Pisgah Covered Bridge

After my long trip yesterday I decided to tag along with my SCRC chapter to a place that I was contemplating going anyways. A sign for the pisgah covered bridge intrigued me the previous day and when I got home I found an email from Cricket about a chapter ride the next day. Strange how that works sometimes.

Before heading out to meet with everyone I decided to stop and grab a quick geocache. This cache was a nice quick two stage multi where I was required to do a little math before moving onto the final micro. The plaques were interesting because they told the history of Matthews NC and some of it famous ties. Including one tie to the Grandmother of Elvis Presley. Very cool cache and nice quick find.

I got the to the meeting spot at about 10:10 ready for our 10:30 arrival. Getting to the spot early is always nice so you can chat with the others that are there. Trade stories, catch up, and share some general laughs. Today was no exception to that.

After listening to Cricket give the directions to Dog we head out for roller coaster road. Today was the first time I heard of this road, and it is very special. It is not only special because of its amazing straight downhill followed by the uphill, but because this is a spot where Cricket will let the boys be boys and ignore the speed limits. Not knowing where it is I prepare myself by listening to Dog's bike in front of me. When I hear it rev up I know we are there. We fly down the long straight hill and blast up the other side. The best part was watching the snake trail up over the hill behind me.


We travel some backboards that the folks that have ridden with this group for a while know and I am starting to learn. After a few twists we arrive at Jebs bbq only to find it closed so we split up for lunch. Most folks head to McDonalds. I managed to talk another guy into heading into a local place called "Better burger. Very good place. Well not very good, but better than your normal everyday McDonalds.


After lunch it got exciting. Good roads, nice scenery, decent speed, and acceptable gravel. Yes I said gravel. Usually something motorcyclists don't like but this wasn't too bad. It wasn't planned to ride the gravel road, it just happened within a few feet of turning onto Low Water Bridge road. After a very short contemplation it was decided that I would ride ahead and see how far until we say pavement. After racing through a cloud of dust for two miles I hit pavement and turn around to give the group a report. I warn them of the loose gravel doing down the hill to the bridge but convince them that it is worth the trip to see the neat little bridge. (Ok i didn't convince them - we were gonna do it no matter what I think)


After leading through the gravel we twist a turn a few more time only to find another gravel road. This time Cricket hands over the group to me. Well she handed it over to my GPS, which happened to be connected to my bike. Now the ride becomes a Puttz ride. The Trusty GPS leads the way, avoiding gravel, and finding some nice wide open roads. Finally we come across the bridge and stop for a while to hear Cricket give the history. I won't tell ya about it here, but if you are curious visit http://www.pisgahcoveredbridge.com/.

We all talk for a bit, people watch, and trade other motorcycling stories before heading off to get gas and head home. This was a great ride some roads that I can't seem to find when I'm by myself. I learned some history, and thoroughly enjoyed a nice 220 mile day.

Check out the map below for the route and additional pictures. (click the flags)

I could just kick myself.

If you have ever said that then I have the place for you to go. Outside of New Bern NC there is a little antique store called Martha's Favorite Things that has a self kicking machine. Yes you read that right. A self kicking machine.

Why, you ask? Why not? That is why.

The machine itself is quite unique. Obviously. On the right hand side of the contraption is an "X", cross, 4 spoked thingy with a boot on each limb. When you stand with your butt facing the boots, you lean forward and wind the crank that spins a pulley, then a belt, and then the boots. Very neat, but admittedly useless, machine.

I loved it!!!

In this day and age where I get lost in bigger, better, faster, more a contraption as simple as this entertained me for hours. Well maybe not directly butt he ride there and back did take me over 13.5 hours. Talk about entertainment!!

Earlier in the week I rediscovered a website that amused me in the past, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/. A fun site to visit when you like to travel and are easily amused by strange, fun, off the beaten path pieces of Americana. I found the self kicking machine a few weeks ago and finally found the time, energy and desire for a long ride. I planned a ride that would be about 260 miles one way. A very nice days ride on some great back roads.

I woke up about 6:00 and hopped on the bike and set out. I immediately realized the error in my ways again. My GPS (Garmin 60csx) uses a different routing routine than the computer does. I figure it is no big deal and hit the road. The rising sun in the east blinds me at times, but also gives me great energy for the day.

I get into the some back roads and find my groove. When I look at the speedometer I realize my groove is about 15 over the speed limit. Oh well. It is a nice day, decent roads, and if I get a ticket I will have a chance in the afternoon to kick myself for it.

I blindly follow the glowing box on the handle bars and make a few turns. Before I can help it I'm on a four lane road blasting along. Not my idea of good back roads!! I make a random turn and after a few miles I end up on another 4 lane. I get frustrated with the number of four lane roads I get stuck on but learn to enjoy it and the green surroundings. The eastern part of the state is boring, but beautiful to me. It is flat, green, and from what I see today kind of straight. I try not to be discouraged at my mistakes and enjoy the rest of the ride to New Bern.

When I get within ten miles of the site of the self-masochistic machine I hit a snag. The draw-bridge that is supposed to carry me over the inlet is closed. After a short detour that I improvised I was heading towards the rain clouds, and my ultimate goal. I slow as I approach the spot where the GPS says I can expect to find the store, but I see nothing. I get frustrated, confused, and briefly saddened until I see it!! On the opposite side of the four lane highway as I was expecting and flying by me at 70 mph, but I see it. I switch lanes, pop a u-turn and pull in.

I don't know what I was expecting. The machine was exactly as advertised, and a great deal of fun. But for some reason I felt kind of unhappy. Maybe it was because this adventure was over, or maybe it was because I had to head home. After a few quick kicks, and smiles from passers by, I saddle up and head up.

After grabbing a quick bite at Ham's I decide to head home. Another 200+ miles, slow stupid drivers, and I'm sitting in my apartment reminiscing and planning my next trip. Perhaps a ride to the Pisgah covered bridge which I saw signs for today.

Until my next adventure be sure to check out the route I took and enjoy a few pictures.