| |
|
|
| |
DAY
RIDE 8/1/2025
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
August
1, 2025
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
It's
been exactly two months to the day since my 'deer' encounter in New York
state that destroyed BlueBelle and did some serious damage to me. Many people
(mostly non-riders) have asked me if I am 'finished' riding. I just smile
and say "Nope, not yet" which is the same reply I gave to the
motorist who saw my crash and thought I was dead when he came running up
on me. Maybe if I had good sense I would but if that is the case then I
guess I don't have good sense. There is a bit of apprehension as to whether
I will be too tense or uptight to enjoy it. After any major accident, there
is a real possibility of PTSD - especially when you are involved in a crash
as violent and destructive as mine. There have been a few nightmares and
some very painful recovery but all you can do is press on and try to put
it behind you. Exiting a motorcycle and body surfing the asphalt at between
65 and 75 mph leaves a lasting impression on a feller. But living in a safe
cocoon is not anything I want to do. So Frost gets the honors this early
morning. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
I make
a short run down to Eddie's, one of my favorite stopping spots for breakfast
vittles. Bobby, who runs the place, asks me how I've been doing since he
hasn't see me in a while. I give the Cliff's notes version of the crash
and he stands in amazement that I am able to walk around. When I explain
to him how my Hit-Air vest saved my bacon, he comes out to the bike to see
the vest. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
I'm in
luck this morning as they have a croissant because they usually go pretty
quick. I enjoy it and sausage and egg biscuit though the humidity must be
about 120%. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
The
route I'm running today is one I have run many times of about 50 miles or
so. Though I like to usually run the Trace after something happens, I figure
I need to ride some more 'challenging' roads just to see how I will react.
I turn up Old Charlotte Pike which is quite twisty but usually does not
have any traffic. I'm running my new GoPro Hero13 this morning so hopefully
I will get some good video of this part of the run. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
This
road connects with River Road which sort of follows the Cumberland River
northward toward Ashland City. So with a little effort you can guess how
they came up with its name ... |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
River
Road runs into Highway 49 which I will only be on for a short bit. I am
making my way to highway 250 which one splendid piece of asphalt. I figure
I might as well turn on the GoPro here also in hopes of getting another
good video. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
It twists
and turns like a snake on a hot rock and is a real joy to ride ... that
is if you like curves and you are on a motorcycle. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
It takes you right through
Harpeth Valley but not the one Jeannie
C. Riley sung about many years ago. I don't believe there is a
school anywhere around here much less a PTA.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Toward
the end of it it really gets twisty until it comes to highway 47 into White
Bluff. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Highway 47 quickly intersects
Highway 70, the road that I live on, also known as Charlotte Pike as it
gets into Nashville. You go through the small community of Shacklett.
A bit of the history of it -
Shacklett,
Tennessee, is an unincorporated community in Cheatham County with a history
going back to the 1800s. A post office operated there from 1897 to 1904,
named after local physician Dr. Henry Rector Shacklett. The community
is known for its connection to the Shacklett's Photography business, which
has deep roots in the area and has evolved with digital technology.
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
It also
takes me by Tippacanoe, a place that has been renting canoes since 1972
for those who would like to paddle down the Harpeth River. Tippacanoe since
72 - has a nice ring to it, don't it? |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
From
there it's a short run back to my beloved Holler. The ride seems as normal
as ever other than my left knee is in a brace that makes shifting a bit
difficult. No drama and no deer and I really like that. I'm not quite ready
to make a long haul but at least I am comfortable riding. And for that I
am very thankful. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
THE
END
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
