TALLADEGA SCENIC HIGHWAY ON MT. CHEAHA ~ ALABAMA ~ photo taken by Dianna Stover
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Monday, July 26, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - AN EAGLE'S VIEW

AN EAGLE'S VIEW - THE TENNESSEE RIVER
While Harley and I were riding up around Lookout Mountain a few weeks ago, we took advantage of some shade and the chance to stretch our legs while we walked around the grounds at Point Park. This historic park sits high on the bluffs overlooking the city of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River.

From this vantage point, you can see what an awesome view you have. While I stood there and gazed down, trying to locate and recognize places I knew were there (it's a little game I like to play... "and there's the aquarium"), I noticed a large beautiful eagle soaring through the air around and near the bluffs where we were standing.

I was lucky enough to capture this impressive bird and all I could think of was... What a nice view he must have!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Friday, July 23, 2010

OH NO... THE BIG FIVE-OH!!!

July 24, 1960
Once upon a time, a long, long, long time ago ... a rider was born. Her name was Baby Droolsalot. Baby D was a wonderful child and made her parents very happy.


When Baby D was just a little girl of 8 years, she experienced the sounds and feel of a motorcycle and knew then, that this awesome machine was going to be a key element in the happiness of life.


She grew up and became a motorcycle riding fool... hungry to ride every moment she could, resulting in her adult name... Lady Ridesalot.


Many, many, many... uh, many, years later, Lady R finds herself cruising through life, riding Harleys along side her very own Prince Charming, living happily ever after.

THE END


Harley and I are planning to spend my 1/2 century celebration riding, of course. We have two Poker Runs and a Rally scheduled in our reachable area this weekend, so we're still pondering as to which one (or ones) we plan to participate in. Either way, it's the best way to spend a birthday, if you ask me.

I still can't believe this monumental day has arrived... I'm too young to be 50!

Ride on and live happy...
Lady R

Monday, July 19, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - BUCK'S POCKET STATE PARK

BUCK'S POCKET STATE PARK
Buck's Pocket State Park is a cool little park located just a few miles to the east of Lake Guntersville. When I posted our plans to ride in this area for the 4th of July, a fellow blogger over at Sunny Side Up told us we needed to put Buck's Pocket on our places to see list. Upon Eve's suggestion, we were fortunate enough to find this hidden treasure while riding around the lake area. Thanks again for the tip friend!

The view from up here was not as grand as the Little River Canyon, but still pretty breathtaking. The drop offs and cliffs were a little more intimidating, as you were able to get right up to the ledge.

THE JIM LYNN OVERLOOK

There are signs posted everywhere that permits are required before repelling, so this must be a hot spot for that sort of activity. I can certainly understand it's popularity, since it's full of great places to climb... over the edge.

There's a legend behind Buck's Pocket State Park, that it's the place where defeated public officials go to lick their wounds. After visiting the grounds, I would think going to a place with high cliffs and drop offs, wouldn't be where I'd go after a depressing loss. LOL!

I hope you weekend was great! Here's to an even better Monday!

Lady R

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

LITTLE RIVER CANYON SCENIC PARKWAY

The main reason I wanted to head up to Fort Payne for our 4th of July weekend trip, was to ride the Little River Canyon Scenic Parkway. We've been to the Canyon during the winter three years ago, so I was stoked to ride the parkway in the summer time. I think anyone that finds themselves close to the area, really must take a little spin down this beautiful road.

As one of Alabama's most scenic attractions, the Little River Canyon Parkway (Hwy. 176) forms a 22 mile scenic drive following along the Little River Canyon National Preserve. It's one of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States with an average depth of 400 feet; 700 feet at it's deepest point, and 3/4 mile wide.

There are no safe places to stop and park on the side of the road, so taking advantage of the overlooks will give you the best views of the canyon as you make your way down the parkway. The only problem I have here is the fact that some of these pull off areas are extremely broken up and very gravely, so extreme care and diligence is needed while getting on and off the road.

The first overlook is pretty much at the entrance to the parkway and gives you a straight on view of the Little River Falls, a 60 foot drop that marks the beginning of the canyon.
After snapping a few pics to mark our starting point 0f the parkway, we got back on the Glides and took off down the road. We were ready to take in some spectacular curves and gorgeous views, so we didn't want to delay our ride any longer.

The canopy of shade provided by the overhanging trees gave the impression we were on a hidden ribbon of asphalt, with the forest as our cover. The cool air skimming across my sleeveless arms felt like I was standing in front of a cool air conditioner blowing on high. The sun would shine through the trees and appear to dapple along the road in scattered shapes and clusters as we rode our way around the canyon's rim.

