Southeast Swing: Waynesboro, TN - Sherwood, AR

Waynesboro, TN -  Sherwood, AR

301 miles

Last leg of my odyssey through the Southeast. Woke this morning to some serious weather brewing near Little Rock so I knew my good weather luck was finally going to run out! Figured I wouldn't meet the foreboding weather till I was near Memphis so I had time to enjoy one last stop on my journey, the Shiloh National Military Park. 

The park is located near Savannah, TN, the self proclaimed catfish capital of the US! The Battle of Shiloh was one of the first major battles in the western theater of the Civil War. The two-day battle, 6-7 April 1862, involved about 65,000 Union and 44,000 Confederate troops. The battle resulted in nearly 24,000 killed, wounded, and missing. The two days of fighting did not end in a decisive tactical victory for either side — the Union held the battlefield but failed to pursue the withdrawing Confederate forces. However, it was a decisive strategic defeat for the Confederate forces that had massed to oppose the Union invasion through Tennessee. A must visit if you're ever in the area! 

Following Shiloh, I met the weather, as advertised, east of Memphis....it was a long and chilly three hours of riding in the rain back home to Sherwood! 

All in all, I logged almost 3,700 miles over the past 17 days. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to take such a journey, spend time with loved ones and see the many wonderful sights that America has to offer! 

Thanks for following my adventure....hope you enjoyed the daily updates from the open road. Stay tuned throughout the year for more! Montana, Colorado and Wyoming coming in July! 

Shiloh Battlefield Visitor's Center

Heavy armament

Confederate line of battle

Union perspective of the battlefield 

Confederate Memorial

Sobering reminder of the price of war

Southeast Swing: Robbinsville, NC - Waynesboro, TN

Robbinsville, NC -  Waynesboro, TN

360 miles

Started the day with another magnificent ride on the Cherohala Skyway....skies were clear with temps in the mid 30's by the time I reached the 5,400' summit near the Tennessee / North Carolina line. Much cooler than the tropical temps in South Florida just last week! Toward the end of the Cherohala, I opted to take a small winding road to see Bald River Falls which is a 100 foot waterfall nestled deep in the Cherokee National Forest. To my surprise this diversion ended up being one of the prettiest drives of the trip....you just never know what you will find on the road less traveled! 

I used Butler's Southern Appalachia map to find the best roads when planning the remainder of this leg through Tennessee and I was surely not disappointed! One of the highlights was the gorgeous Ocoee River area, which is popular for whitewater rafting and for hosting whitewater slalom events during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Great camping, hiking and mountain biking in this area as well....a true outdoor paradise! 

Just outside of Chattanooga, I continued my way through the winding roads of the Sequatchie Valley to the lovely hamlet of South Pittsburg, home of the National Cornbread Festival being held this weekend. Who would have thought? 

No trip through this region would be complete without a stop at one of the many famed whiskey distilleries that operate in this area. I took a few minutes to check out the Jack Daniels Distillery and visitor center in historic Lynchburg. It is the oldest registered distillery in the US dating back to 1866! Really interesting facilities and grounds.....much to be learned about the history of Old No. 7 and how it's made! 

Finished my day with a great ride through the rolling countryside to Waynesboro....my first beautiful sunset on a nice evening in the saddle! 

Cherohala magic! 

50 miles of motorcycling bliss

A river runs through it

Gorgeous Bald River

Bald River Falls

Here's to the road less traveled! 

A relaxing stretch of the Ocoee River 

Say hello to Mr Daniel

Sweet setup at Jack's joint

Southeast Swing: Helen, GA - Robbinsville, NC

Helen,  GA -  Robbinsville, NC

280 miles

Every once in a while you have a day that exceeds your every expectation...this was one of those days!

Departed Helen for the remaining portion of the Six Gap ride and enjoyed it so much that I double backed and rode several sections I rode yesterday.....the mountains of northern Georgia could not have been more inviting!

Crossed into North Carolina and meandered through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest enroute to Robbinsville. This area has well maintained, wide open roads and offers an abundance of things to see. A truly beautiful part of the country....

Started the afternoon with the Cherohala Skyway....this is one of the best rides I have been on anywhere. I really enjoyed the smooth flow of the sweepers and the absolutely gorgeous views. Saw just a handful of people on this leg....had the entire place to myself!

