FIRST RIDE OF 2025

Just A Bit Of Wandering Around
January 17, 2025
 
This time last year I was nursing four broken ribs on my right side and most of that month was a painful blur. I made it through the rest of 2024 with no physical mishaps to speak for which I am very thankful. The weather has not been cooperating since the first of year with a mix of very cold temperatures, snow and ice. I don't mind the cold temps but I do not want to ride if there is snow or ice. Around here in the hills, the snow and ice does not melt off the back roads if there is a lot of shade. The main roads seem to be pretty clear so I figure I'll give it a whirl since more bad weather is predicted coming tomorrow and for the next week. Frost wins the pick today so I get her warmed up as it is in the high twenties right now.  
I am thankful to have good heated riding gear which makes riding in these temps reasonable. I figure I'll gas up at Eddies down the road from the Holler and pick up a couple of their delightful biscuits or maybe a croissant if I'm lucky.

Bobby is behind the counter as usual and greets me when I come in. We've have several conversations about riding motorcycles and his often comment to me is -

"You're living the life most folks wish they were!"

We talk a little bit about where I am headed and wish each other a pleasant day. The breakfast stuff they sell goes pretty quickly because it is so good. But I do manage to snag the last croissant and a sausage and egg biscuit. What a great way to start of the day - pig meat and hen fruit and a little dab of bread.

After devouring my delectables, I head out toward Highway 100 down McCrory Lane. This is my usual path when I'm headed to the Natchez Trace.
   
  But I was on the Trace Wednesday in my truck going to my sister's house. There was still plenty of long sections of ice on it - especially on the bridges. So today I take one of my favorite shortcuts off the ridge down Poplar Creek Road. I am on my guard as there is plenty of 'shade' on this road and snow is still lining the sides of it.  
I reach Highway 100 with no drama to speak off and set a comfortable pace on Frost. It takes me through towns like Fairview, Lyles and Centerville. Though Minnie Pearl, the world famous Grand Ol' Opry comedian, grew up in Centerville, her 'stage' home place was Grinder's Switch just a little ways down the road.
Past Centerville, I take a turn on new back road I haven't been down. Today I just want to sort of meander around a bit and ride some new to me roads.
It will pop me out on the original section of Highway 50 which is really good riding.
   
Old 50 is now Highway 438 but it takes me through some lovely parts of Tennessee. There are also a large settlement of Amish along through here.  
It runs through a small community named Coble. It's claim to fame is the pottery that was established here in 1823 that had gained some sizable following. But when the Civiil War broke out in 1861 it was forced to shut down.
As I ride along, I am encountering some wonderful twisties on my journey - which is what I really like.
As I follow the roads they move from down in the dark hollers to up on the hilltops and provide some beautiful vistas.
   
  Some of the roads really get twisty so I have to be careful that I'm not too poor to pay attention.  
   
 

As I make way back toward my beloved Holler, I pass through Littlelot. The way it got its name -

Littlelot was named for its diminutive size when a founder declared:

"It is such a little lot, we can't give it a big name".

  
And the only general store there has long since been torn down though the sign is still standing.
It's a nice run back down Highway 100 as I head back to the house as the temps have risen a bit - enough that I have turned my heated gear off.
I decide I'll run back up Popular Creek as it lets me avoid a busy traffic light at the intersection of Highway 100 and McCrory Lane.
It's been a very peaceful and delightful day for my first ride of this new year. I've cover about 218 miles with at least 218 smiles - not bad at all!
   

THE END
 
 
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