Short Christmas Ride

Heath was gone during Christmas, but Ryon and I got to take a short ride while he was here. I had never been out to Cummins Falls, so we decided to ride out that way. We headed out the old Gainesboro Grade almost to Jackson County taking a right turn on Cummins Mill Road. It was a great day for a ride, and the Cummins Mill Road is a nice motorcycling road. As we came to the pull-off where the trail leads to the falls, it was obvious there is no place to park a motorcycle. The side of the road just rolls off, no level spot. You can pull off in a car, but not on mc. So, we didn't get to take the hike. So we continued on the Cummins Mill Road all the way to Dodson Branch Road. Neither of us had ridden that road, so it was fun and nice to see new territory. We turned right on Dodson Branch Road heading back into town. Heading all the way down to 12th street, we turned across town to Washington, back across the square and headed home. This was entirely TOO short a ride, but it was nice anyway. And it gave Ryon a chance to ride on a REAL motorcycle!! (He had borrowed Heath's BMW). So how many years can we count on having great motorcycling weather at Christmas? Don't know, but I will take all we can get! No pics lately, but next ride, I am going to take my camera and post some "in ride" shots. Becca has advised me that I am not updating my blog often enough, so might lose my few readers. I thought some good in ride pics may make it a little more interesting. At least until I can get a major ride report on here.

WOW what a day

I can't believe this kind of riding weather in the middle of December. Great early Christmas present. So, I took in the sites around town and the country side. This is GREAT riding country; the hills of the Upper Cumberland. Twice today I saw another BMW RT like mine with a riding buddy on a BMW RS. I have not seen them around here before, so they must be new bikes. I will have to try and find out who they are. You don't see many of these bikes around here. Nice to see one every now and then. Tomorrow promises another good riding day. I hope to be able to get some riding in between some work.

These last couple of weeks have presented some real variety in riding conditions. We have had a few days in the low 20's; YES, I rode my motorcycle. Nothing like some good brisk air whizzing by to get you awake and going in the morning. Then there was the snow. Always kinda neat to ride through the snow; almost as good as sledding, as long as the tires keep their traction on the road. When the roads began to get wet, though, I went home and traded for four wheels. But the last few days have been a real reprieve. Riding again in the 60's and near 70 degrees is almost like summertime compared to the previous days.
I have noticed there are a few other hard core riders in Cookeville. We acknowledge one another as we pass in the 20 degree weather, wondering who that crazy guy is all bundled up on that motorcycle! But it is nice to know that you are not alone. Actually, with the right gear, riding in the cold weather on a motorcycle does not present a problem. Keeping the fingers, toes, and trunk warm is the secret. With a good helmet, your head usually stays nice and warm. Just don't let any skin be exposed at 20 degrees and 50 mph!!!!!
I wish I had taken a picture with the snow coming down. Next time I will.