Lake James and Mt Airy Ride

The last 2 days of riding have been great. After weeks of not getting to ride, I finally got to ride Big Red for about 500+ miles. Monday I met up with my brother-in-law at his home to ride around Lake James in NC. Slick and I had visited the lake on one trip but that was in the car (boring ride). Kevin lives closer to the lake so he lead the way and we rode around the outer edge of the lake. It was a nice day and the ride was great. However, there aren't too many good places to park to get a good photo or two. That didn't stop us. Below is a nice photo of the lake and Table Rock. The other photo is Kevin as my lookout for our get away. We are born outlaws!

Table Rock at Lake James

Yes, We Stopped! Call a Cop!

After riding around the lake, Kevin lead the way to route 268 toward Wilkesboro NC. That was a nice ride through the county. We actually rode for miles before seeing any vehicles. We rode through some old towns such as Roaring River, Knottville, Elkin and of course, Ronda. I know what you are saying, "I have never heard of those towns". Well, neither have I. The towns were very small and you could tell that many of the old mills and factories have come and gone. Nevertheless, the ride through those old towns was very nice and relaxing.

After a good nights rest after me riding for about 8 hours on Monday, Kevin and I headed out to Mount Airy NC. Mt Airy was place where Andy Griffith lived as a boy and is a popular tourist area for those that grew up watching the Andy Griffith Show and like to see the changing of the leaves in the mountain in the fall. The place really packs in the tourist for the Mayberry Days events that just happen to be going on at the end of this week. Many of the old actors from the show are no longer with us, but those that are still kicking usually show up. Andy Griffith actually showed up last year.

Kevin and I visited the major attractions like the Andy Griffith Museum. If you get a chance to visit there and liked the show, you need to go there. The cost is only $3.00. Of course no visit to Mount Airy is complete without visiting Snappy's Lunch for a heart stopping pork chop sandwich and a hair cut at Floyd's Barber Shop. I know, I don't have hair, but I can still get a few pictures of those with hair getting haircuts; including my good old biker buddy, Kevin. There are hundreds of photos on the wall of those that got there hair cut at Floyd's. We asked one barber there how many photos they had and she said there are probably over 35,000 photos.

Kevin's Snappy Pork Chopped Sandwich

Kevin's Haircut at Floyd's Barber Shop!

I also got a few other pictures that I thought were pretty cool.

Andy Griffith's Old Home

Popular Statue of Andy and Opie

Town Tours in Old Car From the Show

Downtown Mount Airy (AKA, Mayberry)

Floyd's Barber Shop...$8.00 Haircuts

Memories of Mayberry are Everywhere

Veteran's Memorial

So if you get a chance to visit Mount Airy or ride route 268, go for it. It was a great ride. The next trip will be Slick and I riding the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend. We plan to visit Asheville and Cherokee NC. More to come on that trip, so stay tuned.

4th of July Ride

Slick and I just got back from our motorcycle ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain Park in NC. We started about 9 am and hoped to beat the heat. Our ride took us from home and west on highway 421. We followed highway 421 to 21 North. 21 North took us up toward Stone Mountain Park in NC. We enjoyed that park of that ride. 21 North allows you to start enjoying the nice country roads and has very little traffic. We didn’t stop at Stone Mountain Park because we had driven our car up there before. After passing the park entrance continued to head north on 21 until to we got to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. It was a great day to ride. There were motorcycle and old guys driving their classic cars everywhere. We saw all types of bikers. Here is the route we took.

We always enjoy riding the parkway. Slick came up with a good ideas to pack a picnic lunch for us. That was nice. We ate some awesome P&J sandwiches and chips. She also made us a nice chocolate chip cake too. We had our little snack, enjoyed the scenery and laid on a blanket on one of the overlooks and enjoyed the day. It has been a long time since Slick and I just relaxed in the park. As a matter of fact, the Blue Ride Parkway was the first place we went on a date over 28 years ago. Here are a few photos from our ride:

We always enjoy riding the parkway. Slick came up with a good ideas to pack a picnic lunch for us. That was nice. We ate some awesome P&J sandwiches and chips. She also made us a nice chocolate chip cake too. We had our little snack, enjoyed the scenery and laid on a blanket on one of the overlooks and enjoyed the day. It has been a long time since Slick and I just relaxed in the park. As a matter of fact, the Blue Ride Parkway was the first place we went on a date over 28 years ago.

