Take A Little Trip

I don’t even know where to begin. I suppose the beginning of the trip would be best. But let’s go before that for a moment.

SFO last year was an awesome time. It was enjoyable weather. It was good riding. It was great people. And the southern hospitality was top notch. I knew I had to make it fit in my schedule to return this year.

So the SFO ’17 forum thread gets published, I mark the dates on the calendar, and luckily for me- I didn’t have to swap weekends with the coworker, I already had this one off. Yay!

I knew my time available gave me the chance to start riding south on Wednesday morning. And I wanted to be pulling into the SFO Rally Camp by Thursday evening. What do I want to see between home and SFO? Last year I did the Kentucky rolling hills and Nashville, TN. About that time I am looking for ideas, a promo video pops up on facebook for the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. So, I looked just south of there and noticed that I also haven’t seen the Little River Canyon National Preserve. And I wanted to go to Barber again, to see the addition of a bike that I had followed on social media traveling the continent. There we go, sounds like a plan.

Wednesday, 8:30am, I am ready to head south. It’s just a bit nipply…



But the bike is loaded, the full heated gear is on and cranked, and I’m good to go.



For some reason, I enjoy crossing state borders. And I really enjoy trying to get a picture of the sign. Lol. Before I had the Sena camera, I would try to stop and take a picture of the sign. Luckily now, I just keep riding and snap a picture on-the-go.



Tennessee!!!! I really like this state….



Stop for a hearty lunch just south of Knoxville. Cracker Barrel FTW!



Crossing the Tennessee River connecting to Nickajack Lake. Cool name!



Cross the time zone line and gain an hour. Down into Alabama!



And make it to the shopping destination with a half hour to browse the unique store. Unclaimed Baggage Center buys all lost luggage from the airline companies. They then sort them, clean them up, and resell them. You never know what you might find at the store!



I didn’t buy anything, so I saddled back up and back on the road. Crossing another river. Sun is setting lower, and the colors of the sky and crisp air are tranquil.



Dropped south just a bit and checked into the hotel.

They had prime motorcycle parking, and mood lighting!

Next morning, I wake up, check the weather and was shocked to see how chilly it was!!



Luckily the sun started shining, and it didn’t feel as frigid as I thought it was going to. Made my way to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, which has a beautiful scenic drive along the canyon.



First pull-off is a view of the waterfall. It is beautifully framed by the changing colors of the leaves.



For a Thursday morning, I can’t expect many other people on the drive. I think I passed 2 other vehicles. And spoke to a couple that was stopped at one of the overlooks that I pulled into. Otherwise, I had the drive to myself!



Drive a little more- fall color trees on both sides, crisp cool air surrounding you, heated gear on full blast, sun peeking through the falling leaves, Alabama tunes piped into the ears, slightly twisty road uncurling in front of you- I don’t think you could ask for anything better.



Another pull-off provides you with a canyon overlook.



Ride a little more, and you are treated to another overlook into the gorgeous canyon. You could barely see the river running down below, but you could hear it. It was peaceful.



Have I told you how much I love my bike? I just can’t seem to stop taking pictures of it…



Got out of the scenic drive, and had to make my way south and west. Told myself I wasn’t just going to jump on the interstate. So the night before, I had looked at the map and routed a path that meandered the countryside, and looked to stay on paved roads. After a u-turn because I realized I had missed my turn, and then another u-turn because I wasn’t sure I actually wanted to drive the road that was my route I had planned- I braved up and pointed the bike down a massively steep hill that was grated concrete littered with gravel in spots.



Pictures just don’t show it as well…





Riding alone can make me think of the worst case scenario (or close to) in order to prepare myself for anything. If I was riding with someone else? Heck yeah, easy peasy, just go down the hill. Riding by myself on a road that I had only seen a couple other cars on? Maybe I should think about it a moment and consider alternative options.

Made my way to the Barber Museum. Pull in, and see 2 other FJRs sitting there. Gonna guess it’s 2 people that I am going to know, or at least know of. Lol.





Looked around inside. It didn’t have the wow factor that I experienced last year. Guess because I knew what to expect. Found a bike that looks like I would want it for the winters in NW Ohio.



Sounds of cars on the track had me looking out the window to watch Porsches going round.



