A Pictorial Trip From Seymour, TN to VA, KY and Back

Friday, May 6, 2016, one of the few days that it is not suppose, I repeat, suppose to rain this week.  Plans were made, meet up at Exxon for 8 a.m. sharp.  I got there a little early, a few minutes later Paul rode up and shortly after him Robert rode up.  Time to go, heading for MickyD's at the 407 Exit of I-40, the main turn-off for the Smoky Mtns.  We grabbed a breakfast biscuit and coffee while awaiting Terry who was riding up from Lenoir City to join us.  We were going to ride back roads and some main roads up into the Western tip of VA, back into TN and through the tunnel of US 25E toward Middlesboro, KY.  After that we would run through the coal country of Southern KY back to Middlesboro and then back to Seymour.

A cool start at upper 40s and then finished in upper 50s by the end of day.  Just right for a nice ride.  So the trip starts.

7:40 a.m. and the sun is already high in the sky.












Paul in the green jacket, Terry next to him and I missed Robert here.  Two Hondas, a Harley and a Spyder.  Along with 4 old codgers.

If you enlarge the pic on the right you can read the sign.  The devil made me take this one.

A large limestone operation.

Corn, about 4 inches high.  Planting has begun and lots of gardens with veggies already out of the ground.

A vista from atop a ridge road.

Yes, we're stopped in the road but no worries, no traffic.

Another view from this stopping point.

Paul and Robert discussing important matters.  I'm sure it was important but not sure of what importance it was.

They just had to cut a little off the hill to make this highway.

Is that a rain cloud up there?

Planting is done.  Now grow grow grow.

Those white blossoms are wild Blackberries.  And there are gobs of them around this year.  In fact, the locals call this Blackberry Winter.  It's when Blackberries are blooming yet the temperatures are still like winter.

A VA Wilderness Park.  Great family place as they do all kinds of stuff once done by pioneers coming to the area.  Also some re-enactments during the summer months.  

The tunnel from the TN side going into KY.











The same tunnel from the KY going to TN.  We had to stop while they escorted a truck hauling hazardous materials through.









I like to look at some of the ruggedness of the rock as they chiselled their way through the mountains.

He rode a crooked mile on a crooked road.











Heading back to the barn.  A great day with friends doing what we like to do, roll those wheels.  And a little eating and coffee and laughter.  Just a good day and a good ride.








It was a 235 mile door to door for me and about 288 for Terry as he lived farther away.  Thanks to Paul for setting this up and to Terry and Robert in joining in the fun.  Excellent.

So until the next adventure, think about what you're doing and do it well.  Then think about what you're not doing and get with the program.  Life is short and full of mysteries.  So enjoy it.