Alvin C. York State Park

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Nestled in the beauty of the mountains along the Cumberland Plateau you will find Pall Mall Tennessee.  The ride along  U.S. 127 is very relaxing.  On this fall day it was simply beautiful.  I honestly didn’t mind the clouds or cool temperatures.  Even the mist and light rain set the mood for this journey.  I can’t help but remember days such as this from my youth.  I loved when the weather was like it is on this day.  You see these conditions were perfect for coon hunting.  Oh how I loved traipsing through the woods behind those Bluetick coon hounds.187182

 

Pall Mall is the home of World War One hero Alvin C. York.  The York home sits along U.S. 127.  The home is open for visitors on a daily basis.  You can see the Minneapolis Moline tractor that York used on his farm.  This tractor has been restored and sits under a shed beside the barn. In addition to the restored tractor there is also a Tank and a replica of the Statue of Liberty on display at the farm.175170171

 

Across U.S. 127 from the York home is an old grist mill.  Though no longer in operation, it’s easy to visualize what it must have been like here at this once busy milling operation.  You can see the small dam and the  valve that allowed the water to flow under the building  to create the hydro power for the milling operation.

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I hope you can take the time to venture out on the back roads of our wonderful country to see the sights or a simpler time and way of life.  I find it very therapeutic to enjoy life at a slower pace.  Amazing isn’t it?  We can learn many lessons from the views into the past.201

 

Ride Safe,

 

Ronman

Practice Makes Perfect

004We have all heard that old saying “Practice makes perfect”.  The thing that you don’t hear is that if you practice doing something wrong then you’ll continue to get better at doing it the wrong way.  Transfer this into riding.  If you’ve never learned the proper riding skills then you will continue to ride in a less than safe manner.  I strongly encourage each and every one of you to take a riding skills class.  I promise that you will learn something no matter how many years you’ve been riding.027014

The HOG Chapter that I’m a member off is fortunate enough to have a skills course laid out at the dealership.  Throughout most of the year folks gather there on a regular basis to practice our riding skills.  We are also very lucky to have some MSF instructors in the Chapter.  These people volunteer their time to come out and help everyone improve their skills.083

Another way you can improve your riding technique is to purchase instructional videos such as the ones produced by the Motorman.  Irregardless of the teaching aids you use, the main thing is to learn proper techniques and to practice them often.  When the time comes for you to need these skills on the road you want it to be automatic.  Trust me you will need these skills.023019

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to learn and practice riding skills.  You can use any vacant parking lot or even a cul-de-sac.  Tennis balls work great for inexpensive markers.  Basically you want to practice using your friction zone, braking and throttle control.  Once you get more comfortable with these techniques you will be amazed at what your bike is capable of doing.  Remember practice  practice practice.035038

Ride Safe,

Ronman

Sights from my Vacation

T.O. Fuller State Park (2) It was so very wonderful to have ten nights off work.  To the best of my knowledge this was the longest vacation that I’ve ever experienced.  I’ll have to also say that I was more relaxed and rejuvenated after this vacation than any other as well.  I had so many things I wanted to do.  Not all of my goals were accomplished.  That just leaves me something to look forward too and goals to focus on.115

I want to share a couple of the photographs that I took on my time off.  For those of you that have followed me for any length of time know that I have no problem stopping to take some photographs.  I was hoping to see the leaves changing for the fall of the year.  It was amazing at how hardly any leaves had those bright fall colors at the start of my ten days off.  By the end of my vacation it was as if they were changing right before my eyes.163

Beautiful scenery is but one of the pleasures I get from my motorcycle touring.  I also enjoy learning about historical events.  Look around on any of your next ventures out for  historical signs and markers such as this one that tells of the last stagecoach robbery.  If we just open our eyes we can see so many amazing things right in our own back yard.  I rode 2,000 miles on my time off and only left Tennessee on one occasion.  I’d venture to say that all but 150 miles of that 2,000 were in my home state.  110

Ride Safe

Ronman113

All good things come to an end

Well it had to happen.  I’ve been on vacation for the past ten days and it’s been wonderful.  Not only was this the longest vacation I’ve ever taken but it was also the best.  Now I didn’t get all the things done I had hoped to do, but who cares?  I’ve crisscrossed the great state of  Tennessee and seen some beautiful sights.  I’ve made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I’ve taken tons of photographs.  Some of which I’ll share here on the blog.

