Relaxing May Weekend

Well, this weekend was about as relaxed as you get for riding. Jen and I didnt put many miles on the bike but we got to spend time with great friends on Saturday and then we just rode some backroads and dodged the clouds on Sunday. I think all in all we only rode about 240 miles for both days but it was on some of the prettiest backroads that I have ever seen.

Saturday had us join the Boro Chapter and Bumpus HD for a large group ride to Bell Buckle, TN for Motorcycle Days. Tom Bumpus needed a few Road Captains to help with the train of bikes that stretched nearly two miles. Jen and I volunteered to ride sweep and to keep everyone together from the rear, plus normally this is a place to get some awesome photos. As fortune would have it, our camera was acting up and we were not able to get any photos. Once we got the train of bikes to Bell Buckle, we signed up for the Poker Run. We road with a small group of about 10 bikes which included some of our close chapter friends and Tom Bumpus and his daughter. Now, I have riden all over the backroads of TN, but we took some roads on this Poker Run that I have yet to venture and oh my were they pretty. It was a reminder to me that I need to get out and explore like I used to. I call it blind riding, because you dont get your map out until you are truly lost or you need to figure out where you are to head home. You just take off and turn on roads to see where they go and what is on them. Today was a great relaxing day that covered about 140 miles total but it was a very relaxing and casual passed day. I made sure of it since I was the leader of the group. We rode at a comfortable 45-50 mph most of the day. Just slow enought to soke in the scenery and sun of a absolutely beautiful day.

Sunday had Jen and I in the saddle around 11 am for a some what late start to the day, but we werent sure what the rain was going to do today. I finally said lets go put some miles on the road while it is pretty outside. We headed out of the Boro on Burnt Nob Rd over to Hwy 162 and then onto another backroad over to Triune, where we topped off with fuel. Back onto Hwy 41A towards Eagleville where we caught Hwy 99 back to the Boro. We did make several small loops through some backroads along the way as well, but I couldnt tell you what the names of the roads where or if they even have signs on them. That is the kind of roads that are fun to explore. After reaching the Boro, we headed for ice cream at Jen's favorite place, Marble Slab. Then we headed home for a little R&R in the recliner and Jen on the couch with Morgan(our yellow lab).

This was one of those weekends that you feel so relaxed and refueled after some great rides. We didnt burn up the odometer but we did refuel the soul, at least until next weekend. Ride safe and ride free.

Brian