Following the Cherohala, I continued North to Tennessee on scenic US 360 then picked up US 129 back South to the Tail of the Dragon. It literally started to rain as I got to the northern start of the Dragon which added a whole new dimension to my ride here compared to last year! The Dragon is relatively short at just 11 miles but it really keeps you busy with switchbacks, hairpins, off-camber turns, decreasing radius turns and the like. Throw some moisture on the pavement and you'll get to ratchet the intensity up a few notches......quite a challenge but super fun! No better way to end a memorable day of riding....... 

Post card view of Nantahala National Forest

The Cherohala never fail to impress

Oh the grandeur of it all

A few of the Dragon's 318 curves

A wet Dragon is even more treacherous 

North Carolina line near Deal's Gap

All hail to the fire breather

Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort 

Tree of Shame - Remnants of Dragon victims since the 80's

Motorcycles rule the roost here

Southeast Swing: Sylvania, GA - Helen, GA

Sylvania, GA - Helen, GA

285 miles

Picture perfect day for a ride to the alpine town of Helen in the mountains of northern Georgia! The temps today were in the high 60's making for some of the best riding conditions of the trip so far. 

My first stop today was at Toccoa Falls College to see their famed waterfall. A signature feature of a beautiful campus! What a sight to behold! 

I also stopped by Unicoi, one of Georgia's most beloved state parks just outside of Helen.....gorgeous lakes, hiking and mountain biking made me feel right at home. I wish I had my Tallboy with me... the singletrack looked sweet! 

Next up was the west side of the Six Gap ride in the Chattahoochee National Forest....super sweet track with righteous sweepers, tight hairpins and great scenery. This is what motorcycling is all about......!! 

Finished the day with a walk-about of Helen and a tasty German meal on the deck outside at the Old Heidelberg Restaurant. Yet another memorable day! 

Beautiful Toccoa Falls

Great day for fishing! 

 Unicoi State Park

Sprechen sie deutsch in Helen? 

The cool, brisk air made it feel like Deutschland in April

Roast pork, spatzle and sauerkraut! 

Southeast Swing: Sylvania, GA

Had a great few days visiting family in Sylvania....really enjoyed the wide open spaces and the peace and quiet that comes with country living. Spent a nice day in Savannah soaking up the rich, vibrant history of Georgia's oldest city. Such a lovely place......one would need quite a few days there to take it all in! 

Confederate cemetery near Sylvania

1870's Methodist Church

Savannah's mellowest ride

Beautiful parks around every corner 

One of 22 historic city "squares" 

Waving girl statue....unofficial greeter of the Port of Savannah

Great place to sit a spell

Love the old cobblestone on River Street 

 French container ship cruising the channel 

Southeast Swing: Patrick AFB, FL - Sylvania, GA

Patrick AFB, FL -  Sylvania, GA

375 miles

Started the day with a quick tour of Patrick AFB and a sweet breakfast at their dining facility which is situated right on the water. Great amenities and a superb location make Patrick a rough duty assignment for sure! 

First stop of the day was at the Kennedy Space Center for a look around the visitor's complex and the Astronaut Hall of Fame..... so much to see and do here. I wish had more time to take it all in! I will be back...... 

Continued up A1A to fabled Daytona Beach....it is easy to see why Daytona is so popular with it's miles of white sand beaches, varied attractions and fantastic weather. The scenery is not bad either! Bike Week in March? Must be a blast.......  

No trip to northeast Florida would be complete without a stop by historic St. Augustine....founded in 1565, this is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. Enjoyed a walking tour of the historic district and of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument which for many years was the northernmost outpost of Spain's New World empire. The fort protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and from Spain's major rival, Great Britain, during a time when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive international battleground. A must see if you're ever in this area! 

Finished my day with a run up I-95 to visit family in Sylvania, GA. Will be back the road to Helen, GA and the Six Gap ride on Tuesday. 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex

Mercury / Redstone rocket.....first U.S. manned space vehicle

Space Shuttle Inspiration 

Watch out for cars at Daytona Beach! 

Ormond Beach....notice how the sand color has changed? 

View from A1A near Crescent Beach.....what a drive! 

Fort Matanzas National Monument 

 Boardwalk view of St. Augustine Beach

Canon emplacements at Castillo de San Marcos

Prime real estate! 

True American history.....