Tennessee Plates

[8trackmind]

So, while the rest of you were out riding awesome roads and exploring the countryside, I was cooking noodles in a rest area 15 miles west of Jackson, TN.



With this:




...but that's where the story gets interesting.
While I sit there slurping noodles to the roar of 18 wheel trucks, a fellow walks up to me and asks "where are you headed? " I told the truth and replied "nowhere really" just out and about. He then told me he was headed to Canada. I thought he was pulling my leg at first. Then I looked over my shoulder and spied a 80 something 'Wing with antique plates and a trailer.



Gilbert AKA "Buffalo Wing" had now piqued my interest. Long story short, he lives very near to Memphis, this was his first big trip, and that rest area was his first stop on the way to Toronto Canada. I make a guest appearance in his story Here at GoldwingFacts.com as the first idiot he encounters on his journey to the great white north.

[red bud]

enjoying report & hate to hear about the bridge

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by red bud

enjoying report & hate to hear about the bridge

Thanks. Me too...Apparently they tore it down because of me. I posted photos of it here and that was pretty much it. I suppose all the publicity generated by my ride report was causing so much excessive wear and tear that the 'ol bridge couldn't handle any more. Sorry guys, I thought I was doing the right thing by sharing and look where that ended up.

[8trackmind]

So, I'm back on this camping kick. I'm looking to get out this fall when it cools off a bit. In the meantime, I've been scouting out good spots...and cooking. So far noodles and coffee are all I've made. Still fun though.

No camping...yet. Still too hot, but I did head out to Chickasaw State Park to cook more noodles...



I did take pictures at the tent camping area though... Had I camped, that would have been the spot.

Long walk to the bathroom... (Kidding)

Noticed quite a bit of new construction in the area.

[red bud]

i'm hoping to head over there at the end of the month

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by red bud

i'm hoping to head over there at the end of the month

PM me if you want some company. I don't think I drink as much as you, but I'll give it shot.

Tell Snake to he needs to go too.

[red bud]

Originally Posted by 8trackmind

PM me if you want some company. I don't think I drink as much as you, but I'll give it shot.

Tell Snake to he needs to go too.

plan right now (subject to change) if i can get outta work either all day fri or leave early fri, super slab out to clarksville north to oark (to eat at oark cafe) or super slab to pig trail and then north arriving in fayetville in time for harley madness know as bikes, blues & bbq. camp in somebodys yard,

If i can leave early enough get both roads in before dark. But i think thats asking alot.

theres a resturant in jasper that overlooks arknasaws grand canyon? i'd like to hit on the way hom sunday then maybe do 7 down.

you know snake?

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by red bud

you know snake?

Everybody in Memphis knows Snake.
If he and the mayor were to appear together, people would say "who's that guy with Snake?"

[red bud]

Originally Posted by 8trackmind

Everybody in Memphis knows Snake.
If he and the mayor were to appear together, people would say "who's that guy with Snake?"

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by red bud

If you've ever seen this thing at any of the OBC stuff, then you probably know me too.
Very few Smurf Blue 1978 GS1000's in Memphis.

[8trackmind]

Ready to roll! (after I get my froo froo coffee creamer from Wal-Mart)

So my story starts in Clifton, Tn (3) because thats where the curvy roads (and historical sidewalks) begin.




After some good Middle-TN roads:




Getting late, time to set up camp...


Dinner in Hohenwald at the Junkyard dog


Oops, almost forgot. Blurry campsite photo.


Next morning, hardcore cowboy camp coffee..and creamer.

Aeropress style.

Saw some sights in the park.



To be continued...

[ride2little]

Just discovered this thread. Great tn travels. Keep it up!
Come on over the Centerville for Ribfest this October. It's been a. Great weekend. This year, the BMW club has taken it over, but it's still open to all. Great clamping, crowd and roads. Search for it.(sorry...don't have a link handy).
Next time you head East, ping me...

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by ride2little

Just discovered this thread. Great tn travels. Keep it up!
Come on over the Centerville for Ribfest this October. It's been a. Great weekend. This year, the BMW club has taken it over, but it's still open to all. Great clamping, crowd and roads. Search for it.(sorry...don't have a link handy).
Next time you head East, ping me...

Thank you! I'm trying.
Found it. Looks to be a real hoot. If I skip Barber this year, I may come annoy you guys.
http://www.bmwmcon.org/ribfest.php

Day two, the arduous journey back to Casa Del Eightrack.

Hmm, looks like rain.


Had to uh...brush my teeth...


Did about 100 miles on HWY100 and stopped for vittles in Chickasaw park.




In many ways my months of research and years of pondering had finally paid off. I was able to prepare a few cocktails, sleep well, make coffee, and I was able to get all the crap back on the bike with minimal "Jed Clampetedness". I tried to keep it as simple as I could and so I didn't take a lot of extra stuff. (model rockets, lego set, stamp collection and etchasketch were all left at home...this time)

...So the part I didn't talk about was how it felt to be fairly self sufficient on a bike. I've ridden, and I've camped, but this was the first time to combine the two. I'm sure many of you have done this before, but it was new to me. It was a cool feeling to know that another boundary had been knocked over. Now, I can get snockered, pass out and make coffee...ANYWHERE! Not really, but it does feel good all the same.

[deaconjones]

Found that same bridge (serendipity) 2 or 3 years back and had always planned to go back - alas its gone per one of the posters.

Great thread. You are all over some of my favorite riding areas. Maybe we can score a ride together at some point. Let me show you some riding around Reelfoot Lake and surroundings.

[8trackmind]

Originally Posted by deaconjones

Great thread. You are all over some of my favorite riding areas. Maybe we can score a ride together at some point. Let me show you some riding around Reelfoot Lake and surroundings.

Thanks!
Sounds good. I might even let you buy me a ham biscuit at the breakfast emporium of your choice.