After our picnic, we headed west through the park. Our exit out of the park was 18 south toward Wilkesboro NC and back to 421. It was a about 20 south from 18 to Wilkesboro. The ride was nice. We went through several some towns and enjoyed the scenery of the wide open farm lands.

One we got back on 421, we headed south back toward home. By that time it was getting a little toasty, but Slick hung in there. The ride took about 4.5 hours. It was a great way to enjoy park of our 4th of July weekend.

If you get a chance check out the route. We plan to do it again. Of course we want to stay longer.

Until next time and remember to not be so busy making a living you forget to make a life.

Pappy

Mt Airy and Blue Ridge Parkway Ride

Yesterday was a great day for a ride. Slick and I got up in the morning and we were not too sure if the weather was going to hold out. It was cloudy in the morning but after checking the weather forecast it seemed we were going to be okay.

We got on the road around 11:30. By that time it was getting a little toasty and the temperature was suppose to get near 90. It wasn't too bad if we were moving on the bike and it turned out to be nice. We headed toward Winston Salem to highway 52 north and the VA state line. By the time we got there the weather as improving. Not long after we entered VA we headed west on highway 58 west toward Fairy Stone State Park. The bad thing was the park was not on highway 58 west. It turned out it was on some off road and of course we rode right by it. We just said, "Oh well, we have gas, keep riding".

As we headed west we did see a nice lookout called "Lovers Leap". So he had to stop and get a photo or two. I had been there before. I had rode highway 58 west as my first solo ride about 3 years ago. The overlook view was nice and a popular stopping point for those heading toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.

After leaving Lovers Leap, we headed west to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We noticed a small park off the road and decided to check it out. It turned out to have a nice view of the mountains and some picnic spots. We stopped to take a view photos there. While there, we notice a grave site. It was kind of strange to have a grave site at the park. We noticed that a USAF veteran was buried there. He must have loved the mountains to have asked to have been buried there. You could tell from the site that he was not forget by the flag at his grave site that someone placed there.

After a few photos and quick break we headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway. As usual, the parkway was a nice relaxing ride. Slick and I had been on that part of the parkway before, but it never gets old riding that parkway. We look the rolling hills, farm lands and very lite traffic on the parkway.

After exiting the parkway, we headed to highway 52 south and headed toward Mt Airy. We decided to look for some lunch. We decided to eat a place that wasn't a chain and so we decided to pick the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. It was old restaurant that had been there for many years. Actually the waiters had been working there 27 years. It was an old place but the popcorn shrimp, hush puppies and tea was awesome! After lunch Slick wanted to take a tour of downtown Mt Airy. That took about 3 minutes. It would have been shorted but we had to stop at a couple of stop lights.

Once our bellies were full we headed south toward home. By this time was had been gone about 5 hours. We finally made it home in about 6 hours. Overall, the ride was great. Slick stated it was one of the most relaxing and fun rides she had had in a long time. I had to agree.

If you would like to see photos of our trip just click on the link below and remember, don't be so busy making a living you forget to make a life.

Mt Airy and Blue Ridge Parkway Ride

Pappy

VA State BBQ Championship in Galax Ride

Saturday was a great day to ride. The weather was awesome and the roads were filled with all types of bikes. Our band of awesome riders consisted of Kevin (Harley) and Carolyn (Nanna), Jordan (AKA Dudley) and of course Slick and I. We had 1 Harley, VTX and Big Red taking out for the ride. We decided to head to Galax VA to the VA BBQ State Championship. Slick actually suggested the ride. It was the first time she has suggested a ride and she picked a good one.

We headed out on highway 52 north toward Mt Airy. We were not too thrilled about riding on highway 52. The ride did get a little better once we got off 52 and on to 74. Highway 74 was nice. There was very little traffic and there were a lot of bikes heading in the same direction as we were.

The ride did get even better once we got on 89 west. 89 took us right into Galax VA. It was Harley and Nanna's first time riding their bikes in VA. So of course we had to stop and get a photo of the two at the state line.

Once we rode into Galax, we could noticed the town was pretty packed with people. The smell of BBQ was in the air, banjos were playing, two guys who thought they were ZZ Top were in the house and people were really enjoying themselves. I had to take in some BBQ. The BBQ was great. Below are a few photos of our trip in Galax:

The girls did what they like to do best; shopping. They stopped at several booths and stores to checkout the stuff for sell. Of course, they had to buy something (it must be a woman thing). I am glad I didn't take my trailer. The girls would have filled it up with all types of stuff. As for the guys, we were concerned with what we do best; eating. Of course, we did that well.

