Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Outtakes

Well, it has been over a week since I have arrived back home from my trip. If this is your first time to the site, you can read about my journey starting here. Also, if you missed it here is my story of seeing the Totally Biased Tour last week here. Since, I took the trip solo there are more camera shots that I left out and stories/thoughts that were left off the main telling. Furthermore, instead of having a single post about any existential thoughts (boring), I thought I could use this space as a Epilogue simultaneously.

Quick breakdown:
On the road for 11 days
Total Mileage 2,565
Road in 7 states

There are other things that I could not calculate, for example, miles on tarmac versus dirt, or gallons of coffee consumed.

Let's get into some pictures (no nudes, so you are safe).

These are pictures from me hiking around on the various trails on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I had this whole idea of talking about the wildlife and fauna in the area. There are many hiking trails along the parkway, but trying to record and document was becoming cumbersome. It would have also taken away from some of the other topics I wanted to explore. The first picture is a spider's nest that encases large sections of the trees in the area. The other is one of many signs along trails that provided information on the wildlife in the area.

The next set of pictures are from me trying to get a self portrait. There are many of these through out my journey. These are ones that I took on nature trails. I'm a goober. This is proof. It is difficult to get pictures of yourself when you are the photographer.

 The most difficult thing was setting up my phone (which doubled for my camera the majority of the time.) The phone is a HTC Thunderbolt, which has a built in stand. I have no idea why other phones don't have this feature because it makes propping the phone slightly easier. So, you would have to find an even surface that was elevated and use items around to get the angle elevated and correct. I often took pictures where there is a slop, which is the last one represents. These are some outtakes from my "fire scene" at Tishomingo State Park. 

As you can see, I played around with the flash and angles. I'm wearing a kurta with some loose fitting pants. Kurtas are South Asian garb that are made of a thin cloth that breaths very well and protects against the sun (or mosquitos when used with repellant). I purchased several of these when I was in India. For me, it is perfect camping outfit; who am I kidding, I like wearing them all the time. I have shorter ones, but this is a shin length version because showing shin is wrong. Anyway, the last picture is a flask that was a gift from a really good friend. I'll let you figure out the inscription- if you can. This is a great gift that keeps on giving. 

 The first three are more self portraits taken while hiking. I was near a creek and wanted to use the drop off as a point to get full body pictures of myself (I should name this post Narcissism). I started posing with my arms folded to hide from the world. I have no idea why I starting doing it. The last picture is my right before I started on the Dragon's Tail. This was the most difficult one to set up. I used the back of my motorcycle, but the bags did not provide an even ground to set up a clear shot, plus the bike itself is leaning. You can see how the camera is slightly off.

  These last three are just different pictures that I either didn't use or used a different version. Coffee really does taste better when you are camping.

This is the end of this journey. I started this adventure as a means to help alleviate some level of discombobulation, and search for an epiphany. However, what I learned is that I don't need an epiphany, I don't need to know, and I'm in a good place. As Bruce Lee said, "Be like water."

Thanks to everyone for reading. I'm a bit humbled by the responses that I have been getting. This is not the end of me posting. Stay tuned for more ramblings, more adventures, and more clown.

Until I ramble on again . . .  

How I Introduced My Brother to Totally Biased

This story starts back a few years ago. For my thirtieth birthday, my brother got us tickets to see Spamalot in New Orleans. It was amazing. Easily one of the best birthday gifts ever, narrowly defeating getting Voltron toys as a kid. I needed to get him something or take him somewhere that would be lots of fun and laughs. When he turned 30 (last year) it was in Ghana. He reported a subdued birthday. I had to do something lively.

I'm a huge fan of Totally Biased with W. Kamua Bell. If you have not seen the show go here or here and let the funny wash over you. One of the great things about the show is that the writers (who are performers) do bits on the show. I enjoy the diverse voices and critiques on the "American" (white) perspective. Their jokes aren't from the same vantage point as other late night shows, which makes it more interesting.

Quick note: I found out about W. Kamau Bell and his show in the whitest, liberal way possible- NPR's Fresh Air.

