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Category Archives: Backroads

I’m thankful that old road Is a friend of mine

Seeing this line reminds me of all the years I’ve spent on the road.  It’s a life not for everyone. You’ve got to be about a half bubble off plumb to want to do it.  I’ve so many memories from the road. It truly is a friend of mine.

Countless are the miles I’ve spent over the past two score and three years. Traveling in automobiles, tractor trailers and on motorcycles I’ve seen some sights.  One day I’ll reflect long enough to write about it. Until then, like tonight, I’ll mount up and travel the highways and byways of this great land. Seeing the sights both in real-time and also in my mind’s eye.  For the latter are truly the special ones. Those etched deep within my very core. They are the scars that have made me who I am.

Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

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Scenic Views Geocaches and Clearing My Mind

Taking advantage of some wonderful Fall sunshine I headed out to find a few Geocaches.  Just like with any adventure I wanted to make sure my scooter was up for the task.  I stopped at this local garage to check things out. Once the oil level and tire pressure checked out OK it was time to mount up and roll.

 

It isn’t difficult to find a scenic back road here in Tennessee to soak in some sunshine.  I’ve pasted this old barn for most of my life. I can’t count the times that I’ve said to myself that I need to stop and take a photograph. Today was the day.  There’s just something about old barns that appeal to me.  They all seem to have a story to tell. The weathered boards. Their shape. The purpose they have of providing shelter for both machine and beast.  A place to store sustenance for hard times. I hope I never loose my attraction to barns.

These lovely ladies seemed interested in what I was up to.  I suppose they couldn’t help but be curious. You’ve all see the Little Woman. She is quite the head turner.  Wouldn’t you really like to know what they were thinking?

Today I had many things on my mind and troubling my heart.  Like many of us do I turned to music to help.  In the CD player was spinning the tunes of Larry Cordle.  The album titled Pud Marcum’s Hangin kept me company. Some of these songs hit close to home.  One in particular, Angel on His Shoulder seemed fitting.  As I wound my way around historic Middle Tennessee I too had an angel on my shoulder and a devil by my side.  Just as in the song there is a war raging in my soul.

Stopping long enough in an area known as the Cove, I read the historic marker.  It told of families that have lived in the area for decades. It told of happenings that occurred during the War of Northern Aggression. There is so much history right at our fingertips. Most we don’t even have to dig for. It’s right in front of our eyes.  Take time to stop and read historic markers. The things you learn will amaze you.

The mixture of Fall colors and winding roads in the cool sunshine is just what the Ronman needed.  Add in to the mix grabbing a few Geocaches along the way and it’s a much-needed relaxing day.  Not far from Pull Tight Hill ,where these photographs were taken,  I stopped for a snack.

Coming to a cross roads I found a small country store.  I debated on taking a photograph of this market but decided better of it. I had rather you use the theater of your mind to picture what this market was like.  You know the type. There was an old church bench on the front porch.  People rode up in pickup trucks, cars and even horse back.

I sat on this bench and enjoyed a wonderful Sundrop and a bologna sandwich. You know one that has a thick piece of bologna with cheese, mustard, miracle whip and a tomato.  Just the way God meant for them to be. What a way to spend the day.

I hope you too can get out and enjoy a relaxing ride in the country. Take time to slow down and see the sights around you.  Do something new. Check out Geocaching. Learn about history.  Travel alone. Travel with others. Just get out and enjoy life.

 

Ride Safe

Ronman

Water Falls Winding Roads and Fall Colors

Water Falls

Winding Roads

 

Fall Colors

Carpe Diem

Things have been busy around here lately.  I have found some time to get in some much-needed riding.  I’ve done things such as an impromptu overnight ride. I left with no particular route in mind and I certainly found it.  I headed South and rode down near the Alabama state line only to wind up in Kentucky before the night was over.

 

How long has it been since you’ve enjoyed a picnic? I bet it’s been far too long.  Well that’s one of the things I’ve done lately that was incredibly relaxing. How much fun it is to ride off to some remote spot on a lake to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of nature.  Talk about peaceful.

