a reflection unto the water. I was able to brush my teeth and wash up using nothing but lunar light and could see perfectly fine. I snapped a picture of the moon just before I crawled into the tent…I laid on top of my sleeping bag and was fast asleep within minutes.
The moon was bright and beautiful!
DAY 3
It was still dark when I woke up. My goal today was to make it to my hotel reservation in Harrison, Arkansas. It’s only about 400 miles if I took major highways but it would end up being a 500+ mile day via the route I wanted to take. The long way…the scenic way.
I rolled out of my tent and it was surprisingly warm and muggy. The sky looked menacing…perhaps a sign of what was on the way. I fired up some coffee and ate a breakfast consisting of trail mix, beef jerky, and a piece of poundcake from the MRE yesterday.
Making my morning coffee.
Once I finished my breakfast and coffee I packed up camp. I’m getting more efficient at breaking down my new Nemo dragonfly bike tent. I’m really enjoying this tent so far!
Once everything was packed and buttoned down I hit the starter button on the RT. I felt a guilty ruining the peaceful and quiet morning but such is life as a long rider. The rumble of the RT echoed off the trees.
The two boys at the other site were nowhere to be seen, their dad was up and about but they were likely still racked out in their sleeping bags. Too much excitement yesterday with all the fish they caught! Hopefully the RT didn’t wake them.
I hit Highway 72 and made my way west towards Memphis. The land began to flatten out and the farms grew in size. I worked my way west through Mississippi and west Tennessee. I was getting closer to the southern point of the plains. Big puffy clouds hung low in the sky…more evidence of what was to come.
Farms grew in size and the earth began to flatten as I worked my way west.
I stopped in Memphis for some lunch and wanted to get an update on the storm. According to the weather channel, the storm was going to kick into high gear tomorrow. Northern Arkansas looked as if it was going to be on the very outer edge of the storm, but southern Missouri would get hit hard. Looks like my plans for riding in Missouri may be in jeopardy.
After lunch I filled the RT and hightailed it west towards Harrison. I regretted booking my hotel in Harrison so far in advance. I try my best to only plan a day or two ahead when I’m on my bike trips. This allows me maximum flexibility.
Planning too far ahead and making reservations too far in advance puts you in a box…now you have to meet deadlines and you may have to bypass some really cool sites because you gotta get to your reservation. This was the case for me today, I wanted to hit some of the highways a little south of Harrison but that would mean I would be riding in the dark to get to the hotel. Not something I like to do.
In my opinion Arkansas is a criminally underrated state when it comes to motorcycling. They have some amazing roads and they’re not nearly as crowded as the roads in Georgia, Carolinas and eastern TN.
As I rolled into the Natural State, it became apparent that it was still early spring here. Back home in South Carolina most things are in full bloom, but here in the southern midwest the trees are still in their bud phase.
Spring is in its early stage here. The trees are still in their “budding phase”
It was unusually warm for this time of year too…the temp gauge on the RT read 82. There would be periods of calm and then the RT and I would be hit by gusty winds that would blow me from side to side. Welcome to west of the Mississippi River! I don’t miss the violent winds of spring in the western states. One of the benefits of living in the southeast is not having to deal with that.
The RT plodded along and the miles melted away. I sat back in my Russell Day Long and listened to a podcast to pass the time.
It was unusually warm for this time of year…a perfect day for a ride.
Eventually the southern plains gave way to rolling hills and a lot more trees. I was now entering the Ozarks. The highway narrowed to two lanes and the traffic became lighter. I had a hell of a time riding these roads! The roads had lots of big sweepers along with a ton of rolling hills. The RT enjoyed it just as much as I did.
The riding goes from fun to amazing once you enter the Ozarks
I zipped through Mountain View and then rode up to Allison where I stopped for a quick break. There was still a few hours of daylight left and I wanted to take full advantage of these amazing roads in case the forecast takes a turn for the worst tomorrow.