When I got notification that Totally Biased was going on tour and stopping in New Orleans on the day before my brother's birthday, "Serendipitous!'" I exclaimed. I figured that my brother had not heard of W. Kamau Bell, but was believed it would be something he would enjoy. I was hoping that I could recpiocate the great gift he got me with a equally, yet different evening of riotous entertainment. When it was closer to the show, I found out the lineup- Guy Branum, Janine Brito, Hari Kondabolu, and the ring-master W. Kamau Bell. I knew this would be a great show.

I was right! We were laughing so hard that there were tears of pure joy. Each comic unleashed a fury of jokes from their unique perspectives. I think the lack of A/C unleashed the anger in Guy, who did more crowd work than any of the others- attacking and complimenting the audience within a single breath. Janine's Slam Poetry was brilliant. Hari's set was very tight and had the feeling that he was about to record an album or a special or a special album. W. Kamau Bell had a slightly different feel. It seemed that he was working out some new material in the beginning and ended with slightly older, refined materiel. It was fun watching him work through it. I'm not sure I could gush more about the hilarity of the show.

Afterwards, the comics came out to meet and greet the audience. When I pre-ordered the tickets, I bought my brother a shirt and told him he had to wear it to the show. The t-shirt was a picture of W. Kamau Bell and it says, "I Got a Fever And The Only Cure Is More W. Kamau Bell." Here he is with the man himself.

Slightly blurry, but the club was dark. W. Kamau Bell signed my brother's shirt and was a really nice guy. He even laughed at my poor attempt at humor. We also met Hari Kondabolu, who I actually knew of before Totally Biased. We talked for a few minutes, and I gushed (I might have had a beer or three) about how much I enjoyed his work. Here is a picture of the two of us. Did I mention that The Howlin' Wolf did not have A/C that night? I'm glistening slightly.

I need to quickly comment on my shirt. This is my Nerd Calling Card of sorts. It is a deep layer of geek. The shirt depicts Sheldon Cooper and Wil Wheaton dressed as Dr. Horrible and Captain Hammer. If you understand these references- hello, my people.My brother does not get these references and is tickled about me proudly showcasing my nerd.

We also met Janine quickly on our way out. She was super sweet and understood part of my shirt (people recognize Wil Wheaton quickly, but struggle with Sheldon). To round out the night, Neal wanted to play a game. I took out a classic, easy to learn game. Here he is beating me in Ticket to Ride.

All in all it was a great night. My brother reported that he really enjoyed the entire evening and it was a great way to kick off turning 31! 

Thanks to Guy Branum, Janine Brito, Hari Kondabolu, W. Kamau Bell, and Wil Wheaton (you get honorable mention for being on my chest and introducing me to Ticket to Ride) for creating a brilliant evening.

Until I ramble on again . . .

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 11 (The Final Day)

July 21, 2013
Today's Mileage: 296
Final Total mileage: 2,565

Work it Girls!

Silly Guys

So, in the final night camping, all seemed well. At about 2:30 a.m. I was awoken from an intense, scary dream by a hollowing raccoon. Raccoon's make horrible screeching noises because they are d****. After the adrenaline rush wore off and flashback from the time that I had almost been eaten by a bear while camping (a story for another time) subsided, I feel back asleep. My brain decided, "Hey, you know what will be a great dream? How about dreaming that a raccoon bits your head through the tent!" Awesome, brain. So sleep did not come easy on my final night of the trip.

Another use for the motorcycles is as a laundry line. With a touch of Frebreze, and hanging the items out, they smell- not as rancid. Honestly, I do not care, but I try to be considerate to people that might have to come into contact with my odor. See I can grow as a person. Here are the motorcycles being used in another capacity.  

Hopping back on the Natchez Trace Parkway after a sink shower, no rinse shampoo, and copious amounts of deodorant, I led the way and we meandered through dirt roads in the area. Knowing we needed to arrive in Baton Rouge, LA around 4 p.m., we just spent the morning on the dirt roads.This picture is the last dirt road we were on before we were back on paved roads.