Now I’ve been behind on my post for some time  and even more so now.  The good thing about this is that we all have something to look forward to.  Most importantly I’ve been able to clearly see the vision I have for this blog and the dreams I’ve been working on for most of my life.  With the help and encouragement of  some very wonderful people I will be able to accomplish these dreams.

Much like this past week life isn’t always bright and sunny.  I’ve ridden in the rain on more than one occasion this week.  I’ve been honored to attend the funeral of a fallen hero.  I’ve worked muscles that I had forgotten about having.  Man I once could have cut and split firewood for days on end.  Sucks to get old.  ha-ha-ha-ha

I hope the memories from this past week last throughout my lifetime.  Thanks to all the special people who did or didn’t do things to make those memories.   Yes all good things must come to an end.  Tonight it’s back to trailer trailer trucking.  It’s one of those necessary evils I must endure in order to support my habits.  Someone has to pay for C.C.

Ride Safe

Ronman

Frozen Head State Park and The Devil’s Triangle

Today I enjoyed some of the most amazing roads that I’ve been on in a very long time.  Now that’s saying a bunch.  Those of you who have been following me these past couple of years know that I’ve ridden many beautiful roads around Tennessee and beyond.  Granted I have been in this area before but have never taken the time to explore these two areas.

Frozen Head State Park Oct. 2009 (8)

Frozen Head State Park has to be unmistakably one of the most beautiful state parks I’ve visited thus far.  Honestly it will be hard to beat.  Nestled back in the hills around Wartburg it is simply enchanting.  Once you make the turn and cross the creek you will be blown away at the sight of the roadway passing through the canopy of trees.

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The rustic campground had me kicking myself in the tail for not bringing my tent.  I will be back to camp here.  Although the campsites don’t have electric or water  hookups, there is water located near the bath house.   There is no excuse to not rest and relax in this setting.  There are several trails that you can hike. The park has many picnic tables should you just want to visit for the day.  Kids will enjoy a nice playground located between the picnic and camping areas.

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Travelling a short distance on highway 62 from Wartburg  you will reach the intersection of highway 116.  This is the start of the Devil’s Triangle.  I don’t remember a single straight stretch on this road.  Switchbacks and hairpin curves are plentiful.  You will ride past the historic Brushy Mountain State Prison.  This was once the home of James Earl Ray who was convicted of shooting Martin Luther King Jr.

Devil's Triangle Tennessee Oct. 2009 (2)

Keep and eye out for the windmill farm located on Windrock Mountain.  Most folks don’t even know that such a thing exist in Tennessee.  Something else to watch out for are the coal trucks.  116 passing by some coal mining operations.  The truck traffic from these sites have gravel and dirt on the roadway.  Also be mindful of  rocks washed across the road by heavy rainfall.   The Devil’s Triangle will take you through the heart of Appalachia..  The scenery is amazing.  The fall foliage has just barely begun to show itself.  Before long all the brilliant fall colors will be abundant.

Devil's Triangle Tennessee Oct. 2009

Follow 116 until you reach the intersection of highway 330.  Take a right onto 330 and follow it back into the town of Oliver Springs.  You can get fuel in either Wartburg or Oliver Springs.  Both places also have places to grab a bite to eat.  Treat yourself and your ridding skills and get on over to East Tennessee and ride The Devil’s Triangle.  Perhaps you’ll even camp at Frozen Head State Park.

Ride Safe,

Ronman

FINALLY!

I know it’s been a while, believe me I know. It seemed that September was not meant for me to ride this year. Between rain and rain and more rain and being sick I didn’t get any miles on C.C. After having a fun little go with what can only be described as a mild form of the black plague I had missed enough.

Saturday afternoon I opened the garage door and prepared for some scooter time. It was wonderful to get back in tune with the world. I started off slowly by riding down to visit some friends in the ‘Boro. In doing so I was able to witness something that I’m not very well versed at. I believe he called it washing his bike. Strange sight for sure.

Next I was headed to visit some more friends. By this time it had began to get dark. That is except for that lightning from the thunderstorm in the distance. Before I knew it I too was in the distance and pulling over to put on my rain suite. It was Saturday so a bath was in order. Nothing like coughing up pieces of lung as you ride along on your merry way in the dark during a thunderstorm.

