Norris Lake Backroad Exploration

I got up early this morning because I had a 7:45 a.m. physical therapy appointment, the last for a while.  I also had made plans to meet biker friend Paul and others at the local Krystal for breakfast and a day's ride.  Immediately after therapy concluded I leaped onto my bike, after donning my riding gear, and took off for the meet-up.  Did I mention that it was in the upper 50s this morning, in July?  Well, it was and it felt wonderful.  Had heavier gloves on along with the rain liner for my summer riding jacket.

Gulped down a breakfast in a cup at Krystal's, three sips of hot coffee, and back on the bike as they had already eaten by the time I arrived.  At 9:00 a.m. we headed out on backroads for the North and Northwest areas above Knoxville.  This was around the Norris Lake area.

It is so lush and green and even when riding among the tree lined roadway the feeling is soft with the sun spots on the road way and shadows.

The shadows does make it more difficult to spot any potholes or rough road areas, but it has a soothing effect also.  As you can see from some of the pictures there's little room for error in driving.

One minute you're on the roadway, the next minute you're in the woods or someone's yard or field.  All tangled up in barbed wire.  Or even worse, their electric fence.  Now that could make you dance especially since it rained the day before.

The scenery is breath-taking.  This morning the clouds were like little fluffs of cotton floating in the air.  The sky was such a pretty blue.  And with the crisp air it was difficult to remember that it was July.

There are numerous old barns in TN, and so many barn styles.  Some are still in very good shape while others have long seen their better days.  But the curvy roads are here to stay.  One reason so many bike riders come to the area to ride are the curvy roads and mountains.

We stopped at an old general store for a few minutes.  It was an experience of going back in time.  A little bit of everything displayed.  Just one room, excluding the outhouse, but friendly folks sitting in chairs on the porch as you ride up.

 This is not a great picture but it will give you some idea of all the stuff inside the store.  And this is just half of one wall.

Candy bars and moonpies laid out on a table in small rows.  Not a big seller but something sweet if you were not to set on what it was.  They also had ice cream in the old chest type freezers with the lids that could be opened from either end.

 The guy on the left is friend biker Paul.  Dick is the guy on the right.  I am going to use this picture as they are holding hands near the outhouse.  Don't even want to go there.  But they are funny.

We rode off from the store headed for Helms Ferry.  I've crossed this prong of Lake Norris once before with Paul and must say it is an interesting piece of conversation.

Here we are lined up to cross the ferry.  The pic to the right is the ferry coming in to the landing.  Now this is not like any ferry you'll find in other places.  It just pushes the barge up and into the bank.

The pusher boat is small
and just pivots around on
an arm extended out from
the side of the barge carry-
ing vehicles.  The ferry boat is powered by two 6
cylinder John Deere diesel
engines.   

 
The ferry pilot has been  doing this job for over 13 years.  The crossing is about a half mile at the most but if you have to go around it will take you about an hour plus by road.  Now I'm not sure this is a U.S.C.G. approved vessel, but to save time I'll take my chance.  The life jackets are hanging on a post and hopefully are still floatation devices rather than anchors.



Shortly after the ferry crossing Dick and Rhonda peeled off for another destination.  Paul, Randy and I kept on with the backroad exploration program.  Many of these back roads ended up at marinas.  And at one marina we stopped to look around and use the facilities.  It is the largest that I have seen in the Eastern side of TN.

These are not stilt houses,
they are floating houses
that are rented out by the
day.  As are some of the
pontoon boats, etc.  The guy in the orange shirt is Paul walking to the Marina Office/Lounge/Restaurant, and docking station.

The house boat with the slide is a rental for $$$$$ per night.  After the marina dead-ends we headed back toward La Follette for a Wendy's lunch to include a small Frosty.

After La Follette we rode 163 over to I-75 to Knoxville.  It was a great day with some precarious roads, narrow, gritty and with holes.  But again, this was an exploration trip and some of these roads will be marked off the map as not to ride again.  Door to door, approx. 150 miles of pure fun.  Aah, such a refreshing morning with the cool air.  Yes, I'm rubbing it in for those that are sweating before you make it from the house to the car.  Ride/drive safe, but enjoy life.