Just before we arrived in Jackson, Ms, I became fatigued. The mixture of lack of sleep and hours of adrenaline fun- my body was sapped. This can be a dangerous time for a motorcyclist because being vigilante is being careful. Cars and trucks aren't as considerate or cognizant of anyone but themselves. The feeling was on my suddenly. Eric noticed right away and pulled in the first gas station to ensure that I was OK and take a break. After getting gas, and making sure that I was well to ride, Eric gave the lead position to me to stop where ever I wanted for lunch. I noticed that we were right near Interstate 55 and 15 miles from Jackson, MS. Doing the calculations in my head, we were a mere 15 minutes from Cool Al's restaurant. I knew that I could easily make it there and relax and enjoy a delicious hamburger. I made the decision to head there. I was so excited. The best restaurant that I had eaten ate in the beginning would provide a fitting end to my journey. However, the stars were not aligned as we pulled up to Cool Al's it was closed. So I picked the closest thing to us in despair and abject disappointment- Hooters. 

Hooters were the lonely and sad patronize (insert deprecating humor here). Saying you go there for the wings is like saying you read Playboy for the articles. I went there because it was right next to us and I was hungry (hurrah for convenient excuses). Any food was acceptable.

After an uncomfortable lunch, for more reasons than one, we were back on the road. About 20 miles from the Mississippi/Louisiana border, my back started knotting. I was starting to feel feeble. I was not tired just in pain. As soon as we crossed the border, I indicated to Eric to stop at the border rest area. Here is a picture of me doing I-don't-care-what-you-think Yoga. 

During this time, a good Samaritan tried giving me Lortabs, and when I declined, a Red Bull. Seems contradictory, huh? Here is a muscle relaxer and a stimulant. I declined both and after a few minutes of rest, I hopped on the motorcycle, cranked up the tunes, and made it back home in one piece.

So there ends this journey, but there is more to tell. Although I won't be posting everyday, I will continue this blog of adventure, wonder, and rambling. Stay tuned for The Epilogue and Outtakes from this trip. Thank you everyone for taking the time and reading my inane words. At the time of this posting, there have been over 500 views on this blog! Keep reading, sharing, and hopefully enjoying.

Until I ramble on again . . .

I already miss you.

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 10

July 20, 2013

Today's Mileage: 243
Total mileage: 2269

Family Photo

Leaving from Wally Doxen, Eric and I headed north towards Tennessee. We have decals (I do realize this is somewhat childish, but I do not care I like stickers) and every state that we travel in (or just cross the border) we put that state's decal on our motorcycles. Eric had yet to cross into Tennessee, so why not?) At this point, I have Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, North and South Carolinas, and Georgia. It is real life achievements, it gives life more replay value. Riding north we did start the day off road. Here is Eric and I stopping to check the mud road ahead. It is beautiful riding.

The difficulty with riding mud roads on two wheels are the tires and potential lack of momentum. Motorcycles want to stay upright due to physics, well it is geometry, mass distribution, and gyroscopic to be more accurate. To continue moving forward, the tires need traction. Tires with "knobs" sort of scoop the mud out of the way to create traction. Just call me Rob the Science Guy. Eric and I have the same tires, which are designated as 80/20, meaning 80% on road (tarmac) and 20% off road. The mud that we were in pretty much caked our tires removing the little extra traction that our tires create. Forward momentum was maintained through rigorous maneuvering and dumb luck. Much of my life relies on dumb luck. These tires are good for loose gravel and packed mud. Even in those scenarios it can get hairy and led to a fall. Yet, we didn't fall. Go us! However, my next set of tires will be 50/50 tires- the Heidenau K60s. We passed by two BMWs on the trail someone on a F800 GS and another on a GSA and one of them had the Heidenau.

Part of the thrill of riding off road is the unknown. What will happen next? What problems will we have to solve? What is the wing velocity of a swallow? These are all profound questions that swirl around in my mind. Ok, that is not so much true as it is just an adrenaline rush to fight your way through a difficult area or brake your back tire as you slide downhill or giving some gas for more momentum to make it up that daring hill or threading the gas as you round a turn standing on your pegs. The concentration is tiring and invigorating simultaneously. Here is another view from the road we were on that day.

