A Solo Sunday

I started out a couple Sundays ago thinking of where I was gonna ride. The group I ride with was heading south down into Alabama. I love riding with these folks, but sometimes I just have to venture out on my own. Whenever I can't really decide on a destination I think of what Tennessee State Parks I have left to visit. So my yet to be determined route would take me to Standing Stone State Park.

Next on my mind were two things. One being where am I gonna eat. Gotta keep the belly happy if I'm gonna be riding all day ya know. The other being how I was gonna get there. I decided that I would avoid the interstate at all costs. This wouldn't be very hard to do seeing as the park is in Overton county in the hills.

Taking back roads out of Smyrna I made my way through Lebanon on U.S. 231 north. I remembered one of my friends at work telling me about a little restaurant over in Castalian Springs. Now I'm always looking for a good Mom and Pop type place to eat. I enjoy checking out the small out of the way places. Not to mention that helping out the little man is important to me.

I arrived at Keller's Restaurant a little before they opened. I asked one of the two young ladies out front if it was worth the wait. To which she replied yes. She wasn't wrong. I highly recomend the chicken and dumplings. Oh if you are in the area of U.S. 231 and State 25 on May 1, 2008, they are having a bike night.

I took State 25 east through Hartsville until I reached state 10. 10 took me up to Lafayette. Here I went west on state 52 through Red Boiling Springs, Moss, and Celina. These wonderfully American communities remind me of what this country is about. Soon I come to Timothy and see the turnoff for county 136 which leads through Standing Stone State Park.

The park has some cool looking cabins to stay in. There is a small lake to fish if you like. The damn is pretty cool looking too. This little park has a wonderful rustic feel to it. With all the rain of late the water was really rolling over the dam.

I took county 136 south down to Hilham where I went west on state 85. I thought of posting some of the pictures from the amazing views along this route. I decided to be selfish and keep them for my own memories. You'll just have to ride it for yourself. This road winds across ridgebacks and down through valleys that are absolutely beautiful. I passed through places like Gainesboro, Granville, and Chestnut Mound. Oh the memories I have spending time fishing and water skiing on Cordell Hull Lake. Oh and how could I ever forget the worste banana pudding I've ever tried to eat. Fun times back in the day. Nights I've spent wandering these hills following a hound. I miss those coonhunting years. But Doll Baby takes me back. Nothing like riding and remembering.

I worked my way through many a back road on my way back home. Rolling past communities such as Gordonsville, Temperance Hall, Alexandria, Liberty and Auburntown. I could go on and on with all the stories from the memories relieved on this day. It seems though I've wandered enough for one post.

All in all I logged in a lazy 247 miles for the day. Not bad for a late start. But then again, my journey has only just begun.

Ride Safe

Ronman