Breaks Interstate Park – Virginia and Kentucky

August 25, 2014 by LB

Despite the fact that every weather report called for extensive rain, I was ready to ride! My goal for this ride, my first trip on the bike since the wreck 10 months ago, was to take my time, enjoy the adventure, and have a completely different outcome from the last one. To say the least, I was excited!

The destination for this, the first day, was Breaks Interstate Park, a park shared by the states of Virginia and Kentucky.

I took a chance and kept my rain gear packed in the saddle bags and hit the road. The day was overcast and just a little cool … in essence, a perfect day to ride. As I got closer to the park the roads became curvier and the traffic became more sparse. About four hours later and just a few miles before entering the park, I stopped at Mill Rock Point Overlook. A short 65 yard hike, and I was taking my first photos of the trip!

Shortly after that, I entered what is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South”. 200 million years ago the area was covered by a vast inland sea. Once the sea receded, the river that is now known as Russell Fork began the work of carving out an immense gorge, renowned as the largest east of the Mississippi.

I rode straight to the Visitors Center, and was immediately distracted by this historic log cabin.

It was while chatting with the woman at the Visitors Center, and hoping to quench my thirst, that I realized my first error in planning. There would be no traditional end of the day beer as there areNO ALCOHOL sales in the park! Ah well, at least I was able to enjoy a cold ice cream cone!

The park has several trails and I set off to hike a few of them. Most were less than a mile and all of them led to various views of the 5 mile gorge.

These images look similar but the clouds kept changing and I could not stop shooting!

It was 6 oclock in the evening and I met no one else on the trails and saw no one at the overlooks. Perfect!

From this vantage point, I was standing in Virginia and looking at both Kentucky and Virginia.

All I could hear was the sound of the river, the train, and hawks flying around overhead.

I had to chuckle as I came upon this sign and of course, ventured beyond.

After several hours of riding and a few hours of hiking, it was time to head to the lodge for supper. While I had to settle for unsweet iced tea, I thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant’s specialty of brown beans and cornbread. Time on the deck was the only dessert that I needed.

With the bike parked right outside my room, I settled in for the night. I managed to escape the rain this day, but I knew that there was a good chance I’d be riding in the rain soon.

Next Post: Onward into Kentucky

Women Riders

May 9, 2014 by LB

A friend of mine was the focus of a Women Riders segment produced by one of our regional television stations. Missy and her husband own an indepedent motorcycle shop, and Missy, who has been riding for years, invited several women to come ride with her and help put the spotlight on women who ride.

It’s been 6 months since my wreck and unfortunately, I am still a rider without a bike (although not for much longer!).

Thankfully, I was able to indulge in another passion of mine.

I’ll be posting more photos soon, but meanwhile remember this:

The Last Ride … For Now. The Great Smoky Mountains!

November 13, 2013 by LB

October 18th dawned clear and cloudy with temperatures in the 40s. Not one to typically wear leathers, I’d borrowed my friend Martha’s chaps in anticipation of a cold ride. I pulled out of my driveway at 8am, excited about my 4 day ride on the bike. The plan was to spend alot of time with my camera and also with friends along the way.

Little did I know when I posted to my blog that morning, that the trip would end the way it did.

The ride from my home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) typically takes about 4 to 5 hours. I rode the interstate for the first three hours and had to pull over 3 times just to warm my hands and feet. By 10am though, the fog was gone, the sun was shining, and I was much more comfortable.

My first glimpse of the Smoky Mountains was so exciting and of course, I just had to pull over. The tops of the mountains were hidden by the clouds and I couldn’t wait to get there!

Before entering the park, the main drag through the City of Galtinburg has to be conquered. I wish I had a photo to share, but I was not about to try to find a place to park just to photograph the crowds of people walking and driving up and down the street.

Clearly, I had not done my homework. I would be entering the most visited National Park in the United States during the most visited weekend of the year – “peak weekend” for fall leaf color.

