Every Mile Is An Adventure
I’ve gone back and forth on rather or not to share this with you all. I’m going to go ahead and put it up and trust that if people get brutal (yes, people can be pretty mean online) that I’ll be able to brush it off. Today, I’m going to address what can happen when you let self-doubt creep in and you don’t trust your motorcycle riding skills. [Read more…]
I bought A Harley 5 Years Ago Today! My Softail Deluxe and I have seen 14 states, traveled 38,334 miles together and have had an amazing time doing it. I’m so thankful that once I showed an interest in riding Scott taught me to ride! I’m looking forward to many more adventures. [Read more…]
Two weeks ago today while out riding Scott and I found out first hand how very important the Accident Scene Management class took was. We attended the 2-day class several years ago and learned a lot. You never want to think that you may have to use that knowledge but we had to.
We came upon a very bad bike accident on the curvy area of FM-51 by Glen Rose, TX. The rider went off the road on a curve and ended up wrapped around a road sign. His friend was calling 911 but didn’t know what else to do. We quickly got off the bikes, Scott and Steve pulled his motorcycle off of him so we could get him off the sign post and onto his back. Angie and I began rendering first aid and treatment for shock. Scott and Steve ran traffic control to provide safety from vehicles for the accident site. Eventually, local police and an ambulance arrived to take over.
He was so bad they didn’t want to move him in the ambulance so he was Care Flighted out. I am still feeling a bit off I guess you could say and can’t stop thinking about the situation. It really brings the reality of what can happen while riding to the forefront of your thoughts. The Accident Management Scene class was extremely helpful and gave us the knowledge we needed to take control of the accident and stabilize the rider until EMS arrived to take over.
Our prayers go out to him and his family for his recovery. A Go Fund Me has been set up to help them and can be found here:
Scott and I have each kept a first aid kit in our right saddle bag since we began riding which frequently come in handy. Often for simple things like bug bites and bee stings. On this day I was thankful for how well stocked they were. If you don’t have a first aid kit on your motorcycle get one. The kit below includes all the basic and more. You never know when having it may save a life.
I am still feeling a bit uneasy and find myself frequently replaying the events over in my head. Yesterday was the first time we rode since the day of the accident and I’m not going to lie I felt a little uneasy at times. I know that staying alert and riding at my comfort level is a priority and I’m thankful for all the time Scott has spent encouraging me to be a better rider. I’m also thankful that he is great about planning out routes, advising me of situations in the road, he rides in the front and even pointing out ways I can improve as a rider. He is a great riding partner!
ASM is the leading Motorcycle Trauma Training Organization in the world. It is the only accredited non-profit Bystander Program in the USA. The key to reducing injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists is education. Road Guardians encourages all motorcyclists to become lifelong learners and to do all they can to avoid a crash from occurring. We go one-step further than many other safety programs – we connect motorcycle trauma first response as part of the solution.
Out of the 18 million motorcyclists in the USA, ASM has taught 25,000. That leaves many more riders who need to know how to help a friend in a time of need.
I wrote this to encourage riders to take CPR, First Aid, and any other courses you can. The knowledge you gain from them could save someone’s life
A Go Fund Me has been set up to help them and can be found here:
Most of us have witnessed this scenario at least once since getting involved with motorcycles: someone drops his or her motorcycle, and three or four people scramble over to help muscle it upright. In fact I witnessed it just this past weekend. Whenever I see that happen I wonder what the person plans to do if they drop it out on the road and are alone. I for one don’t want to sit on the side of the road or in the middle of a lane waiting for help. [Read more…]
When I bought my bike I had no real desire to ride by myself. Then I came across a blog post where a lady rider was talking about a situation that came up where her husband where they had to pull over and she had to go for help. She described the panic she felt because she had never ridden by herself. Right then I decided I wanted to start working towards taking a solo ride.
I knew the first step would be taking the lead while Scott and I were out riding. Then I began planning where I wanted to ride to. I thought it would be fun for my first solo ride to be the same trip I took on my first ride ever! It wasn’t a long ride and it is a route that I know well meaning I wouldn’t be worried about directions.