After touring the sites and sounds of Galax, we headed south and back toward home. The trip took us about 5 hours and we put about 200 miles on the bikes. We did notice on the way up on 89, we saw an exit for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Slick and I have ridden a lot of the parkway, but we haven't ridden that part of it. So of course, we will have to take another trip back up that way in the near future to take care of that little issue.

All-in-all, the ride was great. We had great weather and we all enjoyed being together. We are all looking forward to riding again soon.

Until next time and remember, don't be so busy making a living you forget to make a life.

Pappy

Great Time Riding This Weekend

Well, it has been about 2 weeks since I got the opportunity to ride. Work and traveling is keeping me pretty busy. Since it was a 3 day weekend and the weather was great we hit the road. Even though the rides were local, they were great. Here is how my travels went...

Friday, Jordan and I took off for Hanging Rock State Park. We headed up highway 52 North toward Mt Airy. For those of you that are not familiar with Mt. Airy, it is the town that Andy Griffin grew up in and the fictional town of Mayberry was born. Actually, if you are an old timer like me and grew up watching Andy Griffin, you will know the story. If you decide to travel there, you can actually visit a lot of things there in regards to Mayberry. Visit Slappy's grill. Andy Griffin ate there as a kid and they are famous for the pork chop sandwich. Right next to Slappy's is Floyd's Barber Shop. If I had hair, I would have gotten my hair cut there. Another thing about Mt Airy is that they have a Mayberry Days festival every year. If you liked the show you need to visit. Sometimes some of the fictional characters that are still living show up there.

Anyway, back to our ride. Jordan and I took off toward Mt Airy. Once we got to the Hanging Rock State Park sigh off of highway 52, we hit some really nice country roads with a lot of great curves. It seems like you ride forever. We just made sure we followed all the Hanging Rock State Park signs so we wouldn't get lost. The ride to the park was lengthy but fun.

We arrived at the park and there were bikes everywhere. You can't blame the bikers. The roads and the weather was great. Jordan and I decided to do a little hiking while at the park. What we thought would be a simple 1.9 mile hike took us over 2.5 hrs to complete. The trail took us straight up the mountain. It was a great hike, but is kicked out butts. Even though the hike was tough the view was awesome and well worth the mistake of taking a hike. Below are few pictures you might enjoy.


After hiking back from our "death march', we hit the road and took a different route back toward highway 52. We basically made a huge circle back to the highway. Again, the roads were curvy and long (just my types of roads). Jordan and I stopped at a local Chic-Fil-a and had a nice meal and headed home. We were exhausted. But wait there is more...

On Saturday, Slick and I meet Jordan at his place and mounted up to hit the road to Lenoir NC and meet with Kevin and Carolyn (my brother and sister-in-laws). Kevin is a Harley man and he has been riding for a few months now. He and Carolyn are enjoying the fun of riding too. I am pretty proud of Kevin. He hasn't been riding very long but now rides like a pro.

We meet Kevin and Carolyn and their home. Kevin had a nice long trip all ready planned out for us that included going into TN. We didn't have that much time, so we had to cut the trip a little short. He took us on some great long back roads on 181 North and up to Linville Gorge and into the Blue Ridge Parkway. Jordan had not ridden too much of the parkway but stated he wanted to ride there again. The scenery of the mountains was awesome!

We we got close too Linville Gorge we all got alittle hungry and Kevin came across a nice little place to stopped called "Pappy's BBQ". Of course we had to stop there just because of the name. We went in and Slick had to tell everyone that my nickname was Pappy and she even showed the workers there my Pappy tattoo. I felt like a big celebrity and I was thinking I might get my food for free. Of course, that didn't happen. They also had a "Pappy's hat there. Slick had to buy me a Pappy's hat. (For those of you they don't know me, I collect hats for my "man cave"). It actually will make a great addition to my hat collection.

After the meal we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. We also rode the Viaduct on the parkway. That gives everyone a great view of the Great Smokey Mtns (every time I ride up there I look forward to retiring there). Slick and I plan to buy us a little home up there. We are looking forward to that. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

After traveling through the parkway, everyone decided to say goodbye and head back home. Slick, Jordan and I took 321 South back home. It was a long day, but it was nice. It was a great way to spend the weekend. We had great weather, scenery, food, family and fun. Even though I am completely exhausted, I can't wait to ride again.

Until next time and remember to not be so busy making a living you forget to make a life.

Pappy