The rain wasn’t the only thing to drown me this night. You see it had been a while since I’d enjoyed the company of this group of friends. The love that I was swimming in from these folks did wonders for healing me. Nothing like sitting around a large table eating some great chili with your friends warming your heart and soul as the chili warms your belly.

Soon I was headed to hang out with another dear friend for the rest of the evening and half the next day for that matter. I just love an impromptu overnighter.

The miles clicked on the odometer today were few. The distance traveled by the heart and soul were many. Sometimes the best trips we take are measured in time and not distance.

Ride Safe,

Ronman

One Man’s Museum

All of us enjoy things that we experience as we ride around on our motorcycles.  For some it’s the sound of a rumbling V-twin.  Others enjoy the quiet ride of a horizontally opposed engine.  Yet others enjoy the simplicity and ease of  a Vespa so that they can quickly manuever or stop for that perfect photograph.  Personally I enjoy taking in all the scenery and unique sights of this wonderful country of ours.  One of my friends is continually on the lookout for old things.  Things most people have forgotten about.  The old saying of one man’s junk is another man’s treasure comes to mind.

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Several of us enjoy the beauty and mystery of old barns.  Today I’m going to tell you about a new barn with old things inside.  At first look you might think this barn is just like any other barn.  I hope you soon understand that you truly can’t judge a book by its cover.

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Everyone knows that if you are going to have a barn then it’s an unwritten law that you must have a tractor.  Well let’s see we have toy tractors, pictures of tractors and advertisements about tractors.  Oh!  I suppose I had better include real tractors.  Here is an old Model G John Deere Tractor.

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What else would you expect to find in a barn.  Well let’s see…………ummmmm how about some horse tack.

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There are many things in this collection of antiques.  There are everyday items from days gone by to old store displays.  There are even a few things to remind us of some of the not so wonderful times in America.  Some of the items have special meaning.  I’ll keep those things to myself.    I hope you enjoy these next few photographs and the look inside a new barn full of old memories.  Hopefully I’ve given you some things to ponder as you ride around the countryside and see sites such as these.  Just remember you may be seeing One Man’s Museum.

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Ride Safe

Ronman

Honest Abe’s Log Home

Early one Sunday morning my gal and I mounted C.C. headed out to meet some friends in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.  Now some folks may feel that riding 120 miles before breakfast is a bit far, we don’t.  Everyone enjoyed a good breakfast and especially good fellowship.

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First glimpse of this historic landmark brought to mind the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  I would soon learn the reason for this.  I also learned of all the symbolic meaning behind most every aspect of this building.  To say the National Park Service employee was uber knowledgeable would be an understatement.  The Lincoln Memorial was indeed inspired by this structure.   You can learn more about this landmark by following this link.

http://www.nps.gov/abli/index.htm

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This log cabin is not the exact home in which Lincoln lived.  This particular cabin was from the same time period and was moved to this site.

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Taking a few minutes to contemplate what it must have been like to live in such a humble abode,  I truly appreciate the modern luxuries that I enjoy.  To say it was a simpler time would be hard to do.  Yes life was less cluttered with all the modern distractions we have.  Just image what life was like for the youngster Abe Lincoln.   Do you really think life was simpler?  More than likely the only clothes he had were on his back.  People truly worked for their food either by growing it or hunting it.  We simply have to hunt through the refrigerator or menu for our next meal.

Should you find yourself anywhere close to Hodgenville, Kentucky take the time to stop and visit this National Park.  I think you will be glad that you did.

Ride Safe,

Ronman

Was it really out of my way?

Have you ever headed out on your way somewhere and sorta let the “spirit” guide you? Well, a couple weeks ago I did just that. I had enjoyed another fabulous weekend with my gal but we all know that good things must come to an end. Yes she had to head back to work on Monday morning and it was time for me to head back home.

I rolled off the ridge on C.C. with only the thought of getting home in time to take a little nap before work. You see working nights can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure you have the day to take care of things if need be. The part that stinks is that you know you should be getting some sleep in order to be well rested for the night’s work, but the beautiful day keeps calling you away.

On this beautiful Monday morning I decided that I needed to ride across highway 76 and see where I wound up. I have ridden short pieces of this inviting little road but never all the way across it. I always have a map or three with me as I ride around. One never knows when he may need to actually figure out where he is. Granted my theory is that if you aren’t out of fuel then you aren’t lost.