I had decided to head out around 9:00 because the roads wouldn’t be too busy and to allow it to warm up some. Thankfully by the time I left it was around 60 degrees. As the time got closer I did start to get some butterflies but I knew putting it off wouldn’t change that so I got geared up and headed out. I decided to take the camera and GoPro so I could share the adventure with you all but also to have it for myself. My boys always say “pics or it didn’t happen”.
As I reached the first traffic signal I began to get excited, by the second light most of the butterflies had flown away. As the short trip went on I had this sudden realization that I was doing it, I was calling the shots. You see when I ride with Scott, rather it is just he and I or a large group I have someone else setting the pace and making the calls about lights and such. Today it was all me. Don’t get me wrong, no matter what I am looking out for myself, checking the lanes, watching for vehicles and what not but in a group you know someone else is too. I have often wondered if I could handle it by myself and now I know I can. I can keep up with traffic, change lanes, decide what to do at a yellow light, choose a parking space and everything else that goes along with riding. I AM ABLE TO HANDLE MY BIKE BY MYSELF! Yes, I was screaming that!
My new goal is to take a short trip by myself monthly if I can, even if it is just a short one. I know the more I do it the more confident I will become. I want to continually challenge myself and never become complacent with where I am at as a person or a rider. I believe you have to ride at your own comfort level but you also have to be willing to push yourself.
A special thank you to Scott for believing in me, helping me reach this goal and always pushing me just a bit!
I did it, I took my first solo Ride! It has been over a week since I did it but I am still pumped up and excited about it. Now I can mark that off my 2014 goals sheet!
It’s fall in Texas and unlike many places in the US you never really know what you are going to get. October 19th proved to be another great day to be out on the bikes! We started off with a stop at the Porch for breakfast. On the way there while stopped at a red light and Scott asked if I wanted to take lead. Without even really thinking about I panicked and said no. As soon as the light turned green and we took off I wish I had said yes. I got scared and worried I wouldn’t remember where to turn. Oh well, onwards to a great breakfast.
After eating Scott and I headed out to Granbury for the Festival of the Arts. We enjoy seeing local artist and crafters and these type or festivals let you see a little bit of everything and meet the artist. Supporting local artist and business is important to us. We enjoyed seeing several booths with some very unique items we hadn’t seen before including the above paintings. They glow in the dark. The artist had the tent set up so that you could go into a closed off corner and view them glowing under a blacklight. The next thing that really caught both our attention was some lamps made from gas piping and old glass electrical bells.
The final one was a dress made from scrap metal. I sew dresses and costumes for a living so this was fun to see. If you are interested in reading more about that visit Hearts & Home. I blog about sewing, crafting and cooking there.
The entire time we were walking around we saw people carrying funnel cake. It looked and smelt so good I couldn’t resist so we shared one before heading off.
We took some back roads to head home since it was warming up and neither of us wanted to head home yet. We went through Godley and stopped at Del Norte Taco to grab some lunch. This video through Godly shows a previous trip there. The food is incredible, the tacos are so big one fills me up and the patio seating is perfect. We relaxed, talked and enjoyed just being together.
On the ride home Scott slowed down and waved me forward to take the lead. This time I didn’t let fear take over. I passed him and then we switched places with me taking the left side of the lane. If you have watched any of our riding videos you know we always ride staggered but close to each other. Within a few minutes I wondered what I had just gotten myself into. I suddenly had to focus on so much more. Was I going fast enough, too fast, could we both make it through the light, what about signaling him to slow down in the dipped corner coming up like he does for me. It really was a lot to think about! I often take for granted the responsibility that Scott takes on riding lead. I found myself looking in my rear mirror to check on him. I led for about 10 miles and as we entered Crowley and the traffic picked up we switched up at a light. As Scott passed me he grinned, I think he could see the relief come across my face as I fell back into “my spot”. I spent the rest of the ride home thinking about it all and wondering how I did.
