A bit of history

Aside from just riding around and looking at the scenery, we've actually have a few destinations which are of historical interest.  Among them have been ...

The sculpture commemorating the 1908 Springfield, IL race riot resulting in the founding of the NAACP

(http://www.lib.niu.edu/1996/iht329622.html)

New Harmony, IN - a planned utopian community (http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/kade/newharmony/home.html)

The Biltmore Estate outside of Asheville, NC - George Vanderbilt's extravaganza
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate)

Monticello, VA - the home of Thomas Jefferson
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monticello)

Appomattox, VA - Location of the signing of the confederate surrender in the civil war
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appomattox_Court_House_National_Historical_Park)

Jamestown, VA - Site of the first permanent settlement in 1607
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamestown,_Virginia)

Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the main goals of this trip has been to find some great rides.  The scenic routes in Kentucky and Tennessee are really nice and some very challenging.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is terrific.  We've now ridden it in North Carolina and Virginia.  It is fun without being overly "technical" and the views are spectacular!  The following pictures give you a little idea of the countryside we've seen so far.

  

Report from the Road

Well folks, the trip began on June 1, as planned, in the face of a problematic weather forecast.  Similar forecasts have followed for much the last 2 1/2 weeks, but the most significant rain encountered hasn't been enough to even consider putting on rain gear.  In spite of all the 60% probabilities, a little luck and prudent rerouting has left us dry and happy, albeit more than a little hot on occasion.

Our route has been from Springfield

to Mammoth Cave (KY)

to Oak Ridge (TN)

 to Johnson City (TN)

to Boone (NC)

to Asheville (NC)

to Chapel Hill (NC)

to Ferguson (NC)

to Galax (VA)

to Roanoke (VA)

to Big Island (VA)

to Monticello (VA)

to Appomattox (VA)

to Jamestown (VA)

to Burke (VA) via Fredericksburg [where the BMW got its 6,000 mile service]

where I am writing this entry.

We traveled as a group of three - Ron, Marie and me - except for my side trip to Chapel Hill to spend some time with a high school friend and his family.

Overall, it has been a very good trip.  Potential complications/problems have failed to materialize.  The three of us all have been getting along.  We have not had any significant disagreements over routes or accommodations.  There has been a nice balance between riding an sightseeing.  And, there have been no mechanical issues with the motorcycles.  It is unlikely that it will always be this easy, but at the same time there are no indications that it will be otherwise.

Assuming inspiration strikes, more to follow ...