I hopped on State Highway 14 and rode west through Big Flat, Harriet, and enjoyed some amazing riding all the way to Yellville. The sun was low in the sky by the time I left Yellville, and it was dark by the time I got to my hotel in Harrison.
I checked in to the hotel and unloaded the RT. Harrison has a lot more hustle and bustle than I expected! Lots of bikes and fancy cars were rolling up and down the main strip. If it’s this lively on a Wednesday night I can’t imagine what it’s like on a weekend.
The kind folks at the Holiday Inn let me park my bike in the covered area in front of the entrance, so I took the time to wash the bugs off her and tuck her in for the night.
I walked across the street and enjoyed a delicious steak at Colton’s for dinner before retreating back to my hotel room for a hot shower and a comfy bed.
DAY 4
I could tell that my plan to ride into Missouri was going to be thwarted as soon as I woke up. The sky was dark and grey and looked menacing…as if it were challenging a foolish long rider to a boxing match.
My original plan was to ride a few more roads in Arkansas before shooting north into Missouri to grab lunch in Branson. Then I was going to slowy work my way east towards Nashville to meet up with the wife and kiddos.
However, the doppler showed that heading anywhere north would be heading into the mouth of the dragon. The area around Branson was experiencing high winds, severe rain and thunder storms, and potentially a tornado or two just for fun.
The only clear area was southeast…right where I came from yesterday.
So I decided I would head back in the direction I came from. I would ride southeast to Memphis, and then work my due east to Nashville. The camping spot in western Kentucky I originally had in mind was now out of the question. Instead I would push it all the way to Nashville tonight. It’s a long day in the saddle but not a problem with the RT.
I loaded up the bike, ate a quick breakfast, and hit the road. The weather was supposed to get worse as the day wore on and I wanted to be as far away as possible before that happened.
I pulled out of the hotel and headed east, taking a different road than yesterday and I’m glad I did. The roads here are simply incredible!!
Northern Arkansas has some incredible riding roads!
The roads were empty…I was the only fool out braving the incoming weather. But it was peaceful, and I took my time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
I could hear the rumble of thunder as I worked my way towards Yellville. The storm hasn’t unleashed yet but I could smell it, feel it, and taste it. It was just a matter of time.
The calm before the storm.
Suddenly, it unloaded. First the thunder and lightning began to intensify. I switched the RT to “Rain Mode,” and cinched up my Aerostitch roadcrafter jacket and AD-1 pants while closing the air vents on my helmet.
I could see the wall of rain heading for me and it hit with a vengeance. It began to rain so hard that I had to slow way down. The low areas of the road had several inches of standing water and I could barely see.
The water quicky soaked through my gloves, and I could feel my riding boots slowly filling with water.
Amazingly, the Areostitch jacket and pants was keeping the rest of my body dry! I’ve ridden in rain before, but this was one of the more intense storms I’ve ever encountered. For anyone on the fence about getting an Aerostitch I can confirm that they will keep you dry!
After several miles of steady rain, I began to feel water seeping in around the neck of the Roadcrafter. Water was also slowly working its way up the sleeves. Besides that, my body and head remained nice and dry. Gotta love handcrafted motorcycle gear made right in the small town of Duluth MN. I reckon I’ll continue to use Aerostitch.
I rode in steady rain for about 2 hrs. I finally reached the edge of the storm and the rain stopped as suddenly as it started. I was about 20 miles from Batesville Arkansas and decided to use that 20 miles to allow the wind to dry the RT and I off. I put the wind screen in the lowest setting and picked up the pace.
I pulled into Batesville and stopped for lunch. For the most part everything was still soaked, but at least it wasn’t raining still. I quickly ate lunch at a McDonalds and assessed my situation. I was still about 350 miles from Nashville, and there was still a potential for nasty weather. Just gotta power through.
