Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 07:05:51 AM

Title: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 07:05:51 AM
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/guzzi4.jpg)  I purchased Sunbrother's 2013 Stone which was in Charlotte, NC.  I flew there on American Airlines and he picked me up at the airport on Friday the 26th of June.  We went to his beautiful home and I quickly loaded up the bike with the small amount of clothing that I had brought.  My goal for the day was to get out of Charlotte and start up to Virginia and the Northern Terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I stopped for the night in High Point, N.C.  which is a town near Winston Salem and Greensboro.  The ride was uneventful and the bike worked well for me.  I'm new to Guzzi but there were no surprises.  I stayed in a rather cheap motel and again no surprises.  I sorted out my gear in the room, checked the weather, and turned in for the night.

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1487.jpg)

The next morning my goal was Staunton, Va, where the BLP starts at milepost 0.  I had always wanted to do the whole thing having had a taste of it when picking up my new (to me) BMW Dakar in Asheville a few years back and riding it home to Wills Point, Tx in 2 days.  I headed up 220 past Martinsville and stopped in Bedford, VA for my first taste of Southern (as opposed to Texas) BBQ and got the slaw, since I had never had slaw on BBQ.  There was a little taste of Murica in Bedford.  The little country store's hostess and evidently owner was an Asian lady whom I would guess to have Viet Nam roots, but she called me "Honey" and chatted away in a typical friendly southern attitude.  They had hundreds of jars of Jelly, Jam, Chutney, syrup, Cider, and other such potions as well as hundreds of fried pies for sale.  I also went by the Booker T Washington memorial.  I have always been a fan of Booker T ever since reading as a child:  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1470.jpg).  Typical Pig pen or corn crib or something:  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1474.jpg)

I accidentally got on the BRP for a while later on my way to Staunton, Va, where I checked into the Knights Inn, a cheap and bedraggled place where my neighbors spoke some sort of Spanish sounding language but it was not Spanish.  They spoke it in loud, drunken voices, played loud music, and drank beer.  Occasionally one of them would turn the music down but then back up.  I myself had gone over to a food store and bought some basic deli stuff and a couple of Buds to drink.  Next day I got up at 5 AM, and was outa there by 6, headed for Mile 0 of the BRP. 

(pictures uploading)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Kev m on July 03, 2015, 07:19:19 AM
 :thumb:  :bike-037:  :thumb:


Gorgeous bike if I don't say so myself.  :cool: :boozing:
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Haze on July 03, 2015, 07:36:47 AM
What is the BLP? I have been to Staunton a few times, mostly for ribs at the Depot restaurant, but I am not sure what runs through there other than Rte. 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Gorgeous drive you took. Any other great roads between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Natchez Trace?
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 07:38:24 AM
BLP:  typo, should have been BRP.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Haze on July 03, 2015, 08:15:12 AM
BLP:  typo, should have been BRP.

Got it. Half the time I can't type my name.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 08:21:32 AM
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1465.jpg)  My buddy texted me after I posted the picture on FB and said he and his wife were in traffic one day and she misread a bumper sticker and suddenly said out loud:  "Vagina is for Lovers".  His reply was "Yes, everyone wants a little every now and then, but it's "Virginia".I entered Virginia at Martinsville and headed up to Bedford.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1462.jpg).  I would like to say I bought gas at this station, but it was closed permanently.  Anyway, the general store at Bedford was way cool.  A very nice Asian woman owned or ran it, and they had fried pies like Mamaw used to make.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1479.jpg). 
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 08:30:03 AM
...and numerous, I mean hundreds, of jams, jellies, potions, syrups (My wife says "surp") etc.  I ate the traditional chopped to mush bbq with slaw and it was alright.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1481.jpg).  It started raining.........but there were numerous beautiful sights to see, including a girl from San Antonio.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1493.jpg), and yes, she is about to hit a golf ball into a beautiful valley with a lake.(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1504.jpg)  I didn't care because she was wearing one of the greatest inventions of all times:  Yoga Pants.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Kev m on July 03, 2015, 08:34:38 AM

there were numerous beautiful sights to see, including a girl from San Antonio.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1493.jpg)

<snip>

I didn't care because she was wearing one of the greatest inventions of all times:  Yoga Pants.