Just marvelous. We stopped at a restaurant just inside Tennessee. Worn from the day, we stumbled into the restaurant and ordered some mediocre food. We tracked mud into the restaurant. They were really sweet about it, but we felt somewhat embarrassed. Have no fear gentle reader, I provided a 50% tip to compensate- we walked on carpet. 

Before heading back south we had to decide on a place to stay. A decision was reached to jump on Natchez Trace Parkway and either stop at Jeff Busby Camping Area of Tombigbee National Forest (not to be confused with Tombigbee State Park, which we had at some point). Tombigbee was slightly east of the Natchez Trace Parkway, but we didn't know exactly how far. We ended up at Jeff Busby for two reasons 1) it was directly off the Parkway and 2) it was getting late and it is better to set up camp in the daylight. Jeff Busby Camping Area is a primitive camp ground meaning no power hook ups or water. There were fountains near us and a toilet, but no shower. I think another motorcyclist stopped in at some point in the evening, but they were far enough away that I never saw them. Here is a picture of our campground. 

This campground was more open and could hang out with the stars as I sip on my scotch. This is the good life. Tomorrow is the final day of my trip.

Until I ramble on again . . . 

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 9

July 19, 2013

Today's Mileage: 313
Total Mileage: 2026

Wow, I have traveled over 2,000 miles on this trip.

Today was back to Shunpiking. I was only on the interstate until Tuscaloosa, Al then, on to the highway. It was a nice scenic ride, nothing spectacular. I waited in an Exxon parking lot for Eric. He decided that he wanted to take some off-roads before we met up. He might have fallen off his bike twice and had to pick up 900 lbs bike by himself in the middle of a really hot, sunny day. He made it to our meeting location, slightly haggard and tired. Like the cowboy he is, he complained about it, drank a bottle of water, and headed back out on the dirt roads with me.

This is a picture from my bike on one of the many 'roads' we took.

It is not so much falling off these bikes, because when you are taking these types of roads it will happen at some point, that is tiresome. It is picking up these large bikes with gear on them that can wear a person out. 

We camped at Wall Doxey. We were fortunate enough to have a couple of R/V campers bring over some hamburgers they had just made. I do not pass up free food. Later that night, I was worried that they might have drugged me and would re-enact scenes from Deliverance. That movie has scarred me for life. I'm writing this, so nothing bad has happened- that I know of. . . 

Until I ramble on again . . . 

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 8

Note: The last few days were written on the day of riding, but due to limited internet accessibility there are being posted over the next couple of days.

July 17, 2013

Mileage Day 8: 544
Total Mileage: 1,713

Back on the road again. However, this riding is not the kind that I enjoy. I, of course, ate up the miles today because it was ALL interstate. I rode from Morrisville, North Carolina all the way to Birmingham, Alabama.

Side note: Atlanta Traffic, you suck. Ten lanes, a bypass, and you still can't get your stuff together (edited for vulgarity). Come on. I almost developed as much anger for you as I have for Dallas Traffic and Houston Traffic (number 1 and 2 respectively on my s@*t list).

I was in South Carolina when I enjoyed my packed lunch. Auntie Dey was kind enough to pack me a lunch. It was the highlight of my day. This is true for two reasons: 1) I love Auntie Dey's cooking as much as Sharbari's and 2) I was on the interstate all day.