Oh my …

I successfully navigated Gatlinburg and entered the GSMNP. It was a beautiful day, and I prepared myself for a fairly crowded, bumper to bumper ride.

My first stop was the Sugarlands Visitors Center for the purchase of a helmet sticker.

I love to sticker up my helmet. It serves as a fun record of many of the places that I’ve visited on the bike.

Then, it was off to enjoy the ride.

I overheard someone complaining that the colors weren’t as pretty as in the past. Really? I was just so happy to be riding through these gorgeous mountains.

I kept stopping along the road and would laugh out loud with the pure happiness of being there. You’ve seen my photos of the park in B&W, but the landscape was stunning in color, too.

Despite the crowds, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

For those who are planning a visit, know that most of the crowd action is between Gatlinburg and Newfound Gap. It seems that most people drive up from the city, and then turn around and go back down. Once over the Gap, I kept on going, and I felt as if I had the road to myself. The sweeping curves made for wonderful riding and I was oh, so happy. Of course, I still continued to stop.

The ride over the mountain from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC is only 35 miles, but it took me a few hours because of the many stops that I made. One day allows you to see just a tiny fraction of the park. My friends, Sheila and John, have been hiking the trails in the park, over many visits and several years. This visit, for me, was just a small introduction.

An hour and a half later, I was in Weaverville, NC with my friends Delores and Gary, enjoying a delicious dinner after watching a lovely sunset. It was an amazing 350 mile day!

The next morning I hit the road to visit with more friends, this time in Flat Rock, NC. Gary took the last picture of me on my beloved 2013 Softail Slim. 6500 miles, no drops, no pipe burns … just one big wreck.

Donna, Joanne, Janet, and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch in Hendersonville, NC and after several laughter filled minutes of getting me back into my borrowed chaps, we posed for a photo … the last photo of my original smile. I rode along some beautiful roads, intending to meet up with my friend Christine and her family in Boone, NC.

Who knew that just 3 hours later, I would be in a bike wreck, hit while riding through an intersection. Thank goodness for DOT approved helmets, good fortune, amazing family, and wonderful friends! The bike is totaled, but I am not. I am healing from my injuries and hope to return to work in a week. I have much to process emotionally, and the wreck has caused pain, tears, time away from my patients and several life changes, but for now …

I am grateful to be alive.

And I will ride again.

Blowing in the Wind

October 7, 2013 by LB

After riding 125 miles, much of it along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might expect me to post photos of the changing fall leaves.

While I did see many beautiful sites as I followed along behind my friend Dave, we didn’t stop for photos because we had a destination in mind.

Raps is a full service 1950’s / 60’s Renaissance Store and Ice Cream Shop adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Raps also has a restaurant / bar and grill and features live music on the weekends.

The beer was cold, the music was classic rock, and several in the crowd were dancing. What really attracted my eye though, were the bright flags flapping in the wind against the brilliant blue sky.

You must be thinking: “really, LB, a post about flags? The kind that can easily be found flying at any car dealership”. What can I say? They made me happy!

Eleven days ’til the Fall Bike Trip!! Now THAT really makes me happy!

Burke’s Garden

September 10, 2013 by LB

This past Sunday found me needing some time on the bike, in a long, solo ride. Too many thoughts were jumbled around in my head and I needed to sort some things out. So I plotted my route and headed out for Burkes Garden.

Bowl-shaped Burke’s Garden is the highest valley in Virginia, and is named after James Burke who “discovered” the area during the 1740s (of course the Native Americans discovered it first). The historical marker notes that “the threat of Indian attack and the remoteness of the area discouraged permanent white settlement until the early 19th century”. It is still a very small community and the only store is closed on Sunday.

The ride to Burke’s Garden and back is one photo opportunity after another.

Old churches

Farms and the product of farming

Images that harken back to another time and warnings about eternity

I loved her little face peeking back at me.