So Jenn and I are walking out a store a week or two ago and I remarked to her the irony of what was right in front of us.

A few paces ahead was THE GOOD THING about YOGA PANTS.... just a few steps behind THE BAD THING ABOUT YOGA PANTS.

I DID NOT TAKE A PIC!

Jenn laughed...

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 08:39:28 AM
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1493.jpg)  I didn't care because she was wearing one of the greatest inventions of all times:  Yoga Pants.

Sasquatch Jim has taught you well, paduan.   When you get one to come with you on the bike, your journey to the Dark Side will be complete.

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 08:40:56 AM
After the night in Staunton with the rude neighbors, I entered the upper mouth of the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby after asking a couple of fellow geezers how to get there.  I am always amused when asking locals for directions:  They tell you, then they tell you a lot more detail, and then they tell you several other ways to go a half mile on the same street you're already on, or they throw in a bit of local Humor that you don't get.  Anyway, I was on my way South and home, the long way.  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1509.jpg).  By the way,     

DISCLAIMER:  If you notice that my picture is maybe out of sequence, please don't worry.  I'm trying to present a writeup of the flavor of the trip, not an engineering document (Apologies to all Engineers).

Blue Ridge Scenes:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1526.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1534.jpg)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 09:00:11 AM
Scenes from Booker T:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1472.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1469.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1467.jpg)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 09:20:06 AM
Scenes from Booker T:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1472.jpg)


History.   You don't get a sense for it unless you travel and make notes.   Looking at the state of inner-city schools today, and the attitudes toward learning, you'd think these laws were still in effect today.   The results don't seem much different.   

We never seem to learn ....
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 10:28:35 AM
Here's the facts:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Parkway

and here's a map:  http://www.virtualblueridge.com/maps/
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 10:35:52 AM
I rented cabins along the way.  The first was in Mt. Airy, North Carolina and was brand new and very luxurious:  (http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1530.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1527.jpg) 

If anyone wants the reference, I'll provide it.  The owner was nice and helpful and has 6 cabins available, only one of which was rented.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: PJPR01 on July 03, 2015, 11:11:45 AM
Great pictures and story flow...

Not to derail the thread, but I couldn't help but notice that girl from San Antonio is using a Big Bertha 10 degree driver, one of the best drivers ever made (I still play mine after 6 years).  Nice setup too, properly addressing the ball before it goes for a swim in the river below!  :)

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 12:34:42 PM
Great pictures and story flow...

Not to derail the thread, but I couldn't help but notice that girl from San Antonio is using a Big Bertha 10 degree driver, one of the best drivers ever made (I still play mine after 6 years).  Nice setup too, properly addressing the ball before it goes for a swim in the river below!  :)

Ha!  You see that girl and think about her club?  Well done.  You just taught me more about golf than I knew up to this point. 

Anyway, the next night, in Asheville, I got another cabin, this one not so luxurious but twice, nay three times as fun:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1548.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1551_1.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1549.jpg)  Two basic food groups!

This movie was filmed here.  Partly in these cabins.  It was one of my favorites as a child and I considered running whiskey for a living after seeing it `13X.  In the days before video tape, dvd, flash drive, red box, or youtube.  I went to the drive in.  13 times.

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1556_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 12:42:00 PM
There was a **** (4 star) German restaurant on the grounds of the Asheville Cabins:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1553_1.jpg)  No Vagina, Weiner Schnitzel is not a hot dog!

This guy was on the wall:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1555.jpg)

Interior of the restaurant:(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1552.jpg)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 02:27:39 PM
Looking forward to the rest of the trip.   Never been on the ride from the BRP to the Natchez Trace, nor down the Trace itself.

Some people tell me it's one of their favorite roads.   Others warn to stay away, it's so boring you'll go to sleep.   Be interesting to see your take, and photos.