When we arrived home as soon as we got off the bikes Scott congratulated me and told me I did great! Whew, that was a relief. We talked about all the fears I had, questions and just the overall responsibility the lead rider is taking. I am looking forward to switching off more so that I can continue to grow as a rider and build my confidence. Who knows I may even take a solo trip before the end of the year.
This weekend was fantastic! You know the ones that you look forward to for days; well this was one of those. Scott called me from work midweek and asked if I wanted to take a ride with some friends on Saturday. He said they had invited us to ride out to the Lewisville Western Days Festival. We have never gone so figured it would be fun. He then adds in “oh, by the way I hope you like the lineup, it’s Thompson Square and Kevin Fowler.” I seriously squealed like a little girl! He knows how much I like country music and especially Thompson Square! I spent the rest of the week excited!
We were meeting up around 4:00 Saturday for dinner but instead of just hitting the interstate and heading straight there we took the back roads to get there. We arrived at the meetup spot with just enough time to top our gas tanks off. When Charles and Janet got there we decided to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was fun to chat and eat dinner with another couple that have many of the same interest as us.
The ride between Texas Roadhouse and downtown was short. One of the advantages to being on a bike was being able to squeeze into a small parking spot right by the gate, score! When we got to the gates I was immediately stopped for my camera because it has a detachable lens. After some talking security came over and gave me the go ahead to take in. That was a huge relief because I didn’t want to leave it in my saddlebag and I was looking forward to taking lots of pictures!
We walked around visiting the booths, checking out the merchandise to make sure we didn’t miss anything that we might not be able to live without. They had lots booths with food and drink samples including some delicious looking red velvet cake but I was too full from dinner to sample any. I did however gladly take a glow stick and some sunglasses. We signed up for a few drawings at the 99.5 booth but didn’t win anything. 
As night drew closer the crowd grew larger and the excitement in the air grew to match it. We found a place to stand a few minutes before thompson Square came out and slowly moved our way towards the stage as we could. I tried to get some pictures but being 5’1″ made it pretty much pointless. Scott could see my dilemma and offered to get some pictures for me! He always comes to my rescue! 🙂 
Kevin Fowler came on after Thompson Square and when he did the crowd went wild! I have never seen him perform so it was exciting. He definitely knew how to work up the crowd and keep them excited. About 5 minutes after he started playing Charles came over and gave me shirt he had gotten for me. He picked it out spespecificallynce I am working on getting my CHL. after the concert we got to meet Kevin and have my shirt signed! 
It was around 1:00 am by the time we got back on the bikes to head home. The ride home was about an hour and most of the was going 75mph on the tollway. The roads were pretty much empty making the ride home even more enjoyable. It was one of those days that you don’t want to end but of course it does. It took us another 30-40 minutes to wind down but when we did we were out!
The wave, I’ll admit it, until I had been riding my Harley for several months I thought it was silly and I didn’t really get it. Go back to before I rode a motorcycle and I made fun of it, sad but true! I use to laugh and tell my husband you don’t see me waving at other people driving Explorer’s so why do bikers wave at each other?! I didn’t get it.
I now understand that while out on the road you develop a feeling of closeness to those you have never met, you understand how they feel with the warm sun against their face or the rain pelting down on them. There is a bond despite that the only you thing you may have in common is that you both ride a motorcycle. The wave is a way to connect to your fellow biker. I have read some articles that claim some bikers use it show their approval or respect for what you ride. Me, I don’t care what you ride, just get out there and ride it. If you wave to me and I am in a position to safely wave back I will.
Is it safe to wave? So what if you are a new rider and not sure about taking your hand off the handle bars? Then don’t do it! Until you are comfortable waving, a smile and a nod will do. Hopefully the other rider understands and if they don’t well, that’s okay too. As a rider safety has to be your first concern. I began by nodding or I would keep my hand on the bars and just lift the fingers up, sort of a half wave. Then I slowly began to raise my hand more and more. Now I feel comfortable, most of the time, with a regular wave. If I am in a curve, the weather is bad or I don’t feel comfortable taking my hand off the bars I revert back to the smile and nod.