While these 4 photos all have an organized religion theme, they represent 3 different churches.

And of course some fun, twisty roads.

By the time I arrived home, 5 hours and 150 miles later, I was in a much more peaceful frame of mind

2013 Bike Adventure: The Ride Home and Final Post

August 29, 2013 by LB

The final day of the ride is always a little sad for me. I am just not ready to go home!

Bethany Beach was in my mirrors by 8am as I had a long road ahead of me. The plan was to stop somewhere along the way for breakfast and of course, I was thinking local business. Fifty miles before I reached the restaurant, I saw the sign for Holly’s and that became my breakfast destination. If it was the hometown diner that I expected, I knew that I’d be eating more calories than I needed.

Holly’s, a restaurant celebrating 57 years in business, is advertised as the “Meeting place of the Eastern Shore”. I was hopeful, based on appearance, that I’d be a happy customer.

Doesn’t this remind you of the good ol’ diners from yesteryear?

Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite the nostalgic experience that I’d hope it would be.

The staff was uninterested, not a smile on a face to be seen, and the food was just so – so. I did like the memory of the 50 States placemat and the gun over the door. The cash register is no longer in use, but I love that it still sits there on the counter.

My timing was perfect as I made it back over the Cheapeake Bay Bridge (woo hoo!) and around Washington DC without hitting rush hour traffic. Once near Warrenton, I was able to leave the beltway / highway system behind, and get back to smaller state roads.

Warrenton is a town of less than 10,000 people in Fauquier County, and like many Virginia localities, has a history that spans the Colonial-Revolutionary Era, the Civil War Era, and the Reconstruction-Civil Rights Era. My very brief stop and walking tour was no where near long enough to explore this town, whose historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

On the grounds of the Courthouse is a small collection of historic items. This first item, according to the marker, is a naturally formed, ancient stone that was used as a mounting block for carriages and horses … but also as a slave auction block.

That sure stops you cold, doesn’t it?

As I rode those last 200 miles towards home, several things crossed my mind:

1. Produce Stands – all along the road through Delaware and Maryland I passed produce stands. The fruits and vegetables looked so fresh! This is NOT the time to be on the bike!

2. Bus Stands – many of the rural homes have covered bus stands at the end of the driveway to provide protection for children waiting for the school bus. The stands are evidently paid for by local businesses and it was disconcerting, to say the least, to see advertising for the local funeral home on the side of child’s school bus stand.

3. Money – I’d be riding down a road in the most rural part of a county and I’d see houses and farms falling down at the seems. The Churches? New construction, flashy signs, big paved parking lots. Hmmm ….

4. Bikes – I saw very few bikes throughout the 7 day ride. I’m guessing bikers don’t think of this year’s ride route as a bike destination.

I knew that I was drawing near to home when I began to see mountains behind me …

… and mountains in front of me.

Around 5pm, after being on the road since the morning, I was thirsty for that end of the ride day beer. Unfortunately, by riding Rt 11, and not the interstate with it’s multitude of restaurants, made finding a beer difficult! I finally found a small place that was open outside Buchanan, and pulled up to talk with the elderly gent sitting on the porch.

“Do they sell beer here” I asked?

He replied with a “Maam?”

I repeated “Can I get a beer here?”.

He looked at me with a long look and said (picture the guys outside the Courthouse in Mayberry) “Nooopppe” (said with a long drawn out drawl). Sadness!! Now, please understand, I LOVE Andy Griffith! I still faithfully watch the show whenever I can! And I love Appalachia and SWVA. But I really, really wanted a cold one!

Ah well, it was time to just kick it in gear and get on home.

Even though I am rarely ready to go home, I am comforted by the view of local scenery and the realization that home is a good place to be. The rain started to fall as I pulled into the driveway of Liz and Wilson’s home. They took the traditional end of the trip picture, and handed me a bag that contained some food for dinner … AND also inside that bag? A lovely cold beer!!

