Feeling overwhelmed!

I haven't blogged lately ... because I've been lazy.  Now, I'm feeling overwhelmed with all of the riding to tell of!!  I feel like I've forgotten so much already, I wish I had everything on a GoPro that I could just vlog; I feel like that would be easier.  Oh well, one ride at a time!

274 miles of awesomeness!

The next weekend was FINALLY the trip I've been waiting for!  Rock Island State Park.  I don't know why I was so anxious to get out there; I think just because I've seen pictures, and the place looks amazing.  Saturday dawned warm and cloudy, but nothing too threatening.  We ate at a little mom and pop shop that's quickly becoming a favorite when we're heading out 411S; the Lampost Restaurant.  HUGE omelettes, good coffee, and quick, country service.  We headed out familiar roads through Madisonville, Athens, and then we basically just took Hwy 30 all the way to Rock Island.  It's a cute little town, VERY quiet.  The best thing about Tennessee State Parks is they're all free; which, when you're stopping for gas every 100 miles for 2 motorcycles, is nice not to have to dish out for EVERY little thing.

The roads into the park are like the ones heading into all of them.  A little curvy, small, and not in the best of shape with lots of "tar snakes" running through them.  David navigated us into the main entrance, and we parked right up front.  WOW.  The falls are gorgeous ... AND we didn't have to walk much!  Once David and I both have our Chieftans, walking won't be a problem; we can pack shorts and a change of shoes in the saddlebags!  But as long as my bike has no storage, and one of his is compromised by a cooler, there's not much else that can be squeezed into one saddlebag!  We got back on the bikes and took some of the roads looking for other views; David just KNEW there were some "bigger" falls somewhere, it was just a matter of finding them.

After several failed attempts to see them, David used his Human GPS skills to figure out we needed to actually leave the park and drive around about 15 mins to another end.  So we did!  It was a fun challenge; I was finally feeling a little less shaky.  We took off down a tiny road that seemed like it almost wanted to become gravel, but it didn't ... JACKPOT!  The big falls are spectacular, and soooo worth looking for!  We did hike down the stairs so we could get a little closer; got lots of pics.

Leaving out, we took Hwy 70 which is touted as being the FIRST state highway and runs from Memphis to Bristol.  It has long stretches of interstate like roads, long stretches of 55 mph 2 lanes, and some curvy sections that are TIGHT!  I had some teeth gritting moments and David pulled ahead of me pretty good in a few places.  We were chasing rain again and the some sections of the road in the curvy parts were so soaked, I just got in my head again and went way slower than I probably needed to.  We rode right into Knoxville and had dinner at our favorite Moe's Original BBQ (which we did NOT know was in Knox!  Thought we had to drive all the way to Chatt for it!) and took Alcoa Hwy home.  Not one single tire on interstate the entire trip.  David prides himself on that!  It was a very pleasant day with no issues or problems at all
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This is RIGHT inside the park entrance

Spring behind "Spring Castle"

The Lamp Post.  EAT THERE!

Motorcycles and waterfalls

The dam is right here

My baby doing what he does best!

Love getting the bikes with signs

2 peas

Wishing for warm, Spring days ...

Officially a "Steel Cowgirl"

This week has dawned cold and rainy for the most part.  This weekend was looking like a complete wash, but we stayed patient, bided our time, and squeezed out a rain free ride this afternoon!

Layering up for a ride on the cool side

My sister (in-law) gave me "tattoos" of 'Khaleesi', and my aunt (in-law) gave me a bell for my birthday.  David put on the tattoos and I put on the bell.  Technically, the bell really isn't low enough on the bike, but I don't believe a talisman is going to protect me anyway; my guardian angel ALWAYS rides with me, whether on a bike, a horse, or in a car.  I put the bell on because it's cute, and it's a kichy thing with motorcycles.

"Lady Rider"

Before hitting the open road, we jetted down to one of our favorite hole in the wall Mexican restaurants and ate some yummy food. 

Motorcycles, Mexican food, and no margaritas!

We weaved our way through Maryville traffic, cussing a few idiots out along the way.  It is SHAMEFUL the way people drive.  It truly should be a requirement for schools to teach DRIVER'S ED instead of freaking Geometry in high school.  The kids should have a comprehensive, semester long class on driving.  And adults should be required to go through it again every 5 years.

Indian girl for life!

David had his GoPro to record the Foothills Parkway.  We finally made our way out past the worst of the traffic made the right hand turn onto FHP.  LOVE that road, one of my favorites.  I never get tired of it.  David let me lead, and I smoothly shifted up through the gears, keeping my hands "soft" on the grips.  My eyes sought to seek out the curves of the asphalt ribbon, and Khaleesi leaned and floated through every corner without a single bobble.

Fontana Lake

I twisted the throttle off each curve and kept her up around 50 mph through the L shaped curves.  I always have to fight myself a little bit with wanting to be a granny through the turns, it's pushing yourself out of your comfort zone that gets you to stretch and grow as a rider.

"Gremlin" Bell

I only touched my brakes 3 times the entire trip.  The third time was as we pulled up to the stop sign at the end of the road.  David kept me in the lead as I turned down 129 and then zagged onto 72.  David directed me to a right hand side road that carved through our East Tennessee countryside and came through to 411 and then down to Greenback.

Tattoos are sexy

65 miles later, we thundered back into the garage.  There is talk of maybe "gutting" my catalytic converters in my pipes.  I'm not unhappy with the power of my bike; I WOULD like it louder b/c anything for cages (cars) to hear/see us better, the BETTER.  I don't really want to drop $500+ on a set of pipes just for sound.  I have a few things on my list that I want to do to upgrade her, and once those upgrades are complete, that's it.  Any additional money spent will simply be on maintenance and clothing (Ahem, helmets, gloves, and jackets).

Sexy siblings

This coming weekend we have rides planned Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.  My weather will is STRONG, so I'm hoping I can talk God into blessing us with sun to go along with the mid 60's temps.  Right now it's looking overcast with some rain, so we'll see!

Mufasa just celebrated his one year anniversary in the Bishop household!

Daytona bike week is happening this week.  Sure do wish we could pop on down for a few days.  In the mean time, I'll be stalking all the videos and fun things going on.  Maybe next year!

Love making my bike my OWN.