The further south we rode, the rockier the canyon walls became. We stopped at most of the overlooks along the way to take advantage of the amazing views and of course... take pictures.


In one particular area, you could see a neighboring overlook across a large gorge in the canyon. The cool thing about that is, even though it might be a quarter mile across, we had to travel about 5 1/2 miles by road to reach this same spot.
There are places on this parkway that plays peek a boo with the view and a riders eyes are tempted to drift over and gaze when they really need to be watching the curves or other obstacles. (Remember my Pic Of The Week - A Rock In The Road?) I felt like Mother Nature was testing my willpower as well as my discipline while my adrenaline surges just became part of the ride.

22 amazing miles later we find ourselves at the mouth of the canyon, where the Little River flows into Weiss Lake, the "Crappie Capitol of the World".
Looks like there used to be some old bridge there, but around the corner to the left going back up the river was an area full of canoes and folks camping. We were only able to see them when we crossed over a bridge on our way towards the lake.

I love riding through this area and I'm very happy we had a beautiful sunny day to enjoy it in. I know I'll be back again, but in the meantime... I'll have to pacify myself with my lingering memories. I'm just glad I took plenty of pictures to help be remember how awesome this place really is.

Riding around the south, one road at a time...

Lady R

Monday, July 12, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - LIVING ON THE EDGE

LIVING ON THE EDGE
Wow! Can you imagine living in this house? What a view! Harley and I noticed this cliff side dwelling while we were taking in a picturesque view of the Little River Canyon at one of the Parkway's scenic overlooks.

We had a great ride and saw some amazing views of the canyon. Come back tomorrow and see my post of this beautiful Alabama treasure. You won't be disappointed!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R

Thursday, July 8, 2010

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE... WITH THE SOUND OF HARLEYS

Dear Diary... a glimpse into the pages of a journal written by a woman rider.

Monday
July 5, 2010

Wow! I feel like I'm still soaring through the air with the sun on my face and the wind at my back... what a ride! We just cruised home after spending four days riding the Glides around the Fort Payne area, including Lake Guntersville, and Lookout Mountain. We had an awesome time exploring this northeast area of Alabama that's usually out of reach for our day rides, and I was reminded of what a beautiful state I live in.


Nestled at the foothills of the Smokey mountains, Ft Payne is like a gateway to a riders playground. There were plenty of big hills, some spectacular views, and lots of exciting curvy roads to feed our pleasure. As you to leave Ft. Payne to the north, once you navigate through the old historic downtown and reach the outskirts of town, you immediately start climbing in elevation. Some of the inclines and declines (and there were many!) were very steep straight shots of road but would stretch on and on for about 3 or 4 miles. Totally fun!!


Twisting the throttle back and listening to the sound of my powerful V-twin effortlessly pull me up one of these long inclines was like music to my ears. Brub, brub, brub, brub... the melodic sound echoed off the rocky cliffs that flanked the highway as our Glides rode together in rhythmic harmony. Climbing, climbing, then climbing some more, I swear, it felt like I was riding right up to heaven! Chugging our way to the top, I feel my smile widen when I'm rewarded with a softening hum as I crest the hill and level back out.


Coming back down, on an equally long decline is probably even more fun than the climb itself. I learned real quick, that when I saw one of those yellow diamond shaped warning signs showing the silhouette of a truck on a steep decline, I was in for another fast flying treat! There's something really invigorating when you find yourself flying downhill (a very steep one at that!) at 70+ mph. I felt like a soaring super hero flying downward head first toward earth. What a rush!


We saw several other riders out and about during this holiday weekend and the waves were plentiful. It seems we were all having the time of our lives, experiencing these wonderful roads on two. The sound of rolling thunder reverberated through the countryside and made my heart sing.


The hills are alive... with the sound of Harleys!
Me

Monday, July 5, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - A ROCK IN THE ROAD

A ROCK IN THE ROAD
Ooops... there seems to be a rock in the road!

While cruisin' down the Little River Canyon Parkway (Hwy. 176) during our Alabama "stay-cay", we came across a rock in the road. Normally, rocks don't pose too much of a problem, but this one made you go around! The narrow curvy two lane highway that follows the rim of the canyon allows for several beautiful overlooks while at the same time letting you test your skills while you playfully maneuver it's twists and turns. However, there was a rock in the way when they built this highway so... they just went around it!

We logged over a thousand miles, was able to view seven states (Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina) at one time, and could officially say we rode the Glides in three of those named states. Not bad considering we were just a mere 180 miles or so from home. After riding around the northeast corner of our beautiful state, I can't wait to share more of our wonderful treasures.

I don't know how everyone's holiday was, but we spent our 4th of July on the road... the road to happiness!

Have a great Monday everybody!

Lady R