I hit the road and headed due east. I was happy to be out of the rain, but now the wind was violently blowing from the south. As if the storm to the north was sucking all the air into it. It pushed RT hard and it took a lot of effort to keep the RT in one lane.
I dealt with winds like this in CO and TX…I don’t enjoy riding in it.
The wind intensified once I hit the southern plains. It blew so hard that it caused clouds of dust and debris.
The wind caused dust and debris clouds…like the one in the distance. Riding through them is an overrated experience.
I fought with the hideous wind for about 160 miles. My forearms were fatigued from having a death grip on the RT. Finally, and not a moment too soon, the wonderful trees of west Tennessee began to break up the wind. I was exhausted and ready for a break, so I pulled into Dyersburg, TN to top off the RT and enjoy some ice cream.
I called the wife to see where she was. She was just outside of Nashville and would be there within an hour or so. That was motivation enough for me!
I hopped on the RT and put the hammer down towards Nashville. The more I headed east the more pleasant the weather became. It felt good to finally ride relaxed and not have to fight with the wind.
I kept pounding out the miles until I reached Nashville. It was already dark but traffic was light. Thankfully, Narlin booked a hotel right along the river in a quiet area of town that had covered parking.
I pulled in and she was there waiting for me with that beautiful smile…I was glad to see her!
The view of the river and downtown from our hotel.
DAY 5 & 6
The next two days (Friday & Saturday) was spent with family. Although only our two youngest of nine kiddos could be there, we still had a great time! We enjoyed a baseball game, and enjoyed some of the unique adventures Nashville offers.
I took the time to wash my clothes, and dry my gear that became saturated from the storm.
It was a relaxing and fun couple of days in Nashville!
DAY 7
Today is Easter Sunday! The weather is about as perfect as it can get and I was eager to get back on the RT and hit the road.
The multi-day stop in Nashville was perfect, but I was ready to resume my epic “knees in the breeze” adventure.
We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and I took my time loading up the RT. There was no need to rush. The city was quiet. The only traffic on Easter morning here in the south is likely heading to or from church…not much else is going on.
I kissed the wife, hopped on the RT, and pointed the headlight northeast. I wanted to work my way towards Virginia, hoping to get lost on some of those mountain roads.
It doesn’t take long before you reach some amazing riding roads once you leave Nashville. I stuck to backroads and enjoyed some of the finest riding so far on this trip.
The roads were virtually empty, and the RT came to life as we hammered the big swooping curves like a sled on rails.
The riding was perfect, and Tennessee is one of the prettiest riding states in my opinion
I kept working my way northeast, skirting along the Kentucky border. The terrain would transition from rolling hills and beautiful farms to outcroppings of mountains and woods.
Roadside cliffs like this are a common site in Tennessee.
Once in a while you might spot a rogue long rider racking up miles and smiles up in the hills and hollers
I kept working my way east, taking every backroad I possibly could until the sun was low in the sky.
I wanted to camp tonight and didn’t really have a plan. I kept an eye out for signs of a KOA, State Park, or national forest. It’s the little things like figuring out where to sleep as evening nears that make motorcycle adventures so much fun.
Some folks like to have reservations…simply plug in the address and ride until you get there. Nothing wrong with it and sometimes I do that…it’s predictable and you know you have a place to sleep. But for me part of the fun is figuring it out on the fly. You never know what kind of adventures await.
I reached the Kingsport/Bristol area when I saw a sign for Warriors Path State Park. Just in time too! I followed the signs into the park and was surprised how busy it was. Most camp sites were full but luck would have it that their smallest site was available. It was perfect…just enough room for the RT and my tent.
I set up camp and fired up some coffee. I warmed up my last MRE and ate dinner. Despite the campground being full, it was still quiet and there was plenty of privacy. Plus there was a lake (Fort Patrick Lake) right next to the campground.
The available camp site was just big enough for the RT and the tent.
I decided to go for a little hike around the lake after I ate my dinner and drank my coffee. It’s always nice to get a little exercise.
