The Last Two Stops
&
Three More Flaws

August 16^th, 2006

muse@bikerenews.com

In the last article, I covered Day 1 of my weekend trip. To summarize, it was hot, I traveled 475 miles, and I identified four character flaws. Saturday morning I packed up the bike, headed across the street to McDonald's and was on the road by 7:00 AM. (I refer you to Character Flaw #1).

The first thing I noticed was that the temp was around 70 degrees. In fact, I felt a little chill as I scooted along US-60 and especially when I turned on the tree shaded VA-778 in route to Lowesville. I arrived at the designation before the country store could open up, but within 10 minutes the owner arrived and opened up. I bought my supply of water and set out.

As I was making my way back to US-60, yet another thought came into my head (yeah, two in two days); I figured I could head west on US-60, ride out to Buena Vista and turn south on US-501. I could take US-501 down to VA-40, then ride east to US-15, follow it up to I-64, head west until I came to US-29 and ride it south to Amherst where I began. Fifth character flaw - I don't mind riding in circles (a combo of Flaws #3 and #4).

I have only one comment. I'm darn glad I made the change in plans. The ride from Amherst to Buena Vista and down US-501 was the best riding of the trip. Now I'm not a twistie kind of guy, but I do like good curves on tree-shaded roads. It was scenic and fun to ride. I would recommend this section of road for a repeat performance.

Enjoyably, VA-40 and US-15 provided a nice series of rolling hills, spacious curves, and tree shading that had me smiling as I transited through those shadowy oasis. I turned onto US-60 east to make the last tour stop at the Do-Drop-In. After a quick picture, I headed back to US-15 and followed it to I-64. I made by southerly turn onto US-29 and approximately 7 hours and 320 miles after starting, I was back at my starting point. I refer you to Character Flaw #5.

The rest of the trip down US-29 to Danville was OK, but the four-lane highway didn't compare to the morning joy ride. As I turned east on US-58, I got a feeling something like running into a friend that you've seen too much of lately. As the afternoon worn on, this feeling grew stronger and stronger. Finally, I saw a road sign for US-15. Remembering that I hadn't ridden US-15 south to North Carolina, my bike all but jumped at the turnoff.

So there I was on US-15 headed south. Where was I going? Where would I end up? Around a bend came my answer, NC-158. This is a favorite road of mine and luckily, I hadn't ridden on this part of the highway. I turned east and immediately felt better about the last leg of my trip. I wasn't sure how far I'd go, or where I might turn, but I knew NC-158 wouldn't be a let down.

As I made my way east with the setting sun beating down on my back, I could feel my energy draining a little with each mile. I crossed I-85 and was meandering south of Lake Gaston. I decided it was time to stop for something to eat and ponder my situation. In Roanoke Rapids, I stopped at a Wendy's for supper. It was now 6:30 PM and it had been 12 hours since my last meal. Sixth character flaw - I eat when I feel like it.

While sitting in Wendy's, a general fatigue came over me. It had been 12 hours since I started the day's ride, and I had traveled 582 miles. Despite having a couple more hours of daylight, I decided that I wanted to stop for the day. I found a Day's Inn a block up the street and checked in for the night. Seventh character flaw - I stop when I feel like it.

The next morning I woke at 6:00, then at 7:00, and I finally got out of bed at 9:00 PM. I was tired and wasn't ready to start. I refer you to Character Flaw #1.

As I continued east on NC-158, I was reminded of how much more I like this road than US-58. As you travel down this road, you get the feeling that people actual live along this road. I am always impressed with the section that runs through the swamp. That section of road must have been one heck of a road project.

As I rode along, a craving for Bar-B-Q started to come over me. I was going crazy trying to think of a place that made its own BBQ. With each passing mile, my craving got worst. It seemed like all of the BBQ restaurants were closed. Of course, it was worst since I hadn't eaten breakfast. Character Flaw #6 does not work in my favor.

I finally came to NC-34 and that lead me to US-168. I took the expressway up to I-64 and started thinking about Pierce's BBQ in Williamsburg. I could taste it, I wanted it, I had to have it. Through my BBQ blindness, I saw the warning sign for HRBT. It had a 20-30 minute backup. I knew that I'd never make Pierce's. I decided to call it a day.

The day ended with a four hour ride covering 165 miles. That brought the total for the weekend to 1,200 miles. It closes this year's book on the HROT's Virginia Grand Tour (thank you for the fun), and I was able to mark off a couple more stretches of Virginia roads. My only regret is that I don't know of a BBQ place on the south side. If any of our readers out there know of a place, I'd be happy to give it the Muse taste test.

As for the character flaws I've pointed out in the last two articles, I don't know why anyone would want to ride with me. In fact the only reason I ride with me is that "me" pays for the food and motels. I should point out that when "I" ride with other folks I'm a much more social and compatible riding partner. So, if you don't want to ride with me, maybe you'll let me ride with you.

Until I, me, or we see you at the Rest Area, ride safe.

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