That's a Wrap

A Mr Chris J. from San Antonio writes us to ask, "Are you riding back to Seattle?"

Great question, Chris! Thanks for listening to the show and sending in your question. Before I provide that answer, I want to remind our listeners of Confucius' ancient saying: "The journey of 10,000 miles begins with a single step."

Not as well-known as his ancient wisdom was an earlier draft, written by the philosopher in a depressed state when he realized his supposed antique vases were just rip-offs. Ming vases, indeed. So Confucius' earlier draft goes like this: "The journey of 10,000 miles begins with the realization that 10,000 miles is a hell of a long trip."

It was with the realization of the potential total mileage, and with the blessing of my wife, that I am ending the ride in Nashville, Tennessee. Now. I mean, I'm sitting in the hotel room now. The Tiger is being shipped back to Seattle and I am flying home tomorrow. The tire, she was dipped in the Potomac a week ago. 

Coupled with the decision to not ride back to Seattle are these factors:

 - The ride is called the "Puget to Potomac," not the "Puget to Potomac to Puget"

 - The upper- and western plains put me through the wringer, what with the rains, winds, snow, gusty winds, heavy rains, and high gusty winds.

And, as if to punctuate the soundness of the decision, today in eastern Tennessee I rode through several stormfronts; some violent with lightning.

There's no guarantee that the weather will be rough on the way back, but there's no guarantee that it won't. Plus, there are the headwinds, which are a given.

I hope this answered your question. And now, our list of Top Eastern States:

1) Virginia

2) North Carolina

3) Maryland

4) West Virginia

5) Pennsylvania

6) Tennessee

Pop's Cycles

If there's one thing I would change on this ride it would be to travel with my own group of people, my own entourage, my own... gang. 

As it is, I may have a starter group in Purcellville...

Zhanna, aka, Soul Child

Daisy, aka, Risky Rider

Max, aka, Mad Max

Carleigh, aka, The Wrangler

Of course, they need to get permission from mom and dad first. That should happen in 30 or 40 years. 

Cherokee Nation

Cherokee tribe. 

C'mon, you didn't sing along?

That's the most clarity I've had the past couple hours. Am I on the Cherokee Indian Reservation? The Smokey Mountains? The Blue Ridge Mountains? All of them?

Let's go with all of them.

Not much surprising or eventful today in the way of the ride other than starting out in Raleigh with the family...

(The reason I'm holding Wes's shoulders is to make sure he doesn't appear taller than me). 

And a short ride through Ashville. Ashville, a city that is waaay more funky than I remember.

For tonight, I'm camped out at the Cherokee KOA.

Tomorrow, I tackle the Dragon.

Shout out to Keith, Marti, and Samuel, who I met at the campground this evening. Thanks for the recommendation to ride the Skyway and to visit the Opryland Hotel when I get to Nashville.

When Life Gives You A Massage Chair...

Here Comes the Rain Again

Oh good, rain's ahead. 

Reminds me of home...

...and Idaho...

...and Montana...

...and Wyoming...

...and South Dakota...

...and Iowa...

George from Scottsville, Virginia

Scottsville is a favorite little town of mine. Only been through once before, but the downtown business strip just feels homey down to the American flags and touches of historical preservation. 

It's also where George struck up a conversation with me. 

He asked about my ride and I asked about a great place for breakfast. Sure enough, it was the restaurant I just rode by 2 minutes ago. The one with the giant chicken out front. 

I should have figured that one out. Maybe it's time for a new road rule: always eat at restaurants with giant chickens out front. 

OK, can't talk anymore--the food's here. 

Times Like These

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