Ozarks 2025

The Jump Day is our travels to the muster point to begin our journey. Magellan is coming from Tennessee, Butter Cup is coming from Mississippi, and Francois is coming from Chicago, Illinois. We are all meeting in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. I left very early due the threat of rain: wheels up at 4:20 am. Further, I took the interstate highways for the first 200 miles - to put distance between me and the incoming weather front. I am not a fan of riding the interstate highways, but I hate riding in the rain more than I hate interstates. Further, the traffic was surprisingly light - so I took full advantage of the interstates and put down some tracks.  Central and southern Illinois is one big corn/soybean field. It is relatively flat, and soybeans and corn stretch for hundreds of miles.  There is not a lot to see.  Once I crossed over into Indiana, I got off the Interstate and rode the US Highways. I know that there are Amish communities in northern Indiana. But I did not know t...

  The Blue Ridge Parkway, noted for its relaxing pace and scenic beauty, also showcases a cross-section of Appalachian mountain culture and history. Stretching 469 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of the oldest pre-historic and early European settlements. Visitors can trace much of the history of Appalachian culture through overlook signs, visitor center exhibits, restored historic structures, and developed areas, all of which reveal the many communities along the route that make the region so special. Fall leaf peeping is a hugely popular activity along the Parkway, as are hiking and wildlife viewing.   While most ride the Blue Ridge Parkway in automobiles, we will be riding motorcycles.