On 9/11 we left for Tennessee to do the BRAT ride. We went via Missouri so we could surprise our 93 year old friend Wilma with a short visit. It was great to see her. We arrived at Paris Island State Park, Tenn. about 2 PM on Saturday. That is where the ride starts and finishes. It was a 7 day 430 mile ride through the hills of Western Tenn. We had about 220 riders from around the country. We set up tent and soon after our friends (Ron, Kathy, & Larry) from Brainerd arrived and joined us. Attended an Arts/craft show. As soon as we opened our mouth they knew we were not from Tenn. They liked our accent. Even though we all spoke English it took awhile before we really understood each other. Sheila asked for a pop. They didn't know what we were asking for. The way it works is you ask for a coke. Then they ask you what kind - Coke, Pepsi, 7 up, etc. Also had signs in restaurants that said no sagging. When we asked they turned around and pretended to pull their pants down. Got the meaning quickly - no butt cracks showing. Should have that up here.
Day 1. We took off for Natchez Trace State Park some 70 + miles down the road. Lots of state park officials in marked vehicles patrolling the road for us. Seems they come from all over the state to do this duty. It is considered choice duty. The BRAT officials said they would transport any instruments that folks wanted to bring along. So Larry, Kathy, Ron, and Harvey entertained us that evening with guitar, and harmonica's. Larry had 12 harmonica's - one for each key.
Day 2. Off to Chickasaw State Park. Light rain in the AM, great weather after that. Lunches were on our own, mostly at local country stores. They are kind of rustic and Sheila was not sure she wanted to get food there. If you need a cheese or meat sandwich they just slab it off for you. Food was good. Tried fried peach pie which seems very popular down here.
We had a 85 year old couple riding a tandem on our ride (see pic). They were unbelievable, very good bikers and not the slowest. Their kids wanted to come along. They said OK, but couldn't come back to check up on them, couldn't ride with them, etc. He has also hiked the Appalachian trail. They slept in a tent just like the rest of us. What a inspiration.Day 3. On to Ripley. Great day, the hills keep coming. They had told us that there are lots of dogs in Tenn. If you are not the first riders the dogs tire out and you are fairly safe. Found that to be true as they would just sit and watch when we went by. Kathy at pepper spray on her bike so we stayed close to her if looked like a problem. Pepper spray makes them run away yelping.
The community opened up the swimming pool and slide for us. It was great. At night they had a bluegrass band play for us.
Our tent with Sheila using the fence as a clothes line. Kathy coming down the water slide.
Day 4. Off to Reelfoot Lake State Park. The first 15 miles were great. Then the lightning and heavy rain started. We were riding on the Mississippi Levee so no where to take cover. Rain felt like hail. This was the worst rain we have ever rode in. But 70 + miles later we were approaching Reelfoot dreading the thought of setting up a tent. Then a motel appeared within 3 miles of camp with a sign bikers welcome. The owner Ruben Rodriguez welcomed us, drove us to get our gear, gave us his car to go get dinner, and let us wash/dry clothes for free. He was a retired marine who moved to this resort area to develop a motel business. Very smart man who filled up his establishment that evening during a down part of the season. A big thank you to him.
Day 5. This was a lay over day with option to bike around Reelfoot lake (50 miles), canoe, or take a pontoon ride. Reelfoot lake is a huge lake (5 miles across) created by the 1820's earthquake. The average depth of this hugh lake is only 5 - 7 feet with lots of snags under the water. So no motor boats, sailboats, etc. Hugh fish though, Over 200 lbs in some cases. We moved to the camp, set up tents and then rode 30 + miles round trip to where we would be canoeing. Guides took us into the swamps of the area - very beautiful. Folks before us said guide picked up a Cotton Mouth snake on his paddle. We didn't put our hands in the water much. After we got back to camp took a pontoon ride to islands which were bird refuges. Tons of Egrets and Herons. In the Winter it is big area for Eagles.
Day 6. Rode to University of Tenn. in Martin. Great day, stayed on the campus near the athletic fields. That evening they invited us to attend the University women's VB contest.
Day 7. Last day was a short 54 miles back to Paris Island SP. They did have a surprise for us at 9 miles out. On our crib sheets it was just called "oh hill". I don't think they would allow roads to be that steep if building them today. We made it up used every gear we had and I am sure took a year off our lives. Lot of folks walked. Got back by Noon, packed up, took showers and headed off to Nashville a couple of hours away. All in all a great ride.
The gang at the end of ride. Sheila and Kathy(playing a swamee). The bags to be loaded.
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