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Bill N on July 03, 2015, 04:02:24 PM
I'm loving this travel log. I too have heard the "Trace" is boring. Hope the OP tells it like it is.
Bill
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: toaster404 on July 03, 2015, 04:09:50 PM
Thanks, brings back memories.  I bicycled once from Charlottesville to Cherokee on the BRP. Long way!!!   Glad you're enjoying it.  We might hit it Sunday.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 04:15:12 PM
I'm a fan of the old US Highway system.  Roads like Rt. 66, US 50, US 80, and US 64 are some of my favorites.  i do not really like making good time by getting on an interstate like 20, 35, etc.  I took US 64 after Asheville and headed West.  Passed through Cleveland (Tn, not Oh), and Chattanooga, on into a little surprise of a town, Fayetteville.  (Tn, not Ar).  I called the lady at the desk Honey and she liked my Guzzi.  She sent me downtown to a place called Tammy's Outback which looked like a bar:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1563.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1562.jpg)

Well, I guess if was a bar, so I had a couple of Buds and ordered a Porkloin Sammich.  *****.  Went to Walmart to consider some boots, anticipating rain tomorrow, but just couldn't spend the $49.95 for Hermans made in China.  I figured a day or two with damp feet wasn't that bad of a deal. 

The next day I passed through Pulaski, famous for something, and got onto the Natchez Trace, or "The Trace". 
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 04:25:27 PM
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1571.jpg).  The Trace is a bunch of miles of this.  I did not find it boring, I found it awesome.  Cruising along at about 55-60 slow enough to really enjoy some tunes, I listened to Randy Newman sing about Birmingham and his crazy wife, mile after mile.  Little or no traffic, and I saw a wolf by the road.  I swear I did. 

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1567.jpg)  There are fairly frequent signs like this one.

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1568.jpg)  and like this one.  Not much else.  As I said, not boring, just peaceful and smooth.  Pavement was perfect all the way to Jackson via Tupelo.  No I did not stop at the Hardware store where Elvis bought his first guitar.  I been there and don't like him anyway. 

I had left at 5:30 AM to miss the rain, and I did.  At Jackson, which I don't care for, I took a detour through Canton and Flora, and on to Vicksburg for the night.  I pulled into Exit 5B, the first one with motels, and pulled into a cheap looking one, which was cheap, but which had a ***** steak place next door.  Got an excellent steak which the rather large cook came out and asked about.  My review was "You knocked it out of the park".  Big  :grin:
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 04:34:13 PM
Since I was now on I20, which is a few miles from my house, I decided to slab it rather than stick to my guns and ride all the way in on US 80.  As far as I'm concerned I've seen North Louisiana about as much as I can stand.  I20 is in bad shape and Guzzi Shocks are evidently born horrible.  I stopped every 50 miles to stretch but otherwise kept it at 70 or so.  I do not like riding with the behemoth 18 wheelers, the cell phone talking yuppies (you know who you are) and the red neck work crews with Sh*t falling off their crappy flatbeds while they get to their next beer (especially when I 'm getting to MY next beer.  So, this could not have come too soon:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1575.jpg)  If you live in Monroe, W. Monroe, or Shreveport, I'm sorry and no I don't need to stop and visit Duck world.

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 04:44:58 PM
Well, the Trace sounds like it might be fun then.   I don't listen to tunes on my bike, but any road with trees that I can run 60 on will entertain me no end ....

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 04:46:06 PM
More pictures from the trip:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1573.jpg)  This is how much clothes I wore when it was cold.  All summer weight, 2 sets of long johns, 3 extra t shirts and some mixed outerwear........

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1551.jpg)  looking off my porch in Asheville.

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1543.jpg)  This here's "livermush".  My lovely server, whom I addressed as Honey, said it's best eaten on white bread with mayonnaise.  I had mine straight up.  It's "all the parts of a pig they don't use on sumpin else". 

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 04:48:23 PM
Well, that's it.  I'll do it again if I live long enough.  I am considering riding down to Natchez direct, and going north on the Trace to Nashville to see my war hero nephew and listen to some music, and see if they have any good food there.....
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 04:52:07 PM
Well, that's it.  I'll do it again if I live long enough.  I am considering riding down to Natchez direct, and going north on the Trace to Nashville to see my war hero nephew and listen to some music, and see if they have any good food there.....