What’s the proper way to wave? If you have been riding for even a few months I am sure you have noticed several distinct waves. Some do the low one finger, others a peace sign and then there is the “hi mom” wave. Scott and I laugh at that one especially when they do it almost hopping up and down on the seat of the bike but hey, they are riding so I wave back! Full Throttle has a great post with the low down on each style in their hand greeting post. As you ride you will develop a wave that feels comfortable to you, go with it.
They didn’t wave back, why? Don’t be offended if you do wave and the other biker doesn’t wave back. There are a multitude of reasons and most have nothing to do with the you. They may not see you, maybe they are a new rider and not comfortable yet or heck they may not wave just because they don’t want to. Maybe they haven’t developed that connection to fellow riders yet. 
Then you have the ones that don’t feel like you deserve their respect. Many motorcycle clubs will not wave back unless they are passing another member or a club that is associated with theirs. That’s fine with me and I don’t take offence when they don’t return the wave. The only reason that bothers me is the fact that if you are a woman rider the chances of getting waved at are even less than for our male counterparts. There are still clubs, groups and individual riders that don’t feel a woman has any place on a bike of her own. I have had groups pass Scott and I, wave at him and quickly put their hand down as they approach me. I have even over heard men say women have no business on their own bike. At first it irritated me but then I let it go. I am riding my ride, living my life and hopefully when I am on road showing that women have a place in the motorcycle world.
Our HOG chapter holds a monthly skills day almost every month of the year weather permitting. We always try to make it but we have missed the last three or four because of other commitments. After the Blue Ridge parkway trip I knew I wanted to work on my leaning, u-turns and circles. During that trip I saw the importance of feeling confident while maneuvering the bike. Seeing how we are in Texas and it is July skills day was scheduled from 9-12 in hopes of beating the heat. As we road up I noticed the group was fairly large today, about 20 bikes. The group was a mix between very new riders, seasoned riders and everyone in between. I know each rider has their own reason for going to events likes these. here’s why I go
We got parked, signed in and I got to meet a few new ladies and their husbands. Doc, our lead road captain introduced that days road captains and briefly went over the course before Kim and Richard gave us a demo. ** If you are curious what it means to be a road captain check out this post: Fort Worth HOG Road Captains. It isn’t an easy job and it doesn’t come with pay.** It is odd how nervous you get when you start lining up and waiting for your turn. You feel like all are eyes are on you even though everyone is focused on what they are doing or are about to do. The first section was to take off, turn and go into a u-turn followed by a cone weave, s-pattern, another u-turn, cone weave and then a 24′ circle. 
I took off and followed the course. I did okay but didn’t lean much which is odd considering how much I did on our trip. I started the day off thinking I really wanted to push my lean but here I was in a controlled environment and I was hardly leaning. I let fear take over and I was just wanting to get through it. I went around the course a few times and improved but still never really pushed myself and to be honest I looked very rough. Several people dropped their bikes multiple times, which is okay and to be expected when you are pushing yourselves but it intimidated me. We took a short break while the road captains changed things up a bit. This time they broke it into a beginners section and a more advance area. Well I was determined to do the harder area despite the fact that it had been months since I had been to skills day. 
