Just think what God could have done if He'd had money

I was listening to a radio interview the other day with Willie Nelson on XM radio when he spoke these words. He was telling a story about once when he and Roger Miller were watching a sunset somewhere while traveling. Well my ride yesterday brought that to mind.

What a beautiful winter day it was here in Middle Tennessee. The day started out a bit brisk but it warmed up nicely. It was my turn to be the road captain so I had come up with our route for the day. Eleven souls on nine bikes left out of the local Harley-Davidson dealership here in Murfreesboro around 10:40 am. I know it was a late start but hey I just led the ride I didn't make the start time.

We rolled out of the 'boro east through McMinville where we picked up Hwy 8 which took us up the mountain to Hwy 111. Our stopping point was Fall Creek Falls state park. The park has a nice buffet at the inn there. You can eat and overlook the lake at the same time. Come to think of it we didn't really pay much attention to the lake. Seems we were way too busy picking at one another to do that. Don't ya just love how when you get a group of riders together then through in a little food, they seem to try and make each other laugh until something comes out someones nose.

After eating way too much at the buffet we headed out the north entrance to the park onto Hwy 30. Now if you've never rode Hwy 30 you really are missing out on some of the most beautiful road in Middle Tennesse. 30 is a winding twisting turning road up and down a couple of mountains and valleys.

In fact it was after we passed through Spencer and dropped down in the valley that I thought about the quote from Roger Miller. The green of the pasture land was so inviting that I damn near wanted to stop and chew on some of it myself. I know the cows seemed to really be enjoying it. The sun shine on the mountains to either side and the rolling valley farmland was wonderful.

Turning off of 30 we road over and cut through Rock Island. Rock Island is a tiny little community that also has a state park of the same name. Granted Fall Creek Falls is known as the crown jewel of Tennessee's state parks, but you really should check out Rock Island state park sometime too. I think it's the best kept secret in the state park system.

Taking back roads all the way around to Centertown we picked up Hwy 70 and turned back west toward Woodbury and on into Murfreesboro. It always seems just a bit sad as slowly the bikes peel off and head toward their own homes. The friendships we make while riding our scooters are some of the best on this earth. How wonderful is it to be able to share the passion we have for riding with close friends whom we love.

All told I clocked 210 miles for the day. Not a long ride by any means. The journeys we take build fodder for our mind to remember on those days when we can't ride. As for me, I know the memories of this ride will take me through many a mile on my mind's roadway.

Ride safe ya'll,

Ronman