And then I found the bike that was my main goal about going into Barber. The bike belonging to Paul Pelland, known as longhaulpaul. I have been following him on facebook for a few years now. And his story and riding journal is absolutely amazing.









After my ooo-ing and ahh-ing, I was found by the riders of the FJRs. Turns out it was NTXFJR and gixxerjasen.



We browsed the rest of the museum, headed for a bite to eat, and then made our way to SFO Rally Camp.

Anybody want to know what it’s like to ride up and down the SFO Rally Camp driveway? Here ya go…



Hammock was set up…



More riders showed up, courtesy of the SFO camp/hotel shuttle service…







And gumbo was served.



And O. M. G. It’s Tyler!!! Gosh, I love this woman.

Night set in quickly, we all retired to our sleeping quarters, and sleep overcame me well. Morning arrived with an early sun, and the sound of campers rustling around.



Light breakfast was served, and the riders descended to the hotel to gather with the rest of the crew.



Groups were divided, and I had 2 brave souls, Nate and David, decide to try their luck and follow the route that I had picked out and jotted down on a piece of paper.



So off we go- not following any of the gps routes that were designated for this year. What I did was, I pulled up my Spotwalla trips from last year and routed a ride that I really liked from the last SFO.



Made our way to Cheaha State Park. Paid the $5 and rode to the observation tower.



Alabama’s highest point y’all!



Up into the tower- what a beautiful view!



Nate going to some odd lengths for a good picture…



Back down the steps…



We then mounted up and rode the circle to the end, and took a hike down a boardwalk, and ended at Bald Rock.



What an absolutely spectacular view!!!



Nate and I taking pictures down below… David up on the boardwalk deck.



Nate had his big fancy camera that he wanted to take pictures with. Looking like a pro!



And now the boys are getting hungry. Told them that food was at the end of this road… we just gotta get there. So off they go, hastily. I followed.



Lunch at Marie’s BBQ.



Chopped pork with the sweet sauce, fried okra, and cole slaw.



Bellies full, we turned around and made our way back down rt 281. Because it’s just that great. Stopped at an overlook for some bike pictures.



This little guy has been with me since I got the bike. Found him in a parking lot on one of my first adventures. He used to just ride in the trunk, but after I added the dash, I mounted him there. He’s got a great view.



Never met the man, John Ryan, but his words live on.



Back on the road, we eventually turned onto a side road, and wiggled our way back to SFO. The last 10 miles or so we got a little wet…



Back at camp…



The food is served…



And the band is set-up. Because of foul weather outside, the entertainment was moved inside.



I got a kick out of Uncle Hud’s suit and helmet sitting center behind the guitar pickers. Lol.



After a little bit of sitting and listening inside, I moved to the firepit outside. Quieter music but still enjoyable, comfortable fire, nice conversation, and a good time was had. Maybe it was one of those “you had to be there” nights…

Because of the forecast of strong weather, I had moved my hammock inside the barn. Cold is tolerable. Cold and wet is miserable. Figured since the barn is there- might as well use it.

Saturday morning. Wake up, look at radar. See blobs of rain hovering over us. Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. Stayed in my comfort sweats all day. Sat around and chatted with people. Helped change a tire on Josh’s bike. Space heater was brought out and lit. Pulled the computer out and started playing with video editing. Overall, a very relaxing time on a cold and dreary day.



Went out to the bike later that afternoon- and realized he was dirty!!! He didn’t even go anywhere, but he was filthy! Dang!





Then Poolboy dragged his trailer in and some of the men tried to work on the lights.



And then dinner was served. And oh goodness was it delicious.





After that, the space heater eventually called it quits… and someone was stocking the outside firepit with enough wood to make it feel warm. I moved out there.



Some men seemed to have some cold tooshies…



And Redfish- I have a picture of you smiling. I don’t want to break the internet though, so I’m not going to post it. Lol.

Sunday. Oh Sunday. I leave the camp, and run down to the hotel to have breakfast with some of the others… and to also deliver a few items that were left at the barn on Saturday night. After saying my final farewell, I head north. It’s cold. I had to change into my thicker gauntlet gloves.



I was struggling to get home. I was tired. Ended up pulling over at a rest area and taking a nap in the grass for about 30 minutes.



Another little bit up the road, stopped for lunch. Thought maybe food would help the energy level. I put a call out for some motivation on facebook. Had quite a few guys/gals calling me up and chatting with me. It was much appreciated.