It started off with a slow area, you try to go as slow as you can without putting your feet down, then into a right u-turn, then off-set cone weave and ending with a 22′ circle. As I waited my turn I began to get nervous and self doubt set in. I found it hard to shift my focus as I went from the slow and steady and into the turn. I put my foot down in the turn and as I looked at the arrows on the ground for the weave I panicked. I went around one cone and then as I approached the second one I dropped my bike. Doc, our head road captain was by my side instantly and helped me get going again. This was the third time I’ve dropped my bike but the first at a skills day. It wasn’t hard a fall, I didn’t even get off my bike but it rattled my confidence. Doc turned my bike off and told me to restart it and take off. I made the decision to go back over to the beginners area to calm down and try to get my mind reset. I did fine on the u-turn and regular weave but my circle was bad! I went through it twice and finally Kim suggested I go and ride in the open area and a larger circle to build my confidence back up. I did and then redid the beginners area and did much better, even scraped my floor boards a few times! Then Scott rode up and mentioned he had seen the hard time I was having earlier. I told him abut dropping the bike. He told me not to let it beat me and to go and try it again. I knew he was right but I was still scared. I got in line again and still wasn’t able to complete the off set weave. I didn’t drop my bike but I did run over a few cones. Scott watched me and said I was trying to take it too tight. The off set weave is meant to be taken with larger turns, especially as a newer rider. By now I was determined to get it but I was also getting hot, tired and my clutch had was hurting. While everyone took a short break Scott and I walked the area, he showed just how wide I should be approaching the turns and where my head should be looking. Okay, I got this was what I kept telling myself. I spent the remainder of the day in the advanced area. I never did complete the off set weave but I did get it to where I was only missing the last two cones out of 8 I think and I did the 22′ circle all the way once. I was proud of myself for not giving up but I spent the rest of the day pretty upset and replaying my mistakes over and over in my head, not a wise thing to do! I should have focused on how well I did in other areas such as my u-turn and eventually the circles. Always celebrate your victories! Monday and Tuesday rolled around and I found myself scouring YouTube for videos on the offset cone weave maneuver. I watched and read a few tips and decided that I wanted to practice it this week-end. I sent Scott an e-mail at work and he looked up the dimensions to set it on our own. We probably won’t get to it this week-end but I am not giving up!
Here is a short video from skills day. You will notice that there are road captains every where ready to help riders that need it. I think it is important to push yourself and improve your skills but make sure you have someone around to help you before you try something new and wear your gear.
11 days and 3149 miles through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma before getting back to Fort Worth, TX. We rode along 3 scenic parkways/byways: the Cherohala Skyway that extends across both Tennessee and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway that extends across North Carolina and Virginia, and the Talimena Scenic Byway that extends between Arkansas and Oklahoma. While on the Blue Ridge Parkway we also rode the Diamondback Motorcycle Route (226A). Over a week later and my head is still spinning from the excitement! Everyday was different and filled with its own adventure and beauty. From the beginning we decided to stop at every state visitors center. I snapped a picture of the state sign and sent it in a text to our kids. I wanted them to feel like they were part of trip and get an idea of where we were and what we were seeing. 
Day 1 and 2 went from Fort Worth, TX to Chattanooga, TN.
Those first two days were all interstate, sometimes through big cities. Scott did his best to keep us out of these areas during rush hour but it was still more than I am use to dealing with for that long of a period. There were times even doing 75-80 mph that cars we rushing around us, cutting in front of Scott and don’t even get me started with entrance and exit ramps. Scott deals with that all the time but those situations still make me a little anxiouse. Cars and trucks are often oblivious to the fact that a motorcycle is there. Throw in some grooved pavement that makes your bike pull and yep, I am griping my handle bars and clinching my teeth so hard that I am leaving ridges on my tongue. But we made it and I have a little more experience under my belt. At one point Scott asked me if I was doing okay, my reply “yep, I am Blue Ridge Bound, baby!” I love riding small country roads but sometimes the only way to make a trip happen in a specific time frame means hopping on the busier roads and dealing with it.
One of the highlights from from day two was a fun stop at Ruby Falls. Signs for the falls inundated the roadside for about 30 miles leading up to it. So when we pulled over at a roadside Scott and I both were eagerly agreed to check it out. It gave us a break and a chance to get out of the heat. Little did I know I would have to stop several times on steep inclines. One seemed to be about 90 degrees. Okay, maybe not that steep but sitting there with cars behind me it felt like it. Scott looked over at me, smiled and said “it’s time for some massive clutch action.” He wasn’t kidding! I found my friction zone and prayed that I wouldn’t slide back or loose my balance when I lifted my feet up because I was also at a slight angle and we had to immediately turn to the right. When he shouted go I took off cheering “I got this”. When we reached the top I was so relieved! What a confidence boost it was. Only a year ago a hill much smaller than that was how I dropped my bike. I haven’t dropped it since but that fear is still very real. 
