The distance to Bristol Va is 265 miles. The roads are filled with twists and turns along with stretches of long inclines to the mountain tops. For the majority of the trip, I get in a great deal of true bike riding along the smoothly paved, tree lined roads.
The morning brings with it plenty of wildlife sightings with deer roaming fields along the sides of the two lane roads. It also raises caution for those deer may find their way out of the bush to attempt a road crossing as there is proof along the highway of instances where the deer met their demise.
As careful as possible I move on but I am tempted to ride the bike harder through the curves because its such a great feeling leaning into and coming out of them. I press through a few now and then just for a small rush!
The air today is crisp. Its another clear day and I am dressed appropriately, very comfortable and warm. Its been an experience being up in the mountains this week and feeling cold air for the first time in years. Even the cold in Florida is still moderate. I remember thinking how happy I was with the choices of clothing I made for the cooler weather.
Today’s ride was an enjoyable one. I didn’t feel pressed to get to my destination and the scenery at times was spectacular. The overlooks on the mountain tops are stunning.
I pull into a Quality Inn and luckily get a room. There are NASCAR events being held at Bristol Speedway this weekend and the rooms here are filling rapidly. Bikes are spewed throughout the parking lot next to all the raised pickup trucks.
I meet up with two bikers staying the night at the hotel. They are traveling from Massachusetts and heading down thru Tennessee then back home. They tell me how the two of them take a few trips a year. The one guy said they did 550 miles today which makes me cringe. I remember thinking they didn’t seem that much younger than me but on second glance probably a good fifteen or more years my juniors. God bless them!
It’s basically still early in the evening and I don’t feel like riding to dinner so I walk over to a Perkins and order a hamburger. I’ve had Perkins burgers before and as I recall, it was very good. They revamped their burger menu with Angus beef and better toppings and I have to say the second time was as good as the first. I make some small talk with the waitress and mention that I used to manage a Perkins when I was much younger but although friendly, she seems unimpressed. Still left her a good tip regardless.
I get back to my room, pick up my laptop and head for the lobby to plan the next days route and have a cup of decaf. I meet up with the same guys and we chat it up some more before they head out for dinner. I wish them well and never see them again during my stay.
The morning starts early for me as I’m packed up before six o’clock and raring to go. I grab a coffee and take care of business( I’m guessing you can figure out the business) then hit the road. Day two should land me in Calhoun Ga by three this afternoon.
Just one mans opinion
The Regular Guy
Sounds like a good one.