With every stop I made, the “time of arrival” on my GPS for home got later and later. It eventually got to the point when I knew it was not worth it to keep going. And it was cold. And getting colder. That temp gauge was reading 39*. With an ETA of 10:22pm. And I had only just entered Kentucky.



What irked me the most- was that I was able to get home in 1 day last year. 700 miles? Heck, I’ve done that before. I can do it. But I didn’t take into consideration the cold factor this year. And the tired factor. Tired from the cold. Tired from sleeping cold. Tired from not much sleep.

So I decided to get off the road after 400 miles. Got a hotel room. And a hot meal. Cracker Barrel is amazing. Sunday night special is delicious and hit the spot.



So where do you draw the line between giving up and thinking smart. Yeah, I gave up on the ride. And yeah, maybe someone else could have done it without a problem. But I got off the road before an issue arose. I chose to put safety first and take a break. Called the boss, and told him I wouldn’t be at work in the morning.

The next morning- after a long hot shower, and 10 fabulous hours of sleep in a king sized bed in a climate controlled room… I was ready to hit the road for the remaining 300 miles.

And it’s nice, when refreshed, how you see things differently. I was able to enjoy the miles- even though it was just as cold. But the trees sure were beautiful.



Back into Ohio, with rain clouds looming in the distance.



Starting to get spittered on…. 100 miles from home.



And then it starts raining. Pull up the radar, and see that it is a line of rain right along the I-75 corridor. Yup, I’m gonna be wet for the rest of the way home.



Made pretty good time in the rain. Made it my goal and mission to stay in front of semis and vehicles that kick up all that road spray.

And then I’m home.



1,727 miles for the trip. Fun was had, friendships were formed, lessons were learned, and memories were made. Thank you guys! See ya next year!

Great write-up!! I started reading this not knowing whose trip it was until I saw the first picture with your bike seat!

I'm a huge fan of Cracker Barrel for breakfast, but lunch or dinner there have proved to be very hit-or-miss for me.

You should look into the Ride the Rockies event if you haven't seen it already, it's set for next June in Montrose CO.

Very nice ride report Julie!Thanks for sharing!

Nice report and pics Julie. Thanks for taking us along!!

--G

Great report Julie and thanks again for the great day of riding. I will ride you with anytime in the future and look forward to seeing you again.

Take care,

Kaismo

Feeling is mutual, darlin'... :wub:

FJRfarrier said:

And O. M. G. It’s Tyler!!! Gosh, I love this woman.

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Great ride report! Your first picture was very familiar because my brother used to live in Park Hills Ky.

Really enjoyed this report Julie! It's especially interesting to see and hear someone who lives elsewhere give their perspective of our little part of the world. Many people don't realize that Alabama has a wealth of beauty to offer, both in it's people and diversity of nature. From its white sand beaches to the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, from the rolling plains with rich farmland to the old growth forest, it's a place that one just has to get out and roam.

Sometimes our riding adventures take us to places that don't have names like "the Snake" or "the Dragon" and the awesome riding those places offer. But if we open our eyes and heart it's easy to see there is beauty all around us. You find a way to do just that with all of your adventures and that just makes you that much more of a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing your latest adventure with all of us!!!

FJRBandit said:

Really enjoyed this report Julie! It's especially interesting to see and hear someone who lives elsewhere give their perspective of our little part of the world. Many people don't realize that Alabama has a wealth of beauty to offer, both in it's people and diversity of nature. From its white sand beaches to the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, from the rolling plains with rich farmland to the old growth forest, it's a place that one just has to get out and roam. Sometimes our riding adventures take us to places that don't have names like "the Snake" or "the Dragon" and the awesome riding those places offer. But if we open our eyes and heart it's easy to see there is beauty all around us. You find a way to do just that with all of your adventures and that just makes you that much more of a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing your latest adventure with all of us!!!

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+1

Very nice RR and pictures Julie. Who doesn't love Tyler .

Thanks Julie for the ride report. Now I have a new destination to add to the list.

Great report Julie!!

Just wondering is farrier your profession? I'm a fellow buckeye and enjoy how you put your trips together.

timk said:

Just wondering is farrier your profession? I'm a fellow buckeye and enjoy how you put your trips together.

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Yup! Thats what I do when not riding the motorcycle. Its a hard working, enjoyable job!