The tour was about an hour long. I tried to get some pictures but lighting was an issue and since we were on a guided tour with a large group I couldn’t really stop for long. The formations were pretty but the main attraction is the falls. 
They have a light show that plays against the falls which was pretty cool. I took a picture of each stage/color but the red was my favorite. After leaving the falls you exit and go out upstairs and can either go into the gift shop or out to an overlook. We went out to the overlook and were able to look out over the city and beyond. 
After the tour we were cooled down and ready to hit the road again. 
Day 3: Chattanooga, TN to Asheville, NC
We began by riding the Cherohala Skyway. The interstate was swapped for a slower road with some twist and turns, gorgeous scenery and lots of flowers. You’ll notice a few of them in the slideshow. One of the other fun things about parkways and byways are all the interesting people you meet along the stops, you don’t get that when riding on the interstate! From the Skyway we moved on to Cherokee, NC. This is the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and began our ride along the parkway. We made sure we had plenty of gas because once you get on the parkway there are no gas stations unless you get off and find a small town. The scenery is breath taking, the speed limit is 45 mph, and when you look out along the overlooks you can see for miles. I also noticed a temperature change almost immediately. As we made are way to Waterrock Knob visitor center the temperature dropped a little bit more and my ears popped a few times. I wonder if that was a sign of what was about to come? One minute it was clear and the next minute intense fog. I ran into the rangers station and bought us some patches and put on my rain suit. The ranger I spoke to said “welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway”. “It will pass as quickly as it came.” Hmmm, I hope so was all I could think. It is one thing to get stuck in a little rain but fog, no thanks! After a short discussion Scott and I quickly put away our cameras and took off.
The ranger was right just as quickly as it came it was gone. After about 30 minutes of rain we rounded another curve went into a tunnel and come out into….thick fog. I could hardly see, I kept my focus on Scot’s tail light and the yellow line. I was scared but we took it very slow as did all the other traffic. the fog lasted another 30 minutes and then we went around another sharp corner leading us into another valley with nothing but sunshine. This weather pattern was experienced several times during the day. As met other riders we were told it is common in the mountains We rode into Ashvilelle and arrived at our first bed and breakfast, A Bed of Roses. After unpacking the bikes we decided to give our legs a stretch and we headed downtown. There was lots to see and hear. We had dinner at a fantastic vegetarian place, The Laughing Seed.
Day 4: Asheville, NC to Sparta, NC.
We got started a little bit (3 hours) latter than expected because of when breakfast was served. This was the only day we had really planned to do a lot of specific things so at first we were both frustrated but in the end what can you do but enjoy the day. The first stop on our list was Craggy Gardens. I was excited because it was peak bloom time. Shortly before reaching the gardens the rain and fog began to settle in. We went inside the visitors area and found out because of the weather this year there wasn’t much blooming and the fog would obscure the view from the lookout. On-wards then! Next stop was an unexpected one, Crabtreee Falls. The signs showed a 1.5 mile hike to get to the falls. We knew we were in trouble when we began passing people returning looking exhausted. At one point I heard Scott with his GoPro saying “do you see what Margaret got us into?”. It was steep, downhill, and in some places we were walking over wet shell and rocks. we did get to see some interesting mushrooms and even a bright orange lizard on our way to the falls though. When we got to the falls we were able to relax for bit and take in the beauty. I’ll refrain from discussing the trudge back up the hill! Our next stop was going to be lunch at the Little Switzerland Inn and then to ride the Diamond Back route. Sadly we arrived too late for lunch and it was raining hard so riding the Diamond back was also skipped. Onward yet again this time our only goal was to find food, we hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was now around 3:30. Fast forward to about 7:30 or so and we reach our bed and breakfast, Glade Valley B&B. It was lovely to roll up on but I was really too tired and hungry to appreciate it and we needed to find food and a place to do laundry. The day didn’t go as planned but that night we reminded each other there is always a reason. The next morning we spent several hours walking around the property taking pictures, looking at the cabin, talking with the inn keepers and getting to know the other guest. It was a great way to start the day.