Nothing like friends to welcome you home in style!

Yep … that’s me … after 12 hours on the road!

And that’s my helmet … boasting several new stickers.

So after riding almost 1900 miles in 2 weeks (1400 during this 7 day trip), I was home.

A cold beer in my hand, my family and friends checking in to make sure I’d arrived safely, and the sound of rain falling on the roof. Seriously?

I could not have been more content!

2013 Bike Adventure: The Lewes / Cape May Ferry

August 27, 2013 by LB

Does it seem to you that the 2013 Bike Adventure is lasting forever? I feel sure that it must! In reality, it was 7 days long but by not being able to upload photos from the road, I am posting now … almost 2 weeks after the trip!

On this, the 6th day of the trip, I rode the bike to Lewes, DE in order to take the ferry across the Delaware Bay to Cape May, NJ. It was much less expensive (by almost $40) to ride over as a pedestrian than it would have been to ferry the bike over and because of that I was able to get a cup of coffee and relax while the cars and bikes were loaded. Even better, I was able to see the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s seagoing goodwill ambassador ( http://www.kalmarnyckel.org/).

The original Kalmar Nyckel sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638 leaving its passengers to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley, the Colony of New Sweden in present-day Wilmington, Delaware.

The replica of the Kalmar Nyckel was built by a group of committed citizens to be a continuing witness to the courage and spirit of those individuals who undertook the mid-winter North Atlantic crossing in 1637-1638. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation notes that “its historical significance rivals that of the Mayflower, yet her remarkable story has never been widely told”. The public can schedule a tour and can sail on the ship, too.

What a contrast between this Tall Ship replica and the modern ferry.

The ride to Cape May is not quite an hour and a half, which gave me plenty of time to explore the ferry and to relax.

Once on Cape May, I took the shuttle into the historic area. During the 6 mile ride, I had time to chat with the shuttle driver. As a former City Council Member, I am always interested in local government issues such as tourism and revenue generation. The driver noted that if local government officials had not had the strength to withstand those who wanted to tear down historic buildings and homes, then Cape May would be just like any other beach community filled with condos and high rise hotels. Instead, it is a booming tourist economy based on it’s history.

I walked for hours, first exploring the more touristy walking mall and then the beach, where you have to pay for beach access. That may not be a surprise to some of you, but it sure was to me!

Following that I walked through the historic neighborhoods and had to keep pulling my jaw up off the ground. WOW!! Not your typical beach rental!

Lunch (and of course, that cold beer) were enjoyed at Jackson Mountain Cafe, and after that it was time to head back to get the shuttle. The trip back across the bay just seemed to call for an ice cream cone and the taking of a “selfie”. Can you tell I’m content?

(I’m the one with the ball cap … ha!)

I quick stop in historic Lewes gave me more time to explore and opportunities for photography …. followed, of course, by a Bass on draft at The Rose and Crown.

Then, it was one final stop in Bethany Beach …

… before heading to Bluecoast for dinner and to buy a thank you gift certificate for friends. I had a blast watching Billy and Trevor shuck a zillion oysters and clams and prepare all kinds of yummy things to eat.

What a great day … and I can’t believe there’s only one more day of the 2013 Bike Adventure!!

2013 Bike Adventure: Delaware Beaches and Historic Towns

August 25, 2013 by LB

The best part about being an early riser is getting to see the sun come up.

Then the morning got even better because I got to use this wonderful outdoor shower! What a treat!

The plan for the day included visiting with friends from Virginia who just happened to be vacationing in Delaware at the same time that I was visiting. Until I met up with them though, I decided to attempt to work on editing / uploading photos. Kool Beans was the perfect place for a delicious breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

As much as I love a road trip, I usually spend so much time exploring that I don’t have enough time for quietly relaxing. This morning, though, I decided to do just that and it was lovely! I even took some time to read.

