After some excellent hotel waffles, saturated with syrup - of course, we were on the road just about at sunrise. We avoided the interstate, staying on US 25 for most of the morning.
Temperatures in the AM were cool to cold, changing as we went up and down the hills. There was occasional fog, with dense fog in some areas. A few times it was wet enough to almost be equivalent to a light rain.
US25 started out as 2-lanes, and snaked along the interstate. Sometimes we could see the interstate from the bike and we also crossed it a few times. Staying on the two lanes reminded me of when we first started motorcycle touring and did everything possible to avoid the interstates. Near Corbin, Ky, US25 splits intwo 25E and 25W. We took 25E which is a four lane road, but still very scenic and with very little traffic compared to I-75 or I-40. The road reminded me a lot of Western Kentucky Parkway which we rode en route to the Southwest in 2009. Thumbs up to Kentucky for some nice roads. With it being four lanes, the little traffic encountered was not an issue in the slightest. With easy riding, cool temperatures and a nice road, it was a wonderful morning.
We crossed into Tennessee through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. I had read about a restaurant near the tunnel but didn't see it and it was too early for lunch anyway so we continued on.
I wish we would have stopped at the Veteran's Overlook to see the Cherokee Reservoir created by damming the Holston River. If we return by this route, we may have to stop. In case we don't, I stole a picture from one of the motorcycle forums I occasionally lurk in.
Somewhere around I-81, US25 turns back to a 2-lane road. I had driven this section a few times in my truck when going to South Carolina when I-40 was closed due to rock slides. It was much more fun on the bike. Thankfully, there wasn't much traffic and I was able to enjoy the curves up and down the mountains, sometimes at peg scraping speed.
The scenery was beautiful.
We stopped for lunch north of Asheville, NC and ate at a place called Stoney Knob Cafe. The restaurant wasn't quite sure what it was, but the food was good, if a bit upscale for a quick lunch. While good, it was a bit expensive and the order was screwed up. Life goes on...
Once we hit I-26 we stayed on the interstate into South Carolina. The interstate was a bit of a let down after such a nice morning. But with the days heat building, it just made more sense to take the straight route to Orangeburg.
After lounging a bit in the hotel room, dinner was at Fatz Cafe. We'd never heard of this place before, but it appears to be a regional restaurant. Ribs and chicken were great and the service was welcomely better than lunch.
No comments:
Post a Comment