Whenever I eat a packed lunch of homemade Indian food (which doesn't happen often these days), I always think of Tiffins. The first time in India Sharbari explained to me (if any of this information is inaccurate it is not due to her) that in Mumbai all the men go to work and there lunch is brought to them by an intricate system. There is some cultural aspect to this about men wanting a hot meal that is cooked fresh and not heated with sound waves. Tiffin is a slang term for second breakfast, but in Mumbai it refers to a packed lunch. Everyday tiffin wallahs pick up the prepared meals from the persons home as prepared by mother or wife. There are a series of markings on the tiffin to denote where that owner is located in town. To blow your mind, Mumbai's metropolitan area has over 20 million people that covers about 1,651 square miles. Even if 50% of the population used it (trust me it is way more) that is over 10 million people that are being brought lunch every day without fail. I can't remember how accurate it is, but I want to say it is over 97% accurate. It could be more, and Google could tell me, but guessing is way better. There is a great episode of Top Gear (Series 17, Episode 7) where they attempt to carry tiffins to the correct location. I thought I had a picture of the tiffins from my travels, but this is a picture of a man moving cloth on top of a bicycle. I think Indians invited Tetris.

Tomorrow I will be meeting up with my friend, Eric and get back to Shunpiking.

Until I ramble on again . . . 

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 7

July 17, 2013

Still in a stationary position

On this journey, I have partially unintended to ride on two of four National parkways- Natchez Trace Parkway (intended) and Blue Ridge Parkway (wet intended). National parkways are scenic drives that restrict commercial access. Basically, no large trucks, stop lights, or gas stations. I have ridden the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Can you name the other two parkways that were part of FDR's New Deal? If you guessed the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway and the George Washington Memorial Parkway then you have more useless knowledge than me. These parkways are managed by the National Parks Service.

The GWP (that is the name I'm giving it because I am too lazy to write out more than that, but not too lazy to give an explanation on the abbreviation) is located in Northern Virginia with a small section traversing through the District of Columbia. The original name for the parkway was the Mount Vernon Parkway as it was a means to visit George Washington's estate, a note of national pride. Congress changed the name because all they ever can do is enact laws/name changing on inconsequential items.

The John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway or JDFMP connects Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. We all know who John D. Rockefeller is so I won't use up any more space discussing him. This parkway was created in 1972.

I feel it is my adventurous duty to ride on both these parkways; in fact, I feel a need to ride the entire length of all 4 parkways at some point. Stay tuned for that lunacy.

Today was a delightful day. Sharbari and I visited the Ackland Art Museum. It is a small smattering of Asian and Western Art with some Modern Art thrown in for good measure. It won't take you long to visit it (maybe 2 hours tops), but it is good fun. Note for the art curators, Sharbari can distinguish Shiva from Vishnu, so why can't you?

Nope, I didn't pop over the pond for this picture, this is the chapel at Duke University. The campus is honestly one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is really lovely just to ride around on the campus.

I'll be back on the rode tomorrow. I have cut my stay for Sharbari and Kushal short for a variety of reasons (nothing that has anything to do with them). The have, as always, been wonderful hosts. I'm heading back to Mississippi for some camping and trail riding fun. I will be hitting the dreaded 'slab' tomorrow, but soon on Friday I'll be back Shunpiking. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday might not get posted until Sunday. Just giving everyone a heads up on frequency.

Until I ramble on again . . .

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 6

July 16, 2013

North Carolina Night Sky

Still in a stationary position. Enjoying visiting good friends and seeing North Carolina. I'm loading up on amazing home cooked Indian food.

Today, Sharbari took me to explore downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Instead of taking a walking tour, we took a Segway tour. This us in front of the old government building that at one point housed ever branch of North Carolina government.

It was ridiculous and lots of fun. At 10 mph the Segway pushes back to indicate, "Slow down, you impatient bastard." This happened a lot to me. I wanted to speed around on this thing. I know it seems ridiculous, but these Segways are a great way to see more of a city, while feeling less tired. Furthermore, the laughs and looks that people give you are great. I know they are laughing at me, but it amuses me. Here is a picture of Sharbari looking elegant at the Oakwood Cemetery, in the Confederate Cemetery section.

Raleigh is a nice capital. I wasn't in awe of it, and zipping around on the Segway made it slightly more enjoyable. A touch on the pricey side, but can be well worth the tour. The company provided ear pieces to hear the tour guides descriptions. I have taken a few tours in my day, and tour guides that are the most enjoyable have lived in the area for a long time or know the area so well that they can give some factoids or antidotal pieces of information that add color to a potential drab history lesson. The tour we had guide has lived in Raleigh all his life and was able to paint a picture of the changes that Raleigh has experienced from near destitution to revitalizing of historic areas.

