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Monthly Archives: March 2008

77 Degrees and Sunny Skies

This past Sunday I was the sweep road captain for one of our chapter rides. The weather was incredible. The high was 77 degrees and the skies were clear and blue. We had some fairly new riders among us so we took it easy. Riding in a group like this helps these newer riders build their skills and gives them the comfort of knowing they aren’t out that all alone. After our second rest stop we had a little reminder talk about how to ride in a group and the rest of the ride was awsome. Just a couple of simple reminders and pointers is all it took.

Our ride took us up hwy 231 N out of Lebanon to the intersection of hwy 25 at Payne’s store. Travelling west on 25 we passed through some of the tornado damage from a couple of weeks ago. Even though I’ve worked many tornado dissasters as a Ham Radio Operator, a tornado’s destructive force still amazes me.

Reaching Galatin on hwy 25 we took hwy 109 N into Portland. This is were we picked up hwy 52 east back across through some more of the tornado damaged areas. Reaching Westmoreland we stopped for a quick bite to eat. Everyone knows we live to ride and ride to eat. Just as we were getting ready to head back out one of our ol’ riding pals caught up with us.

Bobby had been playing phone tag with Miss Velma all day trying to find us. I became close friends with Bobby last year as we put many thousands of miles on our scooters together. We’ve shared some really great times together as well as some of the ugly times too. Damn it was great to ride with Bobby again.

Leaving Westmoreland we continued on 52 down to Lafayette. Here we picked up hwy 10 back down to hwy 25 just east of Hartsville. Travelling east on hwy 25 we passed through Carthage and had a great ride along the Cumberland River for a few miles. Just passed Carthage we took 141 west back over to Alexandria were we picked up hwy 70 through Watertown.

After a short break at Cherry Valley we worked our way back down to Murfressboro to complete a wonderful ride around norhtern middle Tennessee. What could be better than spending an afternoon riding through rolling hills with a group of friends? Granted today it’s raining and spitting snow and the temps are in the 30′s. Ah but spring is close at hand. As Swag over at BikerSwag puts it “the dark months are over”.

Ride Safe

Ronman

Pork Chops and Buffalo Chips

It was a great day for a ride. But then again, what day isn’t? Seven souls on six scooters headed out in search of the world’s best porkchop. And let me tell ya I do believe we found it. It’s always funny how a ride gets started. I get an email earlier in the week from a fellow H.O.G. chapter member that simply asks if I’ve ever heard of this place. I reply yes but I’ve never been there. The email volley continues all week and the next thing you know we’re headed up there.

Taking Hwy 12 out of Nashville we enjoy the sweeping curvy road to Clarksville. It’s here that we make a stop by the local Harley shop. This doesn’t take too long because, well you know, we want to ride. We make our first fuel stop just west of Clarksville on hwy 79. By this time we’ve been a little over a hundred miles.

We travel west until we come to The Trace. Now The Trace runs the entire length of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This is a great road with twisties and hills and hollers to ride on. At the north end of LBL is our porkchop. If ever you get the chance take a little trip over to LBL. Lots of camping, hiking trails, an off road area, and fishing oportunities in the two lakes to either side. Kentucky lake is well know for it’s crappie fishing as well as catfishing. Lake Barkley is also know for catfishing and bass fishing. Heck if ya just like being on the water it’s a great place to go.

Patti’s 1880′s Settlement is our spot. Man oh man do they ever have some good grub. I took on the 2″ thick, yes that’s right folks, porck chop. Let me tell ya it was some more kinda good. In fact everyone seemed to enjoy all their meals. Oh and this chop was so tender I could cut it with my fork. One side note, if ya go to Patti’s look them up on the internet and get their phone number so that you can make reservations. If you don’t the wait is a long long time.

Our journey home took us back down The Trace for a photo stop beside the Bison Range. These majestic animals are amazing to watch. I couldn’t help but think as we rode past them on our way up about what it was like back in the 1800′s when they roamed everywhere. I mean think about it, you can use this animal for most every need you have. They provide meat to fill our bellies. Their skins can be used for clothing and shelter. Their bones can be used for tools and weapons.

Going south back to hwy 79 we turn east back toward Dover. Oh, for you War of Northern Aggression buffs there is plenty to see. Fort’s Henry and Donelson both are located along this stretch of hwy 79. With the exception of Virginia, there were more battles fought in Tennessee than any other state.

Out of Dover we took hwy 49 which winds through some lovely Tennessee countryside. You pass through such towns as Erin and Tennessee Ridge. By the time we made our way down that winding twisting road to Charlotte we had ridden around 180 miles since our last fuel stop. Oh and I think some of my riding pals were getting a bit saddle sore too.

We took a short break and changed to our clear lenses because it was gonna get dark before we made it home. Taking hwy 48 we made the short ride over to Dickson and jumped on I-40 east back through Nashville where we took I-24 east home.
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