States I’ve Ridden In
visited 14 states (28%)
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Category Archives: Tennessee
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
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
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
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
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
Do you ever just take off and ride with no particular destination in mind? I certainly hope you do. Those are my favorite type of rides. This past weekend was a very emotional one for me. It was the 24th anniversary of the death of my Daddy. As you can imagine a relaxation ride was exactly what I needed.
Even though it’s been many years since the passing of my Old Man, it still hurts. As for myself, I don’t think you ever get over something such as this. It’s just some days you can handle it better than others. Thankfully this year I had a very dear friend beside me through it all. Amazing how much having someone else just being there with you can ease the burden.
This ride today pretty much went full circle. We started out heading north out of town with only the idea of getting a ride in. We even had a late start. Although the temps were in the 90′s it wasn’t too bad. One thing that always helps on days such as this is to ride on roads that are bathed in the shadows of trees. Throw in a meandering creek alongside the road and you have a natural air conditioning of sorts. Another added bonus to the creek side roads are the twist and turns that go with them.
The north route wound up turning to the east then south only to bring us close to some friend’s house. Knowing these folks always enjoy company, we stopped for a nice visit. Nothing like getting caught up with some old pals and enjoying some nice cool refreshments as well. Soon it was time to climb back on the scooters and continue on our journey. I always enjoy riding the scenic back roads of Tennessee and traveling back in time with all the memories that flash across my mind’s eye.
Although I had the camera along with me on this journey today I wouldn’t ever get it out. This was one of those rides that I wasn’t gonna share any of the scenery with anyone other than the one there with me. I feel selfish when I do this. But it has to be done from time to time. Hopefully you’ll understand.
Soon it was time to make one last visit before ending this wonderful journey. We stopped for a visit with some more dear friends. It was a much needed cool down. The laughter always flows around these fine folks as well. Just what I needed to end this weekend on an upbeat mood.
I spent my weekend with some very special memories and some very special people. Five people to be exact. Granted not all together. Five people who over the years I’ve come to know I can depend on. Five people who have continued to show me that they are here for me. No matter the day. No matter the hour. They have been and continue to be here for me. Unconditionally.
Ride Safe,
Ronman
Yesterday was such a wonderful day. Granted it wasn’t all fun and games. I came in from work and got busy doing some much-needed yard work. Accomplishing what I felt was enough of that in about an hour. Then it was taking a little time to get caught up online. Next if was off to fun times.
I rode the Little Woman down to the local Harley shop and visited with a few of my friends. Just hanging out with no plan in mind. After a while it was time to ride. It was one of those rides that turns into a soul ride. Going nowhere in particular but traveling across the ages. I left out and just let my heart guide me.
Soon I found myself in the country. I love the back roads. I love the landscape of my beloved Tennessee. Seeing farmers taking care of their never-ending jobs. Hauling hay. Tending cattle. Planting crops. I can’t help but wonder how many generations that family has worked the land. I think of the farms I wandered in my past listening to the bawl mouth of a Bluetick hound on the trail of a coon.
I took roads that I didn’t remember being on before. Soon I popped out on an old section of Highway 70. I thought of seeing it called the Broadway of America. I remembered visiting some of the Walking Horse farms I was rolling past as a child. Those were special memories of special times spent with my long since gone but not forgotten Daddy. I smiled as I thought of the first bed liner I ever saw in the pick up that belonged to Mr. Pascal. Seeing mules still grazing this ground made me smile.
All these wonderful memories fill my heart with warmth as I listen to the Little Woman’s low rumble. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t also tell you that all these memories fill my eyes with tears. Missing my old man still gets to me after all these years. I hope it never stops getting to me. If only we could understand the impact someone makes on our life while they are still here. Maybe it’s a good thing we don’t. If we did we may not enjoy the moments while they happen.
In the grand scheme of things life is nothing more than a long line of moments strung together as memories in our minds.
Ronman
Lately I’ve been somewhat selfish it seems. Deal with it! I’ve been enjoying the back roads of my beloved Tennessee on the Little Woman. That’s right, just she and I. Well we have needed a little time to get the “feel” for one another.
Normally I would be taking all sorts of photographs to share with you. I have had the camera along for some of the rides. It hasn’t seen much action though. I’ve even left the house without the camera on purpose too. Oh the horror! Well that way I won’t be tempted to share with others the sights I see. Perhaps it makes me feel a bit less guilty about it too.
We will call this the honeymoon period for the Little Woman and myself. Don’t worry I promise to start posting pictures and telling you all about the places I go and the people and sights I see. I’ve traveled thousands upon thousands of miles in my head thinking of all the places we need to go. Are you ready?
Ronman