On a completely different note, plans are in constant flux with my trip. People struggle against change; however, as it has been pointed out to me, I have an inherent distaste for planning and remaining stationary for too long- thus desire change. There are some nuances to this statement that are unnecessary to dissect, but in essence I feel it has truth for me. Yet, when there is change that I do not want to occur, I groan and become agitated. I have experienced this type of change lately. I want the unconventional to exist in such a way that is pleasing to me; therefore, creating my on structure that I do not want to be disrupted. An important lesson that I am trying to hold on to is that no matter the change to not fight it, but flow with it. Fighting the current will only pull you under and hold you, but if you relax and allow the current to take hold it will release. This is difficult as anything unpleasant elicits a defensive reaction. It is hard work and requires vigilance in periods of high stress. Good thing I am not feeling stressed today. A belly full of Indian food and a professional massage. Yep, I'm enjoying the good life, but the road beckons me. What am I searching for that I can never be still for too long?

Until I ramble on again . . .  

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 5

July 15, 2013

Mileage: 1,169

Today, I rest. No riding, boots need drying.

Homemade Breakfast, Indian style French Toast. Auntie Dey knows how to take care of my ravenous stomach.

Spicy, sweet, and delicious, but not French Toast

I'm still documenting, but taking some time to reflect and muse about other things that I have thought or encountered along the way. 

I have been thinking about music and riding a motorcycle with music. Unless you have a large touring motorcycle that blasts music loud enough to hear over the rushing wind, you need ear buds for music. I know there are some people that will not listen to music while they ride, as they fear it will distract too much. I am not one of those people. However, I do not listen to music the entire time. Yesterday, I did not pop my ear buds in until I got to Asheville. Scenic or Interstate riding, I feel are times when a soundtrack is needed, but when you need to get to the place of pure concentration, I institute a policy of NO MUSIC. 

This brings me to my soundtrack. I have uploaded a wide range of music onto my iPod and have found some bits to be more fitting for the road than others. I have only about 750 songs on the iPod and I hit shuffle. Sometimes a band is great for Interstate driving, while others create a symbiotic relationship with the scenic landscape, but some fall flat on all accounts. I'll give an example of each.

Pink Floyd. This is one of my favorite bands of all time; however, as a soundtrack while riding it is forgettable. I have the albums Meddle, Ummagumma, Dark Side of the Moon, and Animals. I also have a collection of early singles from the Syd Barrett days. The melodic music is best for other recreational activity, but not for motion. I still enjoy listening to them, and they will stay in rotation, but not a band I would put on a Motorcycle Playlist. The Syd Barrett years are not bad for highway riding. Stand out songs for riding: 'See Emily Play' and 'One of These Days' 

Rush. If you know most of you groaned. I can't talk about music and motorcycling without mentioning Rush. Most people either love them or hate them. I fall into the love category (huge love). The Holy Triumvirate are the best when riding the Interstate. The odd time signatures, intricate details, and air drumming glee provide can add color to the humdrum of Interstate travel. One can yell at a careless car, "I'm a mean, mean warrior," and feel the confidence surge. I have the albums All the World's a Stage, Snakes and Arrows (studio and concert), Time Machine, Hemispheres, Clockwork Angels, R30, and Different Stages. Stand out songs for riding: 'Ghost Rider,'  'Red Barchetta,' and 'Malignant Narcissim.'

The Decemberist. This was totally unexpected. This has been one of my favorite groups to listen while riding. The album 'Picturesque' was a gift (Thanks Matt!) and it has been perfect for scenic driving. Riding along any body of water, pop in 'The Mariner's Revenge,' and be seduced by the infectious melody that feels right; although, the lyrics are dark. I stopped at one point when riding Natchez Trace Parkway and played the entire Picturesque album from start to finish. I was not disappointed. Stand out songs for riding (this really good be the whole album): 'The Mariner's Revenge,' 'The Infanta,' and 'The Sporting Life.' 

