October Ride Planning - need some local knowledge, Memphis-Daytona-SFO-Memphis

[bigjohnsd]

Festar doesnt plan, he just East Pie, so the planning is often left to me.

We will arrive in Memphis on October 13th, looking for interesting roads between Memphis and Daytona. After Biketoberfest we will ride from Daytona to SFO, ditto. From SFO it is a short jump back to Memphis where the steeds will winter over. Looking for non-slab route suggestions.

 

[bigjohnsd]

https://goo.gl/maps/GoAhVNqMFqM2

This is what I'm currently looking at but I'd sure appreciate some advice from you South Easterners?

Leaving Rossville TN on Saturday, October 14th, have to be in Ormond Beach Monday evening October 16th.

Leaving Ormond Beach Monday, October 23rd need to be in Jemison AL on Thursday afternoon October 26th.

Leaving Jemison Sunday, October 29th to be back in Rossville/Memphis that night for Monday flights home.

 

[Uncle Hud]

There are some scenic roads through there, especially US 90 and US 98 along the Gulf. Should be warm, not hot, during that part of October. LA (Lower Alabama) and south Georgia may have cotton fields in full bloom, too.

New Orleans to Pensacola was smashed to smithereens by Katrina. Bet you can still see evidence.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

The first thing is to understand that the terms "interesting" and "scenic" as applied to roads don't mean the same thing here that they might mean in other parts of this country.

I like your routes for the most part. Unfortunately some of that will be wide open 4 lane but it really cannot be helped with the time constraints that you have.

Are you planning on spending time in Satan's Anus/The Big Easy/New Orleans? I personally hate the place but out of state visitors do seem to love it. I see that you are taking the Causeway across Lake Pontchartrain. You will get Very Tired of New Orleans traffic before you reach the North Shore.

I will recommend a short detour out of your way when you reach the North Shore. Take the first exit heading East, take Hwy 190 and ride into Fontainbleu State Park. There are some of the finest examples of Live Oak trees in this state in that park. You will definitely know it when you reach them.

My (wife's) home is about an hour west of New Orleans off I-10. It is an easy day's ride using most of the route you have planned. Of course I come into that route from a little bit to the west. From Wagarville to Jemison you use my route almost exactly.

When you turn North on Hwy 5 from Hwy 5 in Safford AL take note of the ponds scattered through what should be cattle country. Those are catfish ponds.

Two decent dining options are:

LA/MS border East of Bogalusa. A couple of miles inside MS on Hwy 26 is the Crossroads Café on the right (south) side of the road. Take a moment to see the beautiful table built from mirrored pieces of the same log.

Wagarville. Just north of Wagarville on the left side of Hwy 43 is the Creek Bank restaurant.

Both of those are solid choices though certainly will not be the Best Food Ever. I have eaten at both places a few times and they are solid while not spectacular.

 

[hppants]

John: If you have a little extra time, the ride down around St. Joseph's Preserve (along hwy 98) is really nice and should be pleasant about that time. In fact, I'd avoid the coast hwy between Pensacola and Panama City, and just take the slab for that section. Plenty of traffic there to hold you up - just head south to Panama city from the slab and enjoy the less traveled coastal road.

Also, on your return, if you have a couple hours to spare, take the Talledega Scenic Hwy (Hwy 281) - it's a nice area and shows the southeastern US very well. If you can ride that northeast up to the Little River Grand Canyon, and then hit the slab at Fort Payne and make up for some lost time, that would be well worth it to me.

I'll take a closer look at some of my past trips and offer some more in a day or so.

Most importantly, I'm disappointed that I can't join you over there and show you myself.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

hppants, the reason I did NOT recommend the Talladega Scenic Byway is because BigJohn and Festar are attending SFO. There is no doubt they will ride that road multiple times during that event.

But yeah, The Talladega Scenic Byway is a Must Do Road in that area. As is Cheaha State Park.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Now this is what I was hoping for. Don't be afraid to open that map, add your recommendation and repost!

 

[hppants]

OK, now that I've got my head firmly released from my arse (thanks RFH), let me offer some more. Seems to me your biggest obstacle is time. I can (now that I'm sober) suggest a bunch of detours, but they will take time. None the less...:

1. You could take a right at Margerum Alabama and pick up a section of the Natchez Trace. That piece running in the direction of Tupelo is very little-traveled. Not too many landmarks, but it's nice. You can also plan a stop at the natural bridge - that is kind of cool and out of place for Alabama. Then run Hwy 278 through the Bankhead N/F - that road is very nice and pretty quick as you run through the forest. Then meet your route back to Cullman. Something like this:

https://goo.gl/maps/quUcb3SC2bv

2. After Daytona, get back to Gainsville, and then get to Hwy 98 and stick with it. That is a beautiful ride and is the quintessential Florida that I like. The one that doesn't include Mickey Mouse, Condos, or any other tourist trap. There are so many awesome places to run down to the coast and wander a little, but my favorites along this route are: Manatee Springs State Park, Tide Swamp Wildlife Mgmt Area, St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Alligator Point, and St. Joseph Preserve (Port St. Joe). This would an awesome ride.....

https://goo.gl/maps/wAAqoF8FvUQ2

3. At Panama City, get away from the coast. From there west, it's really getting touristy and crowded and the traffic (even in October if the weather is good) is going to be a real PITA. Hwy 20 is a great alternative to I-10 and goes through some foresty swamp. You can then pickup the slab or even ride Hwy 90 to Mobile - the bridge across Mobile Bay is kind of neat. If the traffic is bad leading up to the bay on the slab, take Hwy 90 and avoid the tunnel.

https://goo.gl/maps/EnrqUHavhY52

4. On the other hand, avoid Hwy 90 going through coastal Mississippi. It runs about 25 mph and the casino crowd just pisses me off. Picture 75 year olds that are half-blind and should be driving anything, much less a 6000 pound Cadillac. Hop on the slab and make some time. Like this:

https://goo.gl/maps/vPvLohucGFp

5. I suppose you must go to New Orleans, but quite frankly I'd avoid it. You could cut that triangle from Mobile and ride through some nice stuff heading northeast. I know I'm wasting my keyboard, but I thought I'd throw that out.

Hope this helps.

 

[bigjohnsd]

No requirement to go to the Big Easy. Festar has never been, I was there once in 1974. I didn't lose anything I need to go back for.

 

[stealth1]

Leaving Rossville I would stay on TN57 probably to Ramer and then 234 down to US45 to US72.

72 through MS is basically wide flat and smooth. Better for making time but I always preferred 57 when heading that way.

Lived in those parts for quite a while but haven't been back for 6 years though.

 

[Tyler]

Leaving Jemison Sunday, October 26th to be back in Rossville/Memphis that night for Monday flights home.

Assume you mean Sunday, October 29th.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Leaving Jemison Sunday, October 26th to be back in Rossville/Memphis that night for Monday flights home.

Assume you mean Sunday, October 29th.

Fixed, see you along the way.