Thanks for the travelogue!

As far as I can tell, "Livermush" is the word for "Scrapple" when south of the Virginia/NC line.    Best eaten straight up; I've been eating it all my life, my Mom's ancestors were "Pennsylvania Dutch" Weimers and Klines and that lot invented the stuff.

And isn't it amazing how the stuff you wear and pack on one single motorcycle on a wet day can fill a motel room to absolute capacity?   I've noticed it several times - "You mean all this came off our motorcycle?"

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Cam3512 on July 03, 2015, 04:54:54 PM
Nice trip, congrats on the V7.  Wait a minute, you're not supposed to tour on a smallblock.  It's only a 750 with either 48 or 50 hp!

 :thumb:
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 05:04:38 PM
Nice trip, congrats on the V7.  Wait a minute, you're not supposed to tour on a smallblock.  It's only a 750 with either 48 or 50 hp!

 :thumb:

Dave's obviously a guy who can remember the days when the standard transcontinental touring bike was something like a Suzuki Titan or a Honda CB550 or a Yamaha TX500 with a Windjammer fairing and Bates panniers, and nobody worried about the horsepower numbers, they just got on the bike and rode it .....

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Cam3512 on July 03, 2015, 05:10:01 PM
Dave's obviously a guy who can remember the days when the standard transcontinental touring bike was something like a Suzuki Titan or a Honda CB550 or a Yamaha TX500 with a Windjammer fairing and Bates panniers, and nobody worried about the horsepower numbers, they just got on the bike and rode it .....

Lannis

Amen. That's my philosophy. 
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 05:11:34 PM
Quick review of the V7:  My first Guzzi but have wanted one for years after my wife took a shine to a 750 at North Dallas Yuppie BMW city.  On this one, the idle was kind of uneven but got better as the trip progressed.  I covered around 1700 miles, the PO had only put a little over a thousand on it.  I found it very comfy for a stock bike, with a rather flat seat but I was going to cut that strap off until I discovered that it's a decorative detail and not really a strap.  I usually invest in a Mayer seat, but this one may stay stock.  I got this mileage:

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb127/Davebbell/IMG_1532.jpg)  which is good in my book.  I burned premium though I really don't usually do that; I just run 87 and if there's no pinging I stick with it.

There is some vibration in the motor at different spots, but it seemed to improve.  I mean, the bike is not really even broken in yet. 

The Hepco bags are a treat.  Especially after a lot of the BMW Krausers i've got in my shop which are generally POS's. 

Overall I love the bike.  I think it's pretty, it runs well and it's fuel efficient.  May even do a Saddle Sore on it.......
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 05:13:11 PM
Amen. That's my philosophy.

Mine too.  first tour was on a Honda CB 350.  With an army pack on it.  Plus a 100 pound girl. 
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: malik on July 03, 2015, 05:36:36 PM
Congratulations. The white Stone is the most handsome and as you've found, fly & ride is a great way to buy a bike. Enjoyed the story. There's no problem doing distances on the V7. A decent muffler (frees up the mid-range) & some suspension changes & you are set.

Livermush seems to be a variant of what we call scottish style (in a brick) black pudding (made with oats rather than corn), delicious with bacon & eggs & such, a breakfast treat. Health food of nations!

Mal

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: tiger_one on July 03, 2015, 05:51:56 PM
Nice RR, and like the pictures.  I'm in the Shreveport area, so now you know why I play golf mostly unless taking a trip out of here on the bike!  Pretty hot here lately also, especially with all gear.

We don't have to go too far till some nice roads in Arkansas, thank goodness.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on July 03, 2015, 06:04:52 PM
Thanks for the travelogue!

As far as I can tell, "Livermush" is the word for "Scrapple" when south of the Virginia/NC line.    Best eaten straight up; I've been eating it all my life, my Mom's ancestors were "Pennsylvania Dutch" Weimers and Klines and that lot invented the stuff.



Scrapple is more in the Headcheese family.. No binder in that stuff, it's set from the callogen that cooks out of all the gristly mystery bits.