Soon though, it was time to head to Rehobeth. Riding Rt 1 along the Atlantic Ocean, I was excited to get to go over … you guessed it … a bridge!! The Indian River Inlet Bridge opened to traffic in 2012, replacing several bridges before it. I pulled over to take this shot and could even have walked over on the pedestrian / bicycle lane in order to get better photos, but I needed to get on down the road.

Once I got to Rehobeth, I was just about done in by the traffic, the search for a parking space, and the time spent trying to pay for parking. Thank goodness I was able to meet up with good friends, who also put extra quarters in the parking meter for me (this photo taken by a friend, with a cell phone).

I’m more used to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which is less developed and less crowded, but the ocean is still a thrill and I was glad to be able to play in it for a bit.

After the beach, we headed to Mike and Kellie’s home in Milton, DE. Milton is “the birthplace of five governors, a town divided in allegiance during the Civil War, home to many officers who participated in the famous War of 1812, and rich in both agricultural and political facts and figures” (http://www.historicmilton.com/about-milton.html).

Mike, Ralph, and I (and Mike’s dog, Rosie) took a walk around this historic community.

Mike is an excellent (and funny!) tour guide. For some reason, this cabin, built in 1781, was open to passersby and Ralph and I had to check it out.

It was a beautiful evening and I just could not stop taking pictures!

We briefly explored an old cemetery

Visited the Dogfish Head Brewery (unfortunately, we were not able to take a Brewery Tour)

And enjoyed some quiet time in the yard

The ride back to Bethany was marked by reaching the 4000th mile on the new bike as I watched a gorgeous sunset.

Life is good!

2013 Bike Adventure: Onward to Delaware!

August 23, 2013 by LB

Having never been a late sleeper, I was out of the house early and taking photos of the creek that Barbara and Glenn live along side.

Knowing that I planned to leave at 11am, Glenn offered to take me for a morning jet ski ride on the river and the Chesapeake Bay. What a blast! By 9:30 am we were flying across the water. I came up off the seat several times, and I was laughing so hard, I’m sure that Glenn was wishing he had ear plugs. I’m so glad that I didn’t take my camera!! What a treat that was for me, and Glenn gave me a great tour.

It was a hot, humid, and 94 degree morning when I pulled out and headed for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Thankfully the road (Rts 381 and 382) were shaded, and like a roller coaster, and made for fun riding. Despite the shade, I was still a bit over heated and dehydrated, and decided to stop for lunch at Rips Country Inn near Bowie, Maryland. Endless water, unsweet iced tea, and a bacon cheeseburger had me refuled and rehydrated for the ride over the Bay Bridge.

It took about 15 minutes to get through the toll line and before I knew it, I was on the 4.2 mile long bridge. The bridge, built in 1952, wth the second span added in 1972, rises 186 feet above the water and I can not tell you how badly I wished I could have stopped to look the all around and below.

The whole way over I was grinning from ear to ear and the folks in nearby cars would roll down their windows to laugh with me (or at me). If I’d had the time, I would have turned around at the end and gone right back over. As it was, I pulled over as soon as I was able and took some pictures. I definitely need a better zoom!

Once over the bridge, I continued east, heading for Bethany Beach, Delaware.

I rode by cornfields …

and more cornfields …

and even more cornfields.

I finally arrived in Bethany Beach, thirsty and ready for the end of the day beer. And that’s when I knew I was in the right place:

I am so grateful that Jan and Neal offered me the use of their home away from home in Bethany. As soon as I opened up the house, and turned on the water, and a/c, I was out and on the hunt for food and drink … despite the multiple alerts about an upcoming storm. What the heck, I thought? I’m not going far.

As soon as I settled in at the bar at Magnolia’s, the skies opened!! Lightning, thunder, and pouring rain gave me the opportunity to get to know the folks next to me. They were 20 year visitors to Bethany Beach and in addition to buying me a beer, offered information about fun things to do while there. Once outside, I had to push the bike out of the slight downhill spot I parked it in, rode back to the house in the rain, and settled in for the night.