Fall is upon us now. How long has it been since you grabbed a close friend or two and headed out on a wonderful 200 mile Sunday afternoon ride around the countryside?  Well I recently have done just this.  I took some unintended turns that wound up being excellent roads.  The crisp air was refreshing.  As you can see from the above photograph, the roads were spectacular.

 

Get off the couch and get outside and enjoy this amazing Fall weather while you can. Soon we’ll be enjoying the cold bone chilling temperatures of Winter.  Now don’t let this time pass you by.  Seize the day!  This is what we dream about. Live the dream!

 

Ride Safe,

 

Ronman

Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area

Tennessee is blessed to have so many natural wonders and beautiful places for all of us to enjoy.  One such place is Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area.  You have to want to go there to get there.  I’ve had this on my radar for some time now. Thankfully I was able to drop by for a nice visit.  What a pleasant surprise it was to see such a peaceful area.  Not exactly what I was expecting but a nice treat nonetheless. The day I rode over there was a super hot day.  Hell most of the days this summer have been super hot.  It was nice traveling down the back roads of Tennessee. I love taking roads both old and new to me.  The countryside is always filled with the sights of wildlife. You never know what sort of oddity you’ll run across.  One sad thing I noticed was the empty shell of some old factories. What a shame these jobs aren’t here anymore.

Talk about the road less traveled. Now these are my kind of roads.  The shade was a welcome relief from the heat of the sun.  Amazing how much the temperature will drop in a little shade.  I truly enjoy these back road journeys.

There was a nice garden full of raised beds with all sorts of plants to enjoy.  Take for instance, I never knew there was such a thing as a Mexican Petunia.  Well there is and I have two pictures to prove it.

See I told ya so. There was this little sign to point out what this plant was.  In fact there were all sorts of signs to point out all sorts of plants.

This little guy was my tour guide for the gardens and playground. He sure did jump around a bunch. I think he was excited that I came to visit.

There is a really nice set of swings here at Big Cypress Tree as well as picnic tables and restrooms too. There’s a ball diamond and plenty of space for kids to run and have a good time.

There’s a great kiosk with lots of pictures and information about the area its history and the Big Cypress Tree.

Take some time to get out and find out about the many state parks or natural areas in your area.  Whether you visit Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area here in my home state of Tennessee or some area in your home state, enjoy the beauty of our countryside.

Ride Safe

 

Ronman

Warrior Spirit

The Hoka Hey Challenge has impacted me in so many ways.  I can’t really explain it, but I just know it.  One must find their inner warrior and use the strength they find from within to overcome the challenges they face.  Easier said than done for sure.  I was out on a soul ride and lo and behold what did I run across? This is the boyhood home of none other than Nathan Bedford Forrest.  That’s when it hit me.  Bedford Forrest is one of the greatest warriors of all time.  I don’t believe it was by accident that I turned down that road I’d never before been down.

I’ve often said that I believe N.B. Forrest was one of the greatest motivators of men to ever set foot on this earth.  If you want to learn more about Forrest I strongly urge you to read “Bedford Forrest and His Critter Company” by Andrew Nelson Lytle. This is a very informative book to say the least.I walked around the grounds and soaked in the moment. I tried to put myself back in the time period that Forrest lived here.  I wondered about the trees and such around me.  Which ones did he climb? Where did he sit in the shade?  I was grateful that no one else was around.  I tried to soak in the history that I was standing amongst.

 

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed spending this solitary time on this historic place.  I reflected upon my life. I searched deep within me for answers. I found inspiration. I thought of reading the diary of one of Forrest’s men back when I was in 8th grade.  I think I understand more clearly what the Hoka Hey is about.

Let me take a moment to say that in no way am I comparing myself to Bedford Forrest.  I only used this time, this place to inspire me.  Lord knows that I need inspiration lately.  I’ve been fighting many battles on many fronts.  I’ve lost so many that I thought I could depend on. I’ve made choices to stand with those that were left alone. I’ve learned so much about myself.  Not all of it has been good. On this I am certain, I’ve been honest with myself. I’ve done what was the right thing to do. I have no regrets.I learned from history on this day. I learned from my past on this day. I learned from within on this day. I learned that like Forrest, I will show no quarter to my enemies. I will draw strength from the warrior spirit of Forrest. I will draw strength from within myself. From now on I will only draw strength from a very select few other people.