 I could write on and on about different types of music (side note Miles Davis is best for highway riding), but I'm stuffed with amazing Indian food and need to sleep. So that is all for today.

Until I ramble on again . . .

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 4

July 14, 2013

Day 3 Mileage 330
Day 4 Mileage: 432
Total Mileage: 1,169

Note: Sorry it has taken so long to get this written and posted. Once you read, it will become clear.

Day 3 ended in a stretch that was neither inspiring nor fun. Playing it safe (because the interstate is no where to take ANY chances), I arrived in Knoxville around 5 p.m. and decided the best course of action was to stay in a hotel.

The beautiful weather that I have been having has fallen off as I move east. Before we get to the abysmal weather. Let's talk about the morning of Day 4.

As the Germans would say about today, Das grenzt an Zauberei (This borders on Magic). Starting in Knoxville, TN I took Highway 70 to Highway 129. Highway 129 becomes a very fun, solitary road, but then it grows wings and becomes something bigger, something better. This is me moments before putting on my chainmail, hopping on my trusty stead, Simone, and attacking Smaug's cousin (does my nerd know no depths?)

Riding the Dragon's Tail for 11 miles is nothing short of the single greatest motorcycle ride I have ever experienced. It was thrilling, invigorating, and extraordinary. This road is such a big deal that they have a company that take photos of you while you are riding. Look at Action Rob.

These are some pictures that I took along the Dragon's Tail. The scenery was beautiful, and there are plenty of designated areas to pull off and take some images. Not sure these can remotely do it justice.

After crossing into North Carolina, at the bottom of the run, I took a break amongst the other motorcyclist (even got a souvenir for myself). I talked with another BMW GS rider, he had a newer Adventure model. Anyway, we talked for about 10-15 minutes, but he was emphatic that I should ride Blue Ridge Parkway. I had never heard of this place, but he and his wife stated that it was one of the best rides, motorcycle or car, in the whole U.S. He seemed to know his stuff so I put my faith in his knowledge. It was a short 20-30 minute drive to the beginning of the Parkway and it would bring me to my desired destination- Asheville. I wanted to do another night of camping. Lake James State Park looked promising and was a short ride outside of Asheville. The best thing about having a skeleton of a plan is that it can change as you need it.

I headed down Highway 28, which was great motorcycle driving. I easily found Highway 441. This highway runs through a town that I'll take another day to explain. I found the parkway and was off. This is from the beginning of the travels, I believe I was at about 3,500 feet elevation. This should have been a warning. Behind all those clouds are the towering Smokey Mountains. I would soon be riding into those clouds of rain.

The day would have been perfect if the Blue Ridge Parkway that spans through the Smokey Mountains had been clear, but this was not the case. There are no commercial entities along the Parkway, and it is a gorgeous ride with scenic outlooks dotted along the path. Within 20 minutes of riding, the mist started. In my head, I stated with gusto, "I'm an adventure rider, this is part of the adventure." Then the heavy rain came. Still unwavered, I moved along at a health, albeit, safe pace. Next was the fog followed closely with gusts of wind. Don't worry, fair reader, as Sir Robin did while facing the Three Headed Knight, I bravely ran away.

I didn't run away, per say, but I took a break in the woods as there is no shelter along the Parkway. This picture is before the heavy fog and wind. I took my time and rode with great abandon caution. There were lots of motorcyclists I saw along the Parkway. One of the really fun things about the Parkway are the tunnels. There were tunnels a plenty, but the rain and fog prevented me from taking any pictures. All in all I honestly did have a great ride through Blue Ridge Parkway, and it is a road that I will have to visit again to get a different experience out of it.