Day 5: Sparta, NC to Roanoke, VA
Today was beautiful, no rain or fog the entire day! The views were incredible and it was nice to relax on the bike. We stopped at Mabry Mill to walk around and take some photos and learn a little about that areas history. Next we stopped at an old fort like structure. We grabbed some more photos and videos, talked and stretched our legs. As we were getting ready to leave another couple pulled in. They happen to be locals out for a ride on their trike. We visited with them for a bit, they then suggested we could all have lunch together up the street a a farmers market that serves lunch. By the time it was all said and done our table had 6 people at it. It was fun to relax and get to know a little about each of them.
We arrived at Rose Hill B&B in the early afternoon enabling us to spend some time relaxing on the front porch and playing with the inn keepers new puppy, Teddy. That evening, like many of the others on this trip, I saw fire flies begin to appear right at dusk. We don’t have fireflies in Fort Worth so it was a special treat for me. It brought back memories I shared with my grandmother. She lived in Ohio out in the country and on my visits there during the summer she caught fireflies with my brother and I. Getting to share that with Scott was very special for me. At one point I decided I was going to capture them in a picture but it turned out to pretty much impossible. That’s okay because I have the memory.
Day 6: Roanoke, VA to Waynesboro, VA
YES, another beautiful rain-less day! It was full of tunnels, curvy roads and more breath taking vistas. The tunnels on this trip were a fist for me. The first day or two I was scared but then I began to get excited when I saw one. I did however find it very intimidating when there was oncoming traffic because their headlights made it harder to see the lane area. Like the previous days we met some interesting people including some Appalachian trail hikers. It was funny because I thought 11 days on a bike was hardcore, this couple, along with their dog, has been on the trail for two months and has three more to go! You can read their story at Boots to Birks. We made several more vista stops and at one we saw two guys preparing to fly off the cliff on hang gliders. Since we had never seen anything like that in person we decided to hang around and watch them take off. One funny note about that stop: As we were gearing up to head out another group of bikers pulled in. I start backing out and two of the guys with smirks on their faces decided to watch me. Ha, I got news for you two, I can back my bike up! I pushed backwards, cranked the handle bars around and straightened up while Scott got pulled out. One looked like he was impressed the other a little disappointed. Scott and I later laughed about because it is pretty common for people to assume I can’t. Of course if I have to back up on a steeper incline it is an entirely different story but those guys don’t need to know that! Our day ended with a stay at Belle Hearth B&B. Since we were only a few blocks from the downtown area we walked to a local restaurant and had dinner. We relaxed, talked, laughed and just enjoyed the time together. The rest of the evening was spent writing post cards and hanging out together on the porch.
Day 7: Waynesboro, VA to Spruce Pine, NC
Today was great! Scott made some route changes that put us right back near the Little Switzerland Inn and the Diamond Back route. The day started off pretty but as we approached the inn the rain started up again! Grrrr, we decided to eat lunch hoping the rain would pass so we could do the route. It let up but it didn’t stop. Scott and I talked about it and decided to go for it. The road was CRAZY but I am glad I road it! I took it at my own pace and despite being scared I didn’t let fear win out. Scott road it faster than me and waited around the curves for me to catch up.
Blue Ridge Bound & Cherohala Skyway
Blue Ridge Parkway Part I
Wow, this post is long yet I know I am leaving so much out. This trip was truly amazing. It was a once in a life time event for both of us. I got to know my bike better, I leaned more than ever before in fact I scraped my floor boards several times in curves and turns, stopped on an incredibly steep incline and handled it, backed-up and parked my bike, road on gravel and handled almost every type of weather condition, all in 11 days! Scott did a wonderful job planning the entire ride. The route was great, meals delicious and the Bed and Breakfast’s the he picked out perfect! This trip was especially special because it was how we chose to spend out 20th wedding anniversary! Thank You Scott! You continue to amaze me.