Actually, I'm already here....
I guess I made it up here pretty quick. Time and distance are getting pretty skewed. I'll start taking my time, but, I didn't want to fall behind. I'll start taking my time, especially when I head into the mountains in Colorado, and, the Pacific Northwest.
OK, Where do I begin? I left Sarasota and headed up towards Atlanta on the Interstate. I figured that I take about 50% more time then estimated on computer because I have to take more stops to get gas more often and to rest my butt. When fueled (3 tanks. Primary: 2 gal, reserve: .8 gal, external: 1 gal.) the range on the bike is about 250 miles. Although I'm not much good for more than 70. So, I usually take a break every 50 miles and fuel up the primary every other one. That adds a lot of time to the trip. So, I'm still not used to guessing how much area I can cover when looking at the map, but, I'm getting the hang of it. Plus, you can't read a map while your on the bike, so, I have to keep an image of the map in my head. that makes it interesting.
So, if it's estimated 8 hrs. to Atlanta, it took me 12. Left at sunrise and arrived at sunset.
Got to Marietta, and, met with Kenny and Nisla. That was the longest ride so far, but I wanted to get out of Florida. Not very exciting on the Interstate, but, that's the least I'll see of it. I'm sticking to federal highway and maybe smaller roads after this.
Taking off!
Saw the "Big Chicken"!
Everything in Marietta is related to the big chicken. If you ask for directions, it'll usually start with "Go to the chicken, then, turn....."
Got a late start but decided to head out and see where I end up. Headed up US 41 toward Nashville.
Took a break, and had the sneaking suspicion that I was being watched....
Got to Chattanooga and (got lost, "Oh, you're 11 now, not 41, ok, you're 41 again") Found the Cummings highway going over Lookout Mountain. A beautiful scenic highway hosting the world largest underground waterfall. The attraction was already closed when I got there, but, what a fun ride!! Lots of windy roads going up a large mountain.
Sunset.
Oh, sunset. That means it's going to get dark soon. Better look for some place to stay!
As I was coming down I stopped by a bunch of Yamaha motorcycles. There is a big Yamaha rally going on in Chattanooga this weekend met some guys and talked about my trip.
One thing about traveling by yourself (not to mention encased in your helmet listening to yourself talk all the time) is you don't pass up little opportunities to be social.
I stop to take a break near a lake at a boat ramp. it was getting dark and the boats were coming in.
Well, I suppose this place will work. I set up camp and wait for someone to ask what I'm doing. Nope. All the boats pack up and then I'm by myself (If you don't count the mosquitos). I woke up right around sunrise.
I start heading out toward Nashville and get up to Murfreesboro. I really don't feel dealing with the urban hassle.
Instead I head north to Lebanon and around Nashville. I going through Lebanon and I see another Savage!
A mechanic's 2001 Savage!
By the way, The bike was called the Savage for many years then in 2004 Suzuki renamed all the cruiser line "Boulevard". Everyone still calls them Savages.
Taking a break:
I head into Clarksville and was about to move on, then decided to head into town.
Rode around the town and found a coffee shop (Duh) Just some kids hanging out and watching some movies.
It was nice to relax and have a cup of coffee. No coffee while I'm riding. Water, juice, and, snacks only.
Accommodations provided by the Clarksville county fairgrounds!
The Clarksville Riverwalk:
In this area there are numerous Civil War battlegrounds, cemeteries, etc. I stop by one. (Ft. Donelson)
I'm heading for an area called "The land between the lakes" (Google it.)
Beautiful. Saw some deer, some birds of prey.
Heading into Missouri!!
The Mississippi River!
Stopped in a park and met some Harley riders doing a weekend ride.
They did about 150 miles today and were talking about how beat they were. I''m doing about 270.
I definitely get a lot of respect from the riders I meet. They all think I'm crazy, but, and I quote, "You have balls as big as Kansas to do that, Good luck."
I have a motorcycle ride atlas that has a bunch of great suggestions for scenic routes.
I'm heading for the Ozark mountains in south Missouri.
As it starts to get late in the evening, I see a sign for a campground.
7 miles. Dirt road. Not good. But, it looked good, well worn and packed, I decide to go for it.
Dirt roads and street bikes don't mix, I know, but, I'm handling it well.
then about 5 miles in I see why the road is worn.
Oh uh. The road gets a lot more rough. You know what happens next.
I was staying in the grooves but drifted and instead of riding through the center, I tried to correct and did a "high side". That sucked. It's a lot easier going up a steep hill than going down.
Bent a footrest and the gear shift. (No more problems for the rest and going back up.)
I get the bike up, and get to the campground.
It was really worth it though. Beautiful spot next to the river. COLD river.
Rough day, swim, great day.
There was a family camping there from Illinois. They let me hang out and had the best meal with them!
That was so nice to meet them.
Greater day! Thank you so much!
Got up in the morning and headed back up the hill without a hitch. The bike is trashed! Though I debate if I should wash it or not....... I washed it when I got to Andrea and Jon's house. Though it's cool to have a real dirty bike trekking across the continent, mechanically, it's not ideal.
...on the way to Kansas City:
A real cool diner in Sedalia, MO The Wheel-in Drive-in.
Their claim to fame is the "Guberburger" A hamburger with peanut butter!
Sad to see that it will be closing in Sept. after 60 years of business.
I don't even know where to comment on that.
Honest Ed died recently too.
Got to Kansas City, MO. and staying with my friends Andrea and Jon.
Taking Monday off, then, going across Kansas.
And I thought I would have nothing to write about!!
I have a lot more pictures than I thought. So, yeah, LOTS more to come.