I realize that this particular post may not make for exciting reading. One of the reasons I started blogging was to have a journal of my rides to share with family and friends. Thanks for joining me on this ride!

2013 Bike Adventure: Point Lookout / St. Mary’s City

August 21, 2013 by LB

After hiking to Calvert Cliffs (and patching up my feet), I got back on the bike and headed down Rt 235 to the tip of Southern Maryland. The rural route offered minimal traffic and the beautiful scenery of this largely agricultural peninsula.

My destination for the afternoon was Point Lookout State Park. The park was the location of a prisoner of war camp after the battle of Gettyburg, and both Confederate soldiers and Maryland civilians were imprisoned at Point Lookout. More than 52,000 prisoners were kept there, with only tents for protection and over 3300 prisoners died.

Despite it’s tragic past, the State Park is a beautiful place to visit. The lighthouse began operating in 1830, was deactivated in 1966, and is only open to the public once a month and during designated times. Point Lookout has the reputation of being the most haunted lighthouse in America, and that reputation has led to incidences of vandalism, the most recent this past spring.

I was drawn to this little white structure but have no idea what it’s historical significance is as there was no signage.

It was a warm, windy day and the midday sun was almost too bright for photography.

The wind and the tide had the waves crashing into the rocks, and the energy of the wind and the water made me laugh with happiness.

All that remains of a seaside resort, this wheel was part of the power plant that provided power to the resort.

Finally, it was time to move on down the road to the city of St. Mary’s, where I would be meeting friends for dinner and staying the night. It was almost 5pm and I’d been riding. hiking, and exploring since leaving Annapolis that morning. Before leaving though, I just had to get my feet in the water, and oh, it felt great!

Established in 1634, Historic St. Mary’s City is the site of Maryland’s first capital. It was a thriving community until the capital was moved to Annapolis. The city is one of America’s best preserved Archeological sites and is a National Historic Landmark.

The Brick Chapel of 1667, is being rebuilt, 305 years then after Maryland Governor Seymour ordered the sheriff to lock the Roman Catholic chapel and see that it was never again used for worship

These wooden structures, called ghost frames, designate where archaeologists have discovered 17th-century buildings

By now I had developed quite a thirst and while filling up the tank, I asked a local where I might be able to get a beer looking as sweaty and hot as I did (and I don’t mean hot in a good way!).

The Green Door provided a wonderfully cold beer and when I tried to pay my tab, the bartender insisted that she buy it for me. How cool was that!

I rode on to meet up with Barbara and Glenn at their home, after which we went to the home of Barbara’s parents. I’ve known these friends since the 70s when we were all living the military life in Northern Virginia. We had a marvelous evening of good food, friendship, and conversation, and I so enjoyed learning more about their family members who were originally from St. Mary’s County. Somehow I did not have my camera (what???), so I am posting a photo from the reunion we all had in April of this year at Jefferson Vineyards outside Charlottesville, Va.

What a day!! It was few on miles, only 110, but long on fun and adventure, and I was ready for bed!

Life on the Bike and other Fab Things

Whether it's one simple yet somehow perfect day or a dreamed about journey finally realized, I never want to forget the joy of the moment or how fortunate I am!

Tag Archives: Women Bikers

Breaks Interstate Park – Virginia and Kentucky

Women Riders

The Last Ride … For Now. The Great Smoky Mountains!

Blowing in the Wind

Burke’s Garden

2013 Bike Adventure: The Ride Home and Final Post

2013 Bike Adventure: The Lewes / Cape May Ferry

2013 Bike Adventure: Delaware Beaches and Historic Towns

2013 Bike Adventure: Onward to Delaware!

2013 Bike Adventure: Point Lookout / St. Mary’s City

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