I tool highway 76 out of Springfield, Tennessee and followed it all the way across to where it intersects with highway 52 on the east side of Portland. This was the point at which I became aware of exact location. I love the feeling I get after traveling unfamiliar roads and coming out to one I recognize.

I took highway 52 over to Westmoreland and the intersection of highway 231. It was at this intersection I realized the need for nourishment. Yes indeed I was hungry. Not just a little hungry but some more powerful kind of hungry. What was I to do? Well I could see a Hardee’s but that wasn’t gonna satisfy me. I needed a little local mom and pop type place. I needed some grub. Ding! Ding! Ding! I had it. I remember my good friend Paul telling me of a little place down at the old Payne’s Store. Payne’s Store is located on the northeast corner of the four way stop where highway 231 crosses highway 25.

I was only ten or so miles north of here so it wouldn’t take long to fulfill my needs. I did have one horrible thought cross my mind. What if this place was closed on Monday? Now that wouldn’t be a pretty picture. Luckily I had a back up. You see Paul just lives a couple miles south of here so I could “drop” in on him for a friendly visit and some breakfast of course.

Luckily the little restaurant was open and quite busy I might add. Lots of cars and trucks outside is always a good sign at any place to eat. That means the locals know the food is good.

I parked C.C. and made my way inside. For some reason I had the song Turn the Page going through my mind. “Walk into the restaurant strung out from the road”. I definitely stuck out as everyone in the place looked up from their food and friends to watch as I sat down. Guess they don’t normally get some dude coming in for breakfast on a scooter.

I quickly looked over the menu on the board and also the one on the table. I could barely remember Paul suggesting something if I ever stopped here but what was it. Ahh! There it was! The “Trash Plate”. Now I remember. I opted for the half trash plate though. Paul told me that he couldn’t eat the whole trash plate. I know how much he likes to eat and if he says get the half plate then the half plate it was. Man oh man was it good! Let me see if I can name all the stuff on here. Hash browns, sausage, onions, peppers, bacon, eggs, ham, and probably some more stuff too. I added some ketchup and black pepper and the feed bag was put on. Man was it good. Should you get a chance to try the trash plate by all means do.

In my humble opinion these little places are the backbone of America. You can get a great meal and a feel of what our country is all about. You can see friends and family visiting amongst each other. You can see old men reading the paper and solving the worlds problems.

I may have ridden 151 miles on my 47 mile ride home but I have to ask “was it really out of my way?”. How about you? Have you ever added a few miles to your journey in order to clear you head or fill your belly. For me I think this fills my heart and frees my soul. The observations made while riding seem to always soak in deeper than those made sitting around the house.

Ride Safe

Ronman006

Spring Mill State Park in Indiana

037 If you have read my blog for any length of time you know that I am on a quest to visit all of the State Parks in Tennessee.  Well Tennessee is not the only state with wonderful parks to visit.  Spring Mill State Park in Indiana is one such place.    I first learned of Spring Mill about three years ago from my good friend Spydie.

Like most parks, Spring Mill has a campground, hotel with a great restaurant, and picnic/playground areas.  Spring Mill has something else though that I feel makes it special.  There is a living history village located around the mill.  I think this gives you an extra added feel to how life must have been back in the past as people struggled to live.027I enjoy seeing these old structures and thinking about how it must have been to live and work back when these were built.  My favorite thing at Spring Mill State Park though is the garden.  There are many different types of beautiful flowers and bushes to admire.  I really get a kick out of the way the garden is laid out and especially the rock wall and entry way.118Here you can see a family dressed in time period clothing working around there house.  Back then the entire family helped do the things that needed to be done.146Imagine sitting on your front porch doing your everyday chores and looking out over the beauty of your garden.

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141I must take a moment to warn you about something should you decide to take a trip to Spring Mill State Park.  You see there is a creature that has been spotted in these parts.  No one really knows how long this creature has been around.  I was able to capture a picture of this being and as you can see it’s been around for a while.  I’ve learned from the local lore of the area that this creature is known as the “Love Buzzard of Tick Ridge”.  So take a good look at the photograph below and keep your eyes peeled for this creature.  I took the time to capture this creature in action swarming around my Dana and quickly chased him away.  152

Ride Safe

Ronman