Nice hiking trail along the lake
Beautiful lake with plenty of fish
The sun sets quickly in the mountains. One minute you can see without issue, and then it suddenly turns dark. As if someone turned the lights off. It was already dark by the time I made it back to my campsite from my hike. I lit a fire and relaxed in my chair while enjoying the warmth of the fire. The warm fire felt good in the cool spring night. In fact it was forecasted to drop to 38 degrees tonight. I was going to sleep well!
Enjoying the warm campfire on a peaceful spring evening
Once my fire ran out of fuel I crawled into my tent. I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow…it was a great day of riding!
DAY 8
I woke up just as the sun was peeking over the ridge. It was a quiet and peaceful morning. The only sound was from a chorus of birds…chirping away and greeting each other. It was chilly, the temp on my phone read 40 degrees. I was warm and comfortable in my sleeping bag…and the thought of putting on cold clothes didn’t seem too exciting.
A quiet and chilly Tennessee morning
I finally decided to grin and bear it…I rolled out of my tent and threw on my cold and stiff clothes. I quickly made some coffee. The sun felt amazing as it slowly warmed everything it touched.
I packed up camp, pausing a few times to warm my hands on my coffee cup, and packed up the RT. The heated grips and heated seat would feel good this morning!
I fired up the RT, turned on the heated grips and seat, and rode out of the campground. I headed northeast towards Bristol, where I stopped for breakfast and gas.
As I headed east from Bristol, I kept seeing signs for “The Crooked Road”. Naturally I had to take it…and I’m glad I did. I lost cell signal almost as soon as I turned on to that road. I was basically lost for about three hours…I had no idea where I was or where I was headed. But I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had while being lost!
The backroads here are true backroads. It’s almost as if they take you back in time. I found myself riding slow…not because the roads are in poor condition, but because the views are simply stunning!
I lost cell signal as soon as I pulled off the main highway
Somewhere along the “Crooked Road” in southern Virginia….it is crooked indeed
Stunning views and amazing roads all throughout southern Virginia
Plenty of quaint farms…clean and orderly
Lots of historical houses and buildings like this
Roads like this are what keep us long riders looking for more.
I imagined what it would be like to own a little farm tucked in a valley like this
After about three hours of epic riding, I finally reached an area where I had cell service.
I pulled over for a break and to check my location. I was just a little west of Clarksville. I had about a quarter tank of gas left and I was hungry for lunch. I continued on until I hit Clarksville, where I stopped for lunch and gas.
Somewhere west of Clarksville
It was already mid afternoon by the time I finished my lunch break. Sadly, I knew it was time to start working my way south towards home. As much as I wanted to continue north, the massive storm that knocked me around in Arkansas a few days earlier was now wreaking havoc in the northeast.
So I worked my way south and headed towards Durham, NC. I thought about the roads in Virginia…what a pleasant surprise…there is no doubt I will be back.
The rest of the day was uneventful…I munched the miles until I reached Sanford, NC. It was almost dark when I arrived. I pulled into a Home 2 Suites and got a room.
I relaxed in the hotel room and reflected on my trip. I was a little sad that my ride was coming to an end. I would be home before dinner tomorrow.
DAY 9
Today was the final day of my ride. I only had about 6 more hours. I decided I would stick to the back roads and take my time.
As I worked my way south, the terrain began to flatten. I was entering the Carolina low country…my home. Its beauty is unique…the roads are straight and flat, but the farms and lakes are pretty in their own right.
Entering the Carolina low country
The rest of my ride was uneventful. As expected I pulled into my driveway around 4pm.
The trip was a total of just over 2,400 miles and not as long as I was hoping for. But it was an amazing trip none the less! The RT handled perfectly and I had no issues with any of my gear.
I’m already thinking about my late summer/early fall trip…and I’m thinking I need to explore more of the northeast.
Sport Touring Cycle Adventures 