Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Upper 60s at meet up and upper 80s at the end of the ride. Today Biker Bud, Paul, and I were heading to Del Rio, TN for a breakfast and then return via some mountain back roads, some of which I had not ridden.
We met at 8 a.m. at the Exxon on Boyds Crk. Hwy. and departed riding TN 139 up to Dandridge and continued on to Newport and finally arrived at Fox Den Restaurant for a delicious breakfast which we split a portion of, the biscuits and gravy portion. They make delicious omelets if I do say so myself.
Lots of moisture in the air with some heavy clouds but weather forecast said no rain until late afternoon. Love cloud pics.
I almost clicked this pic to soon. It's my old favorite, the Island View School on Boyds Crk. Hwy.
The sun looks like a fireball on the power line, which I have seen once or twice with my 42 years with a power company. But here it was just the sun.
Crossing a finger of Douglas Lake in the early morning light.
Running up a portion of the I-40 heading toward Newport and places beyond.
Crossing the French Broad River, which was flowing well after the rains of late.
Coming to the end of an era, this old house could probably tell a lot of stories.
Continuing on our way to Del Rio. Love the mountains close or far off.
Clouds hanging onto the top of the mountains makes them look like they are on fire.
This was definitely not I-40 but it did have a name because Google said it did. I just followed Paul and yes, sometimes he does lead me down the wrong path.
Small country homes almost hidden among the foliage.
Barns in some places were multi-use buildings. Top stored tobacco to cure and the lower part was for the animals and feed.
And the roadway doesn't get any wider. However, the Kudzu does grow well around here.
Then we turned onto this road which was about 6 ft. wide. By the way, it is a two way road.
We pulled off to look at a bridge crossing the river with an intent to climb the tower. It was for a Zip-line ride which lasted about 45 mins. total. That handsome devil on the bridge was moi.
Just as we dismounted our trusty steeds a voice rang out "East TN Bikers". It was Daryl, one of the members, better known as Sarge, Semper Fi. He works here during the summer. Besides Zip-lines they also do rafting down the river, in groups or solo. A fleet of buses transports the rafters back to this starting point from the end of their ride.
We left Sarge after a little BS session and jumped back on the interstate for a few miles.
I-40 is very scenic running through the gaps in the mountains. This section is between Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN.
The speed limit is somewhat restricted and even slower in places but it is still a great ride.
We diverted from the wide lanes of the interstate to a narrow gravel road traversing through the mountains.
All total, we ran about 15 miles of gravel today. This road would take us over to Catalooche Valley.
After the rains the gravel was pretty well packed. Then the gravel ended and we were back onto an asphalt surfaced two lane road.
Farther and farther we rode
and we finally broke out into the valley. There are a lot of Elk here but we didn't see any today.
Years ago the valley had several families and even a church.
Some pretty areas here in the valley.
We stopped for a bit and I noticed a large group of butterflies milling around. It could well be mating season.
Paul trying to tell them to be still so he could get them all in a picture. It never happened.
Some were this color
but most were the yellow trimmed in black variety. I didn't major in butterflies so I'm no expert. I just like to watch them as they are very pretty.
On our way out we had to cross this bridge over a stream. The sign stated that all traffic had to alternate. We didn't have that problem today.
Another gurgling mountain stream. A good place to bring a chair and a good book.
On the way out we passed this small waterfall. The number of waterfalls is determined by the amount of rain.
This old house is typical for the area and was across the highway from the
Big Creek Country Store, established in 1927. Had to stop to see what they had.
While sipping our coffee, I bought because it was over a dollar per cup, I took a few inside pics.
These stores are not all that big but they carry a little bit of everything.
Having a wide variety of stuff in stock comes in handy when you live over two hours from a Walmart or hardware store.
One way in and one way out. Exit is plainly marked.
Came across some rafters on the way back home. Need a thrill, jump in one of these right after a big rain.
You don't want to see the bottom of these streams when the water is at low level near the end of summer.
We crossed several rivers during today's ride, some more than once. Still a cooling effect when the sun is beating down. More mental than anything unless you're right beside it in the shade.
It was a great ride today. Good friend, good food, and great scenery. Have to say some good roads also. Today's ride was 197 miles door to door. Redbug had a work out.
So until the next Valkyrie Adventure, take ten and smell the roses. Be Safe.
Crossing a finger of Douglas Lake in the early morning light. 
We crossed several rivers during today's ride, some more than once. Still a cooling effect when the sun is beating down. More mental than anything unless you're right beside it in the shade.
