Since we all had ridden the Dragon several times, before, we decided to ride side roads and explore. Our first stop on the way into Tazewell was Burke's Garden. This is the highest valley in the state and often referred to as "god's thumb print". Eons ago this was a limestone dome the collapsed into itself forming this fantastic fertile valley. Vanderbilt tried to purchase land there for his estate, but none of the locals would sell. So the Biltmore Estate wound up in Asheville, NC. There is only one way in and out of Burkes Garden and that road was covered with wet leaves when we arrived. A little dicey but we all managed to survive. We spent the afternoon riding the few paved roads there and the stopped at an Amish general store.
Wednesday we spent the morning riding backroads in Bland, Tazewell and who know what other counties on the west side of I81. After a nice lunch in Marion, VA we headed to the east side of I81, since none of use had ever explored there before. We found some unbelievable roads with farms, meadows, streams and picture perfect scenery. Our one rider, Bobby, shot over 200 pictures for his personal album. (Must have made 30 stops for pictures.) On the way back to our motel we took the long way around and up VA 21 to Wytheville and then onto 52 which becomes the Scenic Highway.
This morning's ride home was chilly, 38 when we left. We finally worked our way down to Christiansburg and stopped for a late breakfast/lunch. After our brunch it was on the road again and now back home. Three of the most enjoyable days with good friends, beautiful roads and scenery. I arrived home tired from riding, but the short trip put some needed juice back in my battery.
Paul
Steve, Bobby and George by their bikes.
- Steve, Bobby & George
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My Bike.
- My Bike
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- Amish Store View
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