TAT Report 2010-Day 2 August 10-2010

Famous slippery creek crossing-dry today-Rich riding up stream to find water

We stopped in-asked if the heat could be lowered a little

(store front Ministry?)

A

Inside Tater Cafe

After closed gate-nice road to bridge

We awoke early, still dark outside. About an hour later we realized we were now in Central Time Zone, and instead of getting up at 6AM, it was 5AM, and I was miffed that the coffee pot in the lobby wasn't even on yet.

We left about 8:30AM (CT), the temp was a mild 82. We immediately started riding narrow, paved roads in the rolling countryside. Within the first hour, we passed no fewer than 35 different tree farms and nursery's.  This area of TN must supply half the State with landscaping trees. After the tree farms ended, it was horse ranches, and small cattle farms.

The dirt roads today were not only much fewer (probably 90/10, pavement vs dirt), they were really easy rides (much less technical) than what we did yesterday. So far, all of the riding could be done on an adventure type bike (K1200GS, V-Strom, Triumph Tiger, etc.) or a duel sport, with good enduro tires. I said so far, as we've only done about 400 miles of the TAT. TN is a "long" State. When you check the route sheets, which are a turn by turn map, you realize there are just less than 500 turns (road changes) in getting across the State. That's a lot of changing direction.

By 10AM, the clear sunny day had progressed to 88 degrees, and by noon we were at 91. After lunch, the last few hours were mid 90's, and it hit and stayed at 99 the last hour and a half. When we got here to Columbia TN, we were ready for cold showers (NO pool). For the first time on the trip, we had a cold beer, make that beers..before dinner.

Have to say a few words about a small place we happened onto for lunch. Sitting at an intersection, out in the middle of no-where, was this cafe, named Tater Cafe. We went in to find a very neat and clean place that was very cutely decorated. We all had great lunches, and about a gallon of water or ice tea each.

Tater Cafe

 Can't make the pictures go where I want, or words to go around pictures...but the last thing I'll mention, is a closed gate we encountered on the route. A vote was taken, and Rich was selected to go around, and down to the bridge to see if we could get across. We eventually all went down, rode across closed bridge and back. Wood deck. Well gated at other side, so no exit. Came back, went around on a detour. A neat exploration. Maybe a couple more pictures tomorrow.

Stats for today: 196 miles-Avg Speed-35.1 mph (moving) Total time today: 6 hr 56 min, start to finish...

Gate closed-who drove around?

Old bridge-wooden deck