I pushed through until I hit Asheville. At this point, I had been riding in rain for about 3 hours. Honestly, I was still having fun. The pure endurance of keeping mentally focused was invigorating. As much as I wanted to camp, the weather had been fickle. It had been a long day of adrenaline pumping action. I made a tough decision- push through to Morrisville to get to final destination of visiting Sharbari and Kushal. I had planned on arriving on Monday as I was adamant about lollygagging my way to see them. Minds and plans can change, and it is best to go with the flow. I forgot my waterproof boot covers and the rain was so constant that it soaked my boots. Here they are at the end of the trip. They are normally a light brown. This was the deciding factor of going straight to Morrisville.

Getting to them required the dreaded Interstate. However, riding through North Carolina's portion of I-40 was not as bad as I feared. I was not encountering as many large trucks and the roads were well maintained. With tunes in my ear, I moved ahead and made it to a delicious meal and comfy bed picking up some serious miles.

A truly magical day.

Until I ramble on again . . .

Shunpiking to Sanity Tour: Day 3

July 13, 2013

Total from Day 2: 219

Total so far of Day 3: 148

Total Mileage 555

Last I left you I was pondering whether to stop in Tishomingo State Park or push a little to Davy Crockett State Park. Well, let’s just say that I’m happy I stopped in Tishomingo. Cost about as much as a National Park ($18 for spot with hook ups). However, look at the spot I was camping.

I decided that I did not feel like searching for fire wood. At the site, some generous individuals left some kindle, but I wanted some big pieces to last me the night. So traveling to the local corner store the young lady behind the counter agreed to sell me some logs dependent on how much I could fit on my motorcycle. Needless to say, it was amusing to everyone that observed my tomfoolery. Not a bad job, eh?

After loading up, and as local after local shook their heads in confoundment, one local asked where I was from. I told him New Orleans. He asked if I had ever heard of Raceland? Really, out here I meet a person originally from Raceland. I stated, “Of course,” I had my appendix removed at the hospital in Raceland. Side note: I almost didn’t make it as my chauffeur, Madlaugher, found great joy in making me laugh, then watching me double over in pain. I think it almost ruptured a few times from his antics. I asked the man from Raceland if he had eve heard of the Eglés. His response was, “Of course, that is a big name down the bayou.” There was something knowing about the way he responded, but did not elaborate. All I know is that my maternal family reaches out deep into Mississippi. 

So, night fell, and I had a flask of High West’s Campfire (a perfect blend of bourbon and scotch) sitting next to a campfire, or as my dad called it “Caveman T.V.” There is something contemplative about sitting in front of a campfire enjoying a digestif. 

As my fire was running low, laying out on the ground, and staring up in the stars, I started listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s informative, imaginative podcast ‘StarTalk’. Hearing him discuss the cosmos, the space program, and a multitude of space related topics is inspired. Having a clear night with stars aplenty was mind altering sans drugs (not enough bourbon to alter consciousness it was all Neil and guests). Check out StarTalk on iTunes and sit under the stars as Dr. Tyson regales with the beauty and wonder of the universe- trust me.

Morning view is amazing. Tastes remarkable with a perfectly percolated cup of coffee.

Today has been BRILLIANT! The Natchez Trace Parkway leading up to Nashville was marvelous. It started to get curvy, than about 20-30 miles from North Terminus the curves really required one to dig deep. It happened suddenly, and it took a moment for me to find the confidence in Simone (and myself). Rest assured, I found the confidence in machine and man, and what a ride! I’m writing this moments after I have finished the ride and still have a surge of adrenaline (this large dark coffee is probably not helping the pep). There were many, many riders on the Natchez Trace, but all were heading south. 

I missed so much on the Trace because at certain points you will stop every 5 minutes (sometimes less than that) to catch everything. I would do it again. A highlight is that I was able to do a little off road and ride part of the Old Natchez Trace. Here I am taking a break at Cypress Creek in Tennessee.

I’ll be jumping on the Interstate at some point to get to Knoxville. I refuse to call it a 'freeway,' since it does not posse any freeing qualities. Will I attack the Dragon’s Tail (or as German’s say, “Schwanz des Drachen.”) or will I camp out and head towards it tomorrow? Time will dictate my next choice for today and tomorrow. 

Until I ramble on again. . .