 

I know not what is to come. Like Forrest rode King Phillip I too will ride my trusty steed into what lies before me.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look inside of this historical location. You’ve also had a peek within me. Then again isn’t that what this blog is all about? Take time to learn from and be inspired by history. Take time to listen and search within yourself.

Ride Safe,

 

Ronman

Recon Ride

For several years now I’ve heard about Campbell Station.  My good friend Filbert keeps telling me that I need to go try one of their steaks.  Trust me, I will!  I needed to clear my head so what better way to do that than take a ride?

How could you not enjoy riding on roads such as this?  For me it’s the best type of road to be on. Lined with trees and nice shade.  If this won’t ease your mind I don’t know what will.Looking at the railroad out front I couldn’t help but to imagine someone sitting on the porch of Campbell Station thinking it was the crossroads of the world.  With four roads intersecting I would say that it would be for the locals.

Like the title suggests, this was a ride to find out about Campbell Station.  I didn’t expect them to be open today.  They weren’t. I do plan to ride back down there in the near future to enjoy some of the fabulous food I’ve heard so much about.

I think these guys are at the front of the line waiting for the to reopen.  I asked them to save me a spot and prepared to leave this little corner of America.  I love places such as this.

With a quick look at my map I was ready to ride.  I truly enjoyed my short visit to this peaceful little place.  The Little Woman and I said our farewells and rode off to enjoy some more wonderful winding Tennessee back roads.

Sure you can cover lots of ground blasting down the super slab at 70 or 80 mph. As for me, I’ll take a slow stroll down a scenic back road over that anytime.

Ride Safe,

Ronman

Short Soul Ride

Today I took a trip back to what keeps me grounded. I spent a couple of hours on a soul ride.  I picked a general direction to go and that pretty much was the only plan.  I had passed by this farm on several occasions of late and had yet to stop and take a photograph. Today I would rectify that.  I think you can see how this caught my eye.I haven’t taken a day like this in some time. I turned down some roads that I had yet to venture down. I always love doing this.  I was on the lookout for old buildings and in particular old barns.  I wasn’t disappointed. I soon spotted this jewel.  I ask you what has more soul than an old barn?I must commend the Little Woman for waiting so patiently as I focused my attention and camera on these other subjects. She never gets jealous as I do this. In fact I snapped this photograph of her on the sly.  Soon I rewarded the Little Woman by brining her back to the forefront of my attention.  I wasn’t sure where I was until I spotted this old store. I just love taking new roads and seeing sites I’ve yet to see.  Sooner or later I always come out to a location I recognize. To me this is what riding is all about.Ride Safe,

 

Ronman

Backroad Buddies

I recently enjoyed taking a nice leisurely backroad trip with some wonderful friends.  It was the kind of laid back riding that I so love.  No rigid schedule to adhere to. No deadlines to make. Just a close-knit group of friends and our scooters out enjoying one another’s company and the beautiful scenery of Tennessee and Kentucky.Cumberland Falls State Park Kentucky is a wonderful scenic stop.  The ride there is equally as scenic. You can see from all the smiles in this next photograph that we enjoyed the journey there.

I would say that the folks in the blue raft are enjoying the nice spray coming off the falls. This particular day was extremely hot and humid.Kentucky has some not so natural things and places to visit as well. Who hasn’t heard of the eleven herbs and spices that made a Kentucky Colonel by the name of Sanders famous? Corbin Kentucky has the honor of being the birthplace of Kentucky Friend Chicken.   Although the original location has been destroyed, there is a museum of sorts across the street from that location.  You can enjoy some of the famous KFC chicken while looking around the displays of days of old.Where have you ridden lately? What scenic views have you enjoyed? What historic parts of Americana have you visited?

Ride Safe,

Ronman

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