  Livermush is closer to blood sausage, as it uses grain for a binder.. It's ground liver & onion cooked with cornmeal into a 'mush' and once chilled, it sets up in a loaf.  It's also called Liver Puddin' in some parts & is sold in sausage casing instead of the more common brick.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Lannis on July 03, 2015, 06:54:21 PM
Scrapple is more in the Headcheese family.. No binder in that stuff, it's set from the callogen that cooks out of all the gristly mystery bits.

  Livermush is closer to blood sausage, as it uses grain for a binder.. It's ground liver & onion cooked with cornmeal into a 'mush' and once chilled, it sets up in a loaf.  It's also called Liver Puddin' in some parts & is sold in sausage casing instead of the more common brick.

Nay, lad, you're thinking of "Souse" in your first example., which IS a headcheese sort of thing.

My grandmother taught me how to make scrapple.  It's just as you describe Livermush.   It starts as a "mush" of equal parts Cornmeal and various parts of the Hog including the Liver (hence the Liver Mush name further south).   It's flavored however you like, usually with salt, pepper, sage, and a little thyme.   The cornmeal holds it together so it can be sliced and fried when cold ....

Lannis
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 03, 2015, 09:53:36 PM
Nay, lad, you're thinking of "Souse" in your first example., which IS a headcheese sort of thing.

My grandmother taught me how to make scrapple.  It's just as you describe Livermush.   It starts as a "mush" of equal parts Cornmeal and various parts of the Hog including the Liver (hence the Liver Mush name further south).   It's flavored however you like, usually with salt, pepper, sage, and a little thyme.   The cornmeal holds it together so it can be sliced and fried when cold ....

Lannis

This item had a definite liver flavor and obviously had a lot of "binder" in it.  It was not the least bit greasy and had a light consistency.  It was crisp and very good.  I was surprised that it was that good and I had never had it before.  We have Head Cheese and I've heard of Scrapple, but it was mostly poor people that ate those things.  Same people ate squirrel, coon, and I heard that they ate possum.  Also ate carp.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: leafman60 on July 04, 2015, 06:53:09 AM
Thanks for the nice travel account of an area that is very familiar to me. 

You made the chore of picking up a bike into an enjoyable event.

Years ago, I bought my '02 Scura in Maryland.  I flew up with all my gear, purchased the bike and had the seller drop my street clothing off to UPS who shipped it home for me.  In the mean time, I launched on a trip from Maryland to home on the Gulf Coast.  It was a great time.

The Natchez Trace is nice but requires a mind shift to taking it slow and easy.  The speed limit is low and strictly patrolled. I hope to run it again some day on my Mighty Falcon.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: sib on July 04, 2015, 08:01:57 AM
....I was going to cut that strap off until I discovered that it's a decorative detail and not really a strap.
Yes, I got tired of sitting on the "strap", so I got a MG standard height gel saddle, and it is more comfortable, but it gets hot in the sun.  I've since learned that the compatible OEM saddle for the V7 Special is similar to the one for the Stone, but doesn't have a "strap".  Perhaps that would have been a better choice than the gel saddle.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: PJPR01 on July 04, 2015, 11:41:48 AM
Super road trip...what fun!  Almost a shame when they come to an end...just have to plan another one! 
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: tazio on July 04, 2015, 12:23:13 PM
If you love the history of the path you're traveling...DO THE TRACE !
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5092_zpsqejltbpe.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5092_zpsqejltbpe.jpg.html)

Meet cool people on cool bikes
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5124_zpszk8sq6gx.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5124_zpszk8sq6gx.jpg.html)
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5093_zpsvj2hycwz.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5093_zpsvj2hycwz.jpg.html)

French Camp (w/4 bed and breakfast cabins) Mile post 180
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5118_zpsddmupqzn.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5118_zpsddmupqzn.jpg.html)

(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5097_zpsn0plyzuk.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5097_zpsn0plyzuk.jpg.html)

Not a good walking path around swamp near dusk. My imagination had EVERY log sprouting nostrils..
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5134_zpst3bgbr56.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5134_zpst3bgbr56.jpg.html)

(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5140_zpsn1tzbcof.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5140_zpsn1tzbcof.jpg.html)

and, like the BRP, a lonely place in the evening (and low on gas)
(http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a538/broughsuperior/DSCF5148_zpsd6g18dmr.jpg) (http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/broughsuperior/media/DSCF5148_zpsd6g18dmr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: mojohand on July 04, 2015, 09:43:40 PM
Great write-up and stories, Dave. Love to see the references for the cabins and restaurants--any chance you could write a post with links to 'em?

I've done parts of the Trace, too:

the first time, I was riding back to VA from the AR rally. I'd been there with my friend Bob, but he headed to TX with his brother. I rode some of the original sections (that you're allowed to ride on, of course) in Tennessee on my 2006 Breva 1100:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1229/622112260_6df20ed537_z.jpg)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1266/621368519_8958de57b4_z.jpg)

learned about Merriweather Lewis' weird demise:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1137/622119468_2a65f54946_z.jpg)

In 2012 I rode with a friend from Natchez to just south of Vicksburg, this time on my 8V 2012 Norge:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7040801263_cfe52b6bbb_c.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6894704940_f9ec17d8e9_c.jpg)

Again, thanks for the pictures and the stories. It's why we ride (well, why I ride ;) )
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Kev m on July 05, 2015, 07:39:51 AM
Yes, I got tired of sitting on the "strap", so I got a MG standard height gel saddle, and it is more comfortable, but it gets hot in the sun.  I've since learned that the compatible OEM saddle for the V7 Special is similar to the one for the Stone, but doesn't have a "strap".  Perhaps that would have been a better choice than the gel saddle.

I keep saying I should still try the gel. So keep me in mind if you decide to sell it.

Fwiw, I got a cafe take off that seems a longtime better than stock that I like. But I still think about trying the gel.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 05, 2015, 12:43:55 PM
Mt Airey, NC, new cabin, $165

http://wsscabins.com

Log Cabin Motor Court in Asheville:

http://www.theashevillecabins.com

Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 05, 2015, 01:12:48 PM
http://www.bavariandining.com  *** 1/2

This is the German Food place in Asheville

https://www.facebook.com/TheBeechwood

Good **** steak in Vicksburg
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: mojohand on July 05, 2015, 08:04:46 PM
Thanks, Dave!
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: Dave Bell on July 05, 2015, 09:18:04 PM
I am planning my next trip.  I will go direct to Natchez Ms, avoiding I20 in North Louisiana at all costs, get on the trace, putt to Nashville and visit my war hero nephew and partake in BBQ, Music, and other pleasant things before returning home, again avoiding North Louisiana. 

What are attractions to not miss?

(especially involving music and bbq)?
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: leafman60 on July 06, 2015, 06:27:38 AM
I am planning my next trip.  I will go direct to Natchez Ms, avoiding I20 in North Louisiana at all costs, get on the trace, putt to Nashville and visit my war hero nephew and partake in BBQ, Music, and other pleasant things before returning home, again avoiding North Louisiana. 

What are attractions to not miss?

(especially involving music and bbq)?

Go here when you get to Nashville-

Lane Motor Museum

http://www.lanemotormuseum.org/


.


Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: brlawson on July 06, 2015, 07:00:14 AM
http://www.tupeloautomuseum.com/index.php (http://www.tupeloautomuseum.com/index.php)

There is a nice car museum in Tupelo as well.
Title: Re: Blue Ridge Parkway and Natchez Trace Ride on New V7 Stone
Post by: ScepticalScotty on July 08, 2015, 03:46:09 PM
Ah I'll get to the US for a bike trip one day. One day. Lovely writeup Dave, a trip very after my own heart. I took a trip from here in South Devon to Newcastle and back over 5 days via all the back roads - no motorways. It was great...some of the back roads and abandoned main roads of England are truly wonderful...

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk35/Breva750/Digicampix004.jpg) (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/Breva750/media/Digicampix004.jpg.html)

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk35/Breva750/21A.jpg) (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/Breva750/media/21A.jpg.html)

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk35/Breva750/MoodyBreva.jpg) (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/Breva